Small Jobs

When reading Nehemiah 1-6 we learn about how Nehemiah led the Jewish people to rebuild the crumbled wall of Jerusalem.  It was a huge undertaking that no one person could ever accomplish.  But with the help of MANY and by each building small sections the job was completed.  No one refused to help because they thought they were too good for the job, such as priests and goldsmiths.  The work of Immanuel is also a huge undertaking.  But if everyone does a small job much can be accomplished in the goal of everyone taking one-step-forward in their relationship with Jesus Christ.  Don’t have the attitude “I can’t teach” or “I’m not musical”.  There are so many places to help that there is certainly something you can do and when you do it unto the Lord you will be blessed in return.  Just as the people of Jerusalem completed the wall with the help of their God (Nehemiah 6:16) the work of Immanuel can be accomplished with God helping each one of us to do the work.

Contributed by Carol Winslow

Together

God was preparing the builders of the wall even before they were approached by Nehemiah to do the actual work.  When they initially were informed about what was needed they replied, “Let us start rebuilding.”

Builders included various groups of individuals such as government high officials, district workers, neighbors, and families.

Ordinary men that resided in the city worked next to rulers of the city.  Everyone cooperated with each other.  Everyone had a work to complete so the next person could begin his task.  As we look to what God wants each of us to do with our time, energy and talents – ask Him how you can be of help to the larger body of believers.

Contributed by Linda zurBurg

Whatever

Not only the priests and the Levites, but the common people like goldsmiths and merchants contributed to the work of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. All the names are given in commemoration  because it was a work of devotion and patriotism to repair the holy city.  I like how they continued to go on with their work even in the midst of so many enemies, depending on the power of God to keep them safe.

I want to depend on God like that, while working for Him here in Holland Michigan. I want to contribute to the work of leading people to Christ, and helping them in their Christian journey here at Immanuel, along with Pastor Dean, and the elders and deacons. Let's all jump on the bandwagon and get the job done.....whatever the job is that the Lord lays on your heart!

Contributed by Melody Freckman

Names

Zaccur, Meremoth, Meshullam, Joida,-WOW. These names are certainly not familiar or easy to pronounce. It would be easy to skip over Nehemiah, chapter 3. There’s not much action happening there. But, chapter 3 holds a lot of insight into the people of Jerusalem and into the organization of the work. Have you ever started a project only to get bogged down by the enormity of the amount of work? That is what happened in Jerusalem.

Nehemiah was organized and knew that tackling the whole project was asking more than what the people could handle. However, if each took responsibility for a portion of the project, it would be manageable. Not only that, they were made to be responsible for the portion of the wall by their home. Who would want to do a crummy job if you had to look at it everyday?

Not only does chapter 3 list people with unusual names, but it also informs us as to who they were: goldsmiths, mayors, priests, perfume makers… These people were not all carpenters and builders. God gave them abilities as they volunteered to do the tasks assigned to them.

Unfortunately, the list is not limited to names and vocations, and wall assignments. Verse 5 mentions some men from Tokoa. It goes on to say that these men were “lazy and didn’t help.” It seems every project has its slackers. Who do you suppose had to pick up the extra work? It is usually those who were over-committed to begin with.

How does this chapter pertain to us? If there was a large project at church, too much for any one person or small group, how would this project be tackled? For instance, a car show, picnics in the park, youth programs, Bethlehem Village, -who carries on these programs? One, two or three people? Do you need a degree in youth work, evangelism, or cars to be used? NO! Chapter 3 isn’t there just to challenge our phonics, but to demonstrate to us that everyone must take a part to complete the whole. I’m not directly involved with Treasure Hunters, but my grandkids are. Therefore, I, just a housewife and grandmother, want it to be a great program. What am I doing to help this program to be successful or am I in the category of “lazy and didn’t help”?

If your name and occupation were going to be listed, what wall of Immanuel Church are you working on?

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Cor.15:58

Contributed by Barb Kornoelje

Credit

                Nehemiah’s relationship with God was close and personal. In chapter 2, both verses 8 and 18 say “…the gracious hand of my God was upon me…” In verse 20 we read, “We His servants…” Nehemiah recognized God’s hand at work in his life and gave Him credit for it. He knew things weren’t just happening by chance but that the God of the universe was directing and guiding in all areas.

                In our society God’s name is bandied about constantly. Young to old demean His Name on a daily if not hourly basis. How that must make the heart of God grieve over people that He loves and sent His only Son to pay the punishment for their sin.

                For those of us who claim that Jesus is our Savior and Lord let us be always vigilant of not using God’s name in a flippant manner. We need to be like Nehemiah who praised God for what He was doing in his life and in so doing brought honor and glory to His Name.

Contributed by Lucy Kolean

Distrubed

The first chapter, though short, is packed with some very powerful truth and insights into the character and condition of both Nehemiah and the remnant back in Jerusalem.

A Jewish brother returns from Judah and reports, "Our people back in Judah are in great trouble and disgrace.  Jerusalem's walls are broken down and the gates destroyed by fire."

When Nehemiah hears this, he sits down and cries.  In fact, for several days he carries on like this; mourning, fasting, praying over the condition of his people and his city.

This leads me to ask myself how I react when I hear that a brother or sister in Christ is in great trouble, or living in disgrace before the Lord?  The walls and fabric of their lives broken down and gates destroyed.  Gates are quite important in one's life, especially when considering Christ calls himself "the gate" in John 10:9.  I'm often guilty of taking such news and processing it with an attitude of self-righteous indifference or consuming it like a morsel of juicy news.

Or what if that fallen brother is ME?  How would YOU react to the news that I'm in trouble and need rescuing?  Would YOU come looking for me?  Would you?

Contributed by Phil Schaap

Curious

                Sometimes in the Biblical narrative the Spirit of God inserts an interesting tidbit such as in Nehemiah 2:6, “Then the king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked me…” This little fact is thought provoking to me.  When Nehemiah made his petition to the king did the queen have something to say about the issue? Had she struck up a friendship with Nehemiah during his many years of service? As all good wives often do, had she offered her two cents worth to help her husband make a decision?

                I hope when we get to heaven that there will be a Bible class where we can ask God questions about His Word. I’ve got many theological questions to ask but I also am curious about non-theological things as well including one about this queen in Nehemiah’s story. Inquiring minds just want to know!

Contributed by Lucy Kolean

Ordinary

“Nehemiah was a bullfrog”…oops, bad start J. 
 
Verses 1 & 2:  When Nehemiah learned from Hanani that Jerusalem was in ruin, he was deeply saddened.  I found it interesting that he first cried out in prayer to the Lord to restore Jerusalem.  Even as an ordinary man, the Lord had already placed Nehemiah in a position of influence as the king’s cupbearer. 

After months, when the king finally noticed how saddened  Nehemiah had become, he asked if he was sick.  Again, before his reply, he said a quick prayer to the Lord.  He demonstrates his love and faith in the Lord, and through this, he is rewarded by receiving permission of passage through foreign lands to Jerusalem, and also ordered others to supply timber needed to rebuild the gates.  To this point, he is beginning to accomplish an extraordinary task through his faith in the Lord.

Verses 3 & 4:  After inspecting the wall in the dark of night, many were called, I believe through the Lord, to help rebuild the wall and gates.  But Mayors of the city and their army’s didn’t take them seriously and mocked their work.  The workers again turned to the Lord by praying for protection.  Some worked, some stood guard while others prayed, and they were not harmed.

Verses 5 & 6:  Money was running out and rich Jews were profiting by demanding interest and mortgages for loans to keep the work going.  Nehemiah spoke out against this in a public trial and it was agreed they would no longer profit in evil ways.  The priests made them formally agree or suffer the wrath of the Lord.  Again, the Lord intervened.  As work progressed, the hostility toward Nehemiah escalated and his enemies were plotting to kill him.  The Lord did not allow them to harm Nehemiah.

Conclusion:  Ordinary people CAN accomplish the extraordinary given their God given talents and faith in Him.

Contributed by Loren Arnoldink

Temple

Nehemiah's prayer is one of those records of scripture that many of sermons and teaching outlines have focused upon regarding aspects of prayer.  A playbook of prayer.  A prayer spawned out of the brokenness over the troubled condition of not only these Jews but also of Jerusalem.    I can understand disappointment even being distraught over the condition of those you've come to love, but a city and it's walls? 

A brief mental journey through the history of Jerusalem and recalling that to OT Believers it was the hub, the center of their experience with God.  It was where the Temple was located. The place of not merely meeting together, but of meeting God.  Then I fast-forwarded to the 21st century.  In the present age, God meets with Christians through the Holy Spirit right where we are.  As a matter of fact, in the New Testament writings of Paul, our bodies are the Temple of God.  God abides with us and in us.  No longer is needed an ornate piece of furniture (such as the old testament Ark of the covenant) which symbolizes God's presence.  The Believer can enjoy His presence 24-7!

So, how do I maintain my temple?  How is my structure looking?  Sound and sturdy or a bit wobbly and uncertain? How concerned am I about what I allow to bombard the temple of my body and mind? 

Am I laying building blocks or swinging a wrecking ball?? 

Contributed by Gene Schnuckel

First

When reading Nehemiah 1-6 we learn about how Nehemiah led the Jewish people to rebuild the crumbled wall of Jerusalem.  It was a huge undertaking that no one person could ever accomplish.  The first thing Nehemiah did when he learned about the condition of Jerusalem was go to God in prayer.  (Nehemiah 1:4) When the king asked him why he looked so sad (2:4) he quickly prayed to God before giving his answer.  And the gracious hand of God was upon him in all that he did (2:8, 2:18).

We, too, face many challenges in life that to some may look impossible.  It is very important that we go to God first, before we do anything, and He will guide and direct us.  We may forget to first ask for God’s help and try to fix it on our own but we will fail.  God is always ready and waiting to hear our plea and give us the help we need. 

When my first husband died after being sick for only eleven weeks, I was brought down to the point of fear and uncertainty of what to do.  But when I asked God for His help, that I couldn’t possibly do it on my own, He stepped in and miraculously gave me peace and everything seemed to fall in place.  Since that time in my life, I have repeatedly seen God’s answered prayer in my life.  He continues to direct my paths. (Prov. 3:5 & 6)

Contributed by Carol Winslow

Transparency

As I read the very first chapter it struck me, Nehemiah was pretty transparent with the King.

After Nehemiah weep over the condition of the walls, the king saw something was wrong. Rather than feeling the need to defend his people and the reputation of his God Nehemiah told the king how bad it was even though it was a shameful thing.

Assuming King Artaxerxes was not a believer in Yahweh it struck me how often do we pretend nothing is wrong in our lives in front of our non-believing friends?

In the book UnChristian points out that the unbelieving world looks at Christians as a self-righteous group (very unattractive to them). Is this in part because we tend not to let them see the crumbled state of our personal walls? (The funny thing is if our non-believing friends know us on a deeper level they likely know our shortcomings without them telling us.)

What would happen if we like Nehemiah became vulnerable in front of people who don't know Christ? Would it be easier for us to point them to the true meaning of the Gospel...God's unbelievable grace?

What would happen if I even accepted help from my non-believing friends? Could they be used by God to rebuild my walls and end up building a deeper relationship with them?

So often I feel the pressure to "have it all together" especially in front of those who don't know Christ...but is that really the message of the Gospel?

Maybe God could use my broken walls to reach out to someone who doesn't know Him. Maybe my broken walls will have a stronger witness of God's amazing grace on which we all depend on each moment of our lives.

Come to think of it I really can't defend God's reputation when I hide my broken walls. My story is really about God's grace and my broken walls point to that every day.

Oh but to be vulnerable.....

Contributed by Lee Geysbeek

Attitude

In corporate America, three basic criteria are held in high esteem.  Generally speaking, one must have the proven ability to perform the task(s) for which they are employed, the track record of accomplishing objectives and lastly...maintain an attitude befitting the position.

Likewise, in Nehemiah's day, attitude in the king's presence was extremely important.  In fact, to display sadness in the king's presence was subject to severe consequences.  That explains the source of Nehemiah's fear in responding to the King's inquiry.  Yet, Nehemiah's confidence did not stem from his position but from his relationship with God.  This relationship enabled him to make the requests of the king...which were granted.

Now,  one considers the basis for this whole exchange.  Why did this discussion and requests even occur?  Because Nehehiah's internal burdens had been externally evident.  No masking.  No hiding.  In our day we'd say "it was just out there".  The thought came to me, if Nehemiah had not been genuine would the incident recorded in this passage have ever occurred?  Would the walls ever been rebuilt?  Would Nehemiah have experienced this working of God in and through him as well as the encouragement to the residents of Jerusalem? 

Today's Christian also has The King to whom we can bring our concerns, pleas and praise.  Just as for Nehemiah, God's blessing can be limited by coming before Him with an inappropriate attitude.  Do we have burdens, challenges to living for the Lord today?  We sure do!  But, we also have the ear of a caring, loving King who wants us to enjoy a life for Him over the rim which overflows to the benefit of others!!

  

I Peter 5:7 - Casting all our cares on Him because He cares for you (us).

Contributed by Gene Schnuckel

Self-Denial

Nehemiah was so saddened by the condition of the city of Jerusalem, that he sat down and cried.   And refused to eat for several days because he wanted to spend that time in prayer. When was the last time "I" was so moved to pray that I didn't have time to eat?  When did I care so much about the plight of others, that I denied myself for their sake? I can think of a few times....but not nearly often enough! Nehemiah had a heart for others.  We learn that right away in Chapter one.

Contributed by Melody Freckman

Remember

Nehemiah 1:8-9

Remember…this has been my “word” for 2011.  We find it over and over in God’s Word.  Just had another birthday and my memory is no so good anymore. I find myself writing sticky notes and lists frequently.  God’s people did not remember so well way back and we also find it hard to keep God’s commands and promises in our heads and hearts. 

Nehemiah 1 :8-9 says:  “Remember the instruction…if you are unfaithful I will scatter you among the nations. BUT if you return to me and obey my commands…I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.” 

God always keeps His word.  Isaiah 46:8-9 also says; “Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart.  Remember the former things of long ago – I am God, there is no other.  I am God, and there is none like me.”

Remember – there is no other like God.

Remember – who He is and whose you are.

Remember – His promises and His past faithfulness.

The past is the key to the future.

Contributed by Barb Weeber

Faith Walk

                The indwelling Holy Spirit. The complete Bible published in so many different translations and paraphrases it makes your head spin. Solid, Biblical teaching heard in churches, on radio programs and some TV shows. Thousands of books telling us how to live the Christian life, how to get closer to God, how to be more like Jesus, etc. Christian magazines. All of these things the Christian of today has at his or her disposal but as we study the life of Nehemiah and his relationship to God, are we any closer to God or more spiritual than he was?

                Nehemiah had little to go on in his faith walk compared to what we have but from the beginning of the book of Nehemiah we can tell that he has a depth of understanding about who God is and what He does. In chapter 1, verses 8and 9 Nehemiah even quotes Scripture back to God in his prayer, something that has been popularized in a current series of books today!

                Yes, we have a lot to learn from Nehemiah. Studying his life, his work and most of all, his relationship with God should inspire us in our spiritual walk.

Contributed by Lucy Kolean

Affliction

“The remnant…are in great affliction and reproach.” Nehemiah 1:3

Do you ever experience some days of affliction and reproach? Some folks are of the opinion that God desires that all of His children should always be found healthy, wealthy, and wise. God destroys that myth when He clearly tells us in John 16:33, “In this world you shall have tribulation,” and then He quickly adds, “BUT  be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

We serve the same God that can calm any storm we face with a simple “Peace, be still.” I like the bumper sticker that says, “Sometimes the Lord calms the storm; sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child.”

Why do we experience storms in our lives? Who needs affliction and tribulation?

Storms can:

1. Prevent pride (11 Cor. 12:7-10) Paul speaks of the thorn in his flesh which kept him humble and dependant upon the Lord.

2. Perfect us (James 1:3 and Romans 5:3) The trying of our faith teaches us patience and reliance upon our Savior.

3. Prove God’s power (1 Peter 5:10) After we have suffered for a while, He strengthens and settles us.

Nehemiah heard of the distress and problems facing God’s people. He wept and mourned and fasted and prayed and trusted in the Lord for deliverance.

Contributed by Rich Kornoelje

Prayer

It helps me to hear the people in the Bible pray. Nehemiah was so moved and deeply affected by the desolate condition of Jerusalem, and the defenseless state of the returned exiles, that he prayed for several days! I love hearing the words of his prayer. The way he spells out to the Lord, exactly what is going on, and what exactly he wants the Lord to do for him.  It is not just a general prayer about general things.  It is very specific, and prayed with faith believing that what he is asking of God, God will do!  And when God answers his prayer, the people will know that it was God who was on his side.
I want my prayers to be very specific and I want to give God the glory for the answers to those prayers.

Contributed by Melody Freckman

Nehemiah 1:1-4

Following the Babylonian captivity, Nehemiah had gone from captive to cupbearer.   In serving the king, Nehemiah was not living in his homeland.  In spite of his position, upon meeting fellow Jews, he asks about two things....how are those who returned from captivity and also the status of Jerusalem.

The condition of both were basically down-trodden.   To the Jews, the City was the holy city.  It was Judah's capital city.  The city's temple was viewed as God's special presence.  The wall was a symbol of strength and peace.  Nehemiah's response was one of overpowering emotion. Leading him to mourn, fast and pray for the Lord's blessing on the people.

These few verses offer some insights into the character of Nehemiah.  It also offers checkpoints for me as well.  In spite of my current conditions, do I have a concern for fellow believers?  Is that concern deep-rooted or superficial?  Is my concern real enough to move me to come along side another believer and grieve with them?  Or am I willing to give up something in order to help another?  Do I care enough to seek out the enabling and assistance of the God of all creation rather than stumble through the circumstance on my own?

May I as a former prisoner freed by God's grace hold forth the cup of Christ's love to others.

Contributed by Gene Schnuckel