Nehemiah Summer Session 4 from LPV on Vimeo.
Good grief! We’re already closing up! How is that even possible? I am so grateful to God that we’ve had the opportunity to spend the summer together in Bible study and hope with everything in me that the last six weeks have been profitable to you. 1 Timothy 4:8 is popping into my mind:
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (NIV)
Look at it again: it holds PROMISE and not only for the future when we see God face to face. It holds promise right now. Right here in this present life. Just where we could really use some help. We women are stretched and stressed to ripping seams from every conceivable direction. We are constantly faced with multiple choices concerning how we’re going to spend the limited resources of our day and our energies. We so often give way to the thing that screams the loudest…and, if it’s your baby, Lord have mercy, you should! But sometimes God doesn’t speak through the wind, the thunder and storm. He lowers His voice so that we’re forced to get quiet and still if we want to hear.
And, boy, do we ever want to hear. If we’ve learned the value of His life-giving, life-defining, life-refining, life-forgiving, life-surviving, life-thriving voice, boy, do we ever want to hear. I have no doubt that you’ve heard some things from God this summer through our study of Nehemiah so let’s get to it and share a few of them in closing.
As usual, your comments to this post will come AFTER your gathering but here’s the part that will be very different! EACH of you will comment this time individually rather than through a representative from your group. Your comment will be in answer to question #3 below and will be addressed straight to your teacher for Siesta Summer Bible Study, Kelly Minter. (Start it very simply, Dear Kelly…)
In our wrap up today, I’d like you to answer three primary questions. The first will be drawn from Session (or Week) Five, the second from Session (or Week) Six then the last one will be in reflection of the study as a whole. It’s the one you will EACH answer in your comment to this post. After the questions, I’d like you to join me for just a few minutes in the 3rd Chapter of the Book of Ezra. First, the three questions:
1. From Session Five: Review the top half of p.120 and the Derek Kidner quote that Kelly included. If your personal response to the question in the middle of the page is appropriate to share, share it! Get very specific about how some difficult facts in your life right now are reframed in light of “eternity…and of God’s unimaginable greatness.” Read Romans 4:18-25 for the perfect paradigm.
2. From Session Six: Go back to p.150 and reread the personal reflection question in the left-hand margin. Again, if your answer is not too personal to share, what do you long to see God bring full circle in your life? Listen carefully to one another as you share, jot down some reminders, and, at the end of your gathering, agree with one another in prayer for God to bring those things full circle.
3. In reflection of the study as a whole: What is the primary thing you’re taking with you out of this study? Your party favor, so to speak? Your take-home? In other words, what do you know for certain He meant for you to receive? Try to be as succinct as possible. Share it in the context of your gathering but, this time, I want you to answer this question as your concluding comment to this post. It will be the only one you answer in writing this time around.
Our brief devotional time in Ezra 3 will be in the video only. Please forgive any inconvenience. It was just better suited that way. If you’re unable to watch the video today, no problem! The most important part for the wrap up is right here in writing through the three questions. The devotional was just for added reflection.
Oh, mercy, Sisters. Thank you so much for joining in! I’m so crazy about all of you. Words fail to express the joy this community brings me.
And Kelly…
Honestly, Sister, I cannot fathom how I could love you more unless I just flat out moved in next door. You are so loved and appreciated by the Body of Christ. God has gifted you enormously with a unique voice and a beautiful pen with which to express it. We have learned from you, our sister. Thank you for pursuing God so flagrantly that we catch your fever. Don’t stop writing. Don’t stop sharing your works and your quirks. We find you believable, teachable, reachable, and, even on occasion, hysterical. We are the better for having pulled up a chair in your classroom. Thank you, dear teacher.
Dear Kelly,
I have loved doing this study! My main take away is the dedication Nehemiah had to his calling. When his enemies were trying every tactic in the book to divert his attention or to stop him altogether, he would not be deterred. I want to never let the enemy use the hard times or bad days to get me down or make me want to give up. I want to honor God by being obedient even when it is tough and my strength is running out or I’m simply tired of waiting. When those days come, I’ll pray as Nehemiah did: “But now, O God, strengthen my hands.”
Dear Kelly,
I loved this study! The thing that impressed me the most wasnNehemiahs faithfulness to his task. He knew the thing God called him to do and her persevered in it. He was determined to do this thing for God. I love that. Secondarily, I was very challenged when you asked it we knew any of the poor by name. I realized that I haven’t been very personally involved. I give, but I haven’t got my heat involved. Ouch! I resolve to change that! Thank you sweet Kelly, i look forward to doing another of your studies!
Kelowna, BC, Canada – going solo
Dear Kelly,
The take away from this study forme comes from Nehemiah 4 when the Israelites were facing greater opposition from their enemies. Specifically, the part about it being different “from that day on” in how they did the work with their swords at the ready to defend themselves. It was encouraging to me as a picture of what we’re doing at my church in many areas, and particularly in the area of women’s minisries where I volunteer. There’s been a lot of hard change and we’ve been facing much opposition. But, we can continue on and it will be different “from this day on.” We work at what God has us to do, and we’re always at the ready with the Word of God and prayer to defned ourselves from the attacks of those who would oppose us.
Dear Kelley,
My precious Siesta, who had been advising me through a crushing marital issue, invited me to share this study….but it was God who met me there through the blessing of your study. I prayed for Him to be loud, and bold, and clear…and He asked me to draw close to Him and wholly trust in His plan and timing…
Thank you for sharing you amazing gifts with us!
Kelly,
I have not finished the study, but I am loving it. Thank you so much!!
Hey Kelly , many blessings . I feel like we are friends . To be honest I was shocked at how much this study touched my life in this season . I thought old testament , build a city .. Really? And yet week after week when I counted the best blessings of the week I saw the words Nehimah on my list .. And God saying yes .. Really .
I work for a Medicaid agency and with aca court case we are going through a season of uncertainty . And so recognizing that God wants me to be a leader who’s heart is plyable breaks and open to his voice and concerned about the poor was so encouraging . But the study was so much more .. so many lesson about hard work , trustworthiness, and not backsliding . And the joy and glory of God S words .
Is it real to me ? In more than one project meeting I have said this is our Nehimah project we will build this with God help . thank you So much
Love you so . Remember . All things are possible . really !’!
Dear Kelly;
Your Nehemiah Bible Study taught me a lot about perseverance. I can be a quitter-fear can stop me in my tracks. But not Nehemiah!
My best friend asked me to comment for her.(She’s not a computer person) She and her husband have been going through several struggles. Nehemiah has taught her about the benefits of teamwork. She is determined to not give up on her marriage.
Thank you so much. I have wanted to study Nehemiah for some time. We REALLY enjoyed it.
Dear Kelly, thank you for this bible study. what i took away was that we need to do something when our heart aches for something God puts in front of us. we need to be willing to go by faith into that area and do what he wants us to do.
Dear Kelly, Wow! What a time together this summer in such an nonvisited book of the Bible. What I take away form this study is that I need more of this–Bible time. Deep reflection, could you make it at least once a month to meet with me. I will even gather some friends. We all need it. HEHE. Thanks for this time. Thanks for pointing out that I need to go to you earnestly in prayer and right now, God is laying it on my heart for it to be for my family here in Happy, Texas. I need to be a minister to them. Offer up my time to the Lord not make the Lord fit in my time. The Word is important to my family as it has been important to me this summer.
Purcellville, VA. “Mama & Me”, 2.
Dear Kelly
I am reminded by the Nehemiah study to always pray before everything in life. There were several verses that stuck out for me but the ones I take to heart most is Nehemiah 9:17 “You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in love.” Also 8:10 “Do not grieve for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Thank you for an informative study.
-Mama
_________________
Dear Kelly,
From the beginning, when Nehemiah felt God call him to do a job, it was because he loved the people. During times of dealing with his enemies or the Israelites, or times of celebration, he always prayed to God before anything. His love for the people was constant, no matter what situation came along to challenge him. These things about Nehemiah revealed to me that he was not thinking of himself first, or wringing his hands in worry over himself. Kelly, you taught us to find out the name of a poor person, and described getting to know the Iraqi couple. In all of this I am describing that what I got from the Nehemiah study was to be OTHERS-focused. It was a real encouragement to me to be less self-concerned, and to be loving others and to be in service to those around me. Great Bible study!
-Anita
Dear Kelly,
I am taking quite a few things away from this study, but I think primarily it is that through deep reflection on several of the topics you discussed, and by absorbing the teaching in your videos, I now have a much better understanding of what God is putting in my heart to do in ministry. I feel more confident and compelled to action. This study has really stirred me up!
God bless!
Sharon
Kelly,
Studying Nehemiah was such a fun thing to experience with my mom and my sister! It gave us a chance to bond, grow, and share our hearts. Nehemiah is a book I’ve never really read through or knew much about, but there are so many things I can take away from Nehemiah’s story.
I think what stuck out to me the most in this study was the process of removing “the rubble”. Sin and left over consequences from sin in my life can sometimes threaten my relationship with God just like the rubble in the city threatened the work of the laborers. I really learned, though, that we have to deal with it – to let go of it and move on. Only then can God use that old rubble and the discouraging and exhausting experiences we went through for far bigger and greater things.
I loved learning about Nehemiah’s heart and how he prayerfully, thoughtfully, and passionately handled each situation that came his way. It was so cool to hear what my mom and my sister have passions for and I think through this study we all learned that we have hearts that can break!
Dear Kelly,
This was the first time I have been exposed to your teaching and it was a joy and so insightful. There were so many things to “take away” but I will honor the request to mention one. The main thing I saw was “commitment”. Nehemiah was committed to pray and pursue what God had called him to – no matter the obstacles that came his way. He was committed to work alongside others to accomplish the task at hand. He was committed to participating in giving praise to God for what He had done through this process. I pray that kind of commitment will permeate my life as I serve the Lord – even when it’s not easy or not something I would have chosen.
Thanks again.
Dear Kelly,
I actually did not do this study here over the summer, I did it on my own in the Spring. (I did it because I had poured through and l-o-v-e-d Ruth the year before.) Thank you for writing Nehemiah and for the videos, for obeying God in completing this study. While I was in the midst of Nehemiah rebuilding the wall, I was also reading Jeremiah and God gave me a word for our church based on what I was learning in both. My husband and I are here to revive a small church, and the work on the wall must occur while we teach people how to care for the poor inside our city’s walls. It’s so challenging but I shared the videos from Nehemiah with a couple of women who share our vision and want to participate in it, and it was a privilege to inspire them which in turn inspired me. Our vision is to rebuild this church to be missional-minded. We are still in the early stages (just 2 years now) and the work is so muddy and grindy and I see those needing to be loved still standing out there – how do I bridge my vision to the reality I see? How do I do it, God? Nehemiah has had such an impact on me both to encourage me to listen, continue to pursue God, and how to be a leader alongside my husband. I have the book still in my bedstand and I read through it often at bedtime when I just want some encouragement from God. So thank you Kelly, from a pastor’s wife who’s been placed in the most amazingly difficult situation where I just see God working all the time. A place where I’ve had to literally seek out resources of those who have lived out the vision so I can learn from their writings about how to make the vision bridge to reality. And one of those resources, one of my favorites, is Nehemiah. Esther by Beth and Nehemiah by you. Seriously. Blessings on and all around you, maybe you be swimmin’ in them, sweet Siesta. Hearts and hugs.
I’ve loved this study. It’s been a huge blessing to myself and the women in our group. In thinking about the final question, several aspects of Nehemiah’s story come to mind:
• The way Nehemiah mourned
• God put something on his heart and he sought God out
• He went and did something about it
• Nehemiah’s boldness and wisdom
• People wanted to quiet him and stop him, but he persevered
• He kept going about God’s business
• He didn’t let little tidbits of truth, little discouraging things, like “you’re already defeated” – enemies preying on his weakness and Jerusalem’s mistakes; he didn’t let any of it get him down.
• And then when he left, he wasn’t gone for long, but they were already backsliding. My, how quickly that can happen. Nehemiah handled it so aggressively, but did it in the name of the Lord. The intermarrying, the children not knowing the word of the Lord in their own tongue; they just didn’t know God. Nehemiah came back and let them have it – all in the name of the Lord.
If I had to break it down to one thing, it would be:
If there’s something that God has put on your heart, and it breaks your heart, and there’s something you want to do about it, it’s reassuring to know that I can go to Him and get definitive answers and the gumption to do something about it.
I think this study has helped put me on the path to where He wants me to go. My prayer is that He continues to lead me and give me a broken, compassionate and teachable heart.
Dear Kelly,
My primary take home thing from this study is learning to listen more to what God is putting on my heart to do. Throughout the study I have learned to listen to my heart more and pay more attention to the little nudges to step in and DO something, rather than just go on by. It’s been pretty amazing over these weeks to become aware of how God is speaking to me through what moves my heart. Thank you so much for this study.
Susan A
Tyler, TX
Dear Kelly,
Thank you for the life changing study. My soul and my daily walk with God have been helped. I have learned the skills needed to work for God. Blessings to you and your lovely family. Thank you.
Dear Kelly,
What a wonderful study! I had recently been in discussions about a job change and now I know that God led me to your study. The job I currently have is comfortable and I know it well, and have 19 years experience. It would be much easier to stay here. Clearly God has other plans for my career. I have been very prayerful and seeking God’s will throughout the entire process (actually most of my adult life for that matter) but God especially used your words and your heart to speak to me. The thing that spoke to me the most about Nehemiah was that his most important job as it relates to God’s will, was to OBEY. Even despite opposition from evil, even without knowing the exact way, he took the burning desire that God placed on his heart to rebuild the wall and OBEYED. Well, you can guess the rest of the story…I accepted the new job. I am ill prepared for this job, I am scared to death, I am sad to leave my wonderful co-workers who are like family to me, I am very uncertain about how this will all play out, but i know that God has called me to this new task and I am obeying. I am hanging on to Him for dear life…but I am obeying!!!
Thank you for sharing your precious gifts of teaching and song. Much love to you.
Kelly, We think you rock! We three in NC love your style and the way you guide us through God’s Word. We came away with a great appreciation of how glorious and yet compassionate God is, and how He hears and responds to our prayers. What an encouragement to keep on believing God for those things He has placed in our hearts. God Bless!
Dear Kelly,
Thank you for giving your life and talents in magnifying God’s love, compassion and mercy. You truly are an amazing writer. I feel as if you are a friend next door with whom I have had a cup of coffee and discussed life with. This is my fourth summer Bible study with you through this blog, and I hope one day to meet you in person. I have a college-aged daughter who loves Jesus with her whole being, and oh, how I would love for her to meet you some day! Did I mention I have a very good-looking son never married??? I know, I know, people are always trying to fix you up! But, I’m just saying…..
My study of Nehemiah with you has made me realize more poignantly how much God just wants our hearts. He forgives over and over again, and keeps calling His people to just idolize HIM because He is the joy and peace we really want and need. Keeping our hears and minds idolizing HIM keeps our walls intact and keeps the enemy at bay. God never ever gives up on us! His faithful love is written all over the book of Nehemiah!
Can’t wait till your next study!
Hey, I made the Ginger Snaps. It was the first time I had ever cooked with molasses. My husband LOVED THEM!! Also, I made the Southwest Chicken Soup, and it was a big hit with my family. Thank you for the recipes.
With love,
Leah (Atlanta)
Dear Kelly,
Your writing over Nehemiah was profound for me in many ways. I have starred and underlined many fantastic points that I will take home as a party favor. For me the biggest impact was from session 5- Your reminder of God being forgiving “EVEN AFTER” in Neh. 9:17-18 is a SWEET promise and is so confirming to hear. EVEN AFTER helps my heart become a heart willing to break. (study book page 125)
Thank you.
I just want to make sure I can attend the next study! I found this!
Dear Kelly – Shortly after we began this study, I found out that the senior pastor at my church would be leaving. At this point, he and his wife and family have left to do God’s work elsewhere, and our church is scrambling to find a replacement. There is a huge “hole” in our churches’ wall right now. This study has shown me how important prayer, good leadership, and teamwork will be in finding a new pastor and rebuilding our church. I know that satan will send in the opposition and we must guard against this. Right now I’m praying for our deacons as they search for a new pastor, and praying for that man and his family who may be planning to relocate here. I know as a church, we’ll have to come together as a team – there will be much work for us to do as we rebuild this ministry. We’ll have to ignore satan’s naysayers, who tell us it can’t be done, and keep our eyes focused on Jesus – and the work He needs us to do. And as Beth just pointed out – (great point!) we’ll need to be flexible! Our new pastor and family will have their own unique plan for our ministry going forward. We can rebuild our church, and it will continue to grow and thrive as long as we focus on Jesus and obey Him!
Dear Kelly,
I’m still studying Nehemiah (not done yet due to a family loss during this course), but the one thing so far that I will take away from this study is that we CAN rebuild the spiritual walls that are broken down in our lives. Many years ago I tore down my own walls in my personal life & destroyed my family. Through the past 20 years God has given me the privilege of re-building those walls through many tears. He brought me back full circle unto Himself & has restored many relationships in my life. This study has been reminding me to continually praise Him & thank Him for His unfailing love; then make sure that I shore up those walls with His glory. All brokenness can be restored! Thanks!
Kelly,
De Anna-Greenville SC
Thank you so much for your gift and anointing to teach the Word…never stop…you are called to this…
My take away from the study can be found in a song “Speechless” by Isreal Houghton
Unending, but always ON TIME.
Unfailing, but never UNKIND.
Unmeritted favor is mine…
Underserving but I receive your GRACE.
Praising God for your life Kelly.. and thank you Beth for hosting us
Dear Kelly,
Thank you for this study. I loved how it confirmed to me that it is OK that the things that break my heart may be different from the things that break others hearts – because God calls us each to different things. Also, the last week made me now joyfully anticipate a “full-circle” event in my life.
Dear Kelly –
Now that I have finished the study of Nehemiah, the one thing I know is that, like Nehemiah, I must stay focused on what God puts in my heart to do. On page 86, this is what you wrote and I’ve underlined it and put stars next to it: “If I’ve lost sight of the people for whom I spend myself, I have entirely missed the heart of why I do what I do….this pertains to motherhood, marriage, and friendship…Nehemiah never lost sight of the purpose behind the wall: it was always for the people.” I am a high school teacher and it pertains to my students as well. As I face the start of a new school year, I can’t lose sight of “the people for whom I spend myself.”
Dear Kelly,
I have loved doing this study on Nehemiah. It was awesome! I did the study with several ladies at my church and it has opened up an new way of doing bible study for them. We’ll be starting your study on Ruth in a few weeks. Thanks so much. You really blessed me.
Dear Kelly,
I have loved all your studies and this one is now a favorite too! I have been drawn into deep reflection about what God has put on my heart to do. Thank you for teaching through such a great example as Nehemiah. My husband and I are praying about spending extended periods of time in ministry in Guatemala and this study has helped me so much.
May I say that I also LOVE that you include recipes and we tried them all!!
(Went solo in Lago Vista, TX)
Pat S.
Can’t wait for the next study!
Dear Kelly,
Dawn’s take home is that she would guard her tongue and speak positively to others.
Anna’s take home was that she would spend more time in prayer as Nehemiah did before starting the building of the wall.
Thanks for writing this study!
Dear Kelly,
For me this study says “no more excuses” for picking and choosing the ministry I “think” I want to be involved in and ignoring the nudging of God to be in another. Thank you for your transparency and your humor. Thank you for allowing God to speak through you.
Lu
Dear Kelly,
I did the study on my own and from the first time you asked,”What breaks your heart?” I knew the Lord was speaking to me. My daughter left her husband one year ago because she was “unhappy” It broke our hearts because of the grandchildren involved. After being devastated the past few months I was so ready for our study. Two weeks ago our church posted in the bulletin that help was needed for Divorce Care for Kids. You kept asking ,”What is God calling you to do?” Well, my heart was breaking for the children of divorce because what I have seen my grandchildren deal with. I signed up, took the bootcamp and will start this Monday. Wow! Thank you for this study and thank God for His leading. Can’t wait for the next study even though I sure hope I don’t have to go through another trial like this to get where He is leading me. Love you Sister!!
Hi Kelly –
I really enjoyed my first (but not last) online study. Thank you! What hit home the most for me was how Nehemiah did not give up. He pushed forward and pushed away the negatives in his life. Rather than let the negative shine, I need to pray past it. God wants only the best for us. Keeping involved in a summer Bible study keeps me on task for continuing to learn & grow in His love. Thank you for having this study on a book of the Old Testament that I couldn’t even spell!
Dear Kelly,
The main thing that has stayed with me from this study on Nehemiah, is that each family helped re-build a section of the wall that they were responsible for. This resonated with me, as my home church is in the process of building a new church. I now realize that each Christian is responsible for building their section of the Kingdom of God. All we have to do is get working on our part. Soon the building will be done, and we will all be in heaven celebrating!
Dear Kelly,
From your Nehemiah study, I’ve learned the importance of taking my place on the wall and working according to God’s plan, not my own ambition. Some stuff that goes into that: prayer, confession, following God’s guidelines (flee sexual immorality, love your neighbor…that kind of thing), fasting (although I really didn’t want to type that), and praise.
Many thanks!
Dear Kelly,
The 10 of us loved getting together this summer to study Nehemiah. We were enlightened in so many ways and the fellowship over the variety of salads at each meeting were delicious.
I took away the importance of knowing the Word of God and not compromising it, regardless of surrounding beliefs. Also, that I act upon it when I hear from God to do something. It will bless me and others.
Thank you for your contribution to my growth in His Word.
What do you know for certain He meant for you to receive?
Nehemiah was humble and trusting. He did not take matters into his own hands. He faced opposition with prayer, but he also took action. Nehemiah modeled generosity, compassion, and perseverance. Through prayer, repentance and obedience, I hope to trust God to remove the rubble (procrastination, un-productivity, lack of applying God’s Word, making excuses, etc.) in my life and re-build a Spirit-filled plan for my immediate future. I am reflecting on the the need be still and listen – to ask myself what areas I have “become comfortable” with such as not attending church, not finding an area to serve others. However, through prayer and repentance God is exposing my selfishness – I pray to become obedient to God’s direction for my life. Thank you, Beth, for your ministry…what a blessing you are to so many…God Bless you.
Dear Kelly: You made me love Nehemiah and the history of Israel, and anxious for God to show me how He will use me and my family to build a wall. Heart’s already broken, just need a word. Thanks for blessing me with this study and much-needed time with God over the summer!
Dear Kelly,
I so enjoy all your Bible studies. Each one has spoken to me deeply. God has truly gifted you to teach and write, (cook too). Our group of women each received something special from God in this study. My take away is this…although I sponsor children in different countries the Lord wants me to identify with the poor by visiting them in their country. It was so clear to me after you shared this in one of the video sessions. I can give them money each month, but he wants me to see them face to face. AMAZING GOD!!! Thank you for being so authentic and real. Much love, and cant wait to meet you in November at a conference in Georgia.
Dear Kelly, Thank you for a great study. What I take from this is what we do, does matter. To feel for and know The people God has put in our paths, don’t let things take our eyes off of God. Thank you Beth too was great to see you in Moline.
Dear Kelly,
I really appreciated the way you took so much of Nehemiah and broke it down to make it easier to understand and to highlight certain parts. It gave me a sense of how I could do that myself while reading the Bible.
What this study really did was bring me together with a woman who is much younger than myself, in another country! We know from our many online discussions as we went through this study that God brought us together for a reason and this study was how he had us meet! While I have been a Christian longer than her, she has an insight that is fresh and new and I have gained so much from our discussions. It has also given me the opportunity to look back at my life, like in Nehemiah’s prayer and see what God has done for me over the years. Thank you!!
Dear Kelly,
It’s hard for me to express how much this study has meant to me. Our church was going through a split while I was doing this – can you think of a study that would be more appropriate to do during that time!?! Every day God spoke to me through you and His word. And I was able to share what I learned with several others. God heard our prayers and honored our request to let us stay at the church and we were able to vote the pastor out. By one vote, all the praise and glory goes to God. But that’s a message for another time.
You will never know this side of Heaven what this study has brought to me. Thank you!
Dear Kelly,
Thank you so much for the absolutely wonderful summer study on Nehemiah. Here is my party favor: I was reminded that my heart should break for others and that’s good, but even better is to do more about the oppression or need that breaks my heart. According to scripture, knowledge alone merely puffs up, but with ACTION comes humility (1 Corinthians 8:1). Thanks for a great study that helps me see I need to get my hands dirtier!
Kelly, Kelly, Kelly! What amazing gifts God has given you through your teaching and writing! And how blessed the rest of us are that He has given you the opportunities to share them with us! When I get to the last week of one of your studies, I’m just never ready for it to be the end. So I hope the Lord is already planting the seeds for your next study because I am already looking forward to it. The Nehemiah study has been so interesting and helpful. I have had a ministry on my heart that has never come to fruition, and this study of the Word has so encouraged me to pray it through and not give up (with some repenting and resolving along the way). Thank you! I think we are like Beth — we would all like to live next door to you!
Dear Kelly,
Rebuilding the gates – the topic started in Session 2 – has stuck with me throughout the entire study.
I am much more focused on being a committed gatekeeper – not letting anything in or out my “gates” (eyes, ears, heart, mind) that would corrupt me or those around me (corruption & negativity is contagious).
I want to keep my gates fully open and focused on God so He is free to do His thing in me, and to keep my eyes and ears pure so my body is filled with His Light.
Ongoing confession and repentance is removing a ton of residual rubble (e.g., lies that I believed about God, myself, and my past) and distractions (I especially liked the quote [spoken by you or Beth?] “If it put Jesus on the cross, its NOT FUNNY!”
Keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus allows me to access and release HIS purpose and power for HIS glory (not my own) into my life and the lives of others and THAT is what God has put on my heart to do. And whatever else He wants me to accomplish will fall into place as I stay connected with Him, listen for His voice, and set my will on obedience.
This whole study has been outstanding and I thank God that He placed this on your heart to share with the rest of us. May He bless you and keep you and continue to give you His wisdom, revelation, understanding, and joy!
p.s. LOVED your recipes!! I didn’t make them all but the gingersnaps and maple pecan salad were scrumptious. Now I don’t know whether to shelve my workbook with my study books or with my cookbooks 🙂
Sandy,
I was thinking the very same thing!!
Dear Kelly,
I, too, thank you for sharing your heart, your quirks, and your insights into God’s Word. My group was incredibly blessed by studying Nehemiah. Our first thought was, “Really, Nehemiah?!” And YES! We were thrilled with the fresh perspective that you brought to this book, and we are inspired to do what God has put on each of our hearts to do.
I feel exactly like your friend who was about to give birth! I have a four-year-old daughter and 20-month-old triplets, and I am currently pregnant with my (quite unexpected) fifth child! And I have all of these children after years of struggling with infertility. God answers prayers mightily! My family is living proof! As a high schooler, I was called quite strongly by God to do mission work and have done so several times locally and overseas since then. In this season of my life, I haven’t been able to serve much outside of my home, and I have to admit that I’ve felt guilty many times. But God has clearly spoken to my heart through this study. Right now, I’m building up my children and taking care of the family that He has entrusted me with for this brief time. I am certain that He will continue to call me for His purposes in the different seasons of my life, and I look forward to serving Him no matter what stage I’m in. For now, I feel refreshed and encouraged to know that I am in His will, He knows what He is doing, and I can stay focused on the task at hand like Nehemiah did.
THANK YOU!!! May God keep blessing you through His Word, and may you keep blessing us by sharing!
Dear Kelly,
This study has really opened my eyes to the need around me. I pray that I would be a vessel used to rebuild the wall of believers, all for His glory! In helping those in need, in women and children ministry.
Cindy
Dear Kelly,
You did it AGAIN!!!!! when is the next one coming out, and what will it be on? I cannot wait for it. I LOVED THIS STUDY. You make me laugh, cry, smile and think. I took from this study and from God my prayer time is lacking, and also I am in a dry season, a big one. I learned Gods loves me no matter what I do now or have done in the past. No matter what I have done I WANT A HEART TO BREAK, again, again and again. I loved your take on Nehemiah’s wanting to pull out there beards, shows me anyone can be a bully, and even important people can get angry, just like me.
So, Kelly, I would say prayer, more kindness, compassion, and differly a heart that can break.
Thanks agin, Kelly for your time and talent.
Oh, See you at WOF in Indianaplois, In in September 20-21st.
Dear Kelly,
This was my first study from you and I can say it was great. I will be doing your two other studies. Your time and talent make this an easy study to understand.
I took from this study that my prayer life is lacking, and I need to get closer to God.
I want a heart that will break again. More compassion and kindness for people.
Thanks again for this study.
Dear Kelly,
This was the a most important study for me because it kept me in the word when I know I would have let it go this summer! It has also allowed me the freedom to want more for others, to do more for others, to care more about others. I am praying for a particular ministry that God gave me many years ago. My prayer is that it will come alive again in my life. You have created a new desire in my heart. Thank you doesn’t seem enough.
Barbara