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 can’t narrow it down to one thing!! So, here are the three that really stood out to me.
1. Keeping my wall built up. Beth said something similar back in January, about not letting Satan take back what ground we had gained. We have to keep our walls built up with His Word, so that when Satan attacks, when the worries of the world attack, that our walls are strong to stand against them.
2. The reaction of the people to God’s Word. I do take it too casually. Oh, I can read it later. I don’t need to worry about it now. I don’t need to memorize it, I can always just read it or look it up. His Word is holy, and sacred. I need to treat it as such.
3. That chapter 9 prayer – God has brought it up to me over and over since the beinning of this year, REMEMBER what He has done for me. I can’t tell you how many times this year, this has been brought out to me.
Thanks again for sharing with us this summer. It was a great study.
May God continue to bless you with His thoughts and the ability to share them with us!
Tammy
Dear Kelly,
My take-away was realizing that God wants us to have broken hearts over the needs of others. For me, it is the elderly, and children who are abused. We can serve out of our abundance, for God’s glory. It was a great study! Thank you, Kelly.
Dear Kelly,
Thank you so much for this Bible study. I have learned so much and have really enjoyed studying each week. I am really going to miss it!
What stood out for me was that I need to focus more on prayer. I loved Nehemiah’s persistance to continue with what he knew he needed to do even when his enemies came against him. And I need to soften my heart. I have been protecting it too much and have closed myself off.
Thank you again Kelly!
Dear Kelly, Nehemiah rocks! A book I have read before in my attempt to read the Bible-in-a-year, has become a cherished jewel full of love, wisdom, trials and covenants.
The thing that stands out the most is the rich history that it holds. I loved the way it came alive, reminding us that these are real people whose names were recorded in history, who sweat, who had fear and who sinned and repented. As it unfolded before me I caught a glimpse of other books making more sense and a timeline developed. It’s all falling into place.
Specifically for me, picturing Nehemiah standing there working on the wall, weapon in hand is a crack up! Great visual! Sums up what I need to do. Grab that sword of the spirit and keep at it! When the enemies were trying to pull Nehemiah away and damage God’s plan, Nehemiah didn’t even show guilt or concern for not responding to them. He saw through them. As stated on p. 142, I also am “Learning to see through the enemies schemes that pull us away from our God given work.” This is so applicable for me this summer. Point taken.
Dear Kelly,
I’ve learned that I need to stand firm in my faith and not be shaken. Nehemiah stood for what he believed in and what he knew to be true. He knew what needed to be done. Thank you Kelly for this awesome study!
Becky in TN
Dear Kelly (& Nehemiah)~ My ‘party favor’ from this study is that I HAVE to step-up my walk with the Lord. Like Nehemiah, I have to pray, listen, follow, be accountable, be reliable, be confident, be intentional, be focused, etc FOR THE LORD. It’s not something I can take lightly. I know that much, but I get lazy and content and it is time to start refining myself, NOW! Thank you all for a wonderful study. Love your sis in the Bahamas, < Tamara :0) (from "We Three Weaver's")
Dear Kelly,
Thank you for following the Lord’s leading to write this Bible study. I was encouraged to finish the job God has called me to do and to finish well.
Dear Kelly:
First of all thank you so much for being obedient to the Lord in preparing this study. For taking the time to prepare such a study as this. I’ve never seen Nehemiah in this light before, thank you.
Melissa’s Siesta Summer Bible Study Group –
1. God will never leave me nor forsake me. This is one truth about God that I cling to. My mother committed suicide and I’ve felt like I failed and she abandoned me. So this verse helps me remember that God won’t leave me or forsake me.
2. I long for God to bring full circle my family again. We were once a family but since my mom’s suicide we have been torn down and lay in rubble.
3. Keep building the wall. When God calls you to do something, stay on the path that He has laid out before me. Don’t look to the right or the left and put on the whole armor of God.
Dear Kelly,
To me Nehemiah tells the story of redemption and restoration. It shows a picture of God’s grace of allowing redemption even though we are yet to sin again. What an amazing, forgiving and redeeming God we serve!
Dear Kelly,
Our group enjoyed this study so much – we were all amazed at how much treasure was in this “little book about a guy building a wall”. My take-away from this study is a desire to have the experience of knowing for sure that I am doing what God has placed in my heart to do. I am very prone to “forcing” things in the hope that God will bless them, so I have learned through Nehemiah the importance of praying FIRST, and then waiting to hear from God.
Thanks so much for your work, your heart, and your wonderful sense of humor. Can’t wait for the next study!!
Kim Eshelman Lewisburg, PA
Dear Kelly,
WOW and a huge thank you for an amazing journey through Nehemiah!
I came away from this study with so much from the AM and PM groups. To pick one for myself it would definitely be new perspective and equipment for focusing on area/s God has placed in my heart. Thank you to our limitless God and thank you Kelly:)
Dear Kelly,
I have so loved this study and what a joy you are! I have never done one of your studies before and I can promise you this will not be my last. You have a gift and I am so grateful for our Siesta Momma to introduce us!
After a dry couple of years, this study has renewed my passion and responsibility to serve others. I love how Nehemiah set the example of how to do it so perfectly.
I am walking away with the determination to not give up on things when I don’t see an immediate response to my prayers. I am also walking away with not believing the lies the world and enemy is telling me….always a work in progress! Mostly, I am walking away with a deeper love for God and His commitment to us and all He wants us to be is obedient.
I could go on but I won’t, just suffice it to say, this study has permanently impacted me. The bonus is I got to do it with the greatest girls in my life…the TNLG in Leander, plus, all my online Siestas whom I so dearly love.
Lauralee
Love you Lauralee : )
Leanne
Mississippi
Dear Kelly,
This study has been a blessing during my very busy summer. My husband and I are building a house ourselves and this study has been a reminder that we will open our home for God’s work and for God’s people. During the past year we have also joined a new church. This study has helped me to reach out and see what opportunies and missions I can be involved in.
Dear Kelly,
Boy, did God plan this Bible study for me at this time, or what!?!? I already had in my heart to work with feeding the homeless. I took over the food basket ministry in my church in March, but my heart was downtown feeding the homeless face to face. I signed up to serve several lunches at the organization downtown. I failed to write down all of the dates I was supposed to be there. I went to the first lunch and LOVED being there. However, I didn’t know when I was supposed to return. I sent 2 emails and made 2 phone calls and never got a return call. I said, God, don’t you want me serving downtown? Why am I getting these road blocks when I am out there with “a heart that can break”?
Well, refer to page 29 where you talk about David and what was in his heart, but God reshaped the vision and the group discussion section. (also see pg 31)
So I’m thinking … really? Why not?
Please refer to page 40, paragraph 2. Then refer to page 50 “yet there is so much work to do right where we’ve been planted: in our work environments, communities, neighborhoods, schools, churches, and families. God may be calling you to serve in the places that are right in front of your own home!”
Amen!!
And Beth, the devotional at the end: Amen to that! It helps me as I start doing what God is asking me to do!
Dear Kelly,
The primary thing I’m taking away from this bible study is JOY! I’ve read over and over those verses in Chapter 8 when the people came together to hear the word and how elated they were! We talked in our group about how we take our exposure to the Word so for granted some days and how wonderful it was to capture a moment of that joy those inhabitants of Jerusalem felt on that day. Thank you Kelly for an intelligent journey through history with this study of Nehemiah. I am so grateful for the work you are doing for God’s glory. Love and blessings to you.
Dear Kelly…
First of all, I just want to thank you for responding in obedience when He called you to write this study. Much like your No Other Gods study, this Nehemiah study also was a life-changer for me. And…the words following do not even begin to adequately express all He’s done in and for me through this study and over the last six weeks.
I was honored back in January to participate in the Abundance Video Contest and win as a prize this Nehemiah study. And from the moment my video was submitted to this very day, He has taken me on a ride that has been mind-blowing. When I received the study in the mail, I was in the middle of another study so I didn’t delve into it right away. When I found out that it was going to be the Siesta Summer Bible Study, I was elated because I was just finishing up my other study and would have a wonderful online community with which to participate, and with a leader who, unbeknownst to her, has mentored me through a lot of spiritual growth over the last few years! Thank you, Beth, our wonderful Siesta Mama. ;o)
Anyway…in the midst of a very dark valley eight years ago, God placed a call on my heart to serve other women. It has been a call that He has, over the eight years, fine-tuned and clarified for me a little at a time, but has in the last two years defined more clearly as a fitness ministry. Many times I have tried to mess it up real good, but thankfully His sovereign hand has always intervened and I pray always will. When we started this study six weeks ago, I stood at the foot of two mountains – one of building: this call He gave me that, two weeks ago, officially became Clothed in Strength; and one of rebuilding: the wall around this temple that the enemy has just chipped away at over a span of twenty three years. I stood at the foot of those two mountains not knowing how to do either or how to make them work together.
But God.
I won’t bore you with the details, but through this study and many highly personal encounters in the last three weeks, He has moved in swiftly and lifted the veil. My cup is overflowing and I no longer stand at the foot of mountains. Instead I’m securely strapped in to continue this ride with the Lover of my soul. He’s the party favor that keeps on giving!
Thank you again, Miss Kelly. May He continue to richly bless and anoint you!
Michele ~ Kenosha WI
“Dear Kelly…” I have taken away soooo much from this study. Thank you for listening to God and working so hard on it. Also, thanks fro being so “real” in your Session Intros, they really spoke to me.
I guess one of the things that I am taking away is that it is ok to be broken-hearted over “broken” things, situations, our world, or people. I have been struggling with this one. I believe, a few weeks before the study started, Beth had asked to post something we were struggling with and that was it for me…how to have joy in the midst of heart break. It ALWAYS amazes me how God perfectly plans and speaks to us. The first few weeks I worked on the study I cirlced and cirlced how many times the words joy and heart break kept popping up. God clearly wanted to speak to me about this…It wasn’t just with things outside of me, either, He spoke to me about things He wanted to change in me, too!
I believe He has drawn me closer to Himself, and that’s one of the things I was asking Him for…AND He used this study to do just that!
Thanks So Much!
Q1.1. His wonder, His glory – if everything ultimately revolves around these and only these, what am I waiting for, feeling blue about, afraid of? James 1.22 Just do it.
Q1.2. How do I do His will for me and my husband, how do I overcome the predator’s work against my Lord and me as He tries to progress me for Him? I’m not big enough to do it, I am not God. I remind myself, I ask the Spirit to shout at me, I stand back and let God do HIS good work, do HIS job of softening my husband’s heart. My job is to minister to him (i am not very consistent about this!), continue to grow in Christ and let the Spirit do His work on me. My job is to set the example of peace and calm that Jesus came to give me, to revel in the FACT and joy of salvation. (Maybe make him want it? God knows!)
Q1.3. We have a long background and history together, married 43 years and now I go through this massive change, just last year. He wants his old wife back. I cannot go back, God has taken those parts of my being away from me and my heart soars with His freedom. My heart goes out to my husband though… What a curve ball! If he had been the one to change, I know I would have been much harder on him than he is being on me! What a paradigm shifter for him!
Q1.4. I think about my salvation and well-being, I feel selfish. For some months I couldn’t imagine my husband as a saved, Godly man, but God has given me the glimmering of that vision and it would be a wonder. Oh, if my husband opened up with the same thirst and hunger that I’ve been blessed with, if only he was as insatiable for the Word as God has made me…! I pray for this now, dear God.
Q1.55. I implore the Spirit to keep me strong, I implore Jesus to hold on to my hand, keep me close, to use me to reach, to demonstrate our Father’s love and for God to SOFTEN HIS HEART and awaken my husband. I pray for this. I pray that God brings me in iterative, ongoing confluence with His will, that my old self will just jettison, drop away, fall off. Your kingdom come, Your will be done… That’s the prayer that’s sitting in the bowl in the Throne Room right now!
Q2. My life, God’s life for me, fulfilled for Him, in Him (oh, how could I have run all those years, how crazy was I to shun HIm, shun the people who loved me and wanted me to join God…? Father! Help me.) My husband’s salvation, my son, his wife, my grandchildren, God please reach them, please. Use me as a light to them, somehow. I know YOU can do it, Your will, please.
Q3.The above reflections are core. I also am compelled to find a way to volunteer, to participate, to help in the lives of others who do not have as much as I have, as much as God can give. This is another case for James 1.22! He has given me a message and I am hearing it! Thank you for having me type these close-to-the-bone reflections out and sharing, Lord, thank you for this study. Thank you for you, Lord God.
Dear Kelly and Beth, Once again, I have gotten carried away, I clearly do love to write! I used an incorrect pen name, and went long on my response, did not follow instructions exactly. But I gained much from this study and even the exercises I just did, thank you so much. Along with my personal life needs, I now have an avenue to focus on for giving back to my community AND a lovely individual’s need sparked this exploration of my community in me…I have taken on too much this summer and am so frazzled! But this study has been therapeutic and provided much-needed direction for me. Clarity, thank you both, thank You, God!
Lindsay ~ Bangor, Maine
Dear Kelly – Thank you for teaching me how to have a heart that breaks for others. I desire to love others the way you describe in this study. I am also thankful to have a better understanding of what God’s calling me to right now.
Dear Kelly,
I have loved doing this study. It’s the first time I have done one solo. Wow, did I get a lot out of it!The main thing is; in spite of All Nehemiah did to complete what God had placed in his heart, the people still wandered. It’s not our responsibility to make people remain faithful only God can do that. We are to be obedient to what GOd has placed in our hearts and remain true to Him. God is faithful to complete what He started and he did in this situation. The city was rebuilt and this was whEre Jesus walked! Sometimes we don’t see the whole picture but God does. We are just called to do the job he has placed in our hearts! Thank you for this study it was my first time with you. I am looking forward to being blessed by some of your previous and new studies.
Thank you, Michelle. This is a struggle for me as well-I get upset & stressed as our world continues to away from God. Thanks for reminding me I am called to be obedient and God will do the rebuilding.
Dear Kelly, I can’t tell a story as elegantly as you or paint a picture with words but I can tell you from my heart that I Thank God for you and others(Beth) that allow God to use them to help us understand the word of God more. I have shed many tears, as I am now, thinking of how God uses his word to instruct us and show us that he has everything under control. As surely as the walls of Jersulem were destroyed so was my life 4 years ago, as in my human self believes, but as surely as God rebuilt the walls of that city he is rebuilding my life! As God places one stone upon another the Devil gets more upset but I have placed my Faith in God and I KNOW HE WILL PREVAIL!!! Prayer has been the key, the absolute key to all the progress made, telling God my inward fears and hopes and him answering them has been my lifeline! God revealed to me during this study that he is rebuilding my life and that prayer and faith is the only way to repair and continue until he takes me home. I have been one of those poor and needing assistance and through others God has never let me down but I have let him down. Today I help others when I can, its Gods work and it needs to be ours, thanks for the reminder. I am praying for you and others who study, write and follow Gods calling on your lives so that we can be blessed through the studies you have written. I Thank God for what he has revealed to me through this study and I Thank You for obeying God!!
Hannah-Port Huron, Michigan
Dear Kelly,
From reading and studying Nehemiah this summer, I learned that he was faithful to the purpose that God had given him despite many distractions and that I also need to do the same in the purpose God has given to me.
Dear Kelly,
Thank you for the gift of this bible study! I have learned that there is a reason my heart breaks for certain things. I am not “too sentimental” or “overly emotional”. That feeling is God prompting me to do something. And I have noticed that when I am serving, my heartache turns into joy! I never really made that connection before. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us.
Lori
Dear Kelly I have enjoyed this Bible Study very much. Thank You for putting it together. My biggest take away has to do with entitlement. I struggle with this in my life.
Dear Kelly,
Thank you for showing us that “rubble” can become oppressive and hold us back. I loved how you said, “getting rid of rubble requires we do something” (bottom of pg 56). Loss of loved ones, broken relationships, letting go and moving on requires I trust God. I’m linking rubble to: people, things, emotions and actions. I’m cleaning house, body and heart. Next comes the celebrating and I’m so thankful God is making preparations for this special event!
Great study and sweet time spent in His word with my precious daughters and Siestas :0)
Cynthia (We Three Weavers)
Vicki (Gal Pals, 2)
Murfreesboro, TN
Dear Kelly,
Thank you so much for the blessing that this study is. My main take-away is that I need to pray even more to have a heart that breaks for those things that break God’s heart. I then need to be willing to step up and reach out to others as God impresses upon my heart. I was convicted greatly by the need to know a name of someone who is poor. May God bless you and continue to use you for His glory!
Dear Kelly,
I learned so much in this bible study and I am so thankful for your genuine spirit. I focused on clearing away the rubble and rebuilding the wall in my own heart, as well as a deeper focus and prayer time for those who are in need. I also fell in love with the rich history and teaching in the book of Nehemiah. Thank you so much and may God bless you in your ministry!!
Thank you, Kelly, for reminding me that this life is so much more than about little old me. Thanks for helping me continue to broaden my perspective and take my place in this world with what God has put on my heart. We are in the process of adopting, so I just loved that precious story of the Chinese adoption that you included in your book. Thank you so much for including all those real examples! Please keep writing!
Hilliard, OH, solo, Pat
Dear Kelly,
My notes from Session 5, pg 132 best summarize what I take away: We are to take away the Word and live it–not just read it but make it a part of our every day life–to change us. Multiple times during this study, I have been aware of a link between this study and my daily life. I thank you for your insights, your writing style and the joy that comes through on these pages. It has been a blessing to share this study with everyone.
Dear Kelly,
You have no idea how God has used this study at this time to remind me who he is and how faithful his promises are. In fact, I will lead this study again this fall with a group of women from my church, and I feel better equipped having done this study in this unique manner.
For me , the number one take away is this…we all need the tenacity of Nehemiah. To hear God’s voice and take action seeing a project through to the end is my battle cry! Thanks for making it so real.
Barb, Evansville, Indiana
Kelly-
What have I learned from this study?? Where do I begin?? I’ve learned to take the rubble of my life and build back relationships that have faltered…regardless of how difficult it is! If Nehemiah can build a wall…a wall surrounding an ENTIRE city with unwaiving faith, I should have no problem just trying to build back a few relationships that need to be rebuilt…that I want to rebuild. This is the first study that I have completed (don’t tell Beth) and I have enjoyed every single minute of it. It has opened my eyes to the needs of the others that I’ve been closed off too, and it’s given me the opportunity to take an account of my own life and determine if I am where I want to be. It has also gotten me closer to an amazing group of friends…a group of friends that I am so glad I traveled this journey with. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge with us. Thank you Beth for sharing Kelly with us. I am so very grateful to you both-
Eileen, Lompoc, CA
Dear Kelly, Thank you so much for the Bible Study. It was so wonderful to join together with friends, you and Beth and all the other wonderful woman studying God’s Word! Your insights showed me things I never saw before, and some of the scenes in the video’s are etched in my heart forever. Thank you for your wonderful God filled heart. Love, Eileen, Lompoc Learners
Dear Kelly,
Thanks so much for such an eye-opening summer! There was so much to learn from Nehemiah but also from the wonderful ladies in my study group!
What I took away from Nehemiah was perseverence; to keep my eye on God’s goal and to ignore all those people and things put in my way to distract me(and there are soooo many!). This was not a book that I was at all familiar with but I am so glad I was able to learn about all the little gems it contains! Thanks for a learning summer.
Kelly,
My take-away from Nehemiah is that obedience results in joy. The closer I get to God and accomplishing His will, the more the enemy will turn up the heat (p. 79) but this study has reminded me of God’s power to accomplish much through His faithful people.
God bless you for sharing your gifts with us!
Val
Sarah, Dallas, TX (going solo)
Dear Kelly,
Thank you for writing this study. I think the biggest thing that I am taking away from it is te Lord opening my heart to being more aware of the eternal vs. the now. What I mean by that is sometimes I can get so caught up in just the day to day that I forget I am surrounded by people that don’t know Jesus and I have a responsibility to show Him to them. I confess I am lax in praying for the salvation of my unbelieving family members and co-workers. My heart has been softened by this study and I am praying that I will not go back to where I was before these 6 weeks…but that I will continue to have a heart for the lost. I want a heart that can break! God bless you.
Dear Kelly,
I have to tell you that this study changed my heart in a very large way…even though I have not even finished it yet.
You see, on July 23rd, our family was traveling back from Yellowstone in a caravan; my husband driving he truck/camper combo and myself with my disable son was driving the Hummer/boat combo.
Two miles outside of town we were hit by a car driven far into our lane. We were all unharmed (can’t say the same for our rigs) but the other driver was critically injured that night and died two days later.
Why do I tell you this story? Because it was through the events of that night and the time that has passed since then that I have realized how much my heart has changed…it has been broken for him and for his family. I was given a forgiving/loving heart that night as I held his bloody/mangled face in my hands so he could breath and I prayed over him. My perspective on the true value of others has changed. My desire to care for others has changed.
It took me nearly 2-weeks to finally sit down and begin to work on Nehemiah without being a total emotional basket case. Here is the exact place I restarted (perhaps you will see the significance)…
Personal Response (page 68): As you consider your own frailty, spend a few minutes writing in the margin the ways God has shown His power in a time of your powerlessness.
Thank you for listening to God’s voice in studying and sharing this story and study on Nehemiah. I am forever changed because of it.
PS….his name was Anthony.
Oh, Sue. WOW! Thank you for sharing your story, and your broken heart. I will add Anthony’s family to my prayers today. Anthony left this world knowing that it’s possible to love and forgive…what a gift to give.
Wow Sue. Thanks so much for sharing this. I pray you have found peace.
Dear Kelly, I’ve truly been blessed spending the summer with you. Not only did I enjoy Nehemiah, but redid your Ruth study as well. When I started the Nehemiah study, all I was familiar with was rebuilding the wall. I loved your take on a heart that can break. What I take away from this study is I want to have the things that are priority to God a priority to me, and I want to walk faithfully and obediently on the path He has for me. Keep doing what you’re doing Kelly. The Lord truly uses you to speak to us ladies. May He continue to lead and bless you, and grant you the desires of your heart.
Dear Kelly,
Thankyou for this study which has helped me delve into a book I’ve never really looked at before. It has helped me with seeing people as special in God’s sight.
Dear Kelly,
I feel that this bible study became available to me at the exact right time in my life. We have two biological sons and a daughter adopted from Korea. We thought we were DONE adding to our family! Just before I was invited into this study, my husband and I began to hear God calling us to adopt again… much to our surprise! Then when I began the study and learned about how Nehemiah’s heart breaking pulled him into bold action, I saw such a parallel in my own life. I’ve learned a lot recently about the thousands of Chinese children with special needs who often do not ever find their forever homes. And my heart breaks wide open for them. And so we’ve decided on a bold course of action for our family and are beginning the adoption process again!!! We feel certain this is the path that God is calling us to and are also extremely excited about this new little person who will hopefully one day join our forever family.
Thank you, thank you!
Jen
Jordin; Albuquerque, NM
Dear Kelly,
One of the many important concepts I have taken away from this study is that when God places a dream on our hearts, it may not need immediate human feedback, but rather a period of listening and developing the dream with God alone. What a joy it has been to seek Him through your leadership in this study. Thank you!
1. The most difficult fact in my life right now is that one of my children does not seem to be walking with the LORD. But I know that God loves my children more than I can imagine and will make His Presence known to them just as He has done in my life.
2. I long to see God restore my relationship with this child.
3. The best take away idea for me is Kelly’s plea to take our place on the wall–whatever the sacrifice and never lose sight of the reality that heaven is a real place. This helped me so much because sometimes I forget this life is temporary. There is so much more at stake and we must not become weary fighting the good fight of faith and continuing to pray for our loved ones who are struggling with the temptations in the world. Thank you Kelly for your transparency and enthusiasm! I loved your study.
Dear Kelly,
Thank you for written this Bible study. The main one that I’m taking away from Nehemiah is:
As I read any books in the Bible, I have never enjoyed reading the names. Especially the parts who’s related to who and who to pray for, etc. I don’t know these people, not going to remember their names, and it’s too late to pray for them because the events have already happened and past tense. During this study you have taught us that people have names and we should learn their names & get to know them. I have learned that God cares about them in the Bible no matter how big/small roles they played and I should care too. Also it made me think that every person who is saved (In the Bible and today present), I know God written down every name in His book in heaven and is even longer than the list of names in Bible. I cannot imagined reading the long scroll of names in heaven. 🙂 Hopefully from now on, I will try to take the time to read slowly the list of names in the Bible and learn why they were listed.
Dear Kelly: This summer study has been a joy and a blessing for a gaggle of girl friends and family who live in five states! We have found a tremendous amount of support and discipline using our FB Group that we will continue with a new book in September. My primary take-away: We have been gathered in our humanity and flown to the feet of God, since we are sinful, weak, fickle and He is holy, strong, and faithful. He sprinkles our hearts clean with new mercies EVERY morning. AMEN! Thank you so much for sharing your writing skills with us 🙂 Under His Grace, DianeE. Portland, Oregon.
Dear Kelly,
Loved the study and your witty ways. My takeaway is to keep doing the things God puts on my heart, but to remember it might be with a sword in one hand and a trowel in the other. Nevertheless, it is important to keep doing what I can to build God’s kingdom.
Dear Kelly,
Here’s how I think God wants me to take my place on the wall. It’s related to (3) of your comments: 1) only my broken heart can be trusted to confront (students) for the sake of righteousness, 2) the patients’ heart can only rest when around people (healthcare workers) they can trust who operate from integrity, and 3) one generation of compromise can undo centuries of blessings.
Thanks so much for the insights in Nehemiah.
Dear Kelly,
What an awesome study! You have such a gift! I enjoyed this Bible study of Nehemiah so much!
It has given me “a heart that can break” for the poor and needy in our community and the world. I have been sponsoring a child in Africa through World Vision for about 7 years now, and it has been one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done in my life, but until this study of Nehemiah, I didn’t know how I could actually get out there and help “hands on”. The devotion of Nehemiah that you brought out in this study, and his passion to help his people has inspired me to “get out there”. Our church feeds the homeless and needy once a week, so I go help out when I can. This will be just the beginning of good things to come I’m sure.
My heart has been changed because of your compassion and love for the less fortunate in our world. I enjoyed the videos of your trips to the Amazon. Missions work is something I have always wondered about, and now you have opened my eyes to a whole new need out there beyond our comfortable lifestyles here in America. We are so blessed, but their faith in the Lord has made them so blessed as well. It was inspiring to say the least!
Thank you, Kelly, for your heart of love “glowing” on each page! It has changed my life.
Dear Kelly, I loved so much about the study but I think what encouraged me mostly was to not get discouraged in what God has given me to do. I am praying fervantly for my adult children to give their hearts to the Lord and as we learned, nothing is impossible with God:) Thank you so much for all your work and effort to put this study together for us! Stephanie, La Habra, CA
We finished our last session last night. Next up – Here/Now/There/Then in Sept for all the groups. 🙂
The biggest thing that God spoke to me through this study was about finding what He has put on your heart and focusing on that. For me, it is writing a book. I have started, but the hardest part has been being diligent and staying at the task. It irritates me that I am so easily distracted.
Along with that was Nehemiah’s decisiveness. I often fall into the “paralysis of analysis.” Definitely with big things such as writing a book, but even down to little things like what to eat for lunch. Honestly, I could easily waste an hour debating between two things, absolutely paralyzed. I wish I had Nehemiah’s clear head and keen ability to make a decision and act on it.
Thank you for summer Bible study! Need to stay in the WORD!
Be blessed, y’all 🙂
Dear Kelly,
I’m a Beth Moore bible study girl…well, I used to be. THANK YOU for this incredible study.
I am forever changed by page 130, and our deep dive into Nehemiah 9:32-37. Here’s my nugget…I’m a slave to false god(s). Food. People. Work. TV. Money. “…but when we’re giving our best away for the sake of securing approval or attahment of someone. Same thing when we don’t have control over our bodies but we are bound to food, a person, fear, the television.” Seriously, sister? I KNOW you were talking to me. The best part was yet to come… while I read it, I wept “The beauty is that we can find our way out of slavery by turning our hearts back through confession.” God intended for you to write these words, and for me to read them. And now to repent and change! (and GUESS which study I will be doing next? “No Other Gods.” The workbook has already been ordered. HIS timing is amazing.)
So. Much. Love.
xoxo
Jennifer
I re-read my entry and the first line sounds horrible! I meant that I have only ever done Beth Moore studies, until this one. Now I’m a Beth Moore AND Kelly Minter girl. Love you BOTH! HA! xoxo
Dear Kelly,
So much to take away from the time we’ve spent with Nehemiah but the one thing that shines the brightest is the assurance that God delights in rebuilding something gloroius from what was once just a pile of rubble. I’m climbing around on my own pile of rubble right now, the result of an unfaithful husband and unwanted divorce. God is in the process of showing me which parts of the old “wall” of my life are too damaged to use for rebuilding, which parts are scarred but sound, and where I need to put in some whole new material. He has made me see that I need to let Him carry away the stones that are brittle and weak from the fire, and not keep tripping over them in my rebuilding process, stubbing my toes and bruising my knees. (Sometimes it’s hard not to try to grab the handles of His wheelbarrow and bring that garbage back to cause pain all over again!)
What a blessing to see so clearly that even rubble can be used to build something that honors and brings much glory to Lord Jesus. Thank you for your obedience in putting this study together. You’ll never know, this side of Heaven, how much it has helped us all.
And from my friend, who has no Internet access,
Melissa Davis:
Dear Kelly,
This study of Nehemiah has caused me to focus more on being a servant, especially with the children in my community and how to be of more help to them.