Leadership Lessons From Nehemiah–Part 6
An Honest Prayer As we continue our study in the beginning of the book of Nehemiah we come to Nehemiah’s prayer. What a completely simple and honest prayer in which God’s servant lays out his heart before God! As we think about the prayer of Nehemiah, I find several significant items in this prayer, and […]
What Seminary Did Not Teach–The Burden of Ministry
Introduction From time to time on this blog I will feature articles under the label of “what they did not teach you in seminary”. Usually these are random or miscellaneous items which I have learned through “on the job training” and not necessarily in the classroom. This is not to fault our seminaries or critique […]
Good News?
Introduction to the “good news” The term “gospel” is a common word in church circles. Sad to say, many people—even “church people”, do not understand what the word means. Even those who do have trouble grasping the entire scope of what the word expresses. The word “gospel” in the original language of the New Testament […]
Leadership Lessons From Nehemiah–Part 5
Romans 15:4 reminds us: For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through patience and through comfort of the scriptures we might have hope. This verse is true in the life and account of the man Nehemiah. We have so much to learn from this godly individual who stepped out and stood up to follow God’s leading […]
Leadership Lessons From Nehemiah–Part 4
As we continue our journey through the life of Nehemiah, we have noted how he led the people in the vital task of supporting the remnant in Jerusalem and rebuilding the walls. I noted last time that Nehemiah was moved to bring this matter before the Lord. We talked about the importance of prayer in general, and how we need leaders who bring the burden of leadership before the Lord. As we think about […]
Leadership Lessons From Nehemiah–Part 3
We’ve been talking about the story of Nehemiah and have been using this excerpt from the Biblical text as a model to provide some guidance for how churches move forward in ministry. I have noted that Nehemiah led the people of Israel in the monumental task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, but that this […]
Leadership Lessons From Nehemiah–Part 2
Last week I mentioned how I’ve been thinking about the book of Nehemiah. In order for churches to move forward after the difficult year that God in His providence brought their way, I believe it is helpful to study the example of others who have led during difficult times. Last week we noted how the […]
Leadership Lessons From Nehemiah–Part 1
I’ve been meditating on the story of Nehemiah–specifically the first two chapters of the book titled with his name. I’ve been thinking about change, growth, and progress. Nehemiah led the people of Israel in this incredible initiative to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem! But this endeavor was a process. It was not something that just happened overnight. How […]
“Good Friday”?
Good Friday. Have you ever wondered how the Friday before Easter got the name good? What is good about the crucifixion of God’s own Son? Why not “sad” Friday, or “dark” Friday, or “sorrowful” Friday? Actually, it is called “sorrowful Friday” in some languages and countries, but why is it “good” in our language? I have always wondered the answer to this […]
