Date: 01-27-15
Text: — Nehemiah 2:11-12 — 11 I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days 12 I set out during the night with a few men. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on. [NIV84]
The Big Idea: When we examine our situation in more detail, the solutions then can be more laser focused.
You enter the doctor’s office, and ask, “How bad is it, Doc?” She looks at you and says, “You probably have a sprained wrist. Just take two tylenol, ice it for a few days, and wrap it with an ace bandage; you should be fine in a few weeks.” Mind you, you just sat done on the table. No other examination was done. The doctor merely looked at you! How would you feel? Cheated? Put out? Or worse…?
Nehemiah would agree with your feelings. A closer examination of the damaged area would yield a more accurate assessment of the situation. After arriving in Jerusalem, he set out by night to examine the damage. He did this in order to have an accurate assessment of the situation.
Lifestyle worshipers, have you done “An Awareness Walk,” aka “A Nehemiah Walk” lately? Have you taken the time to assess your broken relationships? Damaged image? Your personal decisions? Or other issues the Holy Spirit has been poking you on? It is only then that you can see how bad it really is….
I know it can be unnerving, even a life wrecking experience, but I also know when we examine our situation in more detail, the solutions then can be more laser focused. Your thoughts.
Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts
— John 7:24 (NIV84)
— 2 Corinthians 13:5-6 (NIV84)
— Proverbs 18:13 (NIV84)
Heavenly Father, I yield to the Holy Spirit’s conviction and insight into my situation. I know You are working out all things for the Good Forgive me for acting hastily and in an uniformed manner. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Pastor Mike