Hi everyone, its aunt Fernita
Today's story is called "Nehemiah-God's builder"
The memory verse is from Nehemiah chapter 2 verse 8
It says" The gracious hand of my God was upon me"
Today's message is: God gives me the grace and power to do his will
"How come the pastor is always asking for money?" Jessica wanted to know
"Because of church family has outgrown its old church and we need a new one" answered dad
"It takes money and a lot of people willing to help build" he explained
It reminds me of Nehemiah rebuilding Jerusalem's walls
"I'm so glad to see you again!" Nehemiah exclaimed
hugging his brother Hanani
Hanani had recently arrived with others from Judah
"How are you?"
"How are the rest of the Jews surviving back in Jerusalem?"
The smile left Hanani face
"Not well," he said sadly
"The wall around Jerusalem has been torn down"
"The gates have all been burnt"
"Enemies could walk right in and attack God's People"
Nehemiah sank into a chair
tears spilled down his cheeks
For the next few weeks
Nehemiah mourned
He fasted and he prayed
"Oh Lord," he pleaded
"Listen to my prayer, i am going to ask the king for a great favor"
"Please put it into his heart to be kind to me"
One evening, Nehemiah went to work as usual
He carried the King's drink to him at the dinner table
The king looked up
"Why do you look so sad tonight?" He asked
"Long live the king!" Nehemiah exclaimed
"I am sad because the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins"
"How can i help you?" the king asked kindly
Nehemiah prayed a quick silent prayer
Than he answered the king
"Please send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried'
Nehemiah took a big breath
He had more to ask
"Oh king please give me a letter to the manager of your forest"
"Tell him to give me wood so i can build"
"I will rebuild the city gates and the walls"
"And a house for myself"
The king wrote the letter
Then he ordered army officers and soldiers on horseback to go with Nehemiah
They would protect him on the long long journey to Jerusalem
Finally Nehemiah reached Jerusalem
After staying there for 3 days
He rode his donkey at night to look at the damage
He found that he couldn't even ride through some of the gates
into the city, they were plugged with big rocks that had been part of the wall
Than Nehemiah spoke to the city leaders
He told them about the king and how God had helped him so far
"Lets rebuild the wall of Jerusalem!" he exclaimed
So the people began the work
And they worked hard
But their enemies made plans to attack and kill the jews
The Jews prayed and asked God to protect them
Then Nehemiah told to get their swords and spears
And their bows and arrows
They would guard the wall with one hand
and work with the other
Don't be afraid of the enemy
"Remember the Lord," Nehemiah encouraged them
Many times the enemy tried to stop their rebuilding work
Nehemiah prayed constantly
And God gave him the wisdom to know what to do
The work continued
And the wall was finished in just 52 days
God bless this project in many ways
He gave Nehemiah courage to ask for help
He gave the workers power He gave Nehemiah courage to ask for help
He gave the workers power
To carry on their rebuilding
God truly led his people