Part 1 Positive Impact
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (AMP) 16 All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; 17 so that the [a]man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
• Nehemiah Was A Man of Prayer
Henry Martyn- Let me burn out for God. After all, whatever God may appoint, prayer is the great thing. Oh, that I might be a man of prayer!
Colossians 4:2 (ESV) 2 Continue steadfastly in prayer….
1. Prayer attracts God- Psalm 66:16-20
2. Prayer moves angels- Daniel 9:20-23
3. Prayer gives us strength to stand- Ephesians 6:10-13
4. Prayer transforms us and others- Job 22:27-30
5. Prayer heals nations- 2 Chronicles 7:14
Penned Truth: The real power comes from God, not our humanistic abilities and talents.
Ronald Reagan- The time has come to turn to God and reassert our trust in Him for the healing of America – our country is in need of and ready for a spiritual renewal.
Penned Truth: The church must cultivate a deeper prayer life toward real intersession to rebuild America’s spiritual walls.
Nehemiah 1:1–4 (ESV) 1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, 2 that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.” 4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
Andy Stanley- When Nehemiah’s heart was broken, he paid attention to his broken heart.
Penned Truth: Change happens when people are authentically broken and dive into true repentance, earnest prayer, and walking humbly with fasting.
Nehemiah 1:5–11 (ESV) 5 And I said, “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the Prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. 8 Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, 9 but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ 10 They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. 11 O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the Prayer of your servant, and to the Prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Now I was cupbearer to the king.
Repentance | Dictionary of Bible Themes: It involves a sincere turning from sin to serve God. At points, Scripture refers to God changing his plan or intention, in response to human repentance.
Jeremiah 25:4–6 (ESV) 4 You have neither listened nor inclined your ears to hear, although the LORD persistently sent to you all his servants the prophets, 5 saying, ‘Turn now, every one of you, from his evil way and evil deeds, and dwell upon the land that the LORD has given to you and your fathers from of old and forever. 6 Do not go after other gods to serve and worship them,
Penned Truth: Genuine repentance produces a change that will heal a nation. Moreover, it begins with us, the Church.
Final Thought: Nehemiah prayed for himself and his nation and even confessed the sins of the forefathers who had brought destruction to Jerusalem. He said he prayed night and day. The burden for his city was evident. He was a desperate man seeking the Lord. How desperate must the situation become before we get serious about praying for our nation? Repentance is the first step towards change. Just as God extended His mercy to Nehemiah’s nation, He will do the same for us if we, as a Church, truly repent, pray earnestly, and walk humbly with fasting.
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