We Are Builders

Nehemiah 1:1–4 NKJV

1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. It came to pass in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the citadel, 2 that Hanani one of my brethren came with men from Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped, who had survived the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said to me, “The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.” 4 So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

the wall is burned down

— The enemy has attacked, clearly! He went after the safety of having boundaries, walls, clarity.

Hurt. Mistrust. Betrayal. Confusion. Abuse. DECEIVED!

it’s gates are burned with fire

Things that were never meant to be in the church, have gotten in. We have been ransacked. The church should have walls yes, but also a gate. A gate that keeps evil out. A gate that keep OUR ENEMY out, but lets in EVERYONE who is hungry!

Nehemiah 1:5 NKJV

5 And I said: “I pray, Lord God of heaven, O great and awesome God, You who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love You and observe Your commandments,

If the condition of this country, and the condition of the church, doesn’t drive you to pray, ask yourself why? Do you believe things aren’t severe? Do you believe the hurt, the confusion, the spirit of the world, isn’t

How many of the problems in the church in america, are because people don’t even care?

Nehemiah had a prestigious position in the kingdom of persia! He was the king’s personal cupbearer! He could ask the king anything he wanted. He didn’t have to care! He didn’t have to risk his job!

It is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY when we pray, that we recognize He ANSWERS! He keeps His promises! He doesn’t forsake us! He doesn’t abandon us! He’s full of grace! He’s full of love!

And He doesn’t expect us to be perfect!

Nehemiah 1:6 NKJV

6 please let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You now, day and night, for the children of Israel Your servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel which we have sinned against You. Both my father’s house and I have sinned.

He *confessed* their sins.

He recognized, God doesn’t *have* to listen, but He does!

Nehemiah 1:7 NKJV

7 We have acted very corruptly against You, and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, nor the ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses.

Why did this happen to God’s people? this is why.

Nehemiah 1:8–9 NKJV

8 Remember, I pray, the word that You commanded Your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations; 9 but if you return to Me, and keep My commandments and do them, though some of you were cast out to the farthest part of the heavens, yet I will gather them from there, and bring them to the place which I have chosen as a dwelling for My name.’

God WILL, God WILL restore! He WILL heal! He WILL answer!

Nehemiah 1:10–11 NKJV

10 Now these are Your servants and Your people, whom You have redeemed by Your great power, and by Your strong hand. 11 O Lord, I pray, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who desire to fear Your name; and let Your servant prosper this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” For I was the king’s cupbearer.