Week 1

Day 3

“The God of Heaven is the One who will grant us success. We, His servants, will start building, but you have no share, right, or historic claim in Jerusalem.”            

Nehemiah 2:20

Do you find yourself busting at the seems to share with everyone what God has laid upon your heart to do? You are not alone, many people do. God gives them a dream and they barrel through at full steam. People like me, want to assess the situation thoroughly first and understand going in what I’m up against. You know, so I can set my expectations low… or talk myself out of it!

All joking aside, if God has called us to do a specific task, He will equip us for that task. He actually has been doing that for years. Every relationship, job experience, or connection with others play a role in what God wants to do through us today. Nehemiah’s proximity to the king and his role as cupbearer is a perfect example of God’s equipping him for his task.

Like some of us, he approaches the situation very carefully. Please read Nehemiah 2:11-20 to begin our lesson today.

1. What does verse eleven clarify about Nehemiah’s approach to this situation?
2. What areas are inspected and how were they destroyed? (vs 13)
3. We discussed “exile” in a previous lesson, look up the word in a dictionary and think about how it applies here as the Israelites ‘returning’ from exile.
4. Once the wall and the gates are inspected at night, who does Nehemiah approach to discuss building the wall? (vs 16, 17) How do they respond? (vs 18)
5. We see two familiar names from a previous lesson mentioned and another name is added to a small group of opposition, list the names below: (vs. 19) What accusation do they charge Nehemiah with?
6. Write out Nehemiah’s response below: (It is also our headline verse above, vs 20)

Names are important in lineage and Jewish history, so the nationalities are noted behind the names. Names also are important later when the Jews return to Jerusalem to give evidence of their affiliated tribe due to God’s laws about avoiding intermarriage. There are some really good studies that dive deeper into those topics, however today we will focus on the attitude behind the opposition.

Opposition does not come from the priests or the nobles, it comes from three of the officials. Thankfully, Nehemiah’s proximity to the king, as cupbearer has given him plenty of experience in understanding the motives and intentions of these officials. He sees right through the opposition and replies with confidence. His faith in God, cannot be shaken. 

Look ahead at some of this opposition and note the tactics used by these officials.

Please read Nehemiah Chapter 6

1. It’s the same three people: Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. They are persistent in their attempts to intimidate Nehemiah. Note Nehemiah’s response in verse 3. How many times did they attempt to lure him away? (vs 5)
2. What are their threats? (vs 6)
3. Nehemiah’s challenge to him in verse 8 is a priceless example to us for handling gossips.  Please write his response below: (vs 8,9)

We see how Nehemiah’s training has prepared him for these false accusations. He’s been in front of the king for years, determining trustworthiness of the individuals around the king. Ponder with me a moment, how intuitive he has become with his experience serving the king. Every twitch of the eye, shady expression, change in tone of voice, alert him to danger! His life depended upon it! Poisoned wine, equals dead cupbearer.

The man knew how to read people! And so, do we! We can spot trouble a mile away and know the minute the oncoming mouth is open we need to find another source. Look beyond the words and read between the lines. The frequent gossiper, or negative Nancy will attack every single endeavor we partake in to serve the Lord.

Be attuned—Is this wise counsel or something else? (Consider the words carefully)

Pray fervently—Nehemiah says in 6;9 in the middle of these attacks—“But now, my God, strengthen me.”

Above all, practice being as kind to the person as our tender hearts will allow. But do not fall for the ploy to distract. Maybe hold on to those dreams God has placed on our hearts and continue learning more about Him in His word before we burst forth. Take courage! He will assure us when the time is right. If the task is from Him, He will continue to open doors and lead the way!

Thank you for studying with me!

Week 1

Day 2

Do we realize, the way we handle problems is a silent megaphone to others of our faith in God?

I’ve never heard a silent megaphone, of course. But picture a man in front of a king, his face is downcast. His trusted position of cupbearer signifies prominence. Yet, in that prominence there is hesitancy and despair. Sadness in the presence of a king is punishable by death. Although, he knows this, Nehemiah cannot cast it aside.

He must push through and ask the unthinkable: Dear king, will you overturn your own law and let me return to Jerusalem to build a wall? No, he does not word it that way, but in essence that is what he is strumming up the courage to ask the King.

Please Read: Nehemiah Chapter 2.

We read about the countenance of Nehemiah in verse 1 and the King’s observation of Nehemiah’s “depression” HCSB (some other versions state: sadness of heart/sorrow of the heart).

Note Nehemiah’s emotion in 2 b and response in 3 below:

2. The king asks Nehemiah in verse 4 “What is your request?”: Before Nehemiah answers in his “overwhelmed fear” what does he do? (vs 4b)

Courage is facing our fear and moving forward in spite of that fear, with the help of our Almighty God. We can see this powerful, and silent plea to God in the midst of very dangerous circumstances for Nehemiah. And God is showing us in His word, we too can have the same faith. We just have to call upon Him.

3. God gives Nehemiah more courage and imparts wisdom as he continues to step out in faith to return to Jerusalem and rebuild a wall. What does he ask the king for next? (vs 7-8)

4. Nehemiah has the wisdom to know that whatever task God calls him to do, will not be easy! There will be opposition and that opposition is why many are defeated before they begin. He, however started with a contrite heart and pure spirit. Look up the scriptures below and note what they say about a contrite heart:

a. Psalm 51:17

b. Isaiah 57:15.

God honors our heart’s desire to be in His will, doesn’t He?

5. Praise God. And he shows up in a powerful way to make sure we have the ability, tools, and back up for the task he has chosen us to do. Please note below what the king provides Nehemiah in verse 9

6. Who are the people mentioned in verse 10 and what is their reaction to “someone seeking the well-being” of the Israelites?

Yes! We will meet opposition in the face of stepping out in our faith. Our reaction to the displeasure of others is that silent megaphone. We may find ourselves among unhappy, dependent people. There may be continual criticism about every task we undertake. We can try to go out of our way to please someone and it is never enough.

God’s word says respond (with love) anyway!

7. Look over the scriptures below and pray God helps us in our silent daily battles with our unseen enemy.

Mathew 5:43-45

Luke 6:35

John 13:34-35

Galatians 5:13

Ephesians 4:2

It is a pleasure studying this overview with you! I am learning so much about God’s call on my life! May we pray and ask God what he is showing us more clearly in his word.

I must align my mind to His and off of the things that hurt my feelings. Maybe we can learn to do that together! While we’re together, perhaps our silent megaphone will make beautiful music in the heavenlies!

Week 1

Day 1

In the twentieth year, in the city of Susa, we meet Nehemiah. The people are returning to Jerusalem from exile. I don’t want to miss a repeated theme in the book of scripture, here:

God is faithful to Israel, in spite of their unfaithfulness.

As a nation seeking her own power, recognition, and pleasure is left to the consequences of those decisions; so it is with us as individuals. For instance, we can’t’ figure out why our bodies are falling apart after eating garbage for years. Or, we may be separated from someone we love because of a lifestyle that is self-destructive. We may be holding onto unforgiveness in relationships that hinder our growth, or peace. Whatever the reasons for our current suffering, we must know from scripture:

1. God always gives us a chance to return to Him.
2. God remains with us during our exile (suffering).

Take a moment to read the news of Hanani in Nehemiah Chapter 1 verses 1-3

1. What is Nehemiah’s response to hearing the disgrace and great trouble of his people? (vs 4)

Although, our return to faith after many years departed may be genuine; we are sometimes confronted with shattered reality of self- neglect or fractured relationships all around us. So, it’s not going to be easy. There will be much weeping, questioning, and temptation to turn back to our comfortable coping mechanisms.

Yet, God will still pursue and slowly convince us; His way is the better way.

We will finish today enjoying, savoring, and relishing Nehemiah’s action in the presence of his grief!  May we learn and respond in the same way.

Please read Nehemiah’s prayer in Nehemiah 1:5-11

2. Nehemiah teaches us some important principles in his prayer. Who is first and foremost in His prayer? (vs 5)

3. What is confessed in verses 6-7?

4. Nehemiah’s gentle reminder to the God of heaven reveals a promise of God, what is it? (vs 8-9)

5. Once he acknowledges the greatness of God, confesses his sin, he is THEN ready to make his request. Please note it below: (10-11)

Sometimes, we are so overwhelmed with the ache of our circumstances, we can’t help but lay our hearts out there quickly and fervently. However, approaching God in this way sets our expectations on our surroundings and not Him. Think about this example for a moment:

A lady I know has an obnoxious, arrogant, boss. She prays and prays, he’ll move on. Go away, find another place to play his mind games. The prayers are answered and he moves on……for a while. Now, he’s back and up to his same old antagonistic ways. Did God open his eyes and ears to the prayer?

Yes.

Maybe, the guy’s new office, prayed for God to send him back where he came from……and God answered their prayers, too!

Again, the focus is on the circumstances and not on what God truly wants to accomplish through every person involved.

A heart change.

This man does not know the Lord. What if both offices prayed for heart change of this lost soul, who is seeking advancement and pleasure in hurting others? What impact would someone of his position have for the good of God’s kingdom, if he knew Jesus? How is God showing the office people what a small dose of tyranny looks like? How can we pray for each other and our brothers and sisters all over the world who truly face abominable oppressive rule?

Nehemiah’s example of prayer is keeping God high and lifted up (in his place) and confessing the sins of himself, his people, and his leaders (in our place). He doesn’t place His need above His God. Oh, that we would follow in his stead!

Would you consider praying this scripture over your own situation, family, grumpy bosses, estranged loved ones today?

God Bless you and Keep you as you develop an unwavering faith!

O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Nehemiah 1:11

Introduction

Are you ready to transition your faith from its current status to a mighty force of fearless devotion to God?  I am! We can do that together. God’s transforming word and talking to Him daily are powerful tools to build our faith. Studying the people of the bible helps us understand and appreciate the ups and downs of life. We share many of the same struggles our bible characters do. However, none of us are alone.

In this three week, on the go, study of scripture, we’ll have the opportunity to take a closer look at faith. Through three, very different prophets, we’ll see our circumstances do not have to define us. Moreover, it is here, we will see the unwavering faithfulness of God.

Our faith, I believe, starts with a clear understanding of who He is and how he persistently pursues his wayward people.

I’m excited to start this journey of faith. Please understand, even though we are working through large passages of scripture, we are not breaking down every theme of the book. We are taking an overview of the books and looking at one specific element; faith. Although, we’ll be skimming the surface of several themes throughout these three books, our focus is the unwavering faith of God.

A deeper look is certainly worthy of future study!

So, if you are interested in a thorough study of all elements in these books, I highly recommend studies through these publications:

First 5 — Opposition and Opportunity: the books of Ezra and Nehemiah https://first5.org/

Kelly Minter’s Nehemiah and Jennifer Rothschild‘s Hosea

Look at it this way: We’ll read it through with the lenses of comprehension and have a stronger understanding of where we’re going when we tackle it in the future.

Let’s begin today’s study with prayer. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts and clear our minds of preconceived notions as we study God’s Word. May He open our hearts to His wisdom and prepare us to be good disciples in understanding His character. Therefore, learning to apply His character to our daily lives. We will begin with a short synopsis of Israel’s history as a nation.

Following the period of the Judges and Gideon hiding in the winepress; Israel’s faith is just like our own, highs and lows. They struggle through the Judicious period seeking to do what is right in their own eyes. Post Judges, a king is chosen. After the first disaster of leadership passes, David, a man after God’s heart is crowned king. Following his leadership, a long line of weak and strong kings rule. Israel is led to great power, wealth, and prosperity; to division and ultimate demise as a nation.  They are eventually taken captive to Babylon.

I’m excited to start day one with you! Let’s start today by reading Nehemiah 1-6 for an overview and comprehension of the scriptures in it’s context.