Be Stirred by God’s Truth
Nehemiah and Daniel were men who sought God’s protection to carry His truth to His people. The people needed to be stirred by God’s truth.
For people to be stirred by God’s truth and the greatness of God we have got to have a testimony and a witness and influence. We need our witness to be that we care about the hurting people of the world. People don’t care how much you know. They want to know how much you care.
Churches need to preach the truth of the scripture and the truth needs to be carried out into the world. The truth of the scripture is good for reproof and instruction. The word is quick and powerful. It has authority. People need to be stirred by God’s truth. If a gospel that is like a fire shut up in our bones is preached, people will feel burned or convicted to turn or repent and be converted for the kingdom of God.
Nehemiah while in Babylonia during the Jewish captivity was in the service of the king. He has access to the king as his cupbearer. He used his success to the advantage of the Jews.
Lesson from the success of Nehemiah:
A. Nehemiah looked at the facts.
He was burdened for Jerusalem and he stirred them to return to the kingdom of God.
B. Nehemiah made a specific plan.
He prepared for the opportunity by seeking God to insure a right motive and God’s favor.
C. Nehemiah found the right people to help.
He enlisted the help of elders, leaders, and others of influence.
D. Nehemiah celebrated.
There was a ceremony of blessing and consecration to celebrate the success with worship and song. Our successes are for the glory of God, not for the glory of us.
E. Nehemiah planned for continued success.
He prepared of the future by appointing new leaders to continue the work ordained by God.
If you stand up for God, He will stand up for you. If you are faithful and true in your testimony He will be faithful and true to you.