Text: Nehemiah 1:1-11
Think back to when you first moved out of your parents’ house. (And if you can, try to remember a time when you didn’t have access to news and status updates in the palm of your hand.) Your family comes to visit for a long weekend and as you sit down for lunch together, you ask how things are going back home.
Only, rather than “same old, same old” or “So-and-So’s having a baby and the Jones’s just put in a new swimming pool,” you hear this: “Honestly? Things are really bad. Everyone you knew growing up is either dead or wishes they were dead. Your hometown is falling apart. Our police force has been destroyed and the whole city is absolute lawlessness.”
It breaks your heart, right?
This is where we meet our man Nehemiah today. He has just received word that the wall protecting Jerusalem, his hometown, was broken down and the gates destroyed by fire. The people he loves – his fellow Israelites with whom he and his family go way back – are in “great trouble and shame.” Things are low. Really low.
Look at how Nehemiah responds with compassion for his people. Even though he is 800 miles away – safely and comfortably out of harm’s way, testing wine and food for the king’s table – just knowing that his people are hurting lays him low. Really low.
The Bible tells us that when Nehemiah hears this news he weeps and mourns for days. His people and his home may as well be on the other side of the planet, yet knowing they are without protection has him fasting and praying and confessing on their behalf.
We have a lot to learn in our study of the book of Nehemiah. But even in this first day, even in setting the stage for what is going to be accomplished in the hearts and lives of the people of Israel, the sovereign God is showing us something awesome about biblical compassion: it is not characterized by platitudes; it is characterized by action.
Lord, rend our hearts for the hurting today. Let us not allow our own comfort or safe distance from pain prevent us from seeing and loving others as you see and love them. Move us. Break us. And build us back up for your glory. Amen.
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194 thoughts on "biblical compassion"
Time to rebuild the walls the enemy has torn down and rebuild walls with Christ that no one can tare down!
WOW! I started this the day after the attacks on Paris and this could not be more appropriate. Goes to show just how relevant the Bible is today.
Me too
I stumbled onto your site after reading some blog posts about intentional home keeping from creativehomekeeper.com. I’m glad that she shared some of the Bible studies that she is doing on there because it led me to you all.
I haven’t been attending church much lately because of my panic attacks due to ptsd and ocd. It seems worse whenever I get around Christ’s people, and I know that this is the enemy,but I feel like I let him win. As I am home this week after healing from surgery I want to work through this study with you all and focus on others besides myself. I want to break for those that are broken and pray for them,or do whatever else God leads me to do.
Megan I hope and pray and wish you all the good things that you deserve as you recover. Try to keep yourself around good quality people who encourage you and keep you going. You will be so surprised one day looking back and seeing how far you have come and yet when you are moving you might not always be able to see the progress.
“I’m no longer a slave to fear; I am a child of God. …You split the sea so I could walk right through it; my fears were drowned in perfect Love. You rescued me, so I can stand and sing, ‘I am a child of God!'” (“No Longer Slaves” by Bethel Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8TkUMJtK5k).
Megan, I pray this song over you, today. You are a child of God! “But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39, NASB). I pray Jesus’ Love would enfold and surround you; I pray that Jesus would sweep away all fear and would give you all that you need as you seek Him and trust Him completely.
I know such fear, sister. But you are SO beloved; keep your focus on Jesus’ Perfect Love for you, that will never fail (Ephesians 3:16-20). I love you, sister! Jesus bless you <3
I will be praying for you Megan God and His Word can do marvelous things for your loss life
*for your life
This year we moved to Seattle to plant a church. I love this; God uses very simple people to accomplish profound change, for His glory. This city is tumultuous and dark, and yet, God’s spirit can move in hearts here. Praying for an ever-increasing Nehemiah heart for this place.
Hi Mary! As a fellow Christian and born again believer, I would like to welcome you and your loved one(s)to Seattle! Within the past 5 years, God has really opened my eyes to see the way His Spirit administers to fellow believers throughout this city and I am interested in the church you are ministering to! As I have lived in Seattle proper, I now reside North of there and have found very strong and deep-rooted fellowships. I must say, it will take time to see it, but faith is one thing I find beautiful in this place!
I am excited to start this study. I often get overwhelmed by how much hurt and suffering there is in the world and become paralyzed, not knowing what to do and doubting that I could do anything big enough to make a difference. But real compassion leads to action. I pray the Spirit will lead me to put my compassion to action and show me real, concrete ways that I can help. I shouldn’t be overwhelmed when God is sovereign and will equip me for any action He has planned!
Amen! This is so encouraging and exactly what I need to be praying for!
This reminds me that when I can help someone else, I should. Nothing should stop me.. Nothing. Everyone else’s problem is mine not just their problem. Help my brothers and sisters.
So excited to do this study because we are beginning in August studying Nehemiah for small group. Excited to get some great study material before teaching it! Thank you SRT for all these tools!
I feel like this story is so important in the times our country is facing right now. The lawlessness grows; pain and suffering is abundant. Without a doubt it breaks our Lord’s heart, and thus, it should break ours, just as it did Nehemiah’s. Christians in our country are imperfect people amongst lost imperfect people. What if we shared our found hope instead of condemnation? What if we prayed for others instead of casting judgement? What would our people, His people, our country, His country, look like?
Hmmm.
Food for thought on this first day of study!
This has me thinking about the tragedy in the church in SC. Although they are far and although we don’t know any of them personally that died, we should still hurt and show compassion because they were fellow children of God. Prayers lifted to the friends and families of Charleston.
What an important message – distance shouldn’t lessen our compassion for others!
I’m going to a summer camp later in the summer and this particular year,people in my grade are beginning our first year in leadership training to be camp counselors. this first level is “nehemiah team” or “nehi’s”. so I thought that I would read this book so I can get a better understanding of how God is going to try to use me and my fellow camp mates this summer and how we can bond together through him. thank you for creating this reading plan, it will help me get better understanding of this book. :)
The walls of the church (worldwide) have been broken down and the enemy is moving across in a spirit of death and destruction. But let us not forget that often we neglect to look at the walls of our own hearts. The are in a state of disrepair as well. And, likewise the enemy crosses over where there is a weakness. This
Has been from the beginning – a cosmic spiritual battle fight in the spirit with the Word of Truth! A brick in one hand and the “sword” in the other.
This is very true
This made me think of my small local community and the division that has come about over our struggling school district. We are in small town Iowa and working on making 2 school districts one. It’s has been fight after fight and friendships weakened. I pray that our district can come together for the good of the whole verses pride as individual. Together we can be strong, but separate we are weak. Let’s put selfish needs aside and make it place where we can all be mighty.
So excited to work through this study! My thoughts go to Syrian refugees hurting today. Rend my heart, God. Don’t let me forget about them.
Lord, rend our hearts for the hurting today. Let us not allow our own comfort or safe distance from pain prevent us from seeing and loving others as you see and love them. Move us. Break us. And build us back up for your glory. Amen.
This prayer is the cry of my heart. I know I am supposed to work with women.. I want to empower women so they can see & truly know their beauty & worth. It has been so hard working with women who are so insecure- to the point that it is crippling to be around. I want to love, be gracious & patient. It’s painful being stretched. Worth it, but painful.
Currently I’m on an outreach in Chicago, just downloaded this devo app and felt the Lord direct me to this study. I pray renewal and rebuilding over this city and ask that God would place in me fierce sorrow and crying out for his children here <3
It’s so easy to live life in a bubble, and really forget the suffering taking place all around us. Praying for my eyes to be fixed on Jesus and learn to love others the way he does.
What a great example of a prayer of intercession. I want to study and emulate this. He is so humble and yet so passionate. He recalls Gods faithfulness and love for His people and prays fervently for those in need.
Working on being compassionate towards those who don’t think they need it. Heart hurts over it.
So thankful for this reminder to focus prayer and petition on other’s needs just as much as my own. So many times I forgot how the power of prayer continues to strengthen with the growing of numbers.
Love that, Kayla. Thanks for joining us today!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Because I have moved around so much, I have Christian brothers and sisters scattered all around the country. I still feel knit to them. Thanks so the reminder to intercede!!!
Me too!
With everything going on with our brothers and sisters around the world, but especially in Iraq, this struck home. My heart aches thinking of what they are going through, and it calls me to action. Also, it reminds me to be on the lookout for those around me who are hurting and give compassion.
I agree, Christine. I\’m so thankful for a compassionate God who teaches us how to care for others!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
I love the thought ab how true compassion isn’t just saying “awww that’s sad” but deciding to take action and how that action flows from a place of love and desire to see God work in the midst of a mess—compassion with purpose!
I love the thought of compassion with purpose, Rachel! Praying that my heart would listen a little closer for those opportunities. We love having you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Compassion can be hard. We want to have it, but we become so jaded by our own hurts that we forget to be compassionate towards others. It’s something I know I need to work on.
It can be so hard, Angela. I\’m more than thankful that God is there to lead us in compassion! Thanks for joining us!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Nehemiah’s compassion so resonates in my heart with the very compassion that Christ has shown toward his chosen people. We sinners, unable to save ourselves from the depravity around us and within, are rescued by Jesus who was much further than 800 miles {immeasurable grace considering his righteousness!} And yet we are held by a promise. Love this study already, and it is so enlightening to read as it adds to the Nehemiah study my church is going through currently!
Amen, Melissa! Love that so much. So fun that your church is studying Nehemiah! We love having you here!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
I feel like this. I was raised out of such a bad situation but the people I love were not and they remain in it. I know at least 5 people deep into drugs and other habits. Some in jail, some just waiting to overdose. My heart breaks for their blindness. I often feel that I am crying out on their behalf. Why did He choose me and not them? Curious to see how this book further opens my eyes to His will.
I read this study while sitting in Honduras brainstorming for a new ministry. How. Appropriate. God is so in the details
Correction to my last post….He was relentless***
What a great read! I truly admire Nehemiah’s unselfishness! He was living in the courts of a King and he still had a heart for His people! He interceded for them and He relentless in seeking out solution to their problem. He really took a We is great than I approached! He thought of the good of the whole! He reminded God of HIS promises and went to action!
Lord I pray you make us brave to continue to know and act upon your word. To believe that we were made to take action as well. Let us mourn and pray for our people. Let the enemy not trick us into thinking that your name has no power to make a change. Let our voices continue to declare your truth until our throats are raw. Let our hands and feet continue to move as you give us strength to give and obey. Let our hearts always be filled with your spirit. Let the blind be blind no more, let the deaf hear.
H
Reading this after reading of yet another shooting in Indianapolis. My husband & I had just discussed how violent our world has become lately. Lord God, I pray for peace in our nation & in our world. Give our leaders the wisdom to follow your word in this our sinful world.
Crazy to begin reading this the morning before we begin the rebuild of our college ministry at my church, how awesome is The Lord who prepares us through His word?! So very thankful for his teachings and timings.
I work in a pediatric ER, where brokenness and pain is the norm. I find myself wanting to tune out the rest of the world because the hurt there and in my work place seems too much to bear. Thankful that Jesus doesn’t expect us to carry that weight alone and responds to our prayers for those hurting near and far.
Also thinking of the unrest in the Middle East as I read this… Come, Lord Jesus, and bring peace.
This really hit home. Lately there has been so much bad news, like the Malaysia airline tragedies, that I have tuned it out because I can’t take it. But I shouldn’t tune it out, I should tune God IN and open my heart to those hurting because I hope of the roles were reversed, someone would do the same for me. This prayer will stay with me for a long time .
Hi Kat! I do the exact same thing-the news is so hard to watch these days! I loved what you said about tuning God in and being open to the hurt. Thank you for sharing your heart!
xo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Let us lift up the families of those involved in the Malaysian flight. That God should comfort them and be their source of strength
What I took away MOST of all in this lesson was that Nehemiah FORCED himself to become disturbed and he responded by interceding. He didn't change the channel or turn the page because it was dismal news. He listened and then he wept which mirrored Jesus weeping over the state of Jerusalem. (Luke 19: 41-44) Jesus saved us because his heart was stirred and disturbed. LORD HELP ME BECOME DISTURBED so that I do not become complacent and apathetic!
That’s good. I hadn’t quite thought of it that way!
This study couldn't have come at a better time. I'm late at catching up, I've been on vacation with the family and no alone quiet time. True biblical compassion has been lacking the past several weeks in my life, which is huge considering I'm a nurse, and everyday since, I've been wanting to turn in my badge (and I've been a nurse for 6 years) . So when I opened up day 1, God just knew where to strike. His conviction to me. His reminder to me. And His promise to me. With tears in my eyes, I prayed.
It's crazy how so many years have elapsed between our time and the time of Nehemiah, and yet we also struggle as a society to not be blind to the outrageous things that are going on in our modern day and age. Just across town in Cincinnati today, a UC student went missing. So close to home. It hits hard. And yet in even farther off places, this is a daily occurrence. It makes me heartsick.
Praying for you girls, and grateful to be in such great company in the battle to bring the world back to God's intended glory. The state of many things in our world is discouraging, but it gives me hope that others are feeling it too, and are willing to help change it.
This post reminded me of the song Give Me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath. Only through the help of God can we be pulled back from our daily lives and be given eyes through Jesus.
I've been behind on the devo and am only just starting. This could not have come at a better time. Though I am in Nigeria, I am a "safe" distance away from the terrorism and unrest. It's so easy to become desensitized because the pain isnt near me.it's so encouraging to see that so many people are joining in to pray for their safe return. Praying for a Nehemiah heart
Glad to see you, friend. Thinking of you and yours. xo – Amanda
Wow! Thank you ladies for your insight and encouraging thoughts!
I was struck by the point that we see Nehemiah show us in verse 8-9 that Obedience Leads To Blessing! I am working right now to teach my 22 month daughter to obey first! This is an encouragement to me….remembering that this hard work will bring blessings!
Also thank you Wiscogurl I love the way you described Nehemiah response to bad news!! I have highlighted verse 4-5 in my bible to remind me……sit down, weep, fast and pray!
Love this study!
A day late, I know. Nonetheless, I am looking forward to studying Nehemiah with the She Reads Truth community. Day 1 has me feeling very convicted for the ways that I have not acted like Nehemiah. Often times when I hear of the hardships that are happening in my family I say a quick, thoughtless prayer and then catch up with the busy-ness of my own life. And, truthfully, sometimes I don't even do that. And, although, the circumstances aren't as extreme as the ones described here in Nehemiah, there is still much that I should be fasting and praying for. My prayer is that God will break down the hardened parts of my heart and teach me how to not just feel compassion for people but that I would BE actively compassionate for people.
I have been praying for the kidnapped girls, but this lesson has inspired me to pray with more passion and purpose. It's so easy to pray, but to pray as Nehemiah prayed is beyond the words. I want a heart like God's – to feel the passion of Nehemiah for the stolen girls and for all my prayers.
My prayer is the God will prompt me and those I love to action. It is so often comfortable to say "I'll pray for you" and, although I am a great believer in the power of prayer, God also calls us to action. Already learning and growing from this study.
Praying!!
Nehemiah was just standing in the gap for his hometown. GOD never forgot His promises we forget His promises. It's times like what happened to Nehemiah that God moves a person to remember and stand in the gap for someone/some place that doesn't know God's promises. God can't move unless we speak it out through confession or prayer. I can not wait to see where this study takes us. Encouraged already to stand in the gap for so many people that cross my path on a daily basis.
Wow it's almost overwhelming to read everyone's stories and prayers!
What stuck out to me was that Nehemiah didn't HAVE to go to Jerusalem. He had a very good job; he was trusted by the king; he lived in a beautiful, rich city. Yet he risked his career, his life, and everything he had ever known to help his people. (does anyone know, was Nehemiah born in Babylon??? If so, even more amazing he decided to leave it!)
He was a man on a mission who risked everything for his people. What a call to living sacrificially in community, out of love for God and the people in your life!
Very excited to start this bible study with my dear friend Kendra and the whole SRT community! My friend have me the devotional study guide for my birthday and it is just the perfect gift :) I know this plan will be about giving and praying and those are two of the things Kendra has done for me! I’m excited to read more about compassion because it is the center of my life and my career. Ready to see what God has in store!
My daughter and I have been sharing lately about the small town we used to reside. In the beginning of the devotional it was like someone had been listening to our phone call. The schools have lost all funding, the local police have to be assisted by the county, senseless violence and despair. My hometown is no longer pretty or peaceful! Yes a heartbreaker. This is such a timely study, we need to lend a hand (of action) and not just shake our heads filled with sadness.
Father give me direction and wisdom concerning the action I need to take to help the town I was raised in. Holy Spirit show me who I can connect with, who has been praying for your help. Jesus help me to remember that I am your representative on this Earth. Help me to love people like you love and have your faith to see and believe for the change.Amen
Today I am reminded of the families I have heard of over the last week alone, who have lost children. Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers have gone to be with Jesus and have left broken hearted mommies and daddies. God, help me to remember these families in my prayers – not just today, but in the days, weeks, and months to come. Bring them to my mind when You know they need lifting up the most.
I am blown away by Nehemiah's instinct to fall on his face before the Lord. I am a "fixer" and prayer often comes as a last resort. What a beautiful prayer too. So genuine. It even feels expectant. Full of faith.
Praying for the girls who were kidnapped in Nigeria and The Ukraine……. Reading the book of Nehimiah again with SRT is soooo exciting I love the Bibal verse; "I will not come down from this wall!" But, I never put the book of Nehimiah with everyday news -what is happening around the world until now. Thank you Moi for opening my eyes……..
I really love how Nehemiah approaches God… such confidence in his relationship with the Father, yet from a place of complete humility and deep hurt for his homeland. To practice humble confidence in prayer requires a genuine relationship with our creator… <3
This is the same King who helped Esther & Mordecai prevent Haman from destroying the Jews.
Yes, Moni our church has been praying fervently for your Country & the women.
Yes! This is great truth! The text of course brings my mind and heart to the girls of Nigeria as it has many of you. But, I'm also brought to my own family members. Biblical compassion is characterized by action. These last two days I'm really learning that I need to love others through His love rather than mine. I can't try harder to help people through my own measly supplies. I desire to become more and more aware of Jesus' unlimited supply and let His love envelop my outreach to other people. Doing it on my own equals exhaustion and failure.
Praying with y'all for the girls to be found and returned home. We serve a Mighty God!
This study is perfect for me right now. I have been exploring this feeling of restlessness over the past six months. God has slowly began to reveal to me that there is a difference in discontentment and a restless heart. I just have this overwhelming sense that there is more…more than ritual of going to work, coming home, sleeping, eating, going to church every Sunday, going to neighborhood group every Tuesday, cleaning house…etc. Not that any of these things are bad at all…I just feel that one day when I look back on my life and this is all I see….how on earth can I present that to God as an offering? It is really more a matter of the heart for me. I know some amazing women who live out their lives in this same pattern and have a remarkable impact on the kingdom of God…but not me. Most of the people I work with do not even know I am a Christian…and that is the attitude that breaks my heart. My days revolve around comfort, security, safety. My heart so often breaks for the lost, but in the comfort of my home…and when I go out into the world, I press down the devastation afraid of what my action will cost me…my comfort, security, safety. God has begun woking on my heart and teaching me that the restless feeling I have is placed there by Him. He is calling me to action for His kingdom. I am not sure what that looks like…overseas missions, building a non-profit, moving, staying, etc. I do know this, that even in this search I can take action, I can be a voice for the voiceless. I purpose to pray fervently with all of you this week for the women of Nigeria, not just the ones that were kidnapped, but the ones who everyday face danger and death. This week that can be one of my small contributions to the kingdom as God continues to reveal to me what action looks like in my life. Oh God, grant me boldness to be a missionary in the place you have placed me today. May I seek to serve and glorify you instead of my own selfish desires. Help me to take action in the here and now!
After reading these posts, I realize there are places and people all over the world that are suffering from some sort of persecution. I love that the Bible teaches history, while always relating and fitting along with modern times today…God is always in control and instead of worrying over things far beyond our control, we are able to pray ( I know, easier said than done, right?).
What a blessing it is to be able to read the word of God without worrying about being persecuted in the comfort of my own home.
Praying for the less fortunate…and the wicked ways of others….
Nehemiah's response to suffering and brokenness is a powerful display of his view of God. He understands the limitless scope of God's reach and love for His people and that no matter their wrongdoing, He desires to gather them and draw them back to Himself to restore them in confession and worship.
I can't help but think of the scattering of the early church in Acts 8 after Stephen's death and how the church has been scattered to the ends of the earth ever since, but in Jesus, the true high priest who ministers in the true tabernacle (the place God's presence dwells, cf. Heb 8), He has indeed gathered all the scattered faithful and restored us that we may join together in worship! Hallelujah!
I find myself thinking on a smaller scale. I don't know if many of you have heard of this story but please pass it along. Tuck it away in your mind and pray for this family often. Ben,5, only has a few days left. Please lift him up and pray that our God can grant him a miracle. Praying.
http://bensauer.blogspot.de/2014/05/the-eleventh-…
This is so timely for me, as I stumbled on this study last night, as I laid in bed crying over all the tragedy that seems to be surrounding me the past few months. In the Facebook world, we are exposed to so many of our acquaintances’ friends situations, and it just seems so many dire, sad, heartbreaking realities abound. I feel thankful, and vulnerable, and moved to live more thoughtfully and less selfishly!
Wow. I was feeling complacent about SRT and there was a lot of spiritual warfare before getting on here this morning… now I see that it was because the Lord wants to do huge things through this study. Father, I pray that every bit of darkness satan has over this world would be extinguished as we press into this study with you and with one another. I pray that every prayer lifted up for Nigeria and all those mentioned would be sweet music to your ears; I pray you'd see your people and move on behalf of them in a mighty way. I pray you'd show me the people in my own life that need you, Father God, and that the same compassion Nehemiah had would be mine as well for those around me. Bless all those who are lifting their communities and world to you in prayer and fasting today, and I pray for the girls involved in Nigeria, father– you know all their names, their lives, and I pray that ALL would know your POWERFUL name through this, El Shaddai! That it'd be YOU and ONLY YOU that saves these girls, these countries/communities and changes these terrorists! Let us see your face today, Jesus!!!!
Please be praying for one of my classmates, Seth. From what I know, he knows Christ, but I'm not sure of how close his walk is… I've learned by being in class with him and just through hearing him/talking with him that he's not doing too well, and very recently something pretty disturbing happened in his life. He's been placed on my heart, and while I know I myself can't save him (don't feel like it's appropriate to strike up a close friendship with him), I've been praying for him for awhile now, that he'd find comfort and strength in Christ alone during this horrible time. Pray that he and everyone going through these trials would turn their faces towards the Lord and know that He is a mighty God, quick to forgive, quick to compassion, slow to anger, and abounding in grace and mercy. Let the Lord move today in huge ways!! Amen!!
Susan,thank you for your comment and the reminder! I once was a news junky too and stopped about two years ago, and I feel this study is reminding me about Godly balance. My heart hurts for those girls, Jesus bring justice!! May we all be compelled to pray more even if it doesn't seem like much to us.
This is my first time reading the book of Nehemiah. I'm a new Christian and came across this site on Pinterest. Whoa! I am so happy that I did! :) I've read the New Testament and am currently in 2 Samuel of the Old. I've skipped ahead to start reading Nehemiah with everyone. What a story! In reading the first comment from one of our members from Nigeria, it really opened my eyes to the face that I've sort of avoided disturbing news for a long time. I suppose with raising my children, I rarely sit down to watch the news, aside from the fact that I don't have a lot of free time, but generally the news is upsetting and I've used that as an excuse. In turn, being very uninformed. This has made me realize that even though things that are upsetting will be seen or heard, it's important and relevant to all of our lives. Prayers are needed. Burying my head in the sand and not being aware helps no one, including myself and my children. I am going to focus on being more aware of what is going on not only in my own life, but the world as a whole.
Welcome to the sisterhood! :) Your boat, I am in it. I used to be a news junkie and I avoid it regularly. I find there is virtually nothing beneficial in the news cycles. I also don't like exposing my kids. If I listen to the news, it's on Christian radio.
Sisters, can I just say Nehemiah responded to bad news like I believe God desires us all to respond to bad news. He took four simple steps:
1. HE SAT DOWN (v. 4): Yes, I know that seems pretty basic but I know that when I get bad news I take other first steps. Sometimes I pick up the phone to call my mother or girlfriend. Sometimes I go to the cabinet and grab a wine glass. Or sometimes I freeze in shock. Nehemiah sat down. This is pretty powerful for me.
2. HE WEPT (v.4): Ah yes, the one step I have mastered! I'm not afraid to shed tears although I do know that there are some sisters out there that might struggle with this one. Sometimes I find letting it all hang out, smudged mascara and all, is exactly what we need to let ourselves do. We cannot keep them bottled up because just like a Coke, if we get shaken up too much… Sooner or later we will explode on somebody.
3. HE FASTED (v. 5): I seem to skip this step in the midst of challenging moments but the Lord teaches us about fasting in Matthew 6 but it is in Joel where we find God's call to repentance. We are all called to "Turn to [the Lord] now, while there is time. Give [Him our] hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning" (Joel 2:12). Notice that the same three steps of fasting, weeping, and mourning that Nehemiah took are also commanded by the Lord in Joel as well.
4. HE PRAYED (v. 5): Nehemiah's prayer was full of worship, confession, remembrance, and requests. These elements of prayer are so important to our daily quiet time with the Lord. I'm personally working each day to incorporate these into my Jesus time!
Lord, I'm reaffirming my commitment to you today. Through your Word, show me my weaknesses and help me to always respond to all life's situations as Nehemiah did. Amen!
***Courtney and I are going to dialogue about this plan a couple of times over Google Hangout. If you're interested in joining our hangout this Saturday, shoot me a message!
I am praying with you all for the safe return of the girls. Please add Chicago, IL to your prayers. Our city is plagued with violence, and a lot of innocent people are losing their lives. Thank You.
I've been reviewing the prayers in the bible plan from past plans and once I came across this I immediately thought of the 276 girls kidnapped from Nigeria. My church somehow got ahold of all of the names of the girls who were taken, and I plan on-along with a group of my friends- praying through each and every name. Lets come to God boldly today! We pray for the strengthening of His Kingdom. We pray His will be done on earth the same way it is done in heaven! With heavenly forces we pray for the dissonance in our world, and Lord we pray that you will rescue these girls and bring them back to the place you have chosen as a dwelling in Your name! Amen.
Rend my heart for the hurting, Lord! What a perfect reminder to not let my life of luxury numb me to the pain others are experiencing. Praying this over my life today.
I was just thinking about the job that Nehemiah had as a cupbearer. I am sure most of you know what that is but for those that don’t, Nehemiah would taste the wine and food given to the King in case it had been poisoned. The King had to feel as though he trusted Nehemiah enough to check it for him. And Nehemiah had to be willing to risk his life to do this for the King. To me, this tells me a lot about Nehemiah’s character. This could be a risky job. Interestingly enough, the King’s own father was murdered in his chamber by one of his own courtiers. So I wonder how the current King felt about those beneath him.
So excited to dive into the book! Some huge takeaways for me from these verses were:
First when he heard the news the fact that he instantly “sat down” and “wept” showed the pain that instantly came over him. Have we ever experienced such grief to the point where we become weak in the knees and have to take a seat?! It just shows us how much compassion he had.
His prayer was covered in humility! Right away he knew who God was without a doubt.
His prayer showed his dependence on God!
His prayer was a confession of sins and how awesome was it that he said “I confess the sins that WE Israelites have committed against you.”
His prayer directly reflected the promises of God! Beginning with verse 8 “Remember the instruction you have your servant Moses…”
And his prayer showed a heart that was ready for action!
His prayer just sets a beautiful example for me.
And I will still keep those girls in my prayers <3
Jaida – thank you for doing such a beautiful job of condensing the main points! I have secondary progressive MS – which affects me much more on the cognitive side rather than the physical. But believe me…I am THE most blessed woman in the world in every aspect imaginable! God answered HUGE prayers in leading me to this beautiful ministry and connecting with so many precious women of God. And with such a global force of prayer/intercession for those beautiful girls and even their captors – God comforts me in knowing that He works everything for good for our good and ultimately His glory!!!
I have really enjoyed and learned from all your above comments. Today’s SHE LIVES: weep-mourn-pray-confess-repent- and then BE RESTORED in Jesus! He is our only hope!
Father God-You are So Powerful, Holy and Good. We praise you with our heart, mind & soul and with strength that comes from knowing You are Victorious, In Control and our Promise Keeper! Break our hearts for what breaks Yours! Let us not be afraid to feel and to act. Show us what to do as your people. Lead us. Father please in a mighty way bring those girls home to their families! Bring the kidnappers to repentance and sorrow over the wrong they are doing. Let the girls be comforted and feel Your Presence and Your Protection and Your Peace in what has to be a fearful situation. Father this is not the only thing that breaks your heart in this fallen world. Give me your eyes to see where I in my circle of influence can do something to help ease the suffering, sadness & depression & hopelessness of those around me. Like Nehemiah help me to come first to you for wisdom & strength and the courage to do all that you have called us to do. In Jesus' Beautiful Name! AMEN!
Oh, sisters I wish we could all sit around a circle and talk and pray and share our studying today! (As a side note- a few of us are looking to do a Google Hangout on Saturday morning to discuss this weeks study. Ashley and I have been talking on the SRT Facebook group, but you can comment here if you want to join us!)
My study pack is covered in little nuggets! I found this amazing study bible tool: https://www.mystudybible.com and you can open the HCSB study bible notes to help…. SO GOOD.
The name Nehemiah means "Yahweh has comforted." How fitting is that? We also know he is an Israelite living among Persians or a similar type of people. But, being the cupbearer, he would have been in a position of great trust as well as honor and profit. So he had some respect from the king. But when he hears about his people, his heart breaks. This hit home, big time. Some of you have heard me talk about my story, but last July I left my home in NJ to move to GA, leaving everything I knew behind. I gained a wonderful husband and family, but I still miss home. I imagine calling home and my family or friends telling me that everything is destroyed and everyone I love is suffering. UGH. I would feel so helpless being 1,000 miles away. What can I do?
I love Nehemiah's response. He obviously values prayer and petition to God as much as physical service to his people. He cannot GO but he goes to the Lord on their behalf. I saw a Matthew Henry quote on Nehemiah: "Such is the rise of this great man, by piety, not by policy." In other words, what makes Nehemiah great isn't his political power or position, but his religious and reverent spirit. And he isn't just "religious". The man LOVES God.
Today my prayer is not only for those missing girls (I love all the comments about them) but about those in my own sphere of influence that I need to be broken and in prayer for. Lord, let me feel so broken and lead to prayer like my brother Nehemiah. Amen ♡
Courtney what is the SRT facebook group? I would be interested-new to it though :)
Search "shereadstruth" on Facebook. There is a page. I guess its a page, not a group. I get lost in all the terminology!
Courtney, thank you so much for sharing this study tool! This looks like another excellent resource!
Also, I cannot wait to fire up the Google Hangout this Saturday! Just with this first day alone, I want to run and tell somebody about Nehemiah 1. I'll message you about potential times and such!
My immediate reaction to these verses was Nehemiah's human reaction to suffering and hurt. He immediately wept and mourned…often we (me) put up this shell of all is ok and it will work out and I don't need to worry about that when really what I am doing is limiting the compassion I show for the hurting around me.
Nehemiah's second reaction was prayer and not just any prayer but one where he includes himself in the prayer…he is wicked, he has not obeyed the commands, he sees himself as just in need of help, forgiveness and God's redeeming hand as the people he is weeping for.
Lately, I've been trying to get better at living my faith. You know, not just sitting back and thinking good thoughts, but to try to present myself around friends and the public as a Christian woman. This speaks to me today.
I love this part of the devotion today. "God is showing us something awesome about biblical compassion: it is not characterized by platitudes; it is characterized by action." Acting and not just sitting back. Living the word of God, praying for others, caring always.
I'm excited for this plan. Thanks SRT!
Father God-You are So Powerful, Holy and Good. We praise you with our heart, mind & soul and with strength that comes from knowing You are Victorious, In Control and our Promise Keeper! Break our hearts for what breaks Yours! Let us not be afraid to feel and to act. Show us what to do as your people. Lead us. Father please in a mighty way bring those girls home to their families! Bring the kidnappers to repentance and sorrow over the wrong they are doing. Let the girls be comforted and feel Your Presence and Your Protection and Your Peace in what has to be a fearful situation. Father this is not the only thing that breaks your heart in this fallen world. Give me your eyes to see where I in my circle of influence can do something to help ease the suffering, sadness & depression & hopelessness of those around me. Like Nehemiah help me to come first to you for wisdom & strength and the courage to do all that you have called us to do. In Jesus' Beautiful Name! AMEN!
***thank you so much for this study. This would be the first time I have looked at this book. I sometimes can be so self focused and want to be more like Jesus. :)
something I love about Nehemiah is that he didn't immediately go to "fix" the problem. he first went to the lord in prayer! he called out! he fasted and prayed and mourned. i think there's a lot I can learn from him…
I work at my church and when I first started working there, the calls I got seeking benevolence would devastate me. So often I’d have to say that we couldn’t help but I always listened and always prayed. Sometimes after I hung up I’d have to slip into the bathroom to cry and wash my face before returning. Yesterday, I had a one-minute benevolence call where I didn’t ask the person any questions and didn’t pray. My heart is so sad this morning as I think about that person – I just told them that we couldn’t help, but never looked at the things, the non-material things, I could give. Oh Lord! Break my heart. Break it, shatter it, ruin it, and make it Yours. Make me – and my sisters – soft to the hurting and to those in need. We cannot help them all, Father. Only you can do that. But let us have eyes opened to You and to the compassion You provide for us. You are good, Lord. And we love You and trust what You are doing in our lives.
What stood out to me was the prayer Nehemiah gave to the Lord. The repetition of the words "Let your ear be attentive" I ask God today to let "my own ears be attentive" to the commands He has given me. That I LISTEN to what He is telling me, and live according to HIS will and not the will of my own.
I love this prayer for today and how it reminds us to love others as God sees them. The Israelites were sinning against God and they were also being defeated by others. Their wall came down and those they love most had been hurt/dead in the process. Even Nehemiah confesses about how he and his family have been sinning. Thinking of the way our country is these days and how many people have turned from God, I think this story is really going to hit home in how we can rebuild our nation with one another. In a sense, our "wall" is coming down. How can we get back up and rebuild it to be a nation for Him?
It's also a great reminder to pray for others. Sometimes, it's easy to be an armchair activist as some would call it. We could tweet or post a Facebook post about something going on in the world that makes us sad. Does it really make us feel better to just post that news or can we actually spend time in prayer about it? Nehemiah also spent some time fasting. So praying, fasting, and confessing sins versus being an armchair activist sharing a post, tweet, or text message is such a better way to go. God wants to hear from us and every trouble that lays on our heart.
It blows my mind how these few verses in the Bible we have read this morning have had such power to bring about an army of prayer warriors for loved ones around the world! To see how all of us are brought together as members of the Body of Christ and how the power of prayer has already been called into action is a vivid testimony to the power and love we have in Christ Jesus. Today, the power of this community, which is in Jesus Christ, has no boundaries or limits. We, at SRT, can move mountains! Love and prayers to all of you, Sisters!!!
I am so moved by this devotional, this passage, and all of the comments and thoughts you girls have shared. I am shocked by my own hardness and lack of compassion towards those who are suffering in this world. I picked out a few things I can do today… people I can minister to in my own neck of the woods. I am praying for a compassionate heart, for softness.
"Biblical compassion is not characterized by platitudes; it is characterized by action." This statement also hit me hard this morning. I have felt very stuck for a long time. Four years of infertility has had me paralyzed, always waiting for the baby to come… always thinking about the "what ifs." I have had it on my heart to adopt, but I am so overwhelmed and afraid. I am so fearful of it going wrong… of not being able to parent well… of failure. And this morning I felt one more nudge to act. To do something, even if it's just a phone call to get started.
I loved the wording in verse 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.” Your servants who delight to fear your name! So beautiful.
This study has convicted me. I have not been praying for others like I should. I have neglected praying for my city, state, country and the world. Nehemiah teaches us so much in just these few short verses:
~ Nehemiah was an intercessor (he prayed on behalf of others)
~ Nehemiah was a prayer warrior (he fasted and prayed)
~ Nehemiah wasn't selfish (he cared for others
~ Nehemiah had humility (he knew he was a sinner)
~ Nehemiah prayed for his nation
As I read the devotional God brought the Nigerian girls to my mind. Let's pray that they they be found and returned to safety even today. My heart breaks for the women trapped under Muslim law.
What sticks out to me, about Nehemiah's actions is that he is only given the news, what he does next is his own. He immediately gives everything straight to God. No one asked him to "please pray for Jerusalem", he just heard the need and submitted himself to God. A lot of times in our society now, we hear of a need or disaster and only desire to give a quick donation so that we can feel better about it without having to deal with it. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with giving to help, but we shouldn't stop there, we can serve with our constant prayers and even our hands.
I'm in south Oklahoma City, right on the line of Moore and live less than a block from where last years Tornado devastated Moore. There was a huge outpouring of help world wide but most notable to me were the churches. Churches held services just to pray for people and sent out bus loads of people that willingly gave their time to clear debris and help others rebuild their lives. Moore is still in pieces but many of the once familiar neighborhoods are finally rebuilding, one house at a time. Without those HANDS helping, people never would have made the progress they did.
It’s awesome that God worked in Nehemiah’s heart the way that He did. And I can see the parallel in our society knowing that countries and peoples are broken. Yet Nehemiah had already known that his people were hurting and the wall was destroyed. It had happened over 100 years earlier! Why did he wait so long to respond? This had been a problem for his ENTIRE LIFE! Why wait to be broken for days about it when it wasn’t news at all?
Keah, great question. Timelines and context are just as important as we study scripture today as the great themes that we pull from passages.
First off, please remember that Nehemiah (and any other Biblical person) is a human being. Just as fallible as you and me. Even if he knew and didn't care up until this point – God orchestrated the timing to use him despite his failings of not jumping into action sooner.
However, based off my reading of this passage I don't think he lacked response. Yes, almost a hundred years earlier people had gotten the chance to return to Jerusalem. We could assume that Nehemiah had no connection to any of these people. 80 years later another group is allowed to return with the express purpose of finally building the temple (lead by Ezra). Nehemiah surely knew many of these men – but this was not an easy jaunt down the highway to check on progress. There was no twitter to get live feed from the people living back in Jerusalem and no cell phones to FaceTime his brothers and friends. Nehemiah most likely knew of Hanani's return 13 years before this news and prayed for him daily. We just don't have those recordings. These men finally return and it's the first news that Nehemiah has probably gotten about the city. He's desperate to talk with these men, showing how much he cares about the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
He thought the group with Ezra would accomplish more, and when he finally gets news, it's the final straw – leaving him fasting and praying for days, and finally pushed into action to possibly sacrifice his life (the king could legally kill him just for being sad in his presence we'll see tomorrow) to hopefully get the chance and rebuild it's walls to express the Sovereignty of God.
Your response was a wonderful history lesson. Thank you for your clarity and in depth explanation.
As I sit here a few days after Mothers Day, I am overwhelmed by how much I take for granted the health and well being of my family. We live in a country of comfort and accessibility, and it is all too easy to become desensitized to the plight of others. True compassion leads to action which is evident right here, right now as we study Nehemiah and call on our God with our prayers for Nigeria and the Ukraine.
Sometimes I think about these things, like when I'm sitting in church. Just how lucky I am that I can do that. It really just makes me mourn those who can't.
"Biblical compassion is not characterized by platitudes; it is characterized by action." I feel rather convicted by this statement. It is so easy to come here to the comments and post lots of pretty words, but then click right off and go back to the usual comfort zone, often with a desensitized or dark heart, consumed by my own troubles. It's so easy to think that there's nothing I can "do" here in the US to effect change in other parts of the world. I've always believed that prayer is "action," sometimes the best action we can take on behalf of someone else who is in need or pain. But what if there is more to it? No, my physical actions here in NC cannot do anything for the unrest in the world, but I can take action here in my community to bring God's message of love, mercy, and hope to my part of the world. I know I do not do that enough, sometimes at all. I've felt a message on my mind and heart in the last few days as my job winds down for the summer break, telling me I need to "do something" this summer, make a difference, help another during my down time. I've been praying recently that God will help me to follow Him where ever He leads. I need to keep praying for the eyes to see God's path and a heart of courage to do what He needs me to do. Move me, Lord, with these SRT sisters. Make us all teachable. Break us down to build us up. Remind us of the strength we each have in Your name, to do what You call us to do, for Your glory. Mold my character in alignment with Your will, not my selfish desires. Keep this message on our hearts, Lord. Amen.
Amen!
This came at the perfect time for me also. I just received news about an acquaintance that committed suicide. And my first reaction was to pray of course, but then end there. My life's good (right now) I need to get my chores done here at my house, I don't have time to reach out, they have a big family, they can handle things without any outsiders trying to help. Allow my heart to break for others too Lord, and not just for my own selfish life, let me see the needs, let me have your compassion, use me oh God.
I am praying that God moves my heart toward compassion to the people and events that matter to Him. May my heart become tender like Nehemiah's.
Reading these verses and the responses here made me think of two songs, Hosana by Hillsong and Jesus, Friend of Sinners by Casting Crowns. In this broken world " Lord break our hearts for what breaks yours."
Praying Nehemiah's prayer today for our broken world.
What strikes me is Nehemiah's close acquaintance with the character of God. Because he knew his Lord was faithful, attentive, merciful, and strong, Nehemiah was able to approach Him with confidence. He petitioned the Lord by inciting His own covenant, which means Nehemiah previously studied the covenant. It was because of this intimacy with God that Nehemiah knew what compassion was. He had a heart for the people of God because time spent with the Lord conformed his heart to the will of God.
This convicted me to dig into the Word, to spend time alone with Jesus, to deeply know God better. From a closer walk with God come beautiful things like rescuing orphans, feeding the hungry, etc., but we are unable to love others truly, faithfully, if we do not spend time with Love (1 John 4:8) learning what that word truly means.
As many of you ladies mentioned, what a strong parallel the book of Nehemiah is to our present day crises. You all moved me to prayer this morning for those hurting and lost around us.
Thank you, SRT for your tireless proclamation of the Word. You ladies are amazing; keep up the great work.
I used to be a news junky and consequently had myself in knots a lot of the time. Then I became a news avoider and that isn’t right either. Help me not bury my head in the sand or let bad news steal my joy! I immediately thought of those sweet Nigerian girls when I read the devotional. Praying for them , Nigeria and our messed up world.
Right there with you susan.
After reading these comments, I am moved to note, "Could this study come at a more profound time?" Surely the hand of God is moving so that all of us become One in Prayer and in Action as He leads. Nehemiah, like us, first absorbed the bad news from back home and expressed that in prayer and fasting.
"When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. (Nehemiah 1:4 NIV)"
First reaction, heart sickness, sorrow so deep that even if you weren't into fasting food would be bitter and hunger vanquished. Only tears and prayer because of utter helplessness without GOD. We have become as Cassandra says often desensitized to the pain of the world near and far.
Lord, Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of Jesus and let me admit before God my utter reliance on Him not just for myself but for the people of the Ukraine and for the 200 precious girls in Nigeria and Precious Jesus let me have compassion to pray for the ones who perpetrate these crimes against You and your children. Amen
My thoughts exactly…"Could this study come at a more profound time?" Nigeria, Ukraine…this whole crazy messed up world we live in right now.
I feel so helpless, but I know that our God is not – He is mighty and He is bigger than terrorists and bigger than war.
Amen, sister.
Power lessons, biblical compassion is lacking in my life and God truly exposed my heart to me this morning!!!!!!!
I have so much become desensitized by the media environment blurting things out to me and I easily become overwhelmed. I pray that the Lord changed our hearts to action, but that in the action we remember it is not us to is ushering in God, but He is the first who loves and cares of us and hears our prayers. To learn about the compassion of Nehemiah is astounding and beautiful. We don't often see this kind of compassion in our daily lives. I especially at my work environment do not see sensitivity and care coming from people around me and I so easily become entangled in apathy. I pray that we women learn to be different as we learn to be more like Jesus. I have so often focused on being more compassionate, more loving, more earnest, harder working, more honest, more peaceful, but these are attributes of Jesus and though good do not lead me to rest in him. I often try to "be more" on my own rather than resting in Jesus. I pray that we would grow to be more like Jesus.
I, too, will pray for these Nigerian girls. Those in Ukraine. I easily underestimate our God and my personal prayer is that I better understand his greatness and ability; that I would see this on a large scale that is "far-removed" from me such as the girls in Nigeria, and that I would see his hand of greatness in my life. I pray that I learn to trust God.
Moni we have being praying for the girls here in a church in Brazil, and asking God togivi them a safe return home and for their families to have strength and peace.
Joining with you all in praying for Nigeria and Ukraine. There is much unrest in the world! I lived in Eastern Europe for a time as a missions worker and know their culture and ways.
I am returning to my starting point the end of June, to Tallinn, Estonia, for 8 weeks to "fill in" for some missionaries there while they are in the States. Of course the three Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are next on "the list". I have absolutely no fear of that, I a thankful. (My mother, on the other hand, is very apprehensive! lol)
But I understand "a teeny bit" what it feels like for people you love to be at risk and in danger. Of course, certainly not to the point of the Nigerians this week. Dear Lord, have mercy and return these girls! When God's people join together in prayer and fasting mountains will move!
Love the book of Nehemiah. "I will not come down from this wall!"
I am so thankful to hear you have an assignment
in Estonia. I am with your Mom however, but I will pray for your protection.
Joanne, thank you for tour comment, it really struck a chord with me. Let my compassion have feet, not just words. I work for a Fair Trade non-profit, and a big part of my job is telling the story of the artisan we’re working with. So honestly, my compassion is often filled with and expressed with words. But I need to focus on spreading that compassion in my own community, and expressing that compassion with action.
It's awesome to me that Nehemiah had such a compassion for his people who were so far from where he was. But one thing that stands out to me in the closing statement "Lord, rend our hearts for the hurting today. Let us not allow our own comfort or safe distance from pain prevent us from seeing and loving others as you see and love them." is that distance doesn't just refer to proximity. This can also be said for those who are very close in proximity but life creates an expanse between us. Looking forward to the learning and growth thru Nehemiah.
I just started this plan today, November 11th, Veterans Day jn the U.S. Last night we had an incident in the neighborhood, which frustrated and scared not only me, but my neighbor. We both talked of the need to move to a better neighborhood, where we felt safer. The timing to be introduced to this online community was rather timely. I have much to reflect on today; in repentance of thinking first to run away rather than pray is at the top of that mental list. The action and servitude of our military is a close second.
Praying for the kidnapped girls!
“Biblical compassion is characterized by action.” Yes. I tend to get entirely overwhelmed and conclude the problem is too large for me to solve. Instead, I should pray, gain God’s perspective and He will lead me to the proper actions.
I agree! If we look at the situation as a whole we are completely overwhelmed. But if we view the piece of the puzzle God has for us we gain clarity on what specifically we can do.
What a perfect book to read with the circumstances in Nigeria. Lord, hear our prayers for the girls in Nigeria and return them safely to their homes. I love the idea of fasting from things that take up time in order to pray more. This week I too will be mindful of those things and pray.
Praying for the kidnapped Nigerian girls as well as those in Ukraine. I can't imagine such strife and lawlessness.
I read verse 4 and my first thought was, 'Why was it such a big deal?' Because when you run away from home to put pain and suffering behind you, it's hard to imagine feeling love for your home land that is so strong you are moved to fast and mourn.
There is so much for me to learn.
Biblical compassion leads to action on behalf of the hurting, sometimes we are the answer to the prayer if only we go, call, be, do. Love this, looking forward to this series.
Praying for the safe return of the girls plus the people of the Ukraine. Like Nehemiah may I be moved to action as I lift up those who are in need.
As I type this I am in my mother’s hospital room. She has been hospitalized with pneumonia for the second time in a month. Things have been so difficult and she is so tired of being sick all the time. prayers for her health would be much appreciated. Thank you!
Sabrina, lifting you and your mom up today to our Healer!
Just prayed for her strength to increase, and for peace for both of you!
Praying for your mother this morning! Sweet peace…
Powerful! I absolutely struggle in this area! My compassion often has words, but no feet. Lord, give me Your heart for the hurting – and get me into action to do what You would have me to do!
Morning. This is absolutely awesome. Ive been praying for Ukraine and Nigeria. Yesterday I posted on facebook asking for christians to join me in prayer for the safe return of the girls and boko haram repentance and salvation. Thank you Lord for answering my prayers. Ladies let us join hearts and pray knowing that our God will meet us, for where two or more agree on anything, He will come through for us. Continue to pray for compassionate hearts as we do the Father's will. Have a blessed day everyone.
I love this prayer! There are two truths that I pulled out for myself.
1. Nehemia is calling on God and remembering the promises regarding the covenant. If Israel repents the Lord will restore them! I need to recall the Lords promises in my life on days that are hard as well as days that are good. It's a good way to pray and be encouraged! Also, when I have sinned I know that if I confess and repent the Lord WILL forgive me and restore me hallelujah! :)
2. Obedience leads to blessing. v. 8-9
These are two BIG things for me to think about today :)
Have a wonderful day!
"God is showing us something awesome about biblical compassion: it is not characterized by platitudes; it is characterized by action." This sentence perfectly sums up what I've been learning through a number of sources over the past couple months. It is becoming increasingly clear that the way I have been living out my faith is insufficient and there needs to be more action in my life. Thank you, SRT, for being another source speaking this truth into my life and for the timeliness of this study.
Praying for their release this morning.
Moni, thank you for sharing. I am somewhat disconnected from news sources and had only vaguely heard about this, but that doesn't excuse me from finding out what is going on, and I would love to pray with you for their safe return by week's end.
This also brings to mind Ukraine. I have a friend here in the US who is from there and another friend who spent an extended period of time there doing mission work. Again, I have been somewhat removed from news sources, but as we pray, would you all send up a prayer for Ukraine, as well? I know it weighs heavy on my friends' hearts, especially since they still have friends and family there. Thank you, ladies! I'm about to educate myself on what is going on in these two countries so I can pray in more than just generalities.
Amen – praying for both of these countries today!
Thanks everyone…..Mandy, yes I would really love to join in the fast as well….May the Lord pay attention to our prayers.
Great, Moni! Let's expect it all from Him while we do this!
Praying for safe return of girls and capture of those who have done this.
Praying for the girls to have a safe return home, for their families to have strength and peace, and for you Moni as this is heavy on your heart.
Praying now with you Moni for the safe return of these girls. Praying for their families, their mothers.
Currently there’s unrest in my Country Nigeria, we are all over the news because of the girls missing and Boko Haram. Yes I have said prayers,but reading this chapter about Nehemiah’s reaction opens my eyes to see that I haven’t done anything……Please join me in praying #shereadstruth community….that the over 200 girls kidnapped will be found before this week ends. That God should have Mercy on Nigeria.
….Lord, rend our hearts for the hurting today. Let us not allow our own comfort or safe distance from pain prevent us from seeing and loving others as you see and love them. Move us. Break us. And build us back up for your glory. Amen.
.Praying with you moni, Lord rend our hearts for the hurting….for the safe return of the missing girls….their loved ones who are waiting for news…and their return…..and the rebels who have them, that their hearts will be softened to release the girls…x
Praying with you Moni! But I feel like I could do more.. I feel God's guiding me towards fasting also. I'm not going to stop eating, because with work and all I wouldn't make it through the day, but I'm thinking about giving up everything that's not necessary. Is there anybody else who will join me to fast (in whatever way) for the safe return of the girls?
Thanks for suggesting this, Mandy. I'm going to fast from Solitaire and pray when I need a mental break instead of playing the game on my phone.
God, forgive my complacency! Help me to not be lukewarm. Light Your fire in me and give me discernment to boldly carry out Your word.
my heart breaks for those who are taken advantage of. God has been calling me to fast and I have been "postoning". I commit to standing along side of you who are fasting this week for these girls & will keep them lifted –praying for safe return, Holy Spirit presence & miraculous change for evil hearts. Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. Love this community. Has been life changing for me.
Thank you. I am going to delete a Facebook game app that I've spent way too many hours on. Fasting on behalf of the girls
Moni, I will be fasting with you today and will fast snacks in the coming days, using those times of snacking for times of prayer instead, until the girls are found. Adding this to my list, and I will keep it on both my heart and my mind. Lord, I pray that those girls would turn their faces towards you, and that you'd bring about justice and huge salvation in a way that they could only know it is You, father. I pray that the people involved in this case to both seek out and save the lost would be especially commissioned by you to do your will, and that the terrorists who are behind this would also turn their faces towards you and be moved to repentance by your grace, love, and mercy. Father, move in this place in a mighty way. May every bit of darkness and the work satan is doing to oppress both these girls and terrorists alike with be extinguished, cast out, crushed!!! Made no more in the awesome, mighty light of your Truth, Love, and Power!! Our God is mighty to save, dear sisters!!!! Do not lose hope, do not let your hearts be troubled, justice will be done no matter what!!
I will commit to NOT looking at apps that involve MATERIALISM!
Moni – oh, how blessed we are to publicly pray in Christ's Holy name! We know He works all things together for good…and His mercies are never ending. Bless you -my sweet sister in Christ.
Continuing to pray for the girls, their families, and the entire country of Nigeria.
Praying for the Nigerian girls freedom and deliverance for their captors. Lifting them both in prayer. Thank you Lord for sending our girls back to their families peacefully. Lord, I ask for forgiveness for Boko Haram and the ability for them to see the error of their ways. In Jesus Holy Name, I pray. Amen.
I'm praying with you as well, for the safety of all those involved.
Praying for their safe return!
Praying for the safe return of those girls. I know it sometimes is so easy to just ignore it because in the US we are so removed from what is going on. But we as Christians need to have a heart for those that are hurting and suffering and not ignore what is going on.
Praying for you and yours, Moni! God keeps his promises and he is faithful to redeem all things!
On my heart as well, praying with you and SRT community for these girls and God's hand of protection upon them all.
Praying for those girls, their families and the country of Nigeria.
Nigeria and those precious girls were on my heart while reading this, and I am thankful for your comment and request. Praying for your country, for peace, for protection, and for the safe homecoming of all of the missing girls.
It broke my heart to see those girls pictured on TV yesterday. May we lift them up for you to wrap them in your arms for protection. Thank you , Moni for reminding us to pray for them and their families.
This definitely came to mind this morning for me as well…that our hearts would be broken for these stolen girls, like Nehemiah's heart was broken for the stolen glory of Jerusalem. Praying for rescue, praying for return, praying for release.
I am always so awe-struck by the far reaching SRT community. The girls have weighed on my heart and mind ever since the news broke of their kidnapping and Boko Haram's stated plan to sell them into slavery. Here in NC, I can only pray that those girls feel The Lord's warm embrace and know their safety lies in His peace. Lord, please return these girls to their families safe from harm. Please.
Praying!
Moni, I stand in prayer with you and the other SRT Prayer Warriors. Everyone I pray for the tragedy in Nigeria, God impresses a vision of a Master List being discovered so every girl stolen can be found. This is a global issue and we serve a global God who sees everything + answers prayers. Dark forces will be utterly cast down in the name of Jesus!!
My heart goes out to you and your community. I wrote your prayer down in my journal today so I will see it and continue to pray until they are all found. Lord, please keep your sovereign hand on these sweet babies and let them all return home safely to their families. Let the people who have done this find conviction in their hearts and turn from their ways and turn to You.
Praying with you Moni!
Praying for the girls, your country, and even the Boko Haram. It hurts me so deeply to see young girls oppressed for simply receiving an education. I pray that God will provide an opportunity (or many) for you to be a part of the finding of these girls.
Sister, please know that God positions us and His other soldiers in times like these! Adding this to my list now.
Praying for those girls and their families and your country that grieves along with them for their safe return! The Lord sees where they are, praying He reveals their location and they will be found quickly!!!
I pray for all the girls. And I also selected one girl in particular from a list of names to pray for. Na'omi Bitrus.
Praying that Jesus would work a miracle, that the girls would be home by the end of the week.
My heart was broken for these young girls and their families when I heard the news of their captivity. I pray that God will comfort them and the ones that are awaiting their return. I pray for peace for Nigeria and its people.
I have been praying and I will continue. I can't even begin to think what these mothers and fathers are going through.
Praying with you for the girls' safe return. This has burdened my heart for the last 2 weeks & reading Nehemiah's response has pushed me to continue further in intercession.
We are praying all the time!
We pray with you for these precious girls and their families.
Hi, Moni! My name is Annalee, and I read your comment three years ago, when the Chibok schoolgirl kidnapping was fresh.
Since reading your comment, Jesus has led me to fast, to pray, and to create a prayer blog that He still leads me in writing, even today (Isaiah62blog.wordpress.com). 113 of these 276 precious young women are still in captivity, and I am still praying.
I am writing a book about my life and the onset of a mental illness that showed itself in my life in 2014. This event, of hearing about the Chibok girls and praying for their release, is a big part of the story. I would love to use your comment here as a quote in the memoir I am writing.
I know there is a chance you may not even be able to get this, but in case you do, I wanted to ask for your permission to put your comment above in the book. If not, I can just summarize what your comment said. Thanks so much– Jesus has used you greatly. :)
With Love, In Christ,
Annalee