Book of Nehemiah: Post 3: Bringin' It.

So, I have read a couple of different blogs today...and they have encouraged me so much! Before I get into the Book of Nehemiah and what God is teaching me, I have some prayer requests...

1) The Chill
I am meeting with the Presidents at both "CHILL" groups tomorrow...be praying that God will give us clarity. I am also meeting with some raising Senior guys about THE CHILL next week, pray that they will get involved!

2) Missionaries in Peru
I wish I was in Peru everyday, but that was not in God's plans for this summer ( other than the two week trip). Join me in praying for the 40 or so summer missionaries and all the missionaries who live there.

3) This Month
Pray that I don't waste it. :)

I realized that I have not been actually talking about things that I am doing on any post since...well, last august, really...so...I am getting ready for football season, working in the yard, keeping my house spotless, watching tv, reading my Bible...now you know why I haven't mentioned it :)

Now to the Book of Nehemiah.

I was reading Nehemiah 5 this morning and I am just gonna write what I wrote in my journal...maybe it can encourage someone.

Vs. 5: It will not take long for those who were once with you to start falling away. There is no doubt that no matter how hard you work and how sure of your calling, people will complain and try to talk you out of what God is calling you to do. I must remember that my calling is not based on others' opinions, but on God's opinion of me. Sometimes people will say how much they have sacrificed as if their troubles trump God's calling, but I must NEVER allow myself to look at my circumstances to determine God's plan for me. Yes...we all sacrifice things to do the Lords work many times, but that's ok!

Vs. 6: When Nehemiah heard these complaints, he was very angry. The next part is where I struggle...maybe someone else feels me on this..."so AFTER THINKING IT OVER" he responded. I must become less reactive if I am going to rebuild the walls at TLH.

Vs.7-8: Nehemiah was willing to say the things that made his peers uncomfortable, he was not afraid of what they may say about him. His life was for one purpose, he had a wall to rebuild...so, after getting angry...he cooled down a little and told them what they needed to hear...he continued in Verse 9...

Vs. 9-15: Although Nehemiah knew that the people were speechless after his little speech, he pressed in a little more. He tells them their enemies are all around them and God has protected them thus far, so they should fear God. After this speech, the people tell him they will be obedient, but Nehemiah made them promise! He even told them that he would pray that God will punish them if they break this promise.

Wait a second...Nehemiah didn't blindly believe them?? But, they said they were gonna do what was right! I must remember that a life of disobedience, even for a short time, can make others lose trust in me...just like Nehemiah needed proof that these people would do what God was calling them to do, sometimes we have to prove ourselves. These people had been charging interest to Jewish brothers that had the same purpose...they were forcing people to do all kinds of things that hindered what God was trying to do! I love what Nehemiah says about why he did not do those things in verse 15 "But because I feared God, I did not act that way." WOW...that pretty much sums it up Nehemiah!

Vs. 19: When we do what God calls us to do...we can pray the prayer that Nehemiah prayed in Verse 19..."Remember, O my God, all that I have done for these people, and bless me for it."

Nehemiah was confident that he had done what God had called him to do...my prayer is that one day I can pray this prayer in confidence.

In conclusion, Nehemiah told people what they needed to hear...not what they wanted to hear, but he did not do it in a reactive way, he thought about it, then spoke. More opposition is coming in the next chapter and unity amongst the Jews will be essential to their success...

I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson