An introdution to Nehemiah

This weeks readings is from Nehemiah and is read by Carole. This week's sermon is an introduction as Colin starts a new series.  We first meet Nehemiah in a palace in Babylon but God called him to rebuild a ruined city and a broken people.  He was able to achieve his goals because he knew he was serving a great God. Not only that, he was inspired and fashioned by Scripture and this led him to modify his own way of life.  He committed himself to pray and constantly sought God’s leading before engaging in his work.  Nehemiah became a great leader with compassion, integrity and vision. He inspired others and delegated responsibility.  We live thousands of years later but, like Nehemiah, we often face change and upheaval. We too need to:  * Depend on God,  * Depend on Scripture,  * Depend on prayer.  Nehemiah’s compassionate concern, disciplined prayerfulness, spiritual confidence, resourceful service, moral integrity and exemplary lifestyle should help us to be relevant in our needy world.