The one that gets me every time is Ann Frank. Ultimately killed by the Nazis, she says that it spite of everything, she thinks that people have good hearts. Really? Wow!
Okay, your turn. Comments?
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Nehemiah…Again? (Part 5)
What are some of the lessons we can learn from Nehemiah?
1. God’s leader responds to a call
Nehemiah understands his leadership as a calling from God (Nehemiah 2:12b). Nehemiah listened and came to see the need (1:1-4).
2. God’s leader cares for the people and their situation
Nehemiah listened to the voice of the people. He showed care for their situation. Nehemiah identified with the people. He thought in terms of “we” and “us” ( 2:17, 20). He came to understand and identify with “the trouble we are in” ( 2:17).
3. God’s leader helps define the reality of the situation
When Nehemiah said, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned,” he was not describing his own personal agenda but assessing the common situation faced by all the people. Unless the reality can be described honestly, progress is impossible. “Nothing is more limiting to a group,” says Peter Senge, “than the inability to talk about the truth.”
4. God’s direction and vision are sought by the leader and people
Nehemiah frequently asked God to provide a vision for him. He understood that a true vision must come from God. It must be a God-inspired and God-revealed vision. Only such a vision is worthy of leadership. The vision must be “what God has put into my heart” ( 2:12). This vision emerged in the midst of a devastating situation. It would have been easier to give up in despair, but God’s leader always seeks God’s vision, even in difficult times.
5. Prayer is essential to know God’s will
We often overlook it, but prayer is the fundamental act for people of God. God’s leaders and God’s people must be in the right place to hear God’s voice. God can speak to us at any time, but if we are not turning our hearts toward God to seek God’s guidance, it is more difficult for God’s vision to reach our hearts. The prophet Habakkuk, who we will discuss another day, climbed into the tower believing that God had a vision for him and his people. Habakkuk was willing to wait for the vision, but knew that he needed to put himself in a position to receive it.
6. God’s vision is simple; not simplistic!
God’s vision tends to be very simple. People build complicated systems, but God’s will is often extremely simple. For Nehemiah and his people the vision was captured in three words: “rebuild the wall.” There were many needs, hopes, and dreams of the people, but God’s vision for the immediate future was captured in rebuilding the wall. Without this initial vision, the other needs could not be met.
7. God’s leader builds a team
Nehemiah gained the trust of the people. This gave him the opportunity to build a team that could make the vision happen. People shared responsibility to accomplish the goal. No one person, not even Nehemiah, could accomplish this vision alone. Nehemiah began with a few, then he expanded the team to include virtually everyone. The people committed themselves to the “common good” (2:18b). The talents of the people were named and used (chapter 3). Different people worked on different sections of the wall. People were assigned to work closest to their homes.
But even God’s people get tired. They felt the task was taking too much time and was too difficult. There were internal disputes. Someone has said, “Everything looks like failure in the middle.” But Nehemiah was able to find ways to alleviate their concerns without losing the vision.
8. God’s leader keeps the real purpose before the people
It is easy for people to forget the purpose behind the vision even as they work to fulfill it. The vision was to rebuild the wall, but the wall was not the important part of the vision. The wall was a means to a larger purpose. What Nehemiah and his people were really about was reclaiming their identity as people of faith. What was at stake was not just a wall but indeed their very faith (Chapter 8; 12:27). Nehemiah had to make sure the people were reminded of their ancient faith. Because their task was tied to a larger purpose, they put their hearts into their work and were able to complete the task in 52 days ( 6:15-16). What an amazing feat this was.
9. God’s leader is not discouraged by adversity
As they rebuilt the wall, they were ridiculed and mocked. Their enemies did everything possible to discourage them. They threatened to tell untrue stories about Nehemiah. Nehemiah listened but persisted. Nehemiah knew he was “doing a great work” (6:3) and could not come down from the wall to debate with the enemies. Nehemiah persisted even when adversity came. God’s people cannot give up when adversity comes.
10. God always has another vision
When people work so hard to accomplish a great goal, the temptation is to want to stop and rest. God’s people should stop and celebrate victories, just as Nehemiah and his people did; but God is never finished with us. After we give thanks to God for bringing us to a new place on our journey, then we must turn again to God in prayer asking, “What, now, is your will for us?” It is time for revisioning.
We are always on a journey with God. We rest for a brief time, but we do not stop. We keep seeking the new land that God is calling us to reach. God always has something else for us to do. We cannot become what God wants us to be by remaining what we are.
[Amen…]
Nehemiah…Again? (part 4)
Note well, that if you are going to be a person of influence, you are going to get criticism. Your knee-jerk reaction needs to be falling on your knees in prayer. But prayer isn’t the only thing we need to do at this point. We need to buckle down and finish the task at hand! No one who takes on a difficult task and does it to the best of their ability ever loses self-respect!
Now Nehemiah faces another problem: 4:10-12 When strength begins to wane and burnout is imminent, work comes to a standstill. In these kinds of situations, a leader of influence must keep his own personal thoughts in check and hold to a secure faith in a God that is a lot bigger than the problem!
How does Nehemiah goad them back into action? With amazing human insight. 4:13-23 He observed that the basic unit of encouragement was the family. They had been broken up by working in different places on the wall, and this system was counterproductive. So, he re-organized the work around the family with a common goal. In V.14 – When he saw their fear, he knew he had to act fast. The look of fear is quite recognizable; it is highly contagious. Until he did something about this creeping dread, little progress would be made. There’s no greater way to push back fear than to point their attention to an Almighty God…and to rally them to defend their own family!
In V.15 – When you feel you have done all you can do and the problem won’t budge, don’t give in or up. You are not through yet; leave room for God to work! God encourages our hearts, and He frustrates the plans of our enemies!
What do we learn from Nehemiah as we watch him work through these thorny issues? A person of influence is able to stick to the battle plan and not be distracted by distracting skirmishes! Nehemiah presented a plan to the people that gave them peace of mind while allowing the project to move forward.
As a fallback, Nehemiah provided them a rallying point in the event of an attack and reminded them God was fighting with them! So much for fear…we have a plan, and a backup plan, and most importantly, we have God.
Thanks for taking the journey with me. I think we can let Nehemiah rest for a bit. We shall see…
[more…]
Nehemiah…Again? (part 3)
In V. 18-9 – Most of the people rose to the challenge, among much criticism. The criticism came from the brethren and kinsmen. We expect to have opposition from outsiders, but the painful truth is that much of it will come from those we thought we could count on. Everyone wants to talk about change and what and who needs to change…BUT, no one wants to change their own actions or be the change! People are quick to point out the things what has gone wrong in someone else’s area, but are very hesitant to do any type of introspection. People will fight tooth and nail to stay in their comfort zone…even if they are uncomfortable.
I have recently given this some thought, and considered putting out a survey asking 1- What one thing do you think should be changed in the organization (church), 2- What one think can you do, stop doing, or teach someone else that would improve the way we function?
What do you think? (I am asking for some feedback!)
In V. 20 – Why is Nehemiah so bold? We just talked about this last week with Moses. He KNOWS that God is with him.
So we have Nehemiah. A man who has an iron constitution, unlimited energy, total awareness and faith in an all-powerful God. Like Nehemiah, God wants to use you to fortify the spiritual walls of those around us, when they are weak. But first, we must have our OWN spiritual walls fortified!! We must be sure our own spiritual house is in order.
But…
There is a cost to being a leader. One of those costs is receiving criticism. In Chapter 4, verses 1-9 Sanballat & Tobiah criticize, AND they stir others up join in on their critical mood. {{If a tongue sins in one area, you can just about count on it being unbridled and sinning in another area!}}
Why would Sanballat, Tobiah and the other wealthy men of Samaria be against the rebuilding of Jerusalem? One of the main roads linking the Tigris-Euphrates river valley with Philistia & Egypt ran right through Jerusalem. With the wall re-fortified and rebuilt, Jerusalem would once more be well-protected, it would attract trade & Samaria’s influence and wealth would dwindle to nothing.
Every group has a Sanballat in it. Notice that Nehemiah doesn’t react directly to him. In 4:4-5 He talks to God instead! When you feel that vengeful spirit welling up inside, it’s best to leave it to God to execute! Instead of striking back and lashing out by saying things you will likely regret, spend some time pouring the bitterness out to God!
So, instead of striking out at Sanballat, notice how Nehemiah reacts to the criticism: 4:6 He stayed at the task. After getting off his knees with renewed strength, he pumped some of that determination into his workers. “Pass me another brick!”
Notice the intensity with which Sanballat now reacts: 4:7-8 Nothing riles (can I say pisses off) a critic more than having their criticism result in more progress! Notice that Nehemiah did not let this distract him. Look at 4:9. Nehemiah matched the intensity of the criticism with intensified prayer; but this time he brought the workers with him when he knelt before God!
[more…]
Nehemiah…Again? (Part 2)
Let’s pick up the story at Nehemiah 2:11-20
In verse 11, Nehemiah waits 3 days before he does anything. Why? And, why does he wait in silence? When faced with this huge task, Nehemiah spends time in solitude with Jehovah; the place to go to get our faith reservoir refilled! Last week we talked about Moses, and acting in haste. Have you ever acted in haste or spoken too soon because you put your feelings and your sense of rightness out “there” before you spent time with God to sort the plan out? The important concept here is to stay “prayed up.” Keep in touch with your prayer warriors, those who help watch your back even when you are too foolish, or in too much of a hurry to do it yourself.
So, what are our first cues?
—- Step back, spend some time with God
—- Stay prayed up, and stay ready
In verses 12 and 16, Nehemiah tours the walls at night. Why? He wants an honest assessment of the situation and the damage without a horde of people “helping” him and distracting him from the task. Have you ever been in a situation where everyone, even people not involved in the situation…everyone has advice, opinions and directive…but no one wants to step up front to take leadership or ownership? We must walk with our eyes open, looking at the problem with new and fresh eyes. Take ownership of the problem. These 3 days of silence was when God to put His plans into Nehemiah’s heart.
— Look at the problem from a new perspective
Why fix the wall? Shoun’t we do something about their deplorable living conditions and crumbling houses first? Nehemiah “attacked” the problem of the wall first because this was Jerusalem’s most important protection against their enemies and the missing wall made them essentially defenseless.
— Figure out what the most important part of the problem…
— What’s the linchpin?
— What’s the tipping point ?
In verses 13-15, as Nehemiah returned home, his path led him through the Kidron valley or Valley of Hinnom. This is where garbage was dumped and the smelly fires burned constantly. It was later known as the Refuse or Dung Gate. Nehemiah was willing to walk through the worst, smelliest valley to reach his goal! And, notice that he is alone. He doesn’t have any cheerleaders or anyone to show this off in front of.
— Sometimes you have to go through the valley and the muck before you can really move forward. This is the hard part of the journey. Few, if any will stand alongside you when the going is hardest.
In verse 17, after his time with God and his time of solitude, Nehemiah is now ready to commit himself to the task of helping the people. People will follow leaders that roll up their sleeves to join in on the hard task. When Winston Churchill addressed the House of Commons during the war, he said, “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.” Notice that Nehemiah’s only motivation in this was “to remove the reproach of Jerusalem.”
— People will work best with and for us if we are willing work along with them
[more…]
Nehemiah…Again? (Part 1)
Text: Nehemiah 2:11-20; 4:1-23
Sorry guys, I’m back staring at the battered and beleaguered walls with Nehemiah. We have visited with Nehemiah recently, but I think he has a little more to offer us (me) right now. At least a portion of my angst is being generated by a little turmoil I am experiencing in my church life right now. If I can be just a tiny bit transparent, I am having not so much a faith crisis, as a people-in-church crisis.
So the question we must keep asking ourselves is, “How do we as leaders keep others motivated when the going gets tough?” And, this brings us back to Nehemiah.
When I am faced with adversity, I usually think of two old sayings…
“Tough times will make you better or bitter,” “What doesn’t kill us is bound to make us stronger.”
Adversity, however does not leave us untouched or unscathed. So, the truth of the matter must lie somewhere between these two extremes; somewhere between the bitter and dying and the better and stronger.
What moves us to one side or the other of this equation? Why are some of us crushed and others elevated when life torments us? What makes the difference? The short answer is- the ability to reach deep within to find the inspiration to carry us through depends on our reservoir of faith. If our personal tanks are empty, we can often find encouragement through an experienced leader to replenish it. Of course, right now I’m speaking of Nehemiah.
In 444 B.C. the city walls of Jerusalem were in ruins and the gates of the city were burned. The smoke had long dissipated, but the people were still in great distress. Despair had taken the very heart out of the people.
Nehemiah was a great leader who reached deep within to find the motivation to say, “Give me the utensils, and we will finish the work!” At times like this, a simple speech can have a great impact. Words can find their way into fearful hearts and liberate disconsolate souls! And when encouraged people unite, they can become a tenacious and formidable force that can bring about victory!
For those of us that may feel downcast, or disheartened, God is calling us from defeat to victory. That is His God’s call upon our hearts today. Our businesses, families and churches need someone who is in touch with a great God to lead us through the tough times. That’s you!
Since we’ve been here recently, I’ll just give the highlights of the Book of Nehemiah and draw attention to some of the principles that show us Nehemiah was a great example. Setting – Nehemiah was in captivity in Babylon. He heard about the hardship and ruin of Jerusalem’s walls/gates. He asked to be allowed to go repair them and was given permission and the resources to accomplish it…
[more tomorrow…]
Happy Father’s Day
A Few Motivational Quotes
Which of these speaks to you personally? Look through these quotes and write down your own thoughts, your own take on these and share with us.
1. Excellence is a habit
2. Sometimes as hard as we think it will hurt, the best way to get to the other side of a misadventure is to go through it…and learn
3. Often it feels like we are beating our heads against the same wall, but occasionally we make a dent, once in a while we can see a little light go off in someone’s eyes when they finally “get it.” Keep pushing forward
4. The more resistance you get for a fresh idea or a new perspective, the more likely you are on the right path
5. If you think you cannot…you are right. Why? Because you will not give it your best effort as you enter in.
6. What we dwell on, we become…This speaks to our inability to let go of old hurts and labels that people have placed on us; not letting go of the negative values we may have learned as a child. Failing to forgive ourselves for our errors and staying stuck. Think better thoughts, and become more!
7. You can only get better with practice, and by accepting the fact that you may fail sometime. You won’t make the game-winning shot every time
8. To change the world you will probably have to change yourself as well
9. Don’t forget to enjoy the journey…there are many lessons along the way. Grow by breathing them all in. Don’t miss out (especially with the people you love) by focusing only on the end. Celebrate the small victories along the way.
10. Our first job is to serve others!
What about you?
(write them down…its important. You are important…always, always, always remember that!)
Join the March of the Unqualified
Have you ever felt unqualified or disqualified to be a follower, or unqualified to help lead others to Christ? We all feel this way occasionally, but thank God that He is the One who has “qualified us” or “fitted us” or “made us sufficient” to inherit the blessings. He has done this by redeeming us, forgiving us our sins and clothing us in the righteousness of his Son (1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 5:21). Whatever training or credentials we feel we formerly lacked, we have now been given. Whatever things we have done in the past, that bring us a sense of shame or at least a feeling of disqualification, or not-good-enough-ness, they are forever forgiven.
Whatever feelings of inadequacy that may have crippled us in the past, God has certified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light! If you find yourself saying, “I’m not up to the task. I’m a miserable failure. I don’t deserve to stand in God’s presence,” God now says to us that we who are in Christ are “Qualified! Forgiven! Adequate in Jesus! Righteous in my Son! Come and receive and enjoy your inheritance together with all the saints in the life-giving, soul-cleansing light of my kingdom!”
And what is this inheritance in which all believers share?
? Ruling angels (1 Corinthians 6:3)!
? Inheriting the earth (Matthew 5:5)!
? A glorified body (Romans 8:17-25)!
? The kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)!
But none of this means anything if God isn’t there. Our inheritance is God and is in God! He is our exceeding great reward. John Piper said it best when he wrote that “the highest, best, final, decisive good of the gospel, without which no other gifts would be good, is the glory of God in the face of Christ revealed for our everlasting enjoyment. The saving love of God is God’s commitment to do everything necessary to enthrall us with what is most deeply and durably satisfying, namely himself” (God is the Gospel).
Thank you God, that You have filled us with joyful and glad-hearted gratitude, and for having qualified us to inherit you . . . your presence, your beauty, your glory forever and ever.
That You for having qualified us by grace alone…
Amen…
Leadership Lessons from Moses (Part 5 / conclusion)
There are four main lessons from this discussion about the life of Moses, so let us review…
1) We are to shun sin
In Hebrews 11:24-26, it reads that… “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.”
2) We need to learn to exhibit patience
Like Moses, this is one that I occasionally have issues with. Notice the rationale that Moses uses in Acts 7:25-28, and from it we can see that being in the will of God was not enough. We cannot assume that everyone around us will understand what we are trying to accomplish. If we are acting within God’s will and God’s timing, a proper way will be made for us and our gifts. “For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not. And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another? But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?”
Moses wanted to be the deliverer for the people of Israel, but not in God’s time. Moses then worked for another 40 years before God was ready for him. Acts 7:30 “And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sinai an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.”
Luke 8:15 “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.”
Psalm 27:14 “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”
Luke 21:19 “In your patience possess ye your souls.”
3) We must stop making excuses for not moving forward. Eventually we must stop the talk and the stalling and DO SOMETHING!
As we have read in Exodus (3:11, 12; 3:13; 4:1, 2; 4:10, 11; 4:13, 14), Moses had lots of ready excuses for not wanting to do God’s will, but God did not take kindly to these excuses.
God still speaks to us in this way…
Today God says, “Seek ye first….” Matthew 6:33
God says, “Do all to the glory of God” 1 Corinthians 10:31
How many times do we say to ourselves and to others, “I can’t, because ________________?”
We can do all things through Christ! Philippians 4:13
Are we seeking to excuse ourselves from our responsibilities or do we humbly submit to God’s will?
4) Proceed in meekness
Moses was meek. This in no way implies that he was weak! We should be meek, but we should never compromise God’s truth. Moses never did this. Instead we see Moses as the man who was in Mt. Sinai and stayed for 40 days and nights. We see him as a bold and courageous leader of God’s people. We see him as someone who defied the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abijah.
Meekness is a trait which all we as Christians should have. Notice Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”
Meekness is one of the items listed in the fruit of the Spirit. Gal. 5:23
It is something that we need to receive God’s word. James 1:21tells us, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”
Conclusion:
Moses’ life serves as a model for us on many levels, not just about leadership. We tend to pick and choose certain figures to bring our certain points or lessons for life. We must keep in mind that the Bible is not just a storybook, with lots of little plays and vignettes to tickle our fancies. The Bible is one story, held together by one message- redemption.
So, if you feel as though you have fallen away from the path, Moses’ life serves as a great example of faithfulness and as such calls us back to God. He did not let the pleasures, promises and seductions of this world interfere with his responsibilities toward God. Do you?
Perhaps you’ve never been on the path…this is how it works:
Find a friend to help you, or find a church community…
a) Hear the word; Romans 10:17 “Faith comes by hearing . . .”
b) Believe with all your heart; Hebrews 11:6 “For without faith it is impossible . . . .”
c) Repent of your sins ( Acts 17:30).
d) Confess Jesus as the Son of God ( Matt. 16:16).
e) Be baptized for the remission of your sins ( Mark 16:15,16).
Now, go and DO!
Amen…