Nehemiah: Spiritual Renewal Week 3

Nehemiah 9: We are part of Godʼs story...The story of Grace

This week we read the continued response to the people after encountering Godʼs word. They come to the assembly fasting, wearing sackcloth, and having dust on their heads. These are expressions of mourning, humility and an utter reliance on God often seen in the bible during times of national crisis. The chapter is laid out as a prayer of confession for their sins and the sins of their ancestors. This account displays the cyclical nature of their history. They conclude with a declaration of their continued distress and resolve to re-engage in their covenant with God. As you read the passage take note of how they view God and themselves in light of their history.

• Take turns reading Nehemiah chapter 9

◆ Read 9:1:17

◆ Read 9:18:26

◆ Read9:27:31

◆ Read 9:32:38  

• Briefly, what does the passage tell us about God?
• Is this depiction of God consistent with your lived experience?
• Does your spiritual life feel cyclical with a continual need to re-engage with Godʼs covenant?

Pray with one another. Pray for insight into the movements of God in our life and within our community and within our city.

Worship

Last week we saw that the direction of the whole world and everything in it is towards worship. Worship is the goal and the eternal end of the Christian life. This week in Nehemiah we see that God desires the expression of worship through acknowledging him! Despite the realities of our sin God has remained faithful. He has used his sovereign power to bring us salvation through his Son, Jesus. Let us not forget the goodness of God!

Share with one another

• When you pray (worship) do you maintain a paradigm that God is good?
• Is your heart response to the concept of Godʼs sovereignty relief/joy?

Practice

1. Continue in listening to worship music, particularly in times you are struggling physically, emotionally or spiritually.
2. Continue to commit to memory Nehemiah 810 “...Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strengthˮ
3. Spend time in prayer this week recounting the goodness of God throughout your life and the history of your family. Then express this through worship. I.e. recount it to God. Do not be afraid to also express your confusion or frustrations particularly over your perception of his goodness.

If you would like to go deeper on your own time into Nehemiah or the Habit of Grace, consider these options: Podcast Check out Intro to Nehemiah on the Spoken Gospel Podcast The Spoken Gospel Practice Sit down with your spouse and/or a trusted friend who can be your spiritual financial advisor, and review your budget or make a budget for the first time. Prayerfully consider what God is calling you into in regards to generosity. Then commit and hold each other accountable.Book If you would like to learn more about “spiritual financial advisors” and the potential for practical gospel living, consider reading The Barefoot Disciple: Five Money Habits For ModernDisciples by Yoel Frank. This is available in print or audiobook