Nehemiah is one of my favorite books of the Bible. It is filled with principles for becoming an effective kingdom leader. Here are some takeways from each chapter.
- Nehemiah had a great burden for the city of Jerusalem. Do I have a similar burden for Chapin? He also interceded to God on behalf of his people. How often do I do the same?
- Nehemiah was a great visionary. He developed his strategy first behind the scenes. Then he went public. He reminded the people of the terrible condition the city was in, painted a picture of a brighter future, then motivated them to join him in the work. Whenever a solid vision is cast, there will be opposition.
- It's easy to read through the long list of names in chapter 3 and miss a very important truth--the fact that every family played a role in the rebuilding project. That's why the project was a huge success.
- How Nehemiah handled criticism is remarkable: he faced it head on; he took it to God in prayer; he kept the vision alive; he encouraged the workers; he defended himself and all the workers. Every viable work of the kingdom will produce a realm of critics.
- More great qualities of Nehemiah, the leader--confronted and corrected oppression; extremely generous; didn't seek financial gain from his endeavors.
- Two more leadership insights. Effective leaders turn to God in prayer when criticized or intimidated. Criticism dies out when critics see that the vision keeps moving forward and becomes successful.
- {Disclaimer: I wrote these thoughts a few months ago, but am just now posting the blog. I'm not riding a soap box...just posting how God spoke to me on this particular day.} What if the best fit for a position is a family member? Nehemiah put his own brother in a prominent role. I wonder if the people complained of nepotism.
- Nehemiah's great leadership wasn't just in the construction project. When the wall was done, he prioritized celebration, worship, and the public reading of God's Word.
- Are Christians today any different from the Hebrews of old who chose to wander far from God? Where would we be without the patience and steadfast love of God?
- Although we mostly remember the book of Nehemiah as the story of the rebuilding of the wall, it is also a story of genuine national spiritual revival.
- Thank the Lord for volunteers. They are heroes and should be applauded.
- I love the description of the exuberant celebration of worship. The verses state the quality would have made David and Solomon proud.
- Nehemiah had gone back to Babylon but asked for permission to return. Upon return, he discovered the people had backslidden. He confronted the problems head-on.
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