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Real Hope: Nehemiah - Building CommunitySample

Real Hope: Nehemiah - Building Community

DAY 5 OF 5

The Power of Encouragement

Celebrating and Making Memories

The rebuilding of the walls and gates was completed. Nehemiah and the people faced opposition and hardships and persevered. Ezra, the priest, now brought out the words of the law, and the people gathered to hear them being read. When the people realized they had forgotten the rhythms of living God gave them, they were troubled and wept remorsefully.

There was still a lot of work to rebuild houses, build healthy community structures, and recommit to God’s sacred rhythms of living.

However, Nehemiah reminded them of the importance of celebrating the transformation God had done in them to build a sense of community as they had completed the rebuilding of the walls and gates. He calls a time to celebrate and remember with thankfulness all God had done.

I’m encouraged by this idea of stopping and celebrating as a community. Building together and celebrating together helps friendships flourish and helps mark significant times so we can look back and remember all God has accomplished.

There will always be more that needs to be done, but it’s important to be thankful for what has been achieved and to take the time to share the joy of shared purpose with others.

Written by KATH HENRY

Want more? Check out the Real Hope Conversations Podcast and listen as we chat with Phil and Kath Henry about Nehemiah and the building of community. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Scripture

Day 4

About this Plan

Real Hope: Nehemiah - Building Community

A series by Phil & Kath Henry. The book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament of the Bible is more than an account of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. It’s an invitation to all who read it to be inspired by one person’s faith and passion to rebuild a community of people. The story can speak to each of us today as we desire to rebuild communities of faith and hope in the wake of the discouragement and vulnerability that world events have caused in the past few years. In this plan, we consider how compassion for others can become inspirational action. We’ll also consider how we can do our God-given part without taking on more than is ours to do.

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