Welcome to Kendra Graham’s online Bible study. This is a place where we can come together and share in our journey towards Scriptural truths and spiritual maturity. We pray this will be a safe, respectful, resourceful place to come and discuss God’s Word…to discover What it says…What it means…and What it means to you!
Kendra Graham NOTES from Nehemiah 6:1-4
WHAT DOES IT SAY? THE FACTS ONLY PLEASE.
In this step you need to list the outstanding facts of the passage. DON’T get caught up in the details, just list the facts. Do not paraphrase. Use the actual words of the passage. This is God’s Word, a lot of times this step seems tedious to some, but I urge you, as we read, and say and write God’s Word, it begins to sink deep into our hearts. If you just pick one fact out of the verse, write it down and meditate on it.
Verse 1: It was reported to Sanballat, Tobiah, Gesham, and the rest of our enemies that I rebuilt the wall, no breaches in it; I had not set up doors in the gates
Verse 2: Sanballet and Gesham sent a message to me, “Come, let us meet in the plain of Ono” they were planning to harm me.
Verse 3: I sent messengers, “I am doing a great work & cannot come. Why should work stop, I leave, and come to you?”
Verse 4: They sent messages 4 times. I answered them the same.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN? THE LESSONS.
Look for a lesson to learn from each fact. What are the people doing that they should be doing? What are the people doing that they shouldn’t be doing?
Is there a command to follow? A promise to claim? A warning to heed? An example to follow?
Verse 1: When the opposition hears of the work that God is doing, it will raise eyebrows and tempers. Be prepared for opposition when you start doing what God has called you to do.
Verse 2: Come! You are working so hard, you need a vacay! Let me fly you to the Bahamas for a week or so! I am just so impressed with your hard dedicated work, and I will pay for everything! What an offer! Nehemiah receives an offer to take a little break from his labors, but Nehemiah knew his labors were not yet completed. Tempting maybe, but these people were not trustworthy and Nehemiah knew it. We can rationalize why we deserve it, but as so often is the case, there was another motive behind the generous offer. Nehemiah was able to see through the offer of a break. Sometimes, the ones most flattering to your face can be the very ones planning your downfall. No need to be paranoid though, discernment comes from God; seek Him in all things. You will be protected.
Verse 3: Nehemiah knew it was a distraction to leave what he was called to do, to try to soothe people who would not ever be soothed. Don’t get distracted dealing with people who are against you. Discernment is being able to see motives when everything looks perfect on the surface. Stay focused. Stay on course. Know what you have been called to do. Outward appearances can fool you. Be strong enough to say, No! Stay in the Word of God.
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him and He WILL direct YOUR path.”
Verse 4: The persistence of the enemy can be overwhelming, persist in discernment. Stand strong. When you do work for God, ill meaning people, but also many well meaning people and noble causes may try to steal your attention. These are not bad things, but are not the things God has called you to. Be on guard. Know what God has called you to and have confidence in that.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME NOW? APPLY IT…. TODAY.
Take the lessons you learned and put them into the form of a personal question that you would ask your spouse, or a friend or your son or daughter.
As you write the questions, listen for God to communicate to you through His Word.
*Do not rush. Do not write things down just to have something on paper, this step takes more time that you may think. This is where Scripture meditation becomes real, this is where you begin to hear that still small voice speak to you, and place His finger in your life and begin to direct your paths…. this day, and the next, and the next. Do you trust Him enough to put into place that which He is moving you to?
Verse 1: When have I experienced and expected opposition when I was just trying to do that which God called me to? What did I do with that opposition? Push through with the strength and power of God or succumb? See Ephesians 6:11-16
Verse 2: When have I needed God’s discernment in dealing with people? Did I look to God and His Word to lead me, or did I trust in my own knowledge? What situation now needs God’s discerning hand? Will I commit that to prayer before I move on it?
See Proverbs 3:5-6
Verse 3: Do I know what God has called me to, but have gotten distracted? If I do not know what God has called me to do, am I willing to seek that out in God’s Word on a daily basis?
See Psalm 32:8
Verse 4: Will I, or am I staying strong in spite of continuous, persevering opposition? See Ephesians 6:11-16
LIVE IT OUT!
Lord, help me today to do that which you have asked me to do. Give me focus and discernment as this world and the busyness of it serves as constant distraction. Place the armor of God on my frame and teach me how to use it.
Homework: Nehemiah 6:5-9
Get stuck? www.annegrahamlotz.com and Anne will walk through the Three Questions with you and help you along!