Doing Something for God

DAY 150
2-22-10
NEHEMIAH 1-3


Good Morning!

If you recall, in Ezra 1-2, God stirred up the hearts of people to rebuild the temple and Jerusalem. When God puts something on your heart, there are some things to be aware of. Nehemiah was passionate and determined to lead a rebuilding party back to Jerusalem. Notice he first prayed about it; confess sins; and praised God. In other words, he was undertaking this task with God in mind.

When you have a passion for a ministry; a project; or have a plan or an idea; use Nehemiah’s narrative as a teaching tool to help you be successful. In the first three chapters we learn that:

1. Not everyone will share your vision and your passion. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. I have my passion areas and you have yours. Don’t get your feelings hurt if others seem lukewarm to your idea.

2. Some will even oppose you. Except where an idea is unbiblical or a wrong thing to do, opposition to ministry in the name of God is down right sinful. Christians should support each to the extent that we might have different talents or passions, but we do not try to sabotage each other.

3. If you share your desire well, you can raise partners to work with. Vision must be shared. This is how a team is built. This is how you convince others to share your work and your passion.

Nehemiah shared his passion well. He convinced the king and others to help in the work. Not everyone was convinced, but he was able to continue the work that God put on his heart to do.

Barry