If it Pleased the King - Nehemiah 1-2
In this story Nehemiah, the cupbearer was informed by friends that had recently visited Judah that the Jewish people that had escaped from captivity; although free they were left destitute and afflicted. The walls of the city were reportedly broken down. To have walls of a city broken down during this period of time in history, left the Jewish people in that city vulnerable to attacks from their enemies. Nehemiah was devastated when hearing the news that God's people had no protection, and that their walls were broken down. The bible records that Nehemiah cried, which reminds us that although we are Christians, we are human with real hurts, real emotions. We are often faced with overwhelming circumstances that cause us to feel we have no control. But as we continue to read, we see that Nehemiah did something very instrumental. He did the only thing he knew to do that would change matters. He FASTED and PRAYED to God. What a powerful combination! If we want to see things change in our lives or want to hear clearly from God we need to fast and pray.
In this story Nehemiah, the cupbearer was informed by friends that had recently visited Judah that the Jewish people that had escaped from captivity; although free they were left destitute and afflicted. The walls of the city were reportedly broken down. To have walls of a city broken down during this period of time in history, left the Jewish people in that city vulnerable to attacks from their enemies. Nehemiah was devastated when hearing the news that God's people had no protection, and that their walls were broken down. The bible records that Nehemiah cried, which reminds us that although we are Christians, we are human with real hurts, real emotions. We are often faced with overwhelming circumstances that cause us to feel we have no control. But as we continue to read, we see that Nehemiah did something very instrumental. He did the only thing he knew to do that would change matters. He FASTED and PRAYED to God. What a powerful combination! If we want to see things change in our lives or want to hear clearly from God we need to fast and pray.
What is so important to note in this first chapter is Nehemiah's character and his heart. Nehemiah was moved by compassion for others in need. He was not selfish thinking only of himself. I 'm sure he recalled childhood stories that told him of stories of God's beloved people. He knew and understood the destiny that God had for his people, so to envision God's people in their present state was saddening. He could have said, "that is just sad to hear" and he could have gone on his merry way. After all, he had a great job working for the king, living in the palace, wearing fine clothes, and eating the best of foods. But Nehemiah shows true Christian character and choose not to live in the comforts of the palace, as his people live destitute with no protection.
This is the type of character that God wants his people to have today. But to be honest it is rare today to find people going out of their way leaving the comforts of their homes to help others. But Nehemiah is a great example as to what a Christian should do when we see a need. Although God has blessed you / "US" with a nice homes, cars etc.. and our families are saved and prospering and doing well. We cannot forget about our brothers and sisters that are not . Don't forget about those that are struggling with diseases, every day life, depression and lack of finances. Look to see if you can help someone else.
Nehemiah did several things that we should note. He asked God to be attentive to his prayer, and he ask for forgiveness not only for himself but his father's family. He also reminded the Lord that he was a Covenant keeping God. Nehemiah confessed any wrong doing because he did not want anything to hinder him from having his prayers answered. He also wanted forgiveness for the people (ancestors) that had turned their backs on God. He thought that maybe their living condition was the result of them turning their backs on God. It may just be their chastisement from the father.
Nehemiah had a plan and he wanted it to be a success. If we want success, we need to ask God to bless the works of our hands. Nehemiah had a plan, but he also had responsibilities. We ourselves often see the needs of others, but we are so bogged down with life, and everyday responsibilities and obligations. To be honest, to think about adding one additional thing to our plate seems overwhelming. Nevertheless, that did not stop Nehemiah. The story said that one day Nehemiah went before the King, and the King saw that Nehemiah was sad. After asking Nehemiah, why was he sadden. Nehemiah shared what was on his heart. Nehemiah apparently has such a relationship with the King that it moved the heart of the king. For the king asked Nehemiah" What request do you have of me". Scripture said that Nehemiah prayed again before answering, and said If it pleased the King, and if I have found favor in your sight, that thou wouldest send me to Judah unto the city of my father that I may build it. Scripture said not only did the King responded favorably to Nehemiah's request, but he gave him troops for protection as he went on his way to meet the needs of God's people.
When our motives are right. When we put others before the needs of ourselves or even the needs of our immediate family. God will open doors. Not only did Nehemiah pleased the earthly king, but he pleased the Heavenly King. When faced with decisions. When it looks like obstacles are in the way of you doing the work of the ministry, Pray. Pray to God, like Nehemiah talked to the king. Because God is asking " what is it that you have need of. Nehemiah need was the need for permission from the King to prepare the wall of a destitute people. What is your need today. Does your friend, neighbor, husband, wife, children need salvation?.. or maybe they need to be delivered from drugs, pornography or homosexuality. Whatever the need is today. Pray this to the Father " If it pleased You God My Father, My Saviour, My King, and if I have found favor in your sight, that thou wouldest (HEAL, DELIVER MY HUSBAND, DAUGHTER, SON FROM________________) OR BLESS ME WITH A HOME, CAR, A JOB, ETC....In JESUS Name!
When you are unselfish in meeting the needs of others. Not only do you please our King, but He will respond to YOU favorably with more than you ask!
The Lord says today “It’s time to change your prison clothes”. Some of us have been going through lots of adversities. Some of it has been to our own doing and some have not. But the Lord says whatever the case that which seek to hold your bondage (mind, body, spirit, finances, relationships, and career) is no longer. The enemy has tried to imprison your thoughts that there is no hope. He has imprisoned you to believe you will never be healed, never prosper, never get promotion, and never have enough. The enemy has come in the form of supervisors, bosses to make you believe that they are in control of your finances. The Lord says, “Today it stops”. The spiritual bullying stops today! “God says today “I will remove any antagonizer, man, woman, business that try to conform you, hinder you, put you in a box, stop your growth or attempt to spiritually imprison you.” God says again, “they will be removed. The Lord says “Your release will supernaturally happen not in a few months, or years but expect it to happen in a few days! “God will get the Glory out of this!
If we were to study King Jehoiachin’s reign of Judah, you would see he didn’t reign long. It is said that he may have reigned 3 months and a few days prior to King Nebuchadnezzar capturing him. It is told that he was captured at the age of 18 years old and was imprisoned for 37 years because of the sin of Judah, and his father. But what a miraculous surprise now at age 55 years old, He is told he will be released. Although imprisoned for 37 years, God had never forgotten him. King Jehoiachin most likely had fail to recall what it felt like to be king or royalty. He forgot what it meant to wear royal clothing, and to have prepared royal food, and to be in the presence of noble people. The lush lifestyle he once had was a far distant memory, only a dream. I’m sure looking at his situation, he was imprisoned by the same routine, the same clothing that he wore day after day. The imprisoned clothes were a constant reminder of his dismal future. His life as a prisoner had taken his identity, cause him to conform to the norm of prison-hood. He was no longer thought of as a person but downgraded to only a number. Jehoiachin was born to be king, a man of power and authority and yet, because of the sins of his people, he was taken into exile, put in prison, to be forgotten by all. This King born to make decisions now is told when to eat, drink and sleep; made to do manual labor. But it is just like God to show mercy to us even when unworthy. I’m sure King Jehoiachin had lots of time to review his life, the actions of his father and the life of the people. I believed he may have repented for that which was done evil in the sight of God.
After 37 years, God supernaturally release him from prison. God reminds us that he can step into any situation, and within a Planck time (shortest theoretically measurable time), microsecond (one millionth of a second), nanosecond (one billionth of a second) changed your life instantaneously! So Never Give UP! Hang on in their help is on its way. “Change” is about to happen. A transition is about to take place. Old things will be done away, and behold new things are coming! King Nebuchadnezzar, who had imprisoned him was removed, now deceased. The word says that the new Babylon King spoke kindly to King Jehoiachin and had supernatural favor with him and set his throne over the thrones of the other exile kings. It goes on to say that once released, Jehoiachin “changed” his prison clothes! And for the rest of his life ate regularly at the king’s table.
God says where you were a year ago, month ago, where you are now is not where you will be for the rest of your life. It is only for a set time, before I release you of that which sought to bind you. Deuteronomy 28:7 says “The Lord will cause the enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you. They will march out against you in one direction but free from you in seven.
The Lord says, “I will show supernatural favor, kindness to you and where I am taking you, the old garments, mindset, cannot be taken there.” God says “today get rid of the imprisoned thoughts, and behaviors that does not represent me. Change your mindset, begin to take your rightful place as Sons and Daughters at the Kings table. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
The Lord says, “I will show supernatural favor, kindness to you and where I am taking you, the old garments, mindset, cannot be taken there.” God says “today get rid of the imprisoned thoughts, and behaviors that does not represent me. Change your mindset, begin to take your rightful place as Sons and Daughters at the Kings table. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Say Today “I’m Release. No chains holding me. Today I change my imprisoned garments for my royal garments. Taking my rightful place at the kings Table for the Rest of my of My Life!” Everything I need is for my asking. Again, I’m no longer bound, I’m Free in Jesus Name!
Women of Authority Ministries
Evangelist Carleen Brown, Founder
Tele/Prayer: 337-308-3217
carleen.pope@yahoo.com