Promises Week 21:
II Chronicles 34 - Nehemiah 7
…delighting in Him and His Word…Psalm 37:4
II Chronicles 34:14 Doing what is Right. While Josiah made the correct decisions – he found the Book of the Law – something blessed and beyond wonderful. Doing the right thing can be translated into seeking for in doing right, in being obedient, we are in our own way seeking God’s heart, His way, His blessing and when one seeks we know that one finds. In Chapter 35 - Josiah kept – Josiah appointed – Josiah encouraged – taught and places the Holy Arc in the House of the Lord. As we well know and are perfecting in ourselves, faith requires action. Josiah did all these things and they all led to a greater experience of God’s grace and provision.
The Book of Ezra encourages believers that although the enemy wants to oppose people who are doing something for God we don’t have to be afraid or surprised when opposition comes because God is with us and we must stay strong, alert and courageous. Not easy but effective. Fear not for God is with you and He always wins.
Ezra. 1:2-4 and 6:1-12. Promote the divine interest of divine institutions – building the temple. Also just a note that in Ezra 4 we see the first real mention of letters being written and exchanged. Communication is instrumental in effective leadership. Write your vision on a tablet and others seeing it can run with it. (paraphrased from Habakkuk 2.2)
Ezra 7:23, Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done diligently and honorably for the house of the God of heaven. In this Promise Bible Study our mission is to study and learn and occupy His promises and commands. God can use mightily one whose whole heart craves a knowledge of Him and His Word.
Ezra 9:8, And now, for a brief moment, grace has been shown us by the Lord our God. Who has left us a remnant to escape and has given us a secure hold in His holy place, that our God may brighten our eyes and give us a little reviving in our bondage. ( Each time we refresh ourselves in His word our enter into praise may we feel that grace!)
The Book of Nehemiah assures us that God wants to repair every broken thing in our lives and restore everything that has been lost. Rejoice and get busy for God.
Nehemiah 1:4 Step One - Weep over the ruins. Building the walls of our life:
What I could be under God vs who I am today
What possibilities has God given vs how far have I deviated from the potential?
In church this week the message was on Chapter 1 of Nehemiah and entitled “Compassion in Action”. Here are my notes: after receiving the news – Nehemiah paused – sat down – wept and mourned – fasted and prayed. In his prayer he:
1. Acknowledged and praised God
2. Confessed sin
3. Remembered the Lord’s PROMISES
4. Intentionally requested specific help
Nehemiah is an awesome example for all of us…to live compassionately in service of our Heavenly Father.
Nehemiah 1:11 – listen to the prayer of your servant who delights in you…
Nehemiah never acted without praying and never prayed without acting.
Nehemiah 2:9 & 10 Step Two – reconstruction in courage. Names of the gates are important…
Nehemiah 4:14 – Remember the Lord. In all that we do
Nehemiah Chapters 4 to 6 Step Three - Persecution in building the walls. Chapter 6:15 – the wall was finished in 52 days. These challenges refined our faith and purpose.
Nehemiah Chapters 7 to 13 – Reinstruction. (next week J) These Four Steps are laid out in the attached notes from Ray Stedman’s notes on Nehemiah’s building the walls. His discussion on the Gates and there meaning is revealing and recommended as further reading.
Week 22: Nehemiah 8 to Job 7