Monday, 07 July 2008 00:00  |  Written by Kathryn Kerridge [a] and posted in Nehemiah

They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace…” When I heard this, I sat down and wept. Nehemiah 1:3-4

Think of places in the world where you know that God’s people have it tough….where Christians are imprisoned, discriminated against, tortured or killed because of their faith.

Do you think of them; weep for them; pray for them; give financially to help them? Nehemiah was moved to mourn, fast and pray.

Thank God for the freedom of religion you have and remember those Christians who are suffering.

Tuesday, 08 July 2008 00:00  |  Written by Kathryn Kerridge [a] and posted in Nehemiah

Nehemiah was the king’s cupbearer – an indispensable position in the king’s entourage! There’s was no earthly reason why the king would accept Nehemiah’s request.

Yet, God answered Nehemiah’s prayer. Not only did the king give his permission, but he agreed to supply safe conduct to Jerusalem, wood from the king’s forest and army officers and cavalry for the trip.

God can move the heart of anyone so that His purposes are accomplished.

Wednesday, 09 July 2008 00:00  |  Written by Kathryn Kerridge [a] and posted in Nehemiah

After dark, I went out through the Valley Gate to inspect the broken walls and burned gates... Nehemiah 2:13

Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem and before he told anyone his plan he went and inspected the damaged walls himself. He had a vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, but he also knew that to succeed this project needed good management.

Acting in faith often has to go hand in hand with wise planning and careful thought; not only do we need to envision people, we have to organise them too!

Thursday, 10 July 2008 00:00  |  Written by Kathryn Kerridge [a] and posted in Nehemiah

Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews… Nehemiah 4:1

Don’t be surprised if, when you are determined to obey God, you face immediate opposition from others. It may be teasing from friends at school or maybe scoffing, rumours, false accusations or even physical attack. The devil will use anything he can to discourage you from achieving God’s purposes.

Friday, 11 July 2008 00:00  |  Written by Kathryn Kerridge [a] and posted in Nehemiah

But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves. Nehemiah 4:9

What was Nehemiah’s response to these constant attacks from the opposition? The attacks had started as verbal abuse and progressed to plans to fight the workers on the wall.

Nehemiah didn’t get discouraged; he didn’t give up; he didn’t retaliate. He turned to his God with prayers of faith, and made practical provision to guard the city; faith and wisdom going hand in hand again.

Saturday, 12 July 2008 00:00  |  Written by Kathryn Kerridge [a] and posted in Nehemiah

For the entire 12 years that I was governor of Judah – neither I nor my officials drew on our official food allowance. The former governors, in contrast…took advantage of the people. But because I feared God, I did not act that way. Nehemiah 5:14-15

What integrity Nehemiah had. Not only did he not exploit his people, but he was determined not to make things harder for them by insisting on all of the allowances that were due to someone in his position.

He so believed in what he was called to do and cared so much for his people that he was prepared to make financial sacrifices and laboured alongside them – that’s servant leadership!

Sunday, 13 July 2008 00:00  |  Written by Kathryn Kerridge [a] and posted in Nehemiah

The wall was finished – just 52 days after we had begun. When our enemies…heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realised this work had been done with the help of our God. Nehemiah 6:15-16

Vision, leadership, planning, teamwork and perseverance all came together to achieve the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. Now God’s people had a safe home to return to.

As for the people’s enemies… they realised the work had been done with God’s help. This is a good thing for us to remember! Whatever part of a team you are, God is both helping and working with you.