Nehemeih 1 (VISION)
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Gaining Vision
Gaining Vision
Did you know Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper editor for lack of ideas…..he also went bankrupt several times before he built Walt Disney?
Did you know Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper editor for lack of ideas…..he also went bankrupt several times before he built Walt Disney?
Did you know Babe Ruth has the recorded for the most home runs but also has the record for the most strike out?
Did you know Babe Ruth has the recorded for the most home runs but also has the record for the most strike out?
Did you know in 1954 Jim Denny fired Elvis Presley after a performance and told him that you aren't going anywhere!
Did you know in 1954 Jim Denny fired Elvis Presley after a performance and told him that you aren't going anywhere!
Do you know it took Thomas edison two thousand experiments before he invented the right filament for the light bulb……A reporter asked him how did it feel to fail so many times. Edison replied “ I never failed once, inventing the light bulb just happened to be a two thousand step process.
Do you know it took Thomas edison two thousand experiments before he invented the right filament for the light bulb……A reporter asked him how did it feel to fail so many times. Edison replied “ I never failed once, inventing the light bulb just happened to be a two thousand step process.
By the time Beethoven was 46 years old he became completelyy death but still went on to record his greatest works.
By the time Beethoven was 46 years old he became completelyy death but still went on to record his greatest works.
What allowed these men to endure adversity, failure, set back, ridicule and heartbreak?
What allowed these men to endure adversity, failure, set back, ridicule and heartbreak?
How were they able to press on?
How were they able to press on?
How about you when you get discouraged do find yourselff giving up? Do you feel like throwing in the towel?
How about you when you get discouraged do find yourselff giving up? Do you feel like throwing in the towel?
We are going to go through the book of Nehemeih and he is going to show us lessons of
We are going to go through the book of Nehemeih and he is going to show us lessons of
perseverance
perseverance
leadersip
leadersip
leading of the Lord
leading of the Lord
build back up that was tore down
build back up that was tore down
completing that was set before us
completing that was set before us
promise
promise
restoration of the children of Israel
restoration of the children of Israel
Why?We are going to see why Nehemeih went and rebuilt the walls, and when God calls you to something it may not make sense to anyone else but you and God!
Why?We are going to see why Nehemeih went and rebuilt the walls, and when God calls you to something it may not make sense to anyone else but you and God!
How? We are going to see that Nehemiah was not a construction worker he was a cup bear which his job was to taste the wine before the King tasted just incase of poison.
How? We are going to see that Nehemiah was not a construction worker he was a cup bear which his job was to taste the wine before the King tasted just incase of poison.
Who? If Nehemiah is going to succeed he can not do it on his own! How many times in do we try to do things on our own! Prov 15:22 Without counsel, plans go awry,But in the multitude of counselors they are established.
Who? If Nehemiah is going to succeed he can not do it on his own! How many times in do we try to do things on our own! Prov 15:22 Without counsel, plans go awry,But in the multitude of counselors they are established.
So as God starts to put the things on your heart that may seem difficult. Start to ask yourself Why…..How…..Who
So as God starts to put the things on your heart that may seem difficult. Start to ask yourself Why…..How…..Who
What’s one of the things that many people traditionally do at New Year’s (besides getting drunk)? They make resolutions.
What’s one of the things that many people traditionally do at New Year’s (besides getting drunk)? They make resolutions.
Here’s some interesting New Year’s Resolutions. These are ones you can actually keep:
Here’s some interesting New Year’s Resolutions. These are ones you can actually keep:
1. Gain weight. At least 30 pounds.
1. Gain weight. At least 30 pounds.
2. Stop exercising. Waste of time.
2. Stop exercising. Waste of time.
3. Read less. Makes you think.
3. Read less. Makes you think.
4. Watch more TV. You've been missing some good stuff.
4. Watch more TV. You've been missing some good stuff.
5. Procrastinate more. Starting tomorrow.
5. Procrastinate more. Starting tomorrow.
What I want to talk about goes beyond simple “New Year’s Resolutions”. I want to stir up “God-resolutions” in you.
What I want to talk about goes beyond simple “New Year’s Resolutions”. I want to stir up “God-resolutions” in you.
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Why do I need a vision for my life?
Why do I need a vision for my life?
1. The great men and women of faith had a sense of direction in their life from God.
1. The great men and women of faith had a sense of direction in their life from God.
Noah had never heard of rain before, but God spoke to him and gave him direction and he and his sons built an ark. Building an ark would take time and planning.
Noah had never heard of rain before, but God spoke to him and gave him direction and he and his sons built an ark. Building an ark would take time and planning.
It didn’t happen overnight. It took over 120 years to build. Noah didnt just see it raining on Christmas Eve and then said we better start building a boat:)
It didn’t happen overnight. It took over 120 years to build. Noah didnt just see it raining on Christmas Eve and then said we better start building a boat:)
2. God has good plans for your life. Your responsibility is to find out what He wants for you.
2. God has good plans for your life. Your responsibility is to find out what He wants for you.
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(Eph 2:10 NKJV) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
(Eph 2:10 NKJV) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Workmanship Means POEAM which is Poem - We are God’s Poem
The very first step in finding God’s plans for you is to come to know Him.
The very first step in finding God’s plans for you is to come to know Him.
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(1 Tim 2:4 NKJV) who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
(1 Tim 2:4 NKJV) who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
God loved you so much He sent His Son to die on a cross and pay for your sins, all so you could know Him.
God loved you so much He sent His Son to die on a cross and pay for your sins, all so you could know Him.
Week #1 – Gaining a “Vision” / #2 - Pursuing the Vision / #3 Finishing the Vision
Week #1 – Gaining a “Vision” / #2 - Pursuing the Vision / #3 Finishing the Vision
Is there purpose in your life?
Todays Title is:
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Gaining a “Vision”
We will see 3 Points on Gaining Vision
Nehemiah 1:1 – 2:8
Nehemiah 1:1 – 2:8
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(Neh 1:1-3 NKJV) It came to pass in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan[a] the [b]citadel, 2 that Hanani one of my brethren came with men from Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped, who had survived the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said to me, “The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.”
(Neh 1:1-3 NKJV) It came to pass in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan[a] the [b]citadel, 2 that Hanani one of my brethren came with men from Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped, who had survived the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said to me, “The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.”
Nehemiah was a cupbearer to Artazertsies who ruled Persia from 464 to 423 B.C
Nehemiah means comforter
Being a cupbearer you were always with the King. You would have great influence on the King and others
Hebrew month of Chislev runs from mid November to mid December on our calendar
the twentieth year of Artaxerxes was 444B.C
Sushan was the capital city of the Persian Empire
Just was a ordinary day Nehemiah’s met his brother Hanani who just returned from Jersulem .
When Nehemiah asks about Jerusalem, he has already had a burden for the city. But when his brother brings news, things really start rolling.
When Nehemiah asks about Jerusalem, he has already had a burden for the city. But when his brother brings news, things really start rolling.
Lesson
Lesson
Q:When do we get vision?
Q:When do we get vision?
Sometimes it comes at a time of difficulty or need.
Sometimes it comes at a time of difficulty or need.
Nehemiah gets an update from the situation in Jerusalem and things aren’t good. This is what prods him on to action.Isaiah had a vision from God (Is. 6) where he saw God’s throne and heard God call him to serve him. But it came the year that good King Uzziah died, a time of national tragedy.
Sometimes it comes when we go away and spend time with God.
Sometimes it comes when we go away and spend time with God.
Habakkuk had a lot of questions about life. He took his questions to God.(Hab 2:1-3 NKJV) I will stand my watchAnd set myself on the rampart,And watch to see what He will say to me,And what I will answer when I am corrected. The Just Live by Faith2 Then the Lord answered me and said:“Write the visionAnd make it plain on tablets,That he may run who reads it.3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time;But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.Though it tarries, wait for it;Because it will surely come,It will not tarry.
The “vision” came when he was up in the tower.
Take time to get away from distractions and confusion and hear from God.
In all cases it comes to a person who is seeking God and looking for help.
In all cases it comes to a person who is seeking God and looking for help.
I like spending quiet time with God when I am walking
Q: Where do you hear from God?
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(Jer 33:3 KJV) ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’
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Nehemiah 1:4-11
Nehemiah 1:4-11
4 So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
4 So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
5 And I said: “I pray, Lord God of heaven, O great and awesome God, You who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love You and observe Your commandments, 6 please let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You now, day and night, for the children of Israel Your servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel which we have sinned against You. Both my father’s house and I have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against You, and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, nor the ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses. 8 Remember, I pray, the word that You commanded Your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations; 9 but if you return to Me, and keep My commandments and do them, though some of you were cast out to the farthest part of the heavens, yet I will gather them from there, and bring them to the place which I have chosen as a dwelling for My name.’ 10 Now these are Your servants and Your people, whom You have redeemed by Your great power, and by Your strong hand. 11 O Lord, I pray, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who desire to fear Your name; and let Your servant prosper this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”
5 And I said: “I pray, Lord God of heaven, O great and awesome God, You who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love You and observe Your commandments, 6 please let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You now, day and night, for the children of Israel Your servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel which we have sinned against You. Both my father’s house and I have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against You, and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, nor the ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses. 8 Remember, I pray, the word that You commanded Your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations; 9 but if you return to Me, and keep My commandments and do them, though some of you were cast out to the farthest part of the heavens, yet I will gather them from there, and bring them to the place which I have chosen as a dwelling for My name.’ 10 Now these are Your servants and Your people, whom You have redeemed by Your great power, and by Your strong hand. 11 O Lord, I pray, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who desire to fear Your name; and let Your servant prosper this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”
For I was the king’s cupbearer.
For I was the king’s cupbearer.
Lesson #1
Lesson #1
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Point #1 Pray for the “how”
Point #1 Pray for the “how”
Sometimes we have an idea of the “what” of a vision. We have this notion of what ought to happen, but we don’t have a clue as to “how” it’s going to happen.
Sometimes we have an idea of the “what” of a vision. We have this notion of what ought to happen, but we don’t have a clue as to “how” it’s going to happen.
Nehemiah did have an important position in the Persian empire, but by himself he didn’t have the means to get this grand vision accomplished. He wasn’t going to be able to do it by himself. The vision was bigger than he was.
Instead of quitting, this is when we need to be praying.
Instead of quitting, this is when we need to be praying.
The “how” is God’s problem. This is the kind of thing He does best.Nehemiah knew the “what”, but didn’t at first know “how”, and so he’s going to be spending the next four months praying, asking God for help.
Story: God has shown us over the past 10 years the WHAT, it gets clearer every year on the HOW. He is bringing much help onboard to complete the vision of Transforming Lives Inside and Out all around the world”
The “how” is God’s specialty – not something we have to figure out on our own.
The “how” is God’s specialty – not something we have to figure out on our own.
Moses didn’t have to figure out how to part the Red Sea
Moses didn’t have to figure out how to part the Red Sea
David didn’t have to figure out how to get rid of Saul so he could become king.
David didn’t have to figure out how to get rid of Saul so he could become king.
Do you have an idea of “what” but don’t know “how”? Pray.
Do you have an idea of “what” but don’t know “how”? Pray.
(Neh 2:1-8 NKJV) 1) And it came to pass in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, that I took the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had never been sad in his presence before.
(Neh 2:1-8 NKJV) 1) And it came to pass in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, that I took the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had never been sad in his presence before.
A turn in events is about to happen. Nehemiah has been praying for four months.
A turn in events is about to happen. Nehemiah has been praying for four months.
month of chislev was in december
Nisan - mid march and April
4 months have passed
Nehemiah waited on the Lord …..prayed, and waited for God to give him direction
We can pray and hear the what but you need to hear when
App: I always want to hurry and make the when happen
We have to wait on God because He is not just preparing you but…..also the other side as well
Lesson #2
Lesson #2
Point #2 Cultivate Faithfulness
Point #2 Cultivate Faithfulness
Nehemiah was a dependable employee. He was a guy that the king could usually count on. He did his job and he normally did it cheerfully and faithfully.
Nehemiah was a dependable employee. He was a guy that the king could usually count on. He did his job and he normally did it cheerfully and faithfully.
As we’ll see, the quality of faithfulness will play a big role in Nehemiah fulfilling his vision. He will not be a quitter or one who backs down easily.
As we’ll see, the quality of faithfulness will play a big role in Nehemiah fulfilling his vision. He will not be a quitter or one who backs down easily.
Nehemiah didn’t start being faithful in Jerusalem, he started in Susa.
If you want to be a person who gets a vision from God and who is faithful to fulfill it, you need to be a man or woman who is faithful in the things you do now.
If you want to be a person who gets a vision from God and who is faithful to fulfill it, you need to be a man or woman who is faithful in the things you do now.
(1 Cor 4:2 NKJV) 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
(1 Cor 4:2 ICB) A person who is trusted with something must show that he is worthy of that trust.
Do you want God to entrust His plans to you? Then make faithfulness a priority.
APP: God had my wife and I in full time Ministry for over nine years with Calvary Chapel GreenValley serving the youth. Before God gave us next steps.
APP: God had my wife and I in full time Ministry for over nine years with Calvary Chapel GreenValley serving the youth. Before God gave us next steps.
Sometimes we give ourselves our own best excuse as to why we don’t think about plans or vision for the future – we are convinced that God could never use someone as small and insignificant as we are.
Sometimes we give ourselves our own best excuse as to why we don’t think about plans or vision for the future – we are convinced that God could never use someone as small and insignificant as we are.
STORY: Or Movie of little people doing big things
God isn’t looking for BIG people.
God isn’t looking for BIG people.
He’s looking for faithful people.
He’s looking for faithful people.
ARE YOU Looking for direction from God in your life? Be faithful to the things that are already before you. Be faithful in the little things.
(Luke 16:10-11 NKJV) 10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. 11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
Slides
Nehemieh 2:2-5 Therefore the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This is nothing but sorrow of heart.”
Nehemieh 2:2-5 Therefore the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This is nothing but sorrow of heart.”
So I became dreadfully afraid, 3 and said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ tombs, lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire?”
So I became dreadfully afraid, 3 and said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ tombs, lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire?”
4 Then the king said to me, “What do you request?”
4 Then the king said to me, “What do you request?”
So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.”
So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.”
Nehemiah hasn’t been sitting around wishing that someone else would go rebuild Jerusalem. He was ready to go himself.
Nehemiah hasn’t been sitting around wishing that someone else would go rebuild Jerusalem. He was ready to go himself.
We know that God has called Fit 2 Serve to share the Gospel by using Fitness as the bridge.
We are not waiting for others to do what God has called us to do!
6 Then the king said to me (the queen also sitting beside him), “How long will your journey be? And when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.
6 Then the king said to me (the queen also sitting beside him), “How long will your journey be? And when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.
7 Furthermore I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given to me for the governors of the region beyond [c]the River, that they must permit me to pass through till I come to Judah, 8 and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he must give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel which pertains to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house that I will occupy.” And the king granted them to me according to the good hand of my God upon me
7 Furthermore I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given to me for the governors of the region beyond [c]the River, that they must permit me to pass through till I come to Judah, 8 and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he must give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel which pertains to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house that I will occupy.” And the king granted them to me according to the good hand of my God upon me
Lesson #3
Lesson #3
Point #3 Begin to make your plans
Point #3 Begin to make your plans
We are getting ready to set Goals for 2024, but goals don’t work if we don’t have daily steps of action
Judging by the detail of Nehemiah’s response to the king, this is something he’s been thinking about.
Judging by the detail of Nehemiah’s response to the king, this is something he’s been thinking about.
When the king asks “how long”, Nehemiah has an answer to give him.
When the king asks “how long”, Nehemiah has an answer to give him.
Sometimes we fall into thinking that a truly “spiritual” person doesn’t make plans. Instead, we are just “led by the Lord”. But this isn’t Biblical. Making plans is quite Biblical, as long as we are always careful to give God the ability to form or even change our plans.
Sometimes we fall into thinking that a truly “spiritual” person doesn’t make plans. Instead, we are just “led by the Lord”. But this isn’t Biblical. Making plans is quite Biblical, as long as we are always careful to give God the ability to form or even change our plans.
(Prov 16:9 NKJV) A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.
(Prov 16:3 NKJV) Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established.
I don’t want to talk about making “good” plans, I want to talk about finding “God’s” plans.
I don’t want to talk about making “good” plans, I want to talk about finding “God’s” plans.
(James 4:13-17 NKJV) 13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” 16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.
All the plans we make are subject to what God wants for our lives.
{17} Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
A vision is when you have an idea of what God wants you to do. If you don’t do it, you’ve sinned.
You may not have a clue as to how all the “hows” are going to be answered, but begin making your plans. And give God permission to change those plans.
You may not have a clue as to how all the “hows” are going to be answered, but begin making your plans. And give God permission to change those plans.
There may be some things right off that you can do to take some practical steps toward your vision.
There may be some things right off that you can do to take some practical steps toward your vision.
For example – some of you may have a vision of some of your loved ones coming to know Jesus.
How do you expect that will happen? Could it be that God would use YOU in their lives?
Maybe you aren’t sure you’ll have all the answers to the questions they might ask –
Homework: What kinds of things does God want to do in your life?
If you have a hunger to see God’s direction in your life – then start praying and asking God for vision.
Maybe go spend time up in a tower somewhere.