Balancing Divine and Human Factors.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen

Ephesians 3:20-21

FMO Monday Night Nehemiah Study continues, as we begin our second of twelve lessons, I am just blown away at all the usable applications in Nehemiah for our personal, business and spiritual lives.

My Pastor Teacher has always taught that you cannot take worldly business leadership principals and incorporate them into the church, or our development as christian men and women. However, it is just the opposite of those little golden nuggets found in the living and inspired word of GOD.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,

for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

that the man/woman of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

So Jeff, what's your point? I honestly don't believe I have made one yet, but if you hang with me I will attempt to?

• OBSERVATION: What does it say?
• INTERPRETATION: What does it mean?
• APPLICATION: How does it apply to me?

The above three bullet point are taken from the Inductive Bible Study Method and for all intent and purpose it has assisted me in better understanding what God has and wants from/for me.

Now to Him (GOD) who is able to do

exceedingly abundantly (unfathomable Feats)

above all (no boundaries)

that we ask or think!

Man, how this principle / promise is played out in the book of Nehemiah. As a result of Nehemiah's obedience and unwavering faith in his God, Nehemiah is given favor and position to accomplish extraordinary task and feats. Thus reading Ephesians 3 is brought to life vividly through the course of Nehemiah's application of God's Sovereignty.

That's great for him! But what about me? Nehemiah gives us an outline of how to be in accordance to God's will;

• Pray and fast
• Repent
• Read the Word
• Await Confirmation
• Proceed forward in faith and boldness

Considering that in the book prior Ezra, the same king had issued a decree to stop any building of the walls that surrounded Jerusalem, now Nehemiah was in faith going to travel down a road that had previously been blocked off. There were a lot of underlying factors that made this request very dangerous and life threatening.

We find that Nehemiah had taken roughly four months of praying, fasting and seeking the Lord for direction, in addition Nehemiah did his homework with regards to the task at hand. This usable information in the hands of the Power that lies within us is in a sense our human responsibility within the supernatural realm. Ephesians 3:21,

"according to the power that works in us"!

APPLICATION:

If truly I desire God's will for my life and ministry, I must do my part in ensuring that I have Prayed, Read, and taken the time to be in submission to those Godly authorities that surround me, that provide wisdom and knowledge for my absorption for later use by the supernatural indwelling POWER of the Holy Spirit!

Be Used and Be Blessed!