FOCUS FOR 2022 – REBUILDING FAMILY THROUGH THE HOUSE OF GOD

FOCUS FOR THE NEXT THREE MONTHS – REBUILDING THE WALLS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

THE CALLING

Nehemiah 1:1 – “The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. It came to pass in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the citadel,”

Nehemiah 1:2 – “That Hanani one of my brethren came with men from Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped, who had survived the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.”

Nehemiah 1:3 – “And they said to me, ‘The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.’”

“Nothing is ruined beyond God’s ability to restore.” – Jack Hayford

Nehemiah 1:3a – “The survivors…are in great distress and reproach.”

Distress – misery, trouble, state of hardship, ruin

Reproach – disgrace, dishonor, shame, reviling, taunting

Romans 15:13 – “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Nehemiah 1:4 – “So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.”

1. ASK FOR HIS HEART

Nehemiah 1:4a – “So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept and mourned for many days.”

Jeremiah 9:1 – “Oh, that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people.”

Luke 19:41 – “Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it.”

“The weeping God.” – Corey Russel

Psalm 126:5 – “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.”

2. STAND IN THE GAP

Ezekiel 22:30 – “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.”

Nehemiah 1:4b – “I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.”

Romans 8:26 – “Likewise the Spirit also helps us in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercessions for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

3. REPENT OF SIN

Nehemiah 1:5 – “And I said, ‘I pray, Lord God of Heaven, O great and awesome God, You who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love You and observe Your commandments.’”

Nehemiah 1:6 – “Please let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You now, day and night, for the children of Israel Your servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel which we have sinned against You. Both my father’s house and I have sinned.”

2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If My people who are called by My Name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

4. TAKE A STEP OF FAITH

Nehemiah 1:11b – “For I was the king’s cupbearer.”

Nehemiah 2:6 – “Then the king said to me (the queen also sitting beside him), ‘How long will your journey be? And when will you return?’ So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.”

The Holy Spirit is asking all of us:

A. Will we ask for the Father’s heart?

B. Will we fast and pray as He leads us?

C. Will we use our influence for the advancement of His Kingdom?

Discussion Questions:

1. Pastor Jack Hayford said, “Nothing is ruined beyond God’s ability to restore.” What areas of your life or family need God’s miraculous touch and restoration?

2. What areas in our country and culture need the transforming touch of God?

3. Derek Prince asked for God’s heart for America. Would you be willing to do that?

4. Are you willing to fast and pray for renewal in your own heart, your family, your church family, and for our nation?

5. Are there areas in your life in which you need to repent before God?

6. What is one action step of faith the Holy Spirit is calling you to take?