Continuing Catholic Education January

Nehemiah- Overview Background – Post Exile Timing – BC during Persian rule Context – After Ezra, Rebuilding Temple Walls Main Themes – Zeal for Jerusalem – Leadership to rebuild the Temple Wall – Spiritual Temple Building through Teaching the Word of God and Prayer

Nehemiah and Persian King Nehemiah as a loyal subject to King Concern about his People and Temple Appointed as Governor of Jerusalem Leading people in rebuilding the temple walls Follow-up with the people and guiding them to obey the Lord

How do we become Nehemiah? Do we need to build ‘Walls’ today? Zeal for the Church Prayer before every action Concern about our brethren It is not enough to Lament; but take the next steps; Take Leadership in His works. Spiritual Wellbeing of Others – Cain’s Question ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’ ‘Problem I have a God’ attitude

How do we become Nehemiah? Jerusalem Wall – Sign of Power, protection, beauty to the city of Jerusalem God put the desire to rebuild the walls in Nehemiah’s heart God wants his people to be united. Inspiring us to “rebuild” walls in his City We need to put together a plan of action like Nehemiah

How do we become Nehemiah? True Leadership is not just gaining recognition, holding a position or being the boss Requires planning, hard work, courage and perseverance Listen to God’s direction everyday

How do we become Nehemiah? When faced with difficulties, the tendency is for conflict and discouragement No triumphs without troubles Cannot runaway from problems, rather face them squarely and press on to complete

How do we become Nehemiah? The building of Wall was completed by Nehemiah Still the work was not complete until Ezra lead them to repentance and spiritual revival When we remove sins from our ‘City’, we need to bring God into the center of the City

Lessons from Nehemiah First Step of every venture is to pray – ‘In the Beginning God’ People under God’s direction can accomplish ‘impossible’ tasks There are two parts to real service for God- Talking with him and Walking with him