I’ve been sharing my thoughts lately as I read the Bible.  Today I wanted to share some brief thoughts I had as I read through the Book of Ezra:

• God can accomplish his purposes no matter who is in power.  I find this point especially poignant given that we are now in “election season.”  (1:1)
• Yeah, I guess it’s ok to count numbers in church.  The Bible sure seems to think that they’re important so we should too. (2:3-57)
• Sometimes people will want to join your work with wrong or even evil intentions.  Leaders must listen to God for discernment and sometimes make tough decisions that maybe others won’t like at times but are in the best interest of the group and unity. (4:1-3)
• People with evil intentions can thwart us at times, but they can NEVER stop what God wills. 

Here are my notes from the second half of Nehemiah.  God really showed me some cool stuff during my time in Nehemiah and I pray it speaks to you as well.

• -       Nehemiah asked God to respond to his critics/enemies.  He did not take matters into his own hands (4:4)
• -       It took everyone doing their part to continue the work (4:21)
• -       Nehemiah didn’t take advantage of his position, but rather led from it . . . he spent time on the wall even though he didn’t have to (5:16)
• -       Don’t let people take your eyes off the vision (6:3)
• -       Even then, rumors and lies were spread about people following God and carrying out this vision (6:6-7)
• -       Nehemiah gave power to those that were faithful and reverent of God . . . two pretty good characteristics for any leader to look for (7:2)
• -       Always give credit to one that gives us our ideas . . . God (7:5)
• -       It’s very important for us to remember what God has done in our lives in the past (9:7-38)
• -       It just occurred to me that some many times in the Old Testament, we see these large assemblies (10:28-29) where the people weep and recommit themselves to God, promising to obey his commands.  Every time they try, they fail.  I am so glad that God’s ultimate plan included someone (Jesus) taking my place.  Jesus followed all the commands and then took our sin so that we would be forgiven and could stand in front of God sinless.  Thank you Jesus!
  • o      It is also worth noting that when Nehemiah returned to Babylon and was not actively leading his people, they quickly lost their enthusiasm for following God’s word and reverted back to their old selves.  People need to be led daily.  We as leaders must constantly keep the vision in front of them.

Recently I’ve been reading through the Book of Nehemiah and these are some of my observations:

• -       We must be broken and repentant before God when we go to him (1:6-7)
• -       All great movements of God begin with passionate prayer (1:4)
• -       God will open doors for us, sometimes when we least expect it so we must always be ready (2:1-4)
• -       A great example of how to “pray without ceasing” (2:4)
• -       When Nehemiah was put in position to make the “big ask,” he took it.  I can’t let opportunities slip away because I am afraid to ask. (2:5)
• -       Nehemiah had all the details worked out so that he could answer any question posed to him (2:6-8)
• -       Never forget who really is the one that makes things happen.  Here’s a hint: it’s not us! (2:8)
• -       Seems like there will always be people that oppose what God is doing somewhere . . . should be no different here (2:19)
• -       It’s important to recognize people publicly when they do great things for God  (Chapter 3)
  • o      This entire chapter is nothing but a list of those that worked on the wall and what they did . . . that’s really cool.  I pray that I am a pastor always looking to recognize what others around me are doing for God
  • o      Everyone has a place on the wall/in the church