Observations on Nehemiah (BIND – Day 35)

Bible In 90 Days – Day 35

Reading: Nehemiah

So much “meat” in this book!  Here are some key things that I got from this reading of the book.  Each time I see something different and applicable to my life – thank you God!

Take Away(s):

• An attitude of Prayer. 1:6. Each time I read this verse, I am humbled by Nehemiah’s attitude of prayer.  If you read between the lines of this single verse, he is praying to God day and night – as he worked for the king, as he was at home, as he did everything.  Also, Nehemiah’s prayer that the Lord hear and see his prayer.  To me, this means that Nehemiah’s actions, thoughts, and his heart were part of his prayer life.  It was far more than the stolen or specific time set aside to talk to God – it was his attitude and actions throughout his entire day.
• It’s the heart that matters. 2:4. In this verse, Nehemiah prays – but it is a quick prayer (I can’t imagine that he would have the luxury to say “um, can I have a 5-minute break and then come back and answer your question?” to the King when he asked him the question.  His heart was known by God and God knew the desire of his heart from their ongoing prayer conversation.  God honors all conversation with him…the cries of our heart!  Thank you Lord!
• Prayer First!. 4:4, 9. What an example – their first reaction when difficulties and naysayers arose, was to take it to the Lord.
• A leader listens. 4:10-14. Nehemiah heard from those he was leading and made an informed decision – one that was tactically and strategically prudent.  Lord, I pray that i would always be attentive to those that I am leading.
• Avoiding Overcommitment. 6:3. Heard this application in an Andy Stanley podcast…I won’t take credit! This verse is cool when you look at in the context that Nehemiah knew what he was be doing was of the Lord and and the right thing for him at that point in his life.  He wasn’t distracted by something potentially important – talking with some officials – he knew what God had for him to do.  When we are distracted or faced with a choice to do something, may we have the courage and wisdom to say, “I am carrying on a great project [or doing what God would have me do] and cannot go down.”
• Women Singers! 7:67. So cool – women singers!
• Reverence for God’s Word. 8:5. Can you imagine having such an awe and respect for God’s word that when you hear it read, your first reaction is to stand…to respect it as the very WORD of God?  I love God and the bible, but I think my reaction to it as God’s amazing and holy word could improve.  This 90-day program is causing me to grow in my love and respect for God’s word.
• More than Reading. 8:7-8. The Levites instructed and made the Law clear and understandable. What a challenge to those who teach, preach, and lead in worship.  It is so much more than just reciting and communicating – if we don’t seek and strive to ensure clear understanding, our communication is for nothing. God, I pray that I would always have that in my heart.
• Scary Visual of Sin. 9:26. This verse is scary – especially as a sinner (which is all of us!).  I wrote a blog about it, so I won’t retype it here!  Check it out (scroll to the “Scary”one.)
• Care for the Church. 10:39. The pledge at the end of this verse must be true for us – we must care for (not neglect) our church – in the physical and spiritual sense.

There is soooo much in this book – I could write on…but, these are the ones that jumped out this time!