What a Great First Week!

Spring session 1 Intro Power of God's Word Gods Word proverbs 30:6 Every Word of God is flawless He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Even In understanding the Book of Nehemiah Review so many new people Three main thoughts and questions: 1. Is God calling you to restore a remnant in your life? Chapters 1 and 2 2.. We will encounter opposition and warfare Chapters 3 4. 6 3.God makes all things new. Chapter 7 and 8 Overview: God raises up people to accomplish his purpose. Introduction. Nehemiah model for men/we need Nehemiah was the man for rebuilding wall of Jerusalem The people had lived in exile for 40 years and a few had come back but weren't protected because the wall had been torn down. Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 1:2 NIV) Remnant a : a usually small part, member, or trace remaining b : a small surviving group —often used in plural Illustration: maybe something ing your life has devastated you and you want to continue on but you feel weak and unprotected. Pray and ask God to help you rebuild that wall His way. Chapter 1/ God lays deep burden for Nehemiahs people on his heart Nehemiah has heart for His people but most of all for God. 1. Cupbearer to the king= faithful honorable and trusted 2. He understood his heritage=history Born to tribe of Judah in exile 3. He was a loyal son/broken heart for his people 4 . He was a defender of the weak "How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. (Psalm 82:2-4 NIV) 5. Most importantly He was a man of prayer and had a heart that turned to God to strength and wisdom You see all of who he was in his prayer. His prayer shows his heart but it also tells us how to pray. All kinds of prayers Ephesians 6:18 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 Lord's people. (Ephesians 6:18 NIV) Chapter 2/ Nehemiah grieves deeply for His people Downcast I called on the Lord in distress; The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. (Psalm 118:5 NKJV) Often it's when we are in greatest distress that God shows up! Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:10 NIV) But at the appointed time the king noticed his sadness. Which frightened Nehemiah because being sad in front of the King could cost him his life. But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 NKJV) Remember Nehemiah prays all sorts of prayers. The sort of prayer he prays is quick Lord HELP AND GIVE ME FAVOR. Point Nehemiah doesnt look immediately to the king for help but cries out to God for favor. Operate in strength of the Lord and not fear. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. (Psalm 94:19 NIV) God gives it to him. Nehemiah: Prays/ all kinds of prayers Chapter one: prayers of Praise, repentance, request and yielding Chapter two: prayer of request and urgency Specific request: rebuild the remnant What are the remnants in your life that need to be rebuilt? Proclaims Chapter one: proclaims who God is and the needs of his own people confidently Chapter two: the needs of His people, his compassion for them and his willingness to rebuild their land Prepared/prepared what God put in his heart/Nehemiah quiet until he had the lay of the land This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength Isaiah 30:15 NIV) Chapter two: request permission to survey the situation but quietly already had a plan in his heart. Stands up against opposition Protected / asked for protection of God and man Chapter two: he knows he is protected by God but asks for documents to signify protection from the King Persistent God/in spite of opposition Chapter two: Persistent in his burden and request. Nehemiah did not let the wait for answered prayer or human opposition discourage him. Even when you are doing what God wants you get resistance from men that operate by there standards. Conclusion God will give success. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; (Lamentations 3:25 NIV) Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." (John 7:38 NIV) Chapter 3 and 4/ Nehemiah's opposition and spiritual warfare Whenever you set out to do what God has called you to do you can count on a peace in your heart but great opposition from man. Many times opposition comes from the most unexpected places. Battle in the seen and unseen world Battle in the seen. Nehemiah's case in the seen world he had everything he needed. He had the blessing of His heavenly king and the blessing of his earthly king. He had protection both from God (chapter 2 God will give me success) and he had written protection from the king. He had heavenly provision for his heart and spirit because he knew God was with him and he had all the men and supplies that he could possibly need provide by the king. He had all he could possibly need! And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 NIV) He set out to complete the building the wall and immediately faced human opposition. Have you ever been there? I have .....example. Chapter 5/ Nehemiah has Gods favor Chapter 6/Nehemiah character in face of opposition Opposition=The situation of two heavenly bodies when longitude or right ascensions differ by 180 degrees. Tides Opposition to building of wall from people that had no rights and most unsuspecting place. People whose only connection was a mixed marriage. (Sanballet, Tobiah and Arab) Sometimes inadequacy stirs up conflict. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. (2 Corinthians 3:5 NIV) Opposition could see that the gates were about to be put on and were feverish trying to distract Nehemiah and stop the work. Their last chance Chapter 7/ Nehemiah has a heart that knows when God speaks to him Two important topics stare me in the face when I read this chapter. That's what we are going to talk about today. 1. The Bible says God laid a plan on Nehemiah's heart. 2. Restoration of the wall doesn't make the restoration complete. What goes back inside the walls is as important as the rebuilding. A lot of times we think we can't hear God speaking to us or into our lives because we haven't given him our whole heart. Chapter 8/The power of Gods Word on the new city 1. The power of Gods Word on those that hear it and understand it. It is possible to hear it and not understand it. This is the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown." (Matthew 13:19-23 NIV) Gods spirit was allowing all that came and understood to take it deeply to heart 2. Ezra and Nehemiah knew deep grieving and mourning. There are seasons for everything. The bible says there is a time to mourn and a time to dance. This was a season for rejoicing. a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, (Ecclesiastes 3:4 NIV) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4 NIV) Thankfulness for crops and all God had done and put work aside. Grieve is work. Time not to focus on self but God. 3. God makes ALL things new Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB) Glenda

Nehemiah 8 with Homework

Nehemiah 8 Introduction. Overview: Chapter 1/ God lays deep burden for Nehemiahs people on his heart Chapter 2/ Nehemiah grieves deeply for His people Chapter 3 and 4/ Nehemiah's opposition and spiritual warfare Chapter 5/ Nehemiah has Gods favor Chapter 6/Nehemiah character in face of opposition Chapter 7/ Nehemiah has a heart that knows when God speaks to him Chapter 8/The power of Gods Word on the new city Ezra/priest/some called high priest/contemporary of Nehemiah 12 years before Nehemiah had been with small group of exiles from Babylon and was grieved over their sin of mixed marriages. It was appropriate that Nehemiah call on Ezra to read Gods Word because he had a huge investment in the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Festival of booths: / agricultural/ The feast of in gathering On the first day you shall take the product of hadar trees, branches of palm trees, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook" (Lev. 23:40), and "You shall live in booths seven days; all citizens in Israel shall live in booths, in order that future generations may know that I made the Israelite people live in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt" (Lev. 23:42-43). Constructed and lived in booths 7 days/ symbolized the way family leaved in wilderness under Moses Listened to reading of Gods Word every day After that they would circle temple praying and reciting psalm 118:25 Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success! (Psalm 118:25 NIV) Appropriate that after the labor of building the wall they would celebrate this holiday in all it's fullness. Celebration of all God had shown them and done for them. Time of joy! 1. The power of Gods Word on those that hear it and understand it. It is possible to hear it and not understand it. This is the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown." (Matthew 13:19-23 NIV) Gods spirit was allowing all that came and understood to take it deeply to heart 2. Ezra and Nehemiah knew deep grieving and mourning. There are seasons for everything. The bible says there is a time to mourn and a time to dance. This was a season for rejoicing. a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, (Ecclesiastes 3:4 NIV) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4 NIV) Thankfulness for crops and all God had done and put work aside. Grieve is work. Time not to focus on self but God. 3. God makes ALL things new Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB) Demonstration of true meaning of Gods Law and word . Building of the booths. God wants us to understand Him in newness every day, Glenda Homework Chapter 8 Pray and ask God for insight as you read Nehemiah chapter 8. Write those insights down. What have been the most meaningful things you have learned in Nehemiah so far? What is the importance of God's Word in Chapter 8? What are the key elements of the Festival of Booths? In what ways has the Joy of the Lord been your strength? Glenda

Week 4 Homework

Week 4 Pray before you read Nehemiah chapters 5 and 6. What are the oppositions and difficulties Nehemiah and his people face. Where does Nehemiah always turn for help? When you face opposition where do you turn ? Honestly, when you look closely at difficult situations you have faced opposition, have you been part of rebuilding or part of tearing down? Scripture: Hebrews 13:21 1 Peter 4:8

Week Three

Week three teaching Introduction Overview chapter 1/ Nehemiah's burden for his people chapter 2/Nehemiah deep sadnes and blessing from the king to rebuild the wall Chapter 3/people of all kinds helping build the wall/ not a perfect picture Chapter 4 Nehemiah clear strong focus. However great opposition. :Sanbalet and Tobiah,the governor of Samaria and his servant were related to Israel because of unlawful marriage/they did not have the connection or burden that Nehemiah had for his people. Both the Moabites and Ammonites were distant relatives of the Jews, having originated from the incestuous relationship between Lot and his daughters (Gen. 19:36-38). God had given them a land-inheritance on the eastern side of Jordan and instructed the Israelites not to harass them (Deut. 2:9, 19). Whenever you set out to do what God has called you to do you can count on a peace in your heart but great opposition from man. Many times opposition comes from the most unexpected places. Battle in the seen and unseen world Battle in the seen. Nehemiah's case in the seen world he had everything he needed. He had the blessing of His heavenly king and the blessing of his earthly king. He had protection both from God (chapter 2 God will give me success) and he had written protection from the king. He had heavenly provision for his heart and spirit because he knew God was with him and he had all the men and supplies that he could possibly need provide by the king. He had all he could possibly need! And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 NIV) He set out to complete the building the wall and immediately faced human opposition. Have you ever been there? I have .....example. Why is this and what does it look like? Jealousy Anger / Sanballet/ridicule taunting/plotting and scheming/angry and then very angry Not wanting change Wanting power for self Wanting their own name to be exalted above anyone else's Needing affirmation and attention Battle in the unseen. How it affects us. 2 chronicles 18 Spirit of lies. Pitfalls to watch out for: Fear.... the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, (2 Timothy 1:7-9 NIV) Discouragement/. Personal example Allowing the enemy to plant seeds of doubt. Exhaustion Lack of confidence Defeat... Nehemiah/ God will give success The battle in the unseen is over your mind and heart to keep you from doing what God has called you to do. Signs are: feelings of isolation Confusion Ability to lie and not feel bad about it Discouragement Defeat What to do about it when you encounter opposition as you've set out to do all that God has told you to do! Pray Be attentive to keeping yourself protected instead of panic and fear/verse 13 and 14 Remember who God is.encourage yourself and those around you verse 14 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV Take up the sword./sword at side/word of God ) Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:17 NIV) Continue to state the truth to yourself and those helping you./Nehemiah did Continue working do not stop. Beware of people that come into your midst that you are unaware of Take a realistic view of where it's coming from Conclusion eyes on God He will give you success. Nehemiah 2 Glenda

Week Three Homework

Week 3 homework Read Nehemiah chapters 3 and 4. Have you ever felt like you were doing exactly what God wanted you to do and encountered opposition? If so, did you continue doing it or stop. Explain. What was Nehemiah's response? List every way Nehemiah encountered opposition? Who is Nehemiah's strength in Nehemiah 8:10? Scripture: Psalm 27:13 Micah 7:18 2 Chronicles 20:17

Week 2

We started off Worship today hearing from Caroline. If you missed here is a video clip~ http://mworksltd.wordpress.com/2011/12/08/sloan-chambers-faith-cross/ We also discussed how Nehemiah is a Rescuer of his people and how we can do the same in the world today. Theme verse: Nehemiah 8:10 The joy of the Lord is my strength Read Nehemiah 2 Introduction/review last week Nehemiah lived through the dark cold days of winter. During that time God worked in his heart. But he may have been a little weary of waiting to see any answer to his prayer of chapter one. His prayer and how God was going to answer was the passion of his life. Nehemiah waited 4 months for his prayer of chapter 1 to be answered and was probably discouraged. (month of Chislev was probably like our December and month of Nixen was our march or April . Jewish calendar equals 10 months) He was probably thinking: Did I hear God Maybe it won' be a plan I will see in my lifetime Did God hear me. Why do I have this burden and sadness if God is not going to make himself clear. Surely God loves my people. (don't we ask ourselves the same questions when we have a concern or burden and we've taken it to the Lord in prayer and it seems too much time has passed before we get an answer) After four long cold dark months Nehemiah still carried the grief and burden for his people. He was just plain sad. Downcast I called on the Lord in distress; The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. (Psalm 118:5 NKJV) Often it's when we are in greatest distress that God shows up! Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:10 NIV) But at the appointed time the king noticed his sadness. Which frightened Nehemiah because being sad in front of the King could cost him his life. But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 NKJV) Remember Nehemiah prays all sorts of prayers. The sort of prayer he prays is quick Lord HELP AND GIVE ME FAVOR. Point Nehemiah doesnt look immediately to the king for help but cries out to God for favor. Operate in strength of the Lord and not fear. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. (Psalm 94:19 NIV) God gives it to him. Nehemiah: Prays/ all kinds of prayers Chapter one: prayers of Praise, repentance, request and yielding Chapter two: prayer of request and urgency Specific request: rebuild the remnant What are the remnants in your life that need to be rebuilt? Proclaims Chapter one: proclaims who God is and the needs of his own people confidently Chapter two: the needs of His people, his compassion for them and his willingness to rebuild their land Prepared/prepared what God put in his heart/Nehemiah quiet until he had the lay of the land This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength Isaiah 30:15 NIV) Chapter two: request permission to survey the situation but quietly already had a plan in his heart. Stands up against opposition Protected / asked for protection of God and man Chapter two: he knows he is protected by God but asks for documents to signify protection from the King Persistent God/in spite of opposition Chapter two: Persistent in his burden and request. Nehemiah did not let the wait for answered prayer or human opposition discourage him. Even when you are doing what God wants you get resistance from men that operate by there standards. Conclusion God will give success. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; (Lamentations 3:25 NIV) Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." (John 7:38 NIV)

Homework for Week 2

Week 2 Pray before you begin and ask God to give you insight into His Word. Read Nehemiah chapter 2. What do you learn from Nehemiah's prayer in chapter 1? What might be the similarities between how Nehemiah speaks to the King and how we speak to God? What do you learn about prayer? Has your heart ever been so troubled that you came to God in prayer? Explain. Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Psalm 4:3 John 9:31

First Week of Study!

What a great first week of study! We had a great time learning everyone's names and learning more about Nehemiah and all the characteristics that he holds. We loved coming together and fellowshiping with all the moms in the morning. Thanks to Sherry for sharing her testimony for our worship section. I loved learning about how the Mother Moose has to run away for the child to learn to survive. Here is what I was greeted with when picking up my son after study.

My Little Moose! We enjoyed learning about Nehemiah's character in the story and how we should strive for these attributes in this journey of being a mother. Here is a great song about the names of God.

Fall Study of Nehemiah - Notes Week 1

Intro./theme verse/the joy of the Lord is My Strength Nehemiah 10:11 Read Nehemiah chapter 1. Nehemiah means comfort of the Lord His fathers name means "whom Jehovah enlightens", Month of Kislev The Name of the Month – Trust and Hope/ month of greatest darkness, cold but also celebration Kislev is the ninth month of the year, counting from Nissan. In the Torah we find that the root of the word Kislev means ‘trust’ and ‘hope Something great has to come out of this book with names that powerful. As I have studied I can see that the Holy Spirit directed these two in ways that have monumental lessons for our life. Today you were asked to read Nehemiah and write down what you saw about is character. Character important! In the church today we have a lot of people that know how to speak the language but it not deep in their heart. Let's take a few minutes and talk about Nehemiah's character: 1. Cupbearer to the king= faithful honorable and trusted 2. He understood his heritage=history Born to tribe of Judah in exile 3. He was a loyal son/broken heart for his people 4 . He was a defender of the weak "How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. (Psalm 82:2-4 NIV) 5. Most importantly He was a man of prayer and had a heart that turned to God to strength and wisdom You see all of who he was in his prayer. His prayer shows his heart but it also tells us how to pray. All kinds of prayers Ephesians 6:18 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 Lord's people. (Ephesians 6:18 NIV) Prayer that stems from a deep relationship with God. Someone that knew God to be a redeemer, forgiver and healer if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV) Prayer that took on the needs of others Prayer that yielded to God to work this out for his people Ask yourself these questions: Are you faithful and honorable? Are you loyal as a friend? Do you have a heart that defends the weak? Lastly do you know God in such a way that when you turn to him in prayer you know age hears you? Glenda