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.
Rachel, Surprise, AZ (went solo)
Dear Kelly,
I have absolutely loved traveling through Nehemiah with you and my fellow siestas for the past six weeks. Every single week, God did something special to show me that He was with me in my journey through Nehemiah. From providing my husband a job at the exact moment I was confessing my lack of faith and struggle with trusting, to just last night giving me something to hold on to regarding the one issue that I long to see God bring full circle, God has been speaking clearly through this study.
I will be holding on to a few things: the utter faithfulness of our God to reveal Himself, care for us and our needs, and answer prayer; and the desire to have God break my heart over the things that break His. I don’t know where or how God will have me serve Him in the near future, but this study has sparked my heart. I want to be willing and available and am actively seeking God for what He would put on my heart.
Thank you for being faithful to God to write this study so He could show me these things.
The Marion Family – 5 Wenatchee, WA
Dear Kelly,
Our family did this study together and it was perfect for summer.
I loved how Nehemiah prayed, took action in God’s time and then continued to do what God called him to do. “An enemy is one thing, but an insider-friend turned sympathetic to your nemesis because your nemesis has duped him or her with spiffy acts of kindness is insufferable” This quote is from pg. 83 and is eloquent Kelly! Nehemiah kept going and was not hypersensitive to those trying to detract him from God’s will.
Thank you,
Sarah
I learned that once your heart breaks it is important to continue to pray. Sometimes it takes a seemingly long time of prayer before it is in God’s timing to take action.
Thank you,
CK
You must clear out the rubble before starting repairs. This works in construction and hearts.
DJ
You can do the impossible with God.
EM
Nehemiah continued his work even when threatened and did not waste time away from his calling, He stayed focused.
JJ
Dear Kelly,
I was preparing to teach a class on servant leadership as I was completing your study. You filled my cup so full and help focus my mind on examples of leadership from Nehemiah. What shouted to me was that Nehemiah prayed and prayed and prayed . . . for God’s direction in every situation. All of our leadership would be so much purer if we would do the same.
Much appreciation for this wonderful study. . .
Dear Kelly,
What an awesome summer Bible study!! I am so blessed to have been a part. Like an earlier comment said, I am taking away all the underlining and the notes I have made in my book and my Bible. When I initially thought about studying OT – Nehemiah, I was not real sure what I would take away. But as always, when we come pursuing God with our heart, He reveals as we listen. My biggest take away, I am now taking inventory of the broken walls that are part of my life and asking God how He wants to use me to be a rebuilder.
I “AMEN” everything Beth has said about your gifts! Thank you for your transparency and your willingness to share with us.
Dear Kelly
This is my second time to do Nehemiah. Our Bible Study Girls did it this spring. It was really good to review so quickly. I am so struck once again of the HUGE need of others. Rebuilding lives is our Father Gods business but we are to be instruments He can use in rebuilding lives. The need is so great it could be overwhelming but I’m remembering that each of us are to the job He gave us . It is so wonderful to realize that whatever it is He has given us as our task, it will bringHim great glory!
You are so precious….thank you.
Dear Kelly,
I feel blessed to have been able to do this study with my 2 grown daughters. We had such a good time discussing, laughing, praying and eating together! As a Mom I cherish the time we had revealing some of our hearts desires with each other.
As for me personally, Nehemiah has renewed an enthusiasm to take a more active part in our Women’s ministry opportunities at our church. I learned that we all need to work as a team together to help further God’s kingdom here on earth. Thank-you so much for this study!
Hi Kelly,
I really enjoyed this bible study. It was my first online study. I loved Nehemiah’s dedication to follow God’s plans not his own as we sometimes do. I also like how they checked all the people’s names to make sure they belong. You know sometimes we just let Satan slip right in when we take our eyes off God. Another thing that really it home was when you asked us how many poor people we knew by name. That was powerful. When I speak to women’s groups I am shocked that other Christians dont know the needs of our community. Thank you for the deep Study.
Dear Kelly,
Thank you so much for this study. Nehemiah taught me about praying faithfully, perseverance and unbelievable faith. I think the part that spoke to me the most was finding joy in God’s word. I was humbled by how much I have access to God’s word and don’t always take advantage of it when many people today and long ago are denied that right. Thank you for all that you do. Dawn
Dear Kelly,
I have been so blessed by this study. It is hard to narrow down my “party favor” to just one thing. I bracketed and starred Allie and Carrie’s comments on page 141 and 142 as I can relate to those so much. The other big thing is the beautiful reminder that God can use us. God wants to use us. We just need to be willing and He will supply us with all we need. During the rebuilding of the wall, rulers and servants were working side by side and no one appeared to have any experience! These were priests, goldsmiths, perfumers, temple servants…not carpenters, construction workers, stone masons, etc. Yes, I imagine there were skilled laborers working on the wall, yet next to them was someone without experience. A willing Jew who was going to give what they had to help rebuild. Habitat for Humanity on steroids! A whole lot of inexperienced people who just wanted to help. A reminder to be less concerned about what we can and cannot do and more concerned with what God can do, which is ANYTHING. Let us be apart of it, Lord. May we not be so concerned with our lack of skill that we miss out on being used by You.
God Bless you, Kelly, and thank you, Beth, for facilitating our time together.
Kristin
Dear Kelly,I think what stuck with me most about the study of Nehemiah was What has god put in your heart to do? I have been so discontent with just doing the same things day after day and this study has opened my eyes to so many things. I have been really searching for God,s will for my life and I realized through this study that God has put something in my heart to do.This has brought me so much joy and peace that I had been missing for so long in my life. I loved the fact That Nememiah was so determined to finish what God put in his heart to do. It really encouraged also to see so many different people working together with such unity. It made me realize how important that is in the body of Christ and even though God put it in Nehemiah,s heart to rebuild the wall he knew he needed to enlist his people to get the job done. I was so touched by everyone,s attitude and although they went through a lot of adversity even from their own Jewish brothers Nehemiah never let this discourage him and he just dealt with them immediately without fear of man because he knew without a doubt what God had told him to do.This whole study was just so timely for me and I am so excited about doing what God has put in my heart to do. Thank you so much Kelly for sharing you heart with us and all your different stories. God bless you so fill you with his joy.
You just made me cry, Mama! I feel the same & it feels my heart w/ great joy! Miss you & I’m lookin’ so forward to seeing you real soon & worshiping w/ you @ LPL in Knox. this weekend! Love you! Praying! 🙂
Kelly,
This was my first online study and I started it 2 weeks before God called my into ministry as the Director of Children’s Ministries at a local large church. His message through this study and your voice was an absolute blueprint for leadership. I cannot tell you how many times I would find myself covered in goosebumps because of the clear an resounding voice I heard through the scriptures and your study about my next step.
This study has profoundly changed my life–thank you for being such an incredible vehicle for His word!
Kelly, just finished our Nehemiah study last night. We are a group from Mountain View, AR, and we had 6 women in our group. LOVED the study, and LOVE how you write. Really enjoy your personal experiences and people interspersed in the study.
Probably best thing I got out of study was “Pray and Plan.” Easy to do either, but to do them together is so KEY for me. Has helped me make some tough decisions about my work situation.
Hope to get to Mashmille and run into you. Thanks, Peggy Clark
Debbie (aka burdzybunch) Calgary, AB Canada
Dear Kelly, You cannot begin to know the supernatural (absolutely “spooky good”) way in which God has used this study in my life. It truly was a clear and specific word for me and encouragement to me. Beth said to pinpoint ONE thing — well, I’m not sure I can but what He has said is all bound together…so here goes….You cannot know just how traumatic and difficult the last few years have been (and that is the years AFTER my husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, my daughter diagnosed with a rare form of lukemia weeks after my husband being in remission, my husband losing his job days after my daughters diagnosis, my daughter having a bonemarrow transplant which resulted in complications no one could forsee) During the “in brackett” years and just before they began, God had CLEARLY spoken to me and affirmed through His word that He is God, He is Sovereign, He has a plan and a purpose and it is a good one couched in His love and worked out in His wisdom and power for His glory and our good. He could be trusted! AND He had definately given me leave to share the wonder and truth of that with everyone and anyone who would listen. But then trauma and tragedy struck that we would NEVER have imagined. It felt as though all hell was loosed and suddenly things didn’t seem so clear. Well, this study has brought me full circle. He has clearly reminded me of those truths He once taught me and assured me of. He has assured me that no matter what things look like or seem He is still who He says He is and He will do what He says He will do — which is to see His plans (not necessarily, but possibly, mine) succeed, see Himself glorified and that is ALWAYS to my (and my loved ones) good. As well, He has given me new hope that those things which He has given me to do will be done (as He determines and when). I thank God for you, for this study, for His word and assurance to me through it. Kelly, it will only be in heaven that you can fully understand what God has done here for me (and who knows how that will ripple out — but it will) and how eternally grateful I am. There are just no words. Thank you, my sister. When I began this and I was tempted to “rethink” doing it, God told me (really, He did) “Debbie, stick with it, I have a surprise for you” and my oh my, did He ever. Bless you BIG!!!!!
P.S…people may be getting sick of me telling them just how much I love Nehemiah and how much I’ve learned. (My husband just grins — it’s his favorite book)
Dear Kelly, I completed most of the Nehemiah study while on a mission trip to Niger and it was a huge encouragement to me in times when it would have been very easy to get discouraged. It encouraged me not to let the Enemy distract me during times of heavy spiritual attack. It encouragedvme even more to remember what God had done, especially what He had already done on the trip as new struggles surfaced. A few months ago, I told God I was never going to Africa because I’m a mosquito magnet and would get malaria. He did allow me to get malaria at the end of my trip, but I was able to praise Him more during that time than any other time on that trip, and I believe the work that He was doing in my heart through the Bible study was part of that. I really struggled with figuring out what God had put on my heart to do, but praise God, now that I am home, I am more aware of some needs here and more passionate about addressing them and rebuilding some walls. I have never been more excited about being a missionary to my hometown.
Dear Kelly,
“In reflection of the study as a whole, my primary take away truth is . . . ” Nehemiah’s decisive action on his God-given task. Someone I knew when growing up said, “Love is a verb. That means it should show action!” I love how you pointed out that Nehemiah did not waver. Whether it was on p. 155 where you talk about his decisive reaction to the Sabbath sales or back when he was questioned 4 times to try and pull him from his work and he didn’t waste time in answering beyond, “I’m busy doing something important.”, Nehemiah is a wonderful example to me to stay the course and continue moving forward actively.
Kelly,
Thank you so much for this Bible study. I love your humor, you writing style, and the love of God you pen through the pages of a Bible study. We are all so blessed to have an awesome Bible teacher that teaches truth through actions. Love it.
Genevieve
Heather, Morristown, TN
Dear Kelly,
What a blessing this study has been! My take home truth: take action! Many times the Lord has “put it in my heart” to do a certain thing, but I’m afraid that action hasn’t always followed. It’s time to take action! Thank you for taking action and writing this study to share truth in a way that encourages, challenges and inspires. God bless you!
Heather
My main take away was actually almost a perfect summary of Kelly’s two friend’s “nuggets” they listed on p.141/142. I have a two and three year old boy and my days are spent pouring out my life to them. I have been overcome at times by guilt that I am not “serving” more in church, or in my community. I love how Alli said she is doing the work of the Lord by “building the wall in her own home as she strives to train her children”. Nehemiah had a sole focus in that season…and in this season of mine…my primary focus is raising these boys to become mighty men of God. The add on take away to that is that God has broken my heart over some certain things and I do need to be active in responding. I may not be able to give as much as I would have before children, but I can still serve. In January I watched Christine Caine for the first time via Video on the Passion 2012 conference. Honestly the only reason I got on line to watch is that I was praying for a young woman through Beth’s sponsorship program and I wanted to see for myself what she was seeing so I could pray more specifically. I ended up listening to Christine and weeping at my computer over the issue of human trafficking. For weeks I would cry every time I thought about it. I sent some money and had planned to get more involved with A21. But just as Carrie said on p.142 Satan likes to use our busy minds and lives to distract us from what the Lord has put before us to do. So…all that to say, I feel a new excitement to get involved. Even if it is just writing letters to those sweet girls in the A21 shelters…that is a simple way I can serve while also attending to my young family. Thank you Kelly for this awesome and insightful study. It has been such a blessing and I have grown exponentially in my walk as a result of it!!!!
{And maybe in your next study you could put some gardening tips. I wish I could post a picture of mine this year. It is tragic!:)}
Dear Kelly,
I’m woefully behind on this study – but yet, am I really? Yesterday, I watched Beth’s video, and today, I’m in the midst of studying Day 3 and Day 4 of Session 5. (waaay behind, see?)
As I read Day 3, I thought of how my own life seemed to resemble the chart on pg 126 – God blessed, and then I did something stupid, God was merciful and again blessed, and again I did something stupid. Again and again for years – just like in Nehemiah’s time. And it’s taken years to try to overcome all the years of stupidity. Then I read Deut 8:10-18 and your comments. What hope you give. By the time I finished Day 3, I was in tears, blessing the Lord and asking Him to help me never forget.
Then I turned to the first page of Day 4. As I was reading the first paragraph, I was also thinking about the response I would write here, to Beth’s question. How has this study impacted me? This study has been so personal, like you wrote it just for me, just for this time in my life. Then I read the first sentence in the 2nd paragraph: “…I cannot tell you how thankful I am that our God is personal.” Amen, amen, amen.
Thank you for writing this study just for me. 🙂 We’re dealing with several difficult trials right now, and your teaching has given me hope, encouragement, strength to press on. What a blessing you are. What an incredible God we serve. Thank you for allowing Him to use you, use your life. May God continue to use you in mighty ways, and may He bless you abundantly in ways you never imagined.
Kelly!
First of all, thank you for allowing the grace of God to be manifest through this sweet study. It’s not the first time I’ve gone through a study on the book of Nehemiah but I love how God through the Holy Spirit brings out exactly what we need, when we need it.
My main takeaway is the persistence that gripped Nehemiah’s heart throughout the re-building of the wall when his enemies tried repeatedly to stop him. I love it when he sends messengers to tell Sanballat , Tobiah and Geshem “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, while I leave it, and come down to you” (Nehemiah 4:3). Nehemiah didn’t even take time himself to bother with these foes. He knew he would be descending into the distractions of the enemy to go meet with these men. He was busy doing God’s work because he had a heart for God’s people. What a sweet reminder to us today to “tend upon the Lord without distraction.”
Dear Kelly,
Thank you for sharing your research and experiences through this study. You have blessed me! I appreciated Nehemiah’s focus on prayer, and have been challenged to have a more fervent prayer life. I need to practice more consistency and urgency in my daily prayer life.
To be totally honest, from when you first asked the question, “What has God put in your heart to do?” and as you revisited that theme throughout the study, it stressed me out. It was like I was waiting for some vision from the Lord to move to Africa, or adopt a child, or some “big” thing (at least from the world’s perspective). So I was relieved and had an “AHA” type of moment at the beginning of session 6 when your friends shared what part of the study had impacted them the most. Carrie said, “I pray my mind stays focused on what the Lord has put before me to do.” I so needed to hear that! That even though at this time God has not called me to another country, or to adopt a child, or whatever, He has called me to the place where I am right now, and that is fine. I must keep that eternal perspective in the “daily-ness” of my job, child, husband, school, etc.
Thank you again for sharing your heart with me through this great study.
Blessings,
Ashley Dinwiddie
Of the Bolivar Beloved (4 total ladies); Bolivar, MO
Dear Kelly,
What struck me most about the study of Nehemiah was how prayer was the foundation of everything accomplished — the importance of confession and repentance was a big realization for me. Seeing my sin and acknowledging it daily as well as confessing God’s goodness and glory in the midst of trials are two takeaways for me.
This has been a difficult season for me personally as my health has been under attack. The study of Nehemiah has helped me as I pray that God helps me to be whole. I want to rebuild like Nehemiah.
Thanks for writing this study. You are a blessing!
Hugs,
Lyli
Dear Kelly,
Praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for leading you to do this study on Nehemiah and thank you to you for being so obidient to Him!
Through this study I saw my sin, especially in particular area of my life. I have been a fan of “True Blood” on HBO. God really opened my eyes to the sin of watching that particular show and I have quit watching it two weeks ago. I feel the enemy trying to suck me back into it but because of this study I am even more aware of the importance of prayer. I just pray, pray, pray when Satan starts on me.
Each study I do builds on the next one. I learned so much about prayer and perseverance through Nehemiah. I am an altar prayer minister and on our prayer ministry team; and we are trying to re-focus and re-energize our prayer ministry. I suggested to all of the members to read Nehemiah, particularily chapters 8 & 9.
Bless you sharing your gift of teaching and all the best to you. I look forward to see what you do next.
With Christ’s Love,
Mary Ann, God’s G.A.L.S., Woodbury, MN
Dear Kelly,
You were “new” to me and I so enjoyed studying Nehemiah with you. I can’t wait to know you better and spend more time with you in the Word. It was a great study of a book I’d never formally studied in it’s entirety. Thank you for your genuine love for your students, for your transparency, for your dedication.
My “party favor” from the study? Easy to answer {NOW!}but it was hard to beat that pinata open let me tell you! 🙂 I really struggled with the notion of what God has put in my heart to DO. It surprised me that I didn’t have a fast and ready answer to give!! My heart had been broken, I believe I’ve gained tremendous compassion– but DO? I knew what my DO had been, but found my DO has changed! I enjoyed the prayer, the struggle, the listening, the everythingness as I got it.
Thanks Kelly! Compassion + DO = The Authentic Me
Valerie, Houston
Kelly! I loved the study! I did it with my BFF over Skype. I didn’t know anything about it before I started, but I knew after reading the introduction that God had fit it perfectly in with the other things He had been telling me lately through concerts, books, others. That is, consuming less, giving more. It is a message that has not been completely new throughout my Christian life, but for the first time I don’t feel underlying dread about embracing it. I’m excited! I mean I’ve loved giving at times in the past, but this is different. It’s excitement without the worry and fear of what God is going to ask. I’m not saying this to build myself up – but to magnify God’s coolness – it’s so cool how he can change our hearts, and I’m so glad he considers us so precious to keep talking to us and let us be a part of what he’s doing. I am still seeking him about more ways to do that and praying that I will listen and obey, but He has shown me some things that I am starting to do. He is so good!
My other take away is about living in community with the body of Christ. That is something I’m much less sure about how make happen practically in my life, but I am open, and my husband and I are seeking God about how to live that out.
I love Beth Moore and have done her studies for many years. I’m so glad she encouraged us to do your study. I’m so blessed by God’s grace on both of your lives to teach us. I’m looking forward to another one from both of you!
Dear Kelly,
I have loved this study so much. For years my favorite verse has been, The joy of the LORD is my strength Neh. 8-10 I love that I have a new and better understanding of why he said that.
I will take many things away from this study, but most of all I will try to remember not to believe the lies. Lies about God, lies about myself, lies about my circumstances. I am being tested in this as I am trying to wait on a teaching job and the enemy wants me to believe I will not get one. I am praying, and trusting God, and hoping for my dream to come true, so I can teach.
God Bless You and all my siestas!
Laurie
TNLG group
Dear Kelly,
Several take-aways come to mind, but the one that got me was the “removing the rubble before you can rebuild” in chapter 2. I see this again and again in my life, the principle of getting rid of the “old” before the Lord can do the “new”. Thank you for your personal take on so many things that made this study real and authentic. I saw how God and Nehemiah had the kind of relationship where Nehemiah’s dependency was key and God’s faithfulness was great. thank you, Kelly. Pam in San Diego
Dear Kelly, I really loved being a part of this study. Thank you for explaining each lesson so well and for all the great recipes. My take home from the lessons are to wait for God, take action, and preserver when opposition arises.
Dear Kelly,
This study has truly blessed our group as well as myself. It has reaffirmed the need for prayer before stepping out in faith and reassured me in the ministries I’m currently involved in serving God. Nehemiah stood firm in the face of opposition while leaning on God to protect his endeavors. What an example for us all!
In His Word,
Sharon –A Praying Mineola Siesta
To God be the glory.
***We are starting No Other Gods in the fall. I can’t wait. Thanks Kelly for your steadfastness.
Dear Kelly,
My take away was the example of Nehemiah and the way he combined prayer and action.
~Kelley
Dear Kelly,
What I am taking home with me from this study is “What has God put in your heart?” Along with that, page 80 “In what area of obedience are you currently fatiguing?”
I am learning to stay in the word and stay in prayer. Fear is not of God. I cannot do what God has put in my heart if I have fear.I must stay well hydrated in God’s word.
I also must say that I do not ever what to take for granted the privilege of worshiping every Sunday!!
Thank you,
Shannon
Kissimmee, Florida
Dear Kelly,
I love this study, not only because I didn’t know anything about Nehemiah before I started, but because his message of faith and perseverence were so timely for me. Thank you for the study and for your openness.
Lynn
Dear Kelly,
Thank you for your authenticity in writing! We had studied Nehemiah as a church last summer, so when I heard about you writing a study on the same book I was excited to check it out…then that was the pick for SSBS~so much fun! God led me to invite our elders’ and deacons’ wives to join me in this study (I’m the pastor’s wife here 🙂 and we were so blessed. I led each group separately and I am certain walls have been torn down. Many people in our church, and especially those in leadership and employed by our church, were hurt deeply by a previous pastor and so many doubts have remained as to who is trustworthy~how much was a lie and how much was truth??? I am glad to be here during a time of healing.
My take home was the focus and steadfast perseverance of Nehemiah in the face of the enemy’s countless attacks (and differing intensities of his attacks). It is so easy for me to get side-tracked (seeing several other tasks that need attention on my way to doing ______) and to even get discouraged when something doesn’t happen the way I envisioned it to. I am encouraged to press on by Nehemiah’s example.
Thank you for leading us this summer!
love,
Audrey
Dear Kelly,
Have so enjoyed this study~ thank you for the “hard work” you put into this study. Three things that impacted me most was:
1) The Lord’s faithfulness & patience
2)Very convicted by my own lack of “caring” or truly loving others – so self focused!
3)Importance of hearing and then “doing”.
Wow! So much to ingest…will continue to chew on this for a long time. Thank you teacher and to Mama Beth….
Thank you for choosing this study ~ for your sweet love for our Lord and encouraging each and every siesta! We love you deeply!!!
Kelly,
Where to begin? I started this journey with a group of 7 women from my community who had come together from multiple Bible study groups. Although we didn’t know the ins-and-outs of each others stories it was amazing how quickly we found that each person was seeking God in a unique way regarding her circumstances. It was here that I found my faith beginning to be rebuilt.
What am I taking away? That God desires to rebuild us. To use the pieces that were previously broken and shape them in a new way, capable of more extraordinary things. Rebuilding with potentially defective materials requires prayer, prayer, prayer. And a good chunk of hard work. It also requires a vision and desire to complete God’s work—a heart that is ready to break for the cause.
My story at the beginning of the summer was one of acute pain. This spring, in a span of three months, I had found out I was unexpectedly pregnant, was about to get laid off due to budget constraints, miscarried my baby, and then needed a month to recover from the surgical complications. It was nightmarish. Hence, the pain. As I joined these faithful women and began to read about Nehemiah’s heart, I could feel the Lord begin to tug at mine. Most likely he had been tugging for quite some time, but the pain of loss is a powerful thing. I feel alive. Spending time in God’s word with your words has been one of the highlights of my summer. I’m excited to continue along this rebuilding path — perhaps our paths will cross again.
Thanks for all that you’ve written. It is truly wonderful.
Dear Kelly,
I learned how to really dive into the Word and study a powerful leader not only by dissecting Nehemiah but also by understanding the history surrounding important events and the many cross-references that offer deeper insight. Thank you for an excellent study!
~Sarah~
Dear Kelly,
Thank you for the awesome study on Nehemiah. I will focus more on God`s power and purposes through prayer. The best way to dispel fear is to remember the Lord who is great and awesome. God is on my side and He will fight for me!
Dear Kelly,
Thank ou so much for this great bible study. It came at the perfect time for me. What struck me most was the “stick-to-it-ness” of Nehemiah even when things are not looking so good. As a pastor’s wife, I really needed this encouragement and example. Thank you.
Dear Kelly,
I was touched by Nehemiah’s devotion, How he listening to God, his faithfulness, his honesty and devotion. I’ve lost a lot the past few years and felt that even God was “done” with me. But this study nudged me back into pray, into listening to God, into being faithful in what I know to do right now, into a faith again. Thank you so much fo this study.
Dear Kelly,
Thank you for taking us along on your journey through Nehemiah. Well worth it! My take-away from this Bible study was that God is still God and can be believed even when the circumstances around seem insurmountable. He who began a good work is faithful to complete it. Love you, Lynda
Dear Kelly,
I’ve been blessed by this study in ways I couldn’t imagine (but HE knew!) . p.120 “Compared to HIS eternity, everything is insignificant!” My full circle: I didn’t know this was at the bottom of my heart until a couple of weeks ago and I’m so very hesitant to put it to a concrete surface but here goes: Married 14 years, Divorced and on my own since 2000. I still pray for my ex-husband, especially for him to find God’s saving grace. It’s the one thing that keeps me from accepting his re-proposals. I cannot go back into a marriage not umbrella-ed under God’s saving grace. Us, together again, would be a full circle that could ONLY happen with God’s hand. My life isn’t on hold waiting for it but my heart seeks it. There. I’ve said it out loud. Breathing now. And, sweet Kelly, I was doubly blessed to take part in the Ruth weekend in Burleson, TX when you were here a couple of weekends ago. So my head and heart are full of the knowledge you (& the Holy Spirit) facilitated for these TWO Books of the Bible. My take home: Even the destroyed walls of life can be rebuilt and blessed. Thank you, Beth, for introducing me to Kelly! LOVED digging into Nehemiah.
Dear Kelly, There were so many take-aways it is hard to pick one. So I will pick two. Early in the study you took us to Ephesians 1, where Paul tells the Ephesians that he is praying for God to give them a spirit of wisdom so that “you may know Him better.” (NIV) This was a “reset” moment for me, in realizing that the result of all of our worship, of all of our serving, of all of our ‘being’ should be that we know Him better, that we KNOW the hope of His calling, that we KNOW the riches of the glory of His inheritance, that we KNOW the greatness of His power toward us who believe. Second, that He CHOSE me (the last day). How incomprehensible. He CHOSE Nehemiah for the great task of rebuilding. He has also CHOSEN me for a task, and I know that task is a bigger one than I would imagine and want. But if I, like Nehemiah, will be faithful, He will be faithful to do it. Wow! What a study! Thank you Kelly.
Dear Kelly,
I’m going to be honest and say that at first while I LOVED the study, I was feeling disheartened because I didn’t know what God has put in my heart to do. I say at first because in the 5th week, I finally realised what God had blessed me with by taking part in this study.
You see, I live in England, and no one else in the community lives in the same place as me, let alone on this side of the Atlantic. I also have no friends or family who share my faith, which makes this journey very lonely. So, finding my Sister in Christ to take part in the study with is what I think God used this study to show me.
We only started to email back and forth when Beth announced this study, but my goodness, it’s like we’ve known each other for years.
I have struggled with depression and thoughts on ending my life a lot over the past couple of years and God brought me to my new friend to save me, that’s what I realised in the 5th week. That’s what this study was all about for me. Finding a Sister in Christ who I can pray with and who I can talk about the Lord with.
I am so grateful for your study, and my friend and I are actually thinking of taking your Ruth study in the winter!
Thank you a thousand times,
Samantha, 22, London, UK.
Solo in Clay County in north Texas
Dear Kelly,
What a blessing your study on Nehemiah has been this summer! It caused me to really look at the busyness in my life. I have a tendency to get side-tracked easily, so I was drawn to Nehemiah’s persistence and diligence to follow things through. Thank you for sharing what God has laid upon your heart by means of this sweet study. Looking forward to next time! 🙂 Vicki
Dear Kelly,
This study, coupled with my experience with breast cancer this summer, has changed my life!
Over time I had built a wall around myself to protect my heart from being hurt. In the process my heart became hard as stone which also put a wall between God and I.
God has worked using this study and breast cancer to break down that wall. He is now in the process of building a new wall where we are not separated but inside together. Even though I can’t see over the wall I trust and I am excited about what he is doing! Thanks Kelly!
Love (one of the knock out girls) Tracy Carrico
Hi Kelly,
I really enjoyed the study, and the message I kept getting from God throughout the study was that He really does have a ministry in mind for me, but that I have some growing up to do, spiritually, before I’m ready to take on that ministry. Not really the message I’d hoped for (who wants growing pains at mid-life?) but your study gave me the tools that will help me grow more in the Lord. Thanks for your heart and your spirit.
Juls
Dear Kelly,
I still can’t believe I had this opportunity to learn about Nehemiah! I would have never picture him as a strong tower, decided to live in God’s Will. I have to say lesson 3 day 4 about Fear truly helped me to go deep in my struggles and move me in the right direction with God… I have learned to find my true purpose as I am currently changing my walk and do what God wants me to do. Thank you so much!!! I can’t wait to see you in North Carolina next month…
Dear Beth,
Words can not describe this blessing I am a siesta that has been searching to serve but with the wrong heart.. Looking to please other not God… Nehemiah’s diary helped me to see what God can do if you just follow his will… Nehemiah had a heart and he passed it to me… A heart for God and I thank you deeply for this opportunity…
Love u ladies!!!
God bless,
Raquel
Kelley,
My take home – I always want to “help” God. I’m just certain I should be doing —— , right now!!.
When I realized Nehemiah had prayed, prayed and prayed more, I think I actually relaxed. I have absolutely no idea what God has for me and finally I’m ok with that. I may be doing exactly what He wants from me right now but I have spent so much energy on “what’s His will for me” I’m probably missing much. My plan of action is to continue to go to God daily, pray for his direction and if that means waiting on a Nehemiah so that i can work on the part of the wall that is in front of my house, then so be it!! I can’t wait to get praying!!
Blessings to you Kelley 🙂
Dear Kelly,
Oh, how I enjoyed this Bible study! I also enjoyed your sense of humor. I would catch myself laughing out loud to some of your comments.
The primary thing I’m taking from this study of Nehemiah is: WE WILL ACCOMPLISH LITTLE OF ETERNAL SIGNIFICANCE APART FROM PRAYER page 19. All the tasks Nehemiah undertook and completed were bathed in prayer. He sought God each step of the way and didn’t waiver from what God had put in his heart to do.
Oh to be a woman of God like that.
Heather, Mosinee, WI
Dear Kelly,
My take away was stemming from Nehemiah Chapter 9. That prayer was amazing.
God is forgiving, compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, full of love – He never deserts us, never abandons us and never ceases to guide us. He still gives us His Spirit, feeds us and quenches our thirst.
Praise God for that! Thank you, Kelly for this study!