S-6 – Holy Ground S-7 – Lamb Of God Opening Prayer 179 – Lead Me To Calvary 574 – The Glory-Land Way Sermon “Hand Me Another Brick ” 326 – Trust And Obey 334 – Where He Leads Me

“Hand Me Another Brick” Nehemiah 1 & 2

“just an ordinary person – highly motivated” Influencing People [principles that make us effective] 2 Peter 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Who have we influenced? For better or for worse? How are we leading? “just an ordinary person – highly motivated”

Because of unfaithfulness, the kingdom Solomon had ruled would be divided (1 Kings 11:11), between the northern tribes (Israel), and the southern tribes (Judah). Israel was carried away into captivity (722 B.C.). Judah was judged in 586 B.C. Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar invaded Jerusalem (and all Judah) and took the people captive (2 Chron. 36:15-23). After the Babylonian takeover, Jerusalem was in bad shape (Nehemiah 2:13-14). Seventy years later, God’s people were allowed to return to their land and Jerusalem. The first group left with Zerubbabel 536 B.C., (Ezra 2:1). About 80 years later, another group under the leadership of Ezra left Babylon ( Ezra 7:1), then 13 years later Nehemiah will lead another group. Almost 100 years after the first return, the walls still were down and much of the city was filled with rubble. Note, Nehemiah could not forget about Jerusalem—can we go for days without thinking about the kingdom? (Matthew 6:33; 2 Corinthians 11:28-29). Nehemiah had a comfortable job, he "had it made", but he couldn’t get his mind off of God’s people and the city where God has placed His name. As long as Israel was suffering—his comfortable situation and promotions were meaningless. Note, secular promotions and accomplishments don’t have to endanger your walk with God—but they can.

“Marks Of A Competent Leader” I. Clear Recognition Of The Needs. [Nehemiah 1:1-3] II. Personally Concerned With The Need. [Nehemiah 1:4 ; Col. 3:1,2] III. Goes To God First With The Problem. [Nehemiah 1:5-7 ; Phil. 4:6 ; 1 Pet. 5:7] IV. Available To Meet The Need Himself. [Nehemiah 1:11]

“The Benefits Of Prayer” II. Praying Makes Me Wait I. Reminds Us Of God’s Promises [Nehemiah 1:8 ; Lev. 26:33 ; Deut. 30:2,3] II. Praying Makes Me Wait [Nehemiah 2:1] III. Clears Our Vision [Nehemiah 1:7-9] IV. Quiets My Heart [Phil. 4:6] V. Activates My Faith [1 Thes. 5:17]

“Preparation Principles” Realize Our Own Limitations / Be Honest! [Neh. 2:1,2,6] [2 Cor. 12:10 ; Eph. 6:5-7] - Luke 14:28 (KJV)  28For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

“God Honors A Plan” “The most disillusioned people I know are those in the Lord’s work who are the paying the price of not thinking & acting on God’s plan.” Nehemiah made preparation [Nehemiah 2:7-9] Do we prepare? Heb. 5:12-14 Let God Work. [Prov. 21:1] Be Willing To Wait. 1 Cor. 15:10 Opposition Is Expected [Neh. 2:10]