I found myself smack in the middle of a family dispute this morning; of Biblical proportion. It wasn’t in my family but our father Abram’s. Quarreling had arisen between Abram’s herdsmen and his nephew Lot’s herdsmen. Apparently the Negev couldn’t support both of their herds. Abram being the peacemaker of the pair suggested that they part ways in order to preserve both of their livelihoods. Gentleman that he was, he allowed Lot to pick wherever he wanted to go and he would take the alternate choice.
“Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the LORD,” Genesis 13:10
Lot makes his choice and headed “a that a way”. He was drawn to what looked like the LORD but really wasn’t. He settled in the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. We very quickly find that Lot moved into Sodom with all his possessions. This is a problem since “the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the LORD” (Gen 13:13). One might wonder where he would find quality Christian fellowship in such a place. But I digress.
Now take Abram. In our culture, he might be considered a sap to let Lot have the first pick. Isn’t there some kind of appeal or notoriety in getting the first choice? He was the senior partner in their venture wasn’t he? Why didn’t he stake his claim and pick the best for himself? Why didn’t he make the leadership choice? Why didn’t he choose for it the old fashioned way? You know once, twice, three….shoot! Why in heaven’s name did he just leave the whole thing up to Lot?
Because Abram trusted God. Since Abram trusted God, God entrusted him with as much land as his eyes could take in. God gave it to him as his inheritance.
“The LORD said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, ‘Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted. Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you.” Genesis 13:14-17
Have you ever went after something that you thought was God and wasn’t God at all? Were you choosing or were you letting God lead you? Lot was choosing what he thought was best while Abram waited for God to take the lead. Abram trusted God to give him what he needed and God rewarded that trust by entrusting Abram with more then he could have imagined; land as far as he could see and offspring that couldn’t be counted.
How are you doing? Are you allowing God to bring you into what He has for you or are you chasing after what you think looks like God but might not be. Do you know the difference between what is your choosing and what is God’s leading? Can you look back in your history with God and find a situation for each? One that was of your choosing and one that was of God’s leading? Can you recognize the difference? If not, why not take a moment to ask God to show you how to make that distinction? It could make all the difference in the world.
God always gives the very best to those who leave the choice with him.
James Hudson Taylor
Friday, January 28, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wall Building: Strategies & Opposition
Teaching by Jan S.
Notes by Linda G.
Today Jan covered Nehemiah, Chapters 3 and 4. She began her teaching with a description of the man Nehemiah. We have learned so far that he was a servant, a cup bearer, and that he was obedient to the Lord. At this point in Jerusalem the temple has been rebuilt but everything else is a mess. Jan used an analogy to give us a picture of the situation. She asked us to imagine what it would be like if we invited guests to our home and that the kitchen was in order yet the remaining areas of the house were in total disarray. She proposed that this is how others felt about Jerusalem. The walls needed to be rebuilt.
Jan explained that the first strategy Nehemiah employed was one of order. The strategies Nehemiah used were evidence of his leadership skills. The walls were rebuilt in a counter clockwise order, beginning with the Sheep Gate. She pointed out that the priests were responsible for rebuilding this gate. The Sheep Gate is where the animals meant for sacrificial purposes were brought in. As we know, this was one of the priests’ responsibilities.
Another strategy that Nehemiah used was to position the workers in front of the homes they occupied. We see evidence of this throughout chapter 3. Jan explained the wisdom in doing this. The builders had a vested interest in doing this – she likened it to the mindset that differentiates renting or owning your home. She also pointed out that they would be protecting this area, not just rebuilding it. Additionally, Jan mentioned that we see in Nehemiah 3:12 that “Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section with the help of his daughters”. The point she was making was that everyone helped.
In total, ten gates were repaired and four towers. Jan focused on three of the significant gates. These were the Sheep Gate, the Dung Gate, and the Fish Gate. Jan used these three gates as Old Testament symbols of the New Testament process of sanctification. The Sheep Gate: This is the gate where the sacrificial sheep were brought. In the New Testament , Jesus is our Sacrificial Lamb. “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). We gain salvation by accepting that Jesus was the sacrifice that was made to cover our sin, once and for all. Dung Gate: Outside of this gate the garbage of the city was burned in the Kidron Valley. In the New Testament Jan likened the Dung Gate to the place in our walk where we come to the realization that the things in our lives that once did not bother us now grieve us, in regard to our behavior, actions, or sinful thoughts. We need to repent of these things. We want to remove the ‘stink’ of sin in our lives. Fish Gate: Jan compared this physical place where the fish were brought in to the spiritual place where we, as New Testament believers, become free from the things of this world that ‘bog us down’. We have become disciples of Christ. We are free now and we want others to experience that same freedom. We want to follow Jesus so that He ‘will make you fishers of men’ (John 4:19b).
In Chapter 4 we once again see that the Israelites are being met by opposition. “When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, "What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?" Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, "What they are building—if even a fox climbed up on it, he would break down their wall of stones!" (Nehemiah 4:1-3). A very important point that Jan made is that we cannot control the responses of people in our lives or the opposition that may face us. What we have the power to do is to control our responses as Nehemiah did. “Hear us, O our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders” (Nehemiah 4:5-6). Nehemiah cried out to God in prayer. As it says in the word, “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19.
As chapter 4 progresses Jan described the discouragement the people were experiencing as the enemy continued to taunt them and the task at hand seemed overwhelming. “They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it” (Neh 4:8). Nehemiah prayed again and then took action by posting guards. The enemies of Israel were angry because of the progress the wall was making. Nehemiah saw that the Israelites were reaching their breaking point. He encouraged them with these words "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes (Neh. 4:14b). Jan compared these words of encouragement used by Moses, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deu. 31:6) and the words of Joshua , “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Joshua 1:5).
God gave Nehemiah the battle strategy that was needed to complete the work on the walls. Jan described three factors of this strategy. They had a communication system - “Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!" (Neh. 4:19-20). She also pointed to the fact that they were committed and worked together as a team - “When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his own work. From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked” (Neh. 4:15-18a).
Jan drew some parallels between the work of Nehemiah and the Israelites as they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem and the obstacles that Monmouth Worship Center has faced as we have ‘built our walls’ on Vanderburg Road. Like the Israelites, our neighbors did not want us to occupy this land although according to local statutes, we had a right to be here. Our neighbors were organized and were vocal in their displeasure. MWC did not want to antagonize those who opposed us - we want them to know that they would be welcomed in this place. During this time the state changed environmental laws that could have had serious negative consequences on our building plans. We experienced financial challenges as the economy spiraled downward. We also faced challenges from the winter weather. Despite all that came against us, we persevered. The body prayed, fasted, and believed and trusted God and saw the victory that the Lord brought.
In concluding, Jan emphasized that adversity will come yet we can overcome it. She explained that a sign of maturity is our response to these circumstances, more so than the circumstances themselves. Adversity provides opportunity for us to grow. As we go through these things we can become more like Jesus. We will want to please God and whatever God says to do will be the right path. “The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him” (John 8:29).
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Bible Memorization Project - Week Two
Welcome to Bible Memorization Project week two.
My head is still spinning at the amazing response that we are seeing as a result of this project. At least two thirds of you have embarked on this journey and several more have enlisted even today. The results have been wonderful to see. You guys are a thrill a minute and I am beyond blessed to be partnering with you in this. All I can say is “YOU ROCK”. Your enthusiasm for God and His Word is contagious and it was exciting to see you share you verses and memorization tips with each other.
Here are a few of them:
1) If you aren’t sure if you could handle memorizing a verse at first, why not take one that you sort of know and work on it until you can nail it.
2) Or maybe you know the verse but not the reference.
3) One of our sisters draws pictures to help her remember hers
4) Two of our women are going to sing theirs to us.
5) One finds it is best if she writes it down every day.
If you have any tips that you think might help, leave them in a comment below. (Instructions for doing that can be found on the side panel of the blog)
Now if you haven’t joined us yet, you still can. You only need to finish all 9 or 10 verses by May 17th which is the verse rally day. That is the day where you will need to recite them to a Bible Memorization leader to qualify for the luncheon. Please don’t be anxious about this part, these women will be very gracious in their listening. (Further details read Bible Memorization Project)
Once again, thank you for responding to this initiative. You are an extraordinary bunch of women and I thank God for you.
Ok so here is my verse;
“Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.” Proverbs 4:7-9
Ok now it is your turn to leave yours as a comment!
My head is still spinning at the amazing response that we are seeing as a result of this project. At least two thirds of you have embarked on this journey and several more have enlisted even today. The results have been wonderful to see. You guys are a thrill a minute and I am beyond blessed to be partnering with you in this. All I can say is “YOU ROCK”. Your enthusiasm for God and His Word is contagious and it was exciting to see you share you verses and memorization tips with each other.
Here are a few of them:
1) If you aren’t sure if you could handle memorizing a verse at first, why not take one that you sort of know and work on it until you can nail it.
2) Or maybe you know the verse but not the reference.
3) One of our sisters draws pictures to help her remember hers
4) Two of our women are going to sing theirs to us.
5) One finds it is best if she writes it down every day.
If you have any tips that you think might help, leave them in a comment below. (Instructions for doing that can be found on the side panel of the blog)
Now if you haven’t joined us yet, you still can. You only need to finish all 9 or 10 verses by May 17th which is the verse rally day. That is the day where you will need to recite them to a Bible Memorization leader to qualify for the luncheon. Please don’t be anxious about this part, these women will be very gracious in their listening. (Further details read Bible Memorization Project)
Once again, thank you for responding to this initiative. You are an extraordinary bunch of women and I thank God for you.
Ok so here is my verse;
“Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.” Proverbs 4:7-9
Ok now it is your turn to leave yours as a comment!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Bible Memorization Motivation
Hello everyone!
I can’t tell you how blown away I am with the response to the Bible Memorization Project. Last week we blasted Facebook with our scriptures as each of you left a comment with your memorization verse. I am sure we shook the internet waves with an explosion of God’s Word.
We had some twenty plus women sign up who are consistently working on their verses. I had more then one woman share with me about their progress and the joy that they are feeling. They are just so thrilled to be hiding God’s Word in their hearts. It is nearly bringing me to tears. I am so proud. You go girls!!!
Now we are fast approaching our second verse. Are you ready? If you are still working on your first verse, don’t let that discourage you. I am certain that you will accomplish your goals. How do I know this? Because John 14:26 tells us that God gave us help.
“But the counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
God has provided you a “Holy reminder” of sorts to help you. Aren’t you thankful for that? Not only that, but there are women who have committed to pray over this Memorization Project for you. Yeah! God bless them. Did you know that 1 John 5:14 tells us;
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him.”
Since God wants us to hide His word in our hearts, then it is a no brainer. We should be able to do it. We just need to ask and then believe it to be so.
If you haven’t enlisted yet in the project and want to be a part of what we are doing, it isn’t too late. Jump on board; we would love for you to join us. If you want more details just read the blog post for the Bible Memorization Project and get started. Anyone can be a part of what we are doing. You don’t need to be in Women’s Bible Study.
Ok ladies…now is your time to display what you have been working so hard on. Let’s see if you can post your verse as a comment from memory.
Jesus is so thrilled with you!
I can’t tell you how blown away I am with the response to the Bible Memorization Project. Last week we blasted Facebook with our scriptures as each of you left a comment with your memorization verse. I am sure we shook the internet waves with an explosion of God’s Word.
We had some twenty plus women sign up who are consistently working on their verses. I had more then one woman share with me about their progress and the joy that they are feeling. They are just so thrilled to be hiding God’s Word in their hearts. It is nearly bringing me to tears. I am so proud. You go girls!!!
Now we are fast approaching our second verse. Are you ready? If you are still working on your first verse, don’t let that discourage you. I am certain that you will accomplish your goals. How do I know this? Because John 14:26 tells us that God gave us help.
“But the counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
God has provided you a “Holy reminder” of sorts to help you. Aren’t you thankful for that? Not only that, but there are women who have committed to pray over this Memorization Project for you. Yeah! God bless them. Did you know that 1 John 5:14 tells us;
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him.”
Since God wants us to hide His word in our hearts, then it is a no brainer. We should be able to do it. We just need to ask and then believe it to be so.
If you haven’t enlisted yet in the project and want to be a part of what we are doing, it isn’t too late. Jump on board; we would love for you to join us. If you want more details just read the blog post for the Bible Memorization Project and get started. Anyone can be a part of what we are doing. You don’t need to be in Women’s Bible Study.
Ok ladies…now is your time to display what you have been working so hard on. Let’s see if you can post your verse as a comment from memory.
Jesus is so thrilled with you!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Strolling Down the Path of Self-Effort
Have you ever found yourself moving along fabulously with God? It seems that His presence is all over what you are doing and you are rocking and rolling in the spirit. Then all of a sudden things stall. At first, your reaction is that you just wait patiently a bit and God will be in what you are doing again. After all, He began the work. It was His direction and promise that you are following. No problem, He’ll show up again.
Then time lags on and you think to yourself ‘well maybe I am supposed to step out and just do something. Maybe it is my fault why nothing is happening.’ You seek godly counsel and they tell you all manner of conflicting opinions. You are confused and conclude ‘well this seems logical and sound, so I will just step out and do this.’ You have just started down the wrong path. The path of self-effort.
Don’t feel badly about this, there were some heroes of our faith who did the same thing. Take Abram. God told him he would be the father of many nations. Being childless this probably was a puzzle to him. One day, when he was like 100, his wife comes to him with an idea. Why don’t you have a child through my maidservant Hagar? It will be like our own and we can get the ball rolling on the “father of many nations” thing. Well Abram took the bait and unfortunately things went downhill from there. He took the wrong path.
God’s intention was for Him to bring the child through His own miraculous intervention. It was to be an extraordinary event that only He could get the credit for. Unfortunately Abram’s faith waivered in what God could do. He knew God could provide what he needed for provision as when He gave him the land to possess but this was beyond what he could believe God for. He figured that He would help God out.
So can you relate? Have you ever found yourself feeling a bit impatient with God’s pace? Have you ever thought that you needed to help God along? Have you ever listened to someone else’s advice and found yourself totally out of the will of God in a snap?
You should be encouraged to know that God is very patient with us when we are inpatient with Him. After this bitter fiasco, God comes to Abram and confirms His covenant to him and again reminds him of his promise.
“Then God said, ‘Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descents after him.” Genesis 17:19
God is faithful to His promises to us. We don’t need to strive to make them happen. He will fulfill the purpose that He has planned for us. It is encouraging to know that God understands our impatience and that He doesn’t remove His promises to us but steers us back so that we are positioned to receive them. We don’t need to feel badly about our mistakes, but we do need to learn from them. Apparently Abram learned his lesson since he didn’t try that again. In fact, it was 14 years between the birth of Ishmael (Hagar’s son) and the birth of the son of the promise Isaac.
Have you ever strayed from the path of God’s promise to you? Have you grown impatient and opted to take matters into your own hands? Have you found yourself striving with God? Do you think you might have strayed off of the path that God has for you because of your own self effort? If that is the case, don’t spend your time beating yourself up but turn to God and ask Him to bring you back and confirm His promise to you. He is faithful and He will do it!
“Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?” Galatians 3:3
Then time lags on and you think to yourself ‘well maybe I am supposed to step out and just do something. Maybe it is my fault why nothing is happening.’ You seek godly counsel and they tell you all manner of conflicting opinions. You are confused and conclude ‘well this seems logical and sound, so I will just step out and do this.’ You have just started down the wrong path. The path of self-effort.
Don’t feel badly about this, there were some heroes of our faith who did the same thing. Take Abram. God told him he would be the father of many nations. Being childless this probably was a puzzle to him. One day, when he was like 100, his wife comes to him with an idea. Why don’t you have a child through my maidservant Hagar? It will be like our own and we can get the ball rolling on the “father of many nations” thing. Well Abram took the bait and unfortunately things went downhill from there. He took the wrong path.
God’s intention was for Him to bring the child through His own miraculous intervention. It was to be an extraordinary event that only He could get the credit for. Unfortunately Abram’s faith waivered in what God could do. He knew God could provide what he needed for provision as when He gave him the land to possess but this was beyond what he could believe God for. He figured that He would help God out.
So can you relate? Have you ever found yourself feeling a bit impatient with God’s pace? Have you ever thought that you needed to help God along? Have you ever listened to someone else’s advice and found yourself totally out of the will of God in a snap?
You should be encouraged to know that God is very patient with us when we are inpatient with Him. After this bitter fiasco, God comes to Abram and confirms His covenant to him and again reminds him of his promise.
“Then God said, ‘Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descents after him.” Genesis 17:19
God is faithful to His promises to us. We don’t need to strive to make them happen. He will fulfill the purpose that He has planned for us. It is encouraging to know that God understands our impatience and that He doesn’t remove His promises to us but steers us back so that we are positioned to receive them. We don’t need to feel badly about our mistakes, but we do need to learn from them. Apparently Abram learned his lesson since he didn’t try that again. In fact, it was 14 years between the birth of Ishmael (Hagar’s son) and the birth of the son of the promise Isaac.
Have you ever strayed from the path of God’s promise to you? Have you grown impatient and opted to take matters into your own hands? Have you found yourself striving with God? Do you think you might have strayed off of the path that God has for you because of your own self effort? If that is the case, don’t spend your time beating yourself up but turn to God and ask Him to bring you back and confirm His promise to you. He is faithful and He will do it!
“Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?” Galatians 3:3
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
A Call to Action
Taught by Annie
Notes by Linda
Today Annie taught on Nehemiah Chapter 2. She began her lesson by asking the class some rhetorical questions: Are you happy? Are you satisfied with your life? Does what happens in the world effect you? Does it make you sad? She proposed that we have three options when confronted with the injustices we see in the world: 1) we can be sad, 2) we can choose to ignore, or 3) we can take action.
As chapter 2 opens, we see that Nehemiah is serving the king in the position of cup bearer. “In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before” (Neh. 2:1). It is significant to note that the king noticed Nehemiah’s sadness. As the king’s servant he would have had to keep all emotions private. In the following verse we see “I was very much afraid” (Neh. 2:2b).
Annie asked us how we would respond when in the same position. When the king questioned Nehemiah about his sadness, he replied “but I said to the king, "May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?" (Neh. 2:3). The king then asked Nehemiah what it was he wanted. Nehemiah’s immediate response was “ Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king” (Neh. 2:4b-5a). Annie noted that his prayer was not a long, audible petition to the Lord but probably a silent plea for wisdom or aid.
Annie classified Nehemiah’s actions into five categories:
1) He recognized something was wrong. (Neh. 2:2-3)
2) He prayed. (Neh. 2:4-6)
3) He requested help with respect. (Neh. 2:7-10)
4) He planned. (Neh. 2:11-17)
5) He motivated others. (Neh. 2:17-20)
Annie then took these five categories and paralleled them to what we should do when we are confronted with issues or situations that we take notice of in the world around us.
After Nehemiah recognized what was wrong, He took it to the Lord. Then as he asked the king with boldness, we also can petition our our King. “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Heb. 4:16). When Nehemiah’s request of the King was granted he rightly gave the credit to the Lord. “And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests” (Neh 2:8b).
Annie pointed out that Nehemiah showed respect to King Artaxerxes as the political leader of the day. The Lord commands that we do this as well. “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves" (Romans 13:1-2).
In verse 10 we see that Israel’s enemies are once again trying to put a stop to the work of the Lord, the rebuilding of the walls. As we have studied in the book of Ezra time and time again Israel’s enemies attempted to stop the rebuilding of the temple and then of the walls. They had been successful for a time. This is something that could have caused discouragement. Instead of giving way to this, Nehemiah choose to plan.
Nehemiah could have walked into Jerusalem like a hero but he waited three days before he made himself known (see Neh. 2:11-16). He and a few of his man assessed the situation by cover of darkness. He did not do anything to call attention to himself. Annie pointed out that many times when we, as Christian, are met with a situation in which we feel we need to do something about but we do not handle it as Nehemiah did. We jump ahead of God instead of waiting on Him and seeking His direction.
The physical condition of the walls must have looked overwhelming. Annie pointed out that when we see ruins today they are usually in an accessible condition. The rubble has been cleared and what remains can be admired. This is not what Nehemiah saw. He was surrounded by ruin and destruction. (The present condition of Haiti comes to mind). Nehemiah did not turn back from what God had called him too. He made a plan.
The next step Nehemiah took was to motivate those he would lead. “Then I said to them, ‘You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace. I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me’. They replied, ‘Let us start rebuilding’. So they began this good work” (Neh. 2:17-18). Nehemiah conveyed excitement through his words. Annie pointed out that Nehemiah made himself a part of the situation. He did not blame others. He conveyed to those he was leading that he would be a part of what they would be doing. She compared this to what we are facing right at this very moment at MWC as we move to the new building . We have been asked to join in the effort by cleaning and packing. She encouraged us to become a part of this work, not in guilt or self-righteousness, but with a joyful and humble spirit.
Annie also mentioned that sometimes we can live in ‘ruins’ so long that we do not recognize that this is what we have done. Our ‘ruins’ may be sin or even a bad family situation. Sometimes we need someone else to point this out to us. The ruins in Jerusalem were both literal and spiritual. Their physical protection had been compromised as had their spiritual situation as a result of the sins of the nation. Annie proposed that we need to make sure our own spiritual walls of protection are strong.
In verse 19 the enemies of Israel have resumed their attack, this time by intimidation and bullying. “But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. "What is this you are doing?" they asked. "Are you rebelling against the king?" (Neh. 2:19). This is a similar tactic that they used in Ezra, chapter 4. Annie pointed out the power of negative words. She asked us if we had ever been stopped from what we were doing because of the words of others. We may have been ridiculed because of our faith, our values, or our walk with the Lord. Annie also spoke about how this can negatively effect us and asked why it is that we should really care. She pointed to the words of Nehemiah “The God of heaven will give us success” (Neh. 2:20). She then brought us to the ‘Hall of Faith’ that is in Hebrews 11. The Lord commended all these people for their faith despite the persecution they suffered. This persecution far outweighs anything that we will experience in our own lives yet the Lord promises that we will face it.
Annie ended her lesson with asking us if our faith has called to action. She gave several examples of people who acted on their beliefs to make profound changes in our world. Some of those she mentioned were: Wilbur Wilberforce – who persevered 20 years in the quest to end slave trading, William & Catherine Booth – founded the Salvation Army, Martin Luther King – Civil rights movement, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton – Women’s suffrage. She encouraged us not to be moved by the enormity of the issues that face us today. As a start, we can rebuild the walls in our own lives we will make changes from the inside out. She also encouraged us to look at our own spiritual gifts, the needs in our church, and what is important to us and trust that God will direct.
Notes by Linda
Today Annie taught on Nehemiah Chapter 2. She began her lesson by asking the class some rhetorical questions: Are you happy? Are you satisfied with your life? Does what happens in the world effect you? Does it make you sad? She proposed that we have three options when confronted with the injustices we see in the world: 1) we can be sad, 2) we can choose to ignore, or 3) we can take action.
As chapter 2 opens, we see that Nehemiah is serving the king in the position of cup bearer. “In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before” (Neh. 2:1). It is significant to note that the king noticed Nehemiah’s sadness. As the king’s servant he would have had to keep all emotions private. In the following verse we see “I was very much afraid” (Neh. 2:2b).
Annie asked us how we would respond when in the same position. When the king questioned Nehemiah about his sadness, he replied “but I said to the king, "May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?" (Neh. 2:3). The king then asked Nehemiah what it was he wanted. Nehemiah’s immediate response was “ Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king” (Neh. 2:4b-5a). Annie noted that his prayer was not a long, audible petition to the Lord but probably a silent plea for wisdom or aid.
Annie classified Nehemiah’s actions into five categories:
1) He recognized something was wrong. (Neh. 2:2-3)
2) He prayed. (Neh. 2:4-6)
3) He requested help with respect. (Neh. 2:7-10)
4) He planned. (Neh. 2:11-17)
5) He motivated others. (Neh. 2:17-20)
Annie then took these five categories and paralleled them to what we should do when we are confronted with issues or situations that we take notice of in the world around us.
After Nehemiah recognized what was wrong, He took it to the Lord. Then as he asked the king with boldness, we also can petition our our King. “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Heb. 4:16). When Nehemiah’s request of the King was granted he rightly gave the credit to the Lord. “And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests” (Neh 2:8b).
Annie pointed out that Nehemiah showed respect to King Artaxerxes as the political leader of the day. The Lord commands that we do this as well. “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves" (Romans 13:1-2).
In verse 10 we see that Israel’s enemies are once again trying to put a stop to the work of the Lord, the rebuilding of the walls. As we have studied in the book of Ezra time and time again Israel’s enemies attempted to stop the rebuilding of the temple and then of the walls. They had been successful for a time. This is something that could have caused discouragement. Instead of giving way to this, Nehemiah choose to plan.
Nehemiah could have walked into Jerusalem like a hero but he waited three days before he made himself known (see Neh. 2:11-16). He and a few of his man assessed the situation by cover of darkness. He did not do anything to call attention to himself. Annie pointed out that many times when we, as Christian, are met with a situation in which we feel we need to do something about but we do not handle it as Nehemiah did. We jump ahead of God instead of waiting on Him and seeking His direction.
The physical condition of the walls must have looked overwhelming. Annie pointed out that when we see ruins today they are usually in an accessible condition. The rubble has been cleared and what remains can be admired. This is not what Nehemiah saw. He was surrounded by ruin and destruction. (The present condition of Haiti comes to mind). Nehemiah did not turn back from what God had called him too. He made a plan.
The next step Nehemiah took was to motivate those he would lead. “Then I said to them, ‘You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace. I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me’. They replied, ‘Let us start rebuilding’. So they began this good work” (Neh. 2:17-18). Nehemiah conveyed excitement through his words. Annie pointed out that Nehemiah made himself a part of the situation. He did not blame others. He conveyed to those he was leading that he would be a part of what they would be doing. She compared this to what we are facing right at this very moment at MWC as we move to the new building . We have been asked to join in the effort by cleaning and packing. She encouraged us to become a part of this work, not in guilt or self-righteousness, but with a joyful and humble spirit.
Annie also mentioned that sometimes we can live in ‘ruins’ so long that we do not recognize that this is what we have done. Our ‘ruins’ may be sin or even a bad family situation. Sometimes we need someone else to point this out to us. The ruins in Jerusalem were both literal and spiritual. Their physical protection had been compromised as had their spiritual situation as a result of the sins of the nation. Annie proposed that we need to make sure our own spiritual walls of protection are strong.
In verse 19 the enemies of Israel have resumed their attack, this time by intimidation and bullying. “But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. "What is this you are doing?" they asked. "Are you rebelling against the king?" (Neh. 2:19). This is a similar tactic that they used in Ezra, chapter 4. Annie pointed out the power of negative words. She asked us if we had ever been stopped from what we were doing because of the words of others. We may have been ridiculed because of our faith, our values, or our walk with the Lord. Annie also spoke about how this can negatively effect us and asked why it is that we should really care. She pointed to the words of Nehemiah “The God of heaven will give us success” (Neh. 2:20). She then brought us to the ‘Hall of Faith’ that is in Hebrews 11. The Lord commended all these people for their faith despite the persecution they suffered. This persecution far outweighs anything that we will experience in our own lives yet the Lord promises that we will face it.
Annie ended her lesson with asking us if our faith has called to action. She gave several examples of people who acted on their beliefs to make profound changes in our world. Some of those she mentioned were: Wilbur Wilberforce – who persevered 20 years in the quest to end slave trading, William & Catherine Booth – founded the Salvation Army, Martin Luther King – Civil rights movement, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton – Women’s suffrage. She encouraged us not to be moved by the enormity of the issues that face us today. As a start, we can rebuild the walls in our own lives we will make changes from the inside out. She also encouraged us to look at our own spiritual gifts, the needs in our church, and what is important to us and trust that God will direct.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Bible Memorization Project-Week One
Hello everyone;
I stumbled on a verse the other day that I can't seem to get out of my head.
"When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan." Genesis 14:14
What intrigues me about this verse is that Abram had 318 men who were trained for battle. When the enemy came against his relatives, he was prepared to fight for them. This past week we learned that as New Testament Christians we encounter battles as well. But our battles are spiritual and the way we fight them is by wielding the Word of God like skilled warriors.
Last week in Women's Bible Study, I thought I would mention that I and a couple of women had decided that we were going to go into training by memorizing scripture. I pitched out the suggestion that if anyone wanted to join us, let me know. To say I was speechless from the response would be putting it mildly. This Bible Memorization Project is the result of that response. I can't wait to see how many sword wielding warrioring women this project produces. Come on girls, let's get the enemy really mad he thought to mess with us.
Now this is very important. If you are solely a blog follower you can participate too. Just let us know in the comment section. Everyone gets to participate. We don't want to leave anyone out.
So here's how it will work.
What is it?
1) We will memorize one verse and its reference every two weeks.
2) We will write the verse on an index card and number each verse corresponding to the week.
Calendar
Verse 1 - January 11 – start date
Verse 2 - January 25 – alternate start date
Verse 3 – February 8
Verse 4 – February 22
Verse 5 – March 8
Verse 6 – March 22
Verse 7 – April 5
Verse 8 – April 19
Verse 9 – May 3
Verse 10 – May 17
Verse rally day - you will recite your 9-10 verses to one of the Bible Memorization leaders – don’t forget your index cards.
The Prize
For all those that have met their goal we will have a luncheon to celebrate. All you need to do to attend and say your 10 verses to one of the Bible Memorization leaders.
What Verse?
You can either pick your own verse or ask us to give you one. You want the verse to have meaning to you so it should be something that is really relevant to your life.
How to Memorize Verses?
Day one – Say the verse once looking at it then repeat it 10 times trying not to look.
Day two and after – The same.
If the verse is too long, break it down into portions:
Day one – say the portion once looking at it then repeat it 10 more times.
Day two – say the first portion once looking at it then repeat it 10 times without looking at it. Work on second portion. Read it once then repeat it 10 more times.
Day three – say the first portion ten times, say the second portion 10 times, then start on the third portion.
Never move on until you have each portion memorized. Do this everyday and I believe that you will master the technique in no time at all.
Accountability
Keeping yourself accountable is important because when someone else knows that you are memorizing it will cause you to do it.
1) Partners – Let someone know that you are memorizing, hopefully someone else who is, and keep each other accountable. You can ask to listen to each others verses every two weeks.
2) Facebook – Every two weeks I will put my verse up on facebook and you friend me and put yours up to.
3) Blog – Every two weeks we will put a post up on the blog about what number verse we are up to. Week one, week two ..etc and you can leave your verse as a comment.
Last Word
In order to be successful at your memorization make sure that as we move through the weeks that you continue to recite the verses you have already committed.
So let's get going! If you want to use this blog as you accountability spot. Leave you name and verse with it's corresponding address in the comment section.
I will start us off.
Arlene
Forget about what has happened; don't keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it? There it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. Isaiah 43:18-19 Message
Thanks so much for dedicating this time to Bible Memorization. I know that God is going to meet you and bless you in ways that you never imagined .
I stumbled on a verse the other day that I can't seem to get out of my head.
"When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan." Genesis 14:14
What intrigues me about this verse is that Abram had 318 men who were trained for battle. When the enemy came against his relatives, he was prepared to fight for them. This past week we learned that as New Testament Christians we encounter battles as well. But our battles are spiritual and the way we fight them is by wielding the Word of God like skilled warriors.
Last week in Women's Bible Study, I thought I would mention that I and a couple of women had decided that we were going to go into training by memorizing scripture. I pitched out the suggestion that if anyone wanted to join us, let me know. To say I was speechless from the response would be putting it mildly. This Bible Memorization Project is the result of that response. I can't wait to see how many sword wielding warrioring women this project produces. Come on girls, let's get the enemy really mad he thought to mess with us.
Now this is very important. If you are solely a blog follower you can participate too. Just let us know in the comment section. Everyone gets to participate. We don't want to leave anyone out.
So here's how it will work.
What is it?
1) We will memorize one verse and its reference every two weeks.
2) We will write the verse on an index card and number each verse corresponding to the week.
Calendar
Verse 1 - January 11 – start date
Verse 2 - January 25 – alternate start date
Verse 3 – February 8
Verse 4 – February 22
Verse 5 – March 8
Verse 6 – March 22
Verse 7 – April 5
Verse 8 – April 19
Verse 9 – May 3
Verse 10 – May 17
Verse rally day - you will recite your 9-10 verses to one of the Bible Memorization leaders – don’t forget your index cards.
The Prize
For all those that have met their goal we will have a luncheon to celebrate. All you need to do to attend and say your 10 verses to one of the Bible Memorization leaders.
What Verse?
You can either pick your own verse or ask us to give you one. You want the verse to have meaning to you so it should be something that is really relevant to your life.
How to Memorize Verses?
Day one – Say the verse once looking at it then repeat it 10 times trying not to look.
Day two and after – The same.
If the verse is too long, break it down into portions:
Day one – say the portion once looking at it then repeat it 10 more times.
Day two – say the first portion once looking at it then repeat it 10 times without looking at it. Work on second portion. Read it once then repeat it 10 more times.
Day three – say the first portion ten times, say the second portion 10 times, then start on the third portion.
Never move on until you have each portion memorized. Do this everyday and I believe that you will master the technique in no time at all.
Accountability
Keeping yourself accountable is important because when someone else knows that you are memorizing it will cause you to do it.
1) Partners – Let someone know that you are memorizing, hopefully someone else who is, and keep each other accountable. You can ask to listen to each others verses every two weeks.
2) Facebook – Every two weeks I will put my verse up on facebook and you friend me and put yours up to.
3) Blog – Every two weeks we will put a post up on the blog about what number verse we are up to. Week one, week two ..etc and you can leave your verse as a comment.
Last Word
In order to be successful at your memorization make sure that as we move through the weeks that you continue to recite the verses you have already committed.
So let's get going! If you want to use this blog as you accountability spot. Leave you name and verse with it's corresponding address in the comment section.
I will start us off.
Arlene
Forget about what has happened; don't keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it? There it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. Isaiah 43:18-19 Message
Thanks so much for dedicating this time to Bible Memorization. I know that God is going to meet you and bless you in ways that you never imagined .
Friday, January 7, 2011
Passing the Baton
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
It’s funny how a random event can trigger thoughts that were long forgotten in one’s past. I sometimes think that these events are not as haphazard as we might think, but are ordained by God and the memories associated with them are rejuvenated by the Holy Spirit at just the right time. We are often not aware that in our mundane daily tasks that God is always there working all things together for His Glory. Every so often, God helps us connect the dots and get a glimpse of the bigger picture.
At least that is how it is for me. One Sunday, I was watching my two oldest grandchildren perform in a pageant at their church. There they were dressed in their best outfits standing on the stage singing their hearts out to Jesus. All the younger grandchildren were also there watching and either humming or bopping to the music depending on their age. It was a perfect grandma moment.
I found myself thinking back to when I was younger, much younger. As any child, I always loved to watch parades. I was not interested in the fancy floats or bright balloons. The baton twirlers captured my attention. I would watch the baton forming perfect figure eights, being tossed high in the air and then effortlessly landing in an agile hand. At that time in my life, my one and only goal was to be a baton twirler. One day my parents gave me a beautiful gold baton. Well it wasn’t long before I realized that there was quite a bit of skill and work required to master that baton. Eventually it was tossed aside and forgotten and became one of the many unattained goals in my life.
It was then that I realized that God had never intended for me to be proficient at twirling that gold baton. He did however entrust me with a spiritual baton. A baton that would far outlast and outshine any man made one. He enabled me to carry and skillfully keep it in the air as my children were growing and finding their own way through life. That spiritual baton has now been passed to my children. They are now relying on God to keep them from dropping the baton. As they skillfully twirl and keep it in the air, I can see its beauty reflected in their lives and in the lives of my grandchildren.
The earthly baton has long ago faded and rusted away, but that spiritual baton will continue for generations to come.
"Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land, the generation of the upright will be blessed."
Psalm 112:1b-2
Written by Susan
It’s funny how a random event can trigger thoughts that were long forgotten in one’s past. I sometimes think that these events are not as haphazard as we might think, but are ordained by God and the memories associated with them are rejuvenated by the Holy Spirit at just the right time. We are often not aware that in our mundane daily tasks that God is always there working all things together for His Glory. Every so often, God helps us connect the dots and get a glimpse of the bigger picture.
At least that is how it is for me. One Sunday, I was watching my two oldest grandchildren perform in a pageant at their church. There they were dressed in their best outfits standing on the stage singing their hearts out to Jesus. All the younger grandchildren were also there watching and either humming or bopping to the music depending on their age. It was a perfect grandma moment.
I found myself thinking back to when I was younger, much younger. As any child, I always loved to watch parades. I was not interested in the fancy floats or bright balloons. The baton twirlers captured my attention. I would watch the baton forming perfect figure eights, being tossed high in the air and then effortlessly landing in an agile hand. At that time in my life, my one and only goal was to be a baton twirler. One day my parents gave me a beautiful gold baton. Well it wasn’t long before I realized that there was quite a bit of skill and work required to master that baton. Eventually it was tossed aside and forgotten and became one of the many unattained goals in my life.
It was then that I realized that God had never intended for me to be proficient at twirling that gold baton. He did however entrust me with a spiritual baton. A baton that would far outlast and outshine any man made one. He enabled me to carry and skillfully keep it in the air as my children were growing and finding their own way through life. That spiritual baton has now been passed to my children. They are now relying on God to keep them from dropping the baton. As they skillfully twirl and keep it in the air, I can see its beauty reflected in their lives and in the lives of my grandchildren.
The earthly baton has long ago faded and rusted away, but that spiritual baton will continue for generations to come.
"Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land, the generation of the upright will be blessed."
Psalm 112:1b-2
Written by Susan
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Keeping it Relevant!
Taught by Arlene S.
Notes by Linda G.
Today we began our study of the book of Nehemiah. Arlene gave us a short review of the events that led up to this period in the history of the nation of Israel. King Solomon had been given the promise by God that if he followed the Lord’s ways that his family would rule Israel forever and enjoy the Lord’s blessing. Instead of following God’s ways Solomon, in his pride, lived the later period of his life contrary to the commands of the Lord. As the Lord foretold, this resulted in the eventual division of the Kingdom of Israel. The Northern Kingdom was taken captive by the Assyrians. The Southern Kingdom was taken captive to Babylon. The focus of the book of Ezra was the return of the southern kingdom from Babylon to Israel. In the book of Ezra, the first two waves of captives returned. The first wave returned with Zerubbabel and rebuilt the temple. The second wave returned with Ezra who brought spiritual reformation. In Nehemiah we will see the third wave return.
Prior to delving into the book itself, Arlene gave us some spiritual principles that would help us to better relate to what we would be studying. She asked us a profound question – “What is your purpose?”. Many of us, myself included, tend to think of our purpose as what we do. Arlene countered this believe with an excerpt from the Westminster Shorter Catechism (question 1). “The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” She proposed to us that Satan can keep us so distracted with deciding what it is we should do that we become immobilized and as a result do nothing.
Arlene gave us two scriptures that speak of this very thing: “In Him we were also chosen, have been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory” (Eph 1:11) and 1 Corinthians 10:31 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”.
A key word regarding our purpose is ‘glory/glorify’. In the Greek, glory comes from the word ‘doxa’. This mean glory, honor, wealth, and splendor – to think, imagine, consider or appear. The question Arlene asked us is if we are living our lives in such a way that we glorify God, regardless of what we are doing. Do we make God recognizable to the world around us? She stressed that we need to leave what is comfortable to be able to do this….we need to take risks. This is how God is magnified and glorified in our lives. This brings us to the study of the man, Nehemiah. We will see that he was a man that took risks. As he did this he made God recognizable.
In Nehemiah 1:1 we see that Nehemiah lived in Susa. This was a winter resort of the Persian kings. Arlene pointed out that we, like Nehemiah, live in a fallen world. In the New Testament God instructs us how we should be living in this world. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world-the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever “ (1 John 2:15-17). The word for ‘world’ in the Greek is ‘Kosmos’. This word relates to our world systems, the physical and material nature of our world as opposed to what is spiritual and exalted in the eyes of the Lord. Arlene asked the class for some examples of this. A few of the responses are as follows: entitlement based on birth or material success, self-indulgence, self-reliance, or a view of worth based on physical perfection. We, as Christians, need to be wary of falling into this mindset which is a trap of Satan.
We see in verse 2 that the captives have, in fact, have been freed and have returned from their captivity. Going back to the book of Ezra, Arlene reminded us that the Israelites had been given permission to return to their land and rebuild their temple. They had begun to rebuild the wall and were met with opposition. We see in Nehemiah 1:3 “They said to me, ‘Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire’."
Arlene showed us how this can be paralleled in our own lives. We have been freed from the power of sin because Jesus died to set us free yet we can also fall into captivity by the enemy. Because there was no wall around Jerusalem the people were ‘in great trouble and disgrace’ (Neh 1:3a). We don’t know exactly why they were feeling shame but we can fall into shame as well. Arlene gave us two ways in which this can happen:
1) We can have shame before God because of sins we have committed. In the Old Testament when Adam and Eve sinned, God gave them animal skins to cover their nakedness. In the New Testament Jesus has made provision for our sin. When we go to Him with a repentant heart, agreeing with Him over our sin “he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9b). We then need to receive His forgiveness and move on.
2) When we are sinned against shame can also be the result. This is often seen in victims of abuse. They feel an overwhelming sense of shame and that they are to blame when anything goes wrong. Satan will use other people to bring about his ends. The Israelites had been rebuilding their walls yet they stopped, perhaps because of the attack against them by their enemies. The enemy will attack us as well and we too may be immobilized. Some of the ways in which this could happen are: feelings of unworthiness, fear, lack of confidence, rejection, insecurity, unbelief and criticism. Arlene emphasized that Satan will find our weak spots and use them against us.
In the Old Testament the physical temple was protected by physical walls. In the New Testament we are the physical temple of the Holy Spirit. The Lord has equipped us to protect our temple with the armor of God (see Ephesians 6:10-18). God has also given us a powerful weapon – the sword of the Spirit. “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” (Eph 6:16-17).
We will see in the book of Nehemiah how vigilant he was in fighting his enemies. We need to have the same vigilance as we fight our enemy. Arlene reminded us that attacks WILL come and we need to be prepared for them. This closely parallels what we are going through as a church body at MWC. We are moving into a new ‘land’ by building a new church. This is not something that the enemy will rejoice in. We need to be equipped for the spiritual battle. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). A way we can be prepared is by committing God’s Word to our memories. (Within our Tuesday morning group, many of the women will be joining together on a quest to hide God’s Word in our hearts. This is something that we will also offer on the blog, for those of you who follow us here. In the next week or so, there will be a separate post that will give more details. We hope you join us!!!)
Arlene then moved on to give us a picture of the man Nehemiah. In the later half of chapter 1 we learn much about the type of man he was. There are four aspects of his personality that Arlene taught about that have relevance to our lives today.
1) We see that Nehemiah was connected to his people. “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.” (Neh. 1:4). God is glorified when we are unified. “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:20-23). The enemy will try to create disunity in some of the following ways: gossip, jealousy, envy, lack of communication, self-righteousness, and even by creating problems.
2) Nehemiah also knew God and His word. Arlene showed us the evidence that Nehemiah was a man who knew the personality of the Lord. “Then I said: "O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands” (Neh 1:5). Sometimes we may not know the mind of the Lord when we pray but we can know the heart of the Lord. We know the Lord is compassionate, loving, faithful, merciful, and forgiving. We can surely pray for these things. Nehemiah knew God’s promises. We see the evidence of this as he prayed. Nehemiah knew God’s practices (see Neh 1:10-11). Many times Nehemiah refers to the Lord’s ‘servants’. He knew that God could, and very often would, use the person praying (His servants) to be a part of the answer to that prayer. Nehemiah also knew that he would need the favor of the Lord in making the request of the king because this was the very king who had halted the building of the wall in the first place. Nehemiah shows us that sometimes we need to step out in faith.
3) Arlene also taught that Nehemiah was an overcomer. In verse 11, it tells us that he was cupbearer to the king. Traditionally, for a man to serve is such close proximity to the king (and thus his harem) he was made a eunuch. As written in Deuteronomy (Deu 23:1) , such a man was forbidden to enter the assembly of the Lord. Nehemiah would have had to overcome much to have the boldness to act as he did. This is something we may see in our own lives. Arlene asked us to think about things from our past that may keep us from stepping out in faith. Nehemiah was a man who followed God, not what other people thought of him. Arlene also reminded us that there will be many new people coming in when we move to our new location. She recounted how loved and embraced she felt at MWC when she came in as an outsider. We want to demonstrate this same love for those who may have overcome much in order to have the courage to walk through the doors.
4) Arlene showed us that Nehemiah was a patient man. At the end of chapter 1 Nehemiah is interceding on behalf of his people to the Lord. The opportunity for Nehemiah to speak to the king comes in chapter 2. This was a period of four months. She gave us a ‘SAT’ type analogy to emphasize this point. Martha was to Mary as Nehemiah was to Ezra. Nehemiah was a man of action, like Martha. She also showed us that there are two types of patience described in the bible; one is patience with circumstances the other is patience with people. Nehemiah waited patiently while God worked in the heart of the king and the political climate of the times. Politically things changed so that it was to the Babylonian king’s interest to have Jerusalem fortified. This is a good reminder to us as well. The Lord is as able to change political climates now as He had been in the past.
In concluding, Arlene asked us once again “What is your purpose?” The answer she gave was “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecc 9:10a). Nehemiah magnified and glorified in all that he did. We want to do the same!
Notes by Linda G.
Today we began our study of the book of Nehemiah. Arlene gave us a short review of the events that led up to this period in the history of the nation of Israel. King Solomon had been given the promise by God that if he followed the Lord’s ways that his family would rule Israel forever and enjoy the Lord’s blessing. Instead of following God’s ways Solomon, in his pride, lived the later period of his life contrary to the commands of the Lord. As the Lord foretold, this resulted in the eventual division of the Kingdom of Israel. The Northern Kingdom was taken captive by the Assyrians. The Southern Kingdom was taken captive to Babylon. The focus of the book of Ezra was the return of the southern kingdom from Babylon to Israel. In the book of Ezra, the first two waves of captives returned. The first wave returned with Zerubbabel and rebuilt the temple. The second wave returned with Ezra who brought spiritual reformation. In Nehemiah we will see the third wave return.
Prior to delving into the book itself, Arlene gave us some spiritual principles that would help us to better relate to what we would be studying. She asked us a profound question – “What is your purpose?”. Many of us, myself included, tend to think of our purpose as what we do. Arlene countered this believe with an excerpt from the Westminster Shorter Catechism (question 1). “The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” She proposed to us that Satan can keep us so distracted with deciding what it is we should do that we become immobilized and as a result do nothing.
Arlene gave us two scriptures that speak of this very thing: “In Him we were also chosen, have been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory” (Eph 1:11) and 1 Corinthians 10:31 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”.
A key word regarding our purpose is ‘glory/glorify’. In the Greek, glory comes from the word ‘doxa’. This mean glory, honor, wealth, and splendor – to think, imagine, consider or appear. The question Arlene asked us is if we are living our lives in such a way that we glorify God, regardless of what we are doing. Do we make God recognizable to the world around us? She stressed that we need to leave what is comfortable to be able to do this….we need to take risks. This is how God is magnified and glorified in our lives. This brings us to the study of the man, Nehemiah. We will see that he was a man that took risks. As he did this he made God recognizable.
In Nehemiah 1:1 we see that Nehemiah lived in Susa. This was a winter resort of the Persian kings. Arlene pointed out that we, like Nehemiah, live in a fallen world. In the New Testament God instructs us how we should be living in this world. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world-the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever “ (1 John 2:15-17). The word for ‘world’ in the Greek is ‘Kosmos’. This word relates to our world systems, the physical and material nature of our world as opposed to what is spiritual and exalted in the eyes of the Lord. Arlene asked the class for some examples of this. A few of the responses are as follows: entitlement based on birth or material success, self-indulgence, self-reliance, or a view of worth based on physical perfection. We, as Christians, need to be wary of falling into this mindset which is a trap of Satan.
We see in verse 2 that the captives have, in fact, have been freed and have returned from their captivity. Going back to the book of Ezra, Arlene reminded us that the Israelites had been given permission to return to their land and rebuild their temple. They had begun to rebuild the wall and were met with opposition. We see in Nehemiah 1:3 “They said to me, ‘Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire’."
Arlene showed us how this can be paralleled in our own lives. We have been freed from the power of sin because Jesus died to set us free yet we can also fall into captivity by the enemy. Because there was no wall around Jerusalem the people were ‘in great trouble and disgrace’ (Neh 1:3a). We don’t know exactly why they were feeling shame but we can fall into shame as well. Arlene gave us two ways in which this can happen:
1) We can have shame before God because of sins we have committed. In the Old Testament when Adam and Eve sinned, God gave them animal skins to cover their nakedness. In the New Testament Jesus has made provision for our sin. When we go to Him with a repentant heart, agreeing with Him over our sin “he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9b). We then need to receive His forgiveness and move on.
2) When we are sinned against shame can also be the result. This is often seen in victims of abuse. They feel an overwhelming sense of shame and that they are to blame when anything goes wrong. Satan will use other people to bring about his ends. The Israelites had been rebuilding their walls yet they stopped, perhaps because of the attack against them by their enemies. The enemy will attack us as well and we too may be immobilized. Some of the ways in which this could happen are: feelings of unworthiness, fear, lack of confidence, rejection, insecurity, unbelief and criticism. Arlene emphasized that Satan will find our weak spots and use them against us.
In the Old Testament the physical temple was protected by physical walls. In the New Testament we are the physical temple of the Holy Spirit. The Lord has equipped us to protect our temple with the armor of God (see Ephesians 6:10-18). God has also given us a powerful weapon – the sword of the Spirit. “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” (Eph 6:16-17).
We will see in the book of Nehemiah how vigilant he was in fighting his enemies. We need to have the same vigilance as we fight our enemy. Arlene reminded us that attacks WILL come and we need to be prepared for them. This closely parallels what we are going through as a church body at MWC. We are moving into a new ‘land’ by building a new church. This is not something that the enemy will rejoice in. We need to be equipped for the spiritual battle. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). A way we can be prepared is by committing God’s Word to our memories. (Within our Tuesday morning group, many of the women will be joining together on a quest to hide God’s Word in our hearts. This is something that we will also offer on the blog, for those of you who follow us here. In the next week or so, there will be a separate post that will give more details. We hope you join us!!!)
Arlene then moved on to give us a picture of the man Nehemiah. In the later half of chapter 1 we learn much about the type of man he was. There are four aspects of his personality that Arlene taught about that have relevance to our lives today.
1) We see that Nehemiah was connected to his people. “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.” (Neh. 1:4). God is glorified when we are unified. “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:20-23). The enemy will try to create disunity in some of the following ways: gossip, jealousy, envy, lack of communication, self-righteousness, and even by creating problems.
2) Nehemiah also knew God and His word. Arlene showed us the evidence that Nehemiah was a man who knew the personality of the Lord. “Then I said: "O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands” (Neh 1:5). Sometimes we may not know the mind of the Lord when we pray but we can know the heart of the Lord. We know the Lord is compassionate, loving, faithful, merciful, and forgiving. We can surely pray for these things. Nehemiah knew God’s promises. We see the evidence of this as he prayed. Nehemiah knew God’s practices (see Neh 1:10-11). Many times Nehemiah refers to the Lord’s ‘servants’. He knew that God could, and very often would, use the person praying (His servants) to be a part of the answer to that prayer. Nehemiah also knew that he would need the favor of the Lord in making the request of the king because this was the very king who had halted the building of the wall in the first place. Nehemiah shows us that sometimes we need to step out in faith.
3) Arlene also taught that Nehemiah was an overcomer. In verse 11, it tells us that he was cupbearer to the king. Traditionally, for a man to serve is such close proximity to the king (and thus his harem) he was made a eunuch. As written in Deuteronomy (Deu 23:1) , such a man was forbidden to enter the assembly of the Lord. Nehemiah would have had to overcome much to have the boldness to act as he did. This is something we may see in our own lives. Arlene asked us to think about things from our past that may keep us from stepping out in faith. Nehemiah was a man who followed God, not what other people thought of him. Arlene also reminded us that there will be many new people coming in when we move to our new location. She recounted how loved and embraced she felt at MWC when she came in as an outsider. We want to demonstrate this same love for those who may have overcome much in order to have the courage to walk through the doors.
4) Arlene showed us that Nehemiah was a patient man. At the end of chapter 1 Nehemiah is interceding on behalf of his people to the Lord. The opportunity for Nehemiah to speak to the king comes in chapter 2. This was a period of four months. She gave us a ‘SAT’ type analogy to emphasize this point. Martha was to Mary as Nehemiah was to Ezra. Nehemiah was a man of action, like Martha. She also showed us that there are two types of patience described in the bible; one is patience with circumstances the other is patience with people. Nehemiah waited patiently while God worked in the heart of the king and the political climate of the times. Politically things changed so that it was to the Babylonian king’s interest to have Jerusalem fortified. This is a good reminder to us as well. The Lord is as able to change political climates now as He had been in the past.
In concluding, Arlene asked us once again “What is your purpose?” The answer she gave was “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecc 9:10a). Nehemiah magnified and glorified in all that he did. We want to do the same!
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