Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1489286
If You're Going To Build Something for God... Marty Edwards In the Book of Nehemiah, the principles surrounding the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem easily apply to the building of a church, a Christian business, or even a new chapter of Black Sheep HDFC. I suggest that you start by reading through the entire book of Nehemiah. It's not very long and it's a great story. And as you do, consider... • What Nehemiah did, • What God did, and especially, • What the enemies of Nehemiah did. The Book of Nehemiah was likely written between 445 and 420 B.C. It tells the story of Israel's return from the Babylonian captivity and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Nehemiah was a Hebrew in Persia when the word reached him that the temple in Jerusalem was being reconstructed. He grew anxious knowing there was no wall to protect the city. Nehemiah invited God to use him to save the city. God answered his prayer by softening the heart of the Persian king, Artaxerxes, who gave not only his blessing, but also supplies to be used in the project. Nehemiah is given permission by the king to return to Jerusalem, where he is actually made governor. In spite of opposition and accusations the wall was built and his enemies were silenced! Nehemiah was a man of prayer and he prayed passionately for his people (Neh.1). His zealous intercession for God's people foreshadows our great intercessor, Jesus Christ, who prayed fervently for His people in His high-priestly prayer in John 17. Both Nehemiah and Jesus had a burning love for God's people which they poured out in prayer to God, interceding for them before the throne. Nehemiah led the Israelites into a respect and love for the Scriptures. Nehemiah, because of his love for God and his desire to see God honored and glorified, led the Israelite people towards the faith and obedience God had desired for them for so long, and the strength and courage to rebuild the wall at a great cost and danger. There were three things that encouraged Nehemiah to take on such a task. First, he started by mourning and fasting before God. The question is, do we care enough or are we burdened enough about whatever mission we are on to mourn and fast before God? (Neh.1:4). Secondly, Nehemiah received a heartfelt vision for what God wanted to do. (Neh.1:8-9). And finally, before starting, he boldly approached the authorities.(Neh.2:1-4) It bears mentioning that Nehemiah was not above asking for help by involving others. In (Neh.2:17-20) In fact, he continually used words such as "we" and "us" when building the wall. Nehemiah was wise enough and humble enough to recognize that nobody does anything great for God without help. (We ARE the body of Christ!) When we attempt to build something great for God, we must anticipate resistance. There is not a church that has been started or a missionary that has been sent in the name of Christ that has not met Satanic pushback; trials that usually come through ordinary people. In chapters 4-6, these trials came largely through two troublemakers named, Sanballat and Tobiah. The attacks came in the form of doubters (Neh.4:1-2) , criticizers (Neh.4:3), destroyers (Neh.4:8), distractors (Neh.6:2-4) liars (Neh.6:5-8) and intimidators (Neh.6:10-13) So relevant to contemporary ministry is this story, I can personally attest that I have witnessed, experienced and overcome all of the above by the strength and grace of God! In 1988 I came to the Temecula Valley to plant a church; The Lamb's Fellowship. In 1999 I started Black Sheep: Harley- Davidsons for Christ. I would not have to think very hard to recall specific names and faces that remind me of Tobias and Sandballat. Many of these were were well-meaning Christians being used by the enemy to discourage and distract me. Some seemed to be the devil incarnate trying to break me down with fear and doubt. But God's precious gift to me was the inspiration and encouragement that came from this very scripture, these principles ...and my precious wife of now 47 years. In summary, if you are inspired or called to build a church, start a business or open a new chapter of Black Sheep: Harley-Davidsons for Christ, I would encourage you to (1) read the Book of Nehemiah. (2) Start the way that he did with passionate prayer and fasting. (3) Seeking the wise council of godly Christian brothers and sisters. (4) Don't go into any significant undertaking with the illusion that it will be easy and without pushback from Satan. (5) Look for people of like mind and vision who will come alongside of you to encourage you, pray with you and hold you accountable to your original vision and calling. Stay the course! Be faithful! Stand firm! Put on the Full Armor of God, (Ephesians 6) encouraged that you cannot do ANYTHING alone and in the flesh, but by His Spirit you can do ALL THINGS! "I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29) b BSHDFC E-Mag January 2023 - 10