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Bloodshot Eyes and Blistered Hands

  • September 22, 2015
  • Andy Kizer
  • Articles

Nehemiah was the cupbearer for King Artaxerxes (Neh. 1:1).  Being a cupbearer meant being in a prestigious position.  But Nehemiah did not let his position or his comfort influence his commitment to God.  Nehemiah’s practice illustrates what is necessary to get God’s work done.

Nehemiah had a burden.  “I sat down and wept and mourned for days,” He said (Neh. 1:4).  “And I continued fasting and praying.”  Before we can accomplish God’s work, we must have a burden for the work.  That burden will drive us to our knees.  It should.  There must be prayer involved in God’s work.  As Nehemiah wept before God (for days), he had bloodshot eyes.

Nehemiah had a vision.  “Send me to Judah…that I may rebuild it,” he begged the king (Neh. 2:5).  His goal was to see the walls of Jerusalem rebuilt (Neh. 2:17, 18).  The people shared his vision (Neh. 2:17, 18).  They, too, “had a mind to work” (Neh. 4:6).  Because the vision was so real, the goal was reached in fifty-two days (Neh. 6:15).  We, too, must have a vision to strive for, i.e. a goal to work toward.

Nehemiah made a sacrifice.  He had a comfortable job in comfortable surroundings.  He was with the king and not exposed to physical labor.  His hands got soft.  Yet, Nehemiah went to Jerusalem and put his hands to the task.  Consequently, he made blisters on those soft, unexercised hands.

If we, as Nehemiah, have these three elements, God’s work will be done.  This attitude moves mountains, grows congregations, and accomplishes great things.

–Andy

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  • 9671 Highway 17
    Florence, AL 35634
  • Sunday
    Bible classes, 9:00 AM
    Worship, 10:00 AM
    Worship, 5:00 PM

    Wednesday
    Afternoon Bible class, 3:00 PM
    Evening Bible classes, 7:00 PM

Sermons

Where did Easter come from?

  • December 25, 2019

Feast of Purim and Esther

  • December 25, 2019

Feast of Tabernacles

  • December 18, 2019

Maccabees and Hanukkah

  • December 18, 2019

Day of Atonement

  • December 11, 2019

Articles

When Leadership Changes

  • January 26, 2018

What Premillennialists Ignore

  • January 26, 2018

What Do You Think about the Christ?

  • January 26, 2018

We Babel On

  • January 26, 2018

We Are Yours

  • January 26, 2018

Locations & Service Times

Location & Times

  • 9671 Highway 17
    Florence, AL 35634
  • (256) 764-9339
  • Sunday
    Bible classes, 9:00 AM
    Worship, 10:00 AM
    Worship, 5:00 PM

    Wednesday
    Afternoon Bible class, 3:00 PM
    Evening Bible classes, 7:00 PM

Sermons

Where did Easter come from?

  • December 25, 2019

Feast of Purim and Esther

  • December 25, 2019

Feast of Tabernacles

  • December 18, 2019

Maccabees and Hanukkah

  • December 18, 2019

Day of Atonement

  • December 11, 2019

Articles

When Leadership Changes

  • January 26, 2018

What Premillennialists Ignore

  • January 26, 2018

What Do You Think about the Christ?

  • January 26, 2018

We Babel On

  • January 26, 2018

We Are Yours

  • January 26, 2018
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