To Stand Before the King Nehemiah 2 1

To Stand Before the King Nehemiah 2: 1 -10 Lewis Winkler Crossroads International Church www. biblestudydownloads. com

Introduction: n What are things that you care about and are concerned with the most? n What is your first and most natural response when things do not go well in one or more of these areas?

My Knee-Jerk Response:

Philippians 4: 6 -7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ”

An Uncontainable Responsibility (vs. 1 -3):

A Bit of Review: n Nehemiah received bad news from his brother, Hanani (1: 2 -3). n Nehemiah was deeply grieved by this report and responded by mourning, fasting and praying to God, asking Him to do something about this terrible situation and give him an opportunity to bring it up with the king of Persia (1: 4 -11).

An Uncontainable Responsibility (vs. 1 -3): Previously, Nehemiah had not been sad before the king (vs. 1). n He could no longer contain his sadness over the ruinous state of Jerusalem's walls (vs. 2). n The king's observation caused him to be “very much afraid” (vs. 2). n Despite his fear, Nehemiah shared his burden with the king (vs. 3). n

Joshua Prays for the “Impossible” John and Sharon Bazarko

Psalm 127: 1 “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. ”

An Unconventional Request (vs. 4 -5, 7 -8 a) Only God could bring about the desired response. n Only God could make the entire project worthwhile. n

James 4: 13 -15 “Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. ' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is you life? You are mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that. '

An Unexpected (? ) Response (6, 8 b-10): n From the Ruling King n n As Cupbearer Allowed in the Presence of the Queen Given Full Provision and Protection Are you a trustworthy person, esteemed by God and people?

2 Corinthians 12: 7 -9 “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given to me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ”

An Unexpected (? ) Response (6, 8 b-10): n From the Local Leaders

Conclusion and Application: n Some things I am trusting God for in 2009: n n Greater engagement in life with more energy for service More giving of encouragement, especially with my wife and children More visionary leadership and positive ideas for family activities and together times Better coaching and mentoring skills like asking good questions and drawing other people out more (especially in my family), rather than doing most of talking.

Bataa and Chuka's Story

Conclusion and Application: n What are you trusting God to do in and through you this coming year? n Are you seeking Him in prayer to bring them about?