Rise and Build Nehemiah 1: Stop and Pray

Is God doing everything he desires to do in the Valley right now?

Is all that God wants being doing in our area?

"He did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith" - Matt. 13, Mark 6

Permissive Will- what God allows What God desires- Perfect Will

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance - 2 Peter 3:9

God's stated desire: All would reach repentance (salvation)

Permissive Will- not slow…but patient toward you Perfect Will- not wishing that any should perish

Is all that God wants being done in our area?

God wants more for his people

God wants more for his people from his people

God wants more for his people from his people through his people

God's blessings are never just about us

2 Things: God wants more for me than I want for me

2 Things: God wants more for me than I want for me When God begins to do a work He starts with people

flawed sinful jacked-up He starts with people unsure ill-equipped ordinary

Nehemiah: Times BC - 2 waves have returned to Jerusalem (586 BC Exile) - Temple rebuilt, people repented

Nehemiah: Person - Jewish Servant to a Persian King - Honored Job - Not a paid, trained religious guy - Never acts without praying. Never prays without acting on it

The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men

and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.

They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire”

Wall and gates represent Identity Security Pure Religion God's Favor

When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven

146 Years Ago…

146 Years Ago… Lincoln was shot!

God opened Nehemiah's Heart

Nehemiah's heart is suddenly broken about something he's known for a very long time

When God begins to do a work: - He starts with ordinary people - He wants more for them than they want for themselves - It always involves change and sacrifice on the part of those people

Is all that God wants to do Being done in our Valley right now?

Predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ - Romans 8:29

Does what breaks Christ's heart Break mine?

The Change: Seeing with fresh eyes What we've always known

Why we may not: - Involves being God-focused

Why we may not: - Involves being God-focused - Involves change in our own lives

Why we may not: - Involves being God-focused - Involves change in our own lives - Involves action on our part

80%- Plateaued and in Decline 3,500 Churches die every year De-Churched Unchurched

It's hopeless…

It's hopeless… Unless we look to The God of All Hope

Then I said: “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands… Adoration (Worship)

let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel.

I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s house, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses. Confession

Very different from radical individualism All have sinned and fallen short of God's glory I start with: me

"Lord, your church has failed you. We have failed you"

“Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying… Prayer based on God's nature And God's promises

‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name’ God's Promises

They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand God's Strength

O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man” God, I need your help!

I was cupbearer to the king. I was cupbearer to the king.

A great looking car

A great looking car Without a motor

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective - James 5:16

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective - James 5:16 Righteous= lives what he says he believes

Powerful prayer precedes action But willingness to act must follow the prayer For it to have power

Permissive Will- what God allows What God desires- Perfect Will

God, help us to see as you see Break our hearts For what breaks yours Help us to repent for our own sins Before we seek to Change this Valley for Your Name