A time to reflect … and remember

1. A time to reflect…and remember Looking at Nehemiah 9

2. Analyze yourself • A time of sober self-judgment. • An expression of shame and grief • An awareness of the CONNECTIVITY of sin • The principle still applies… Looking at Nehemiah

3. What’s going on in our hearts… what’s going in our world?? • …Because they’re connected! Brux Austin, Editor-in-chief of the Texas Business magazine: • “We are truly the lost generation, huffing and puffing down the fast track to nowhere, always looking to the dollar sign for direction. That's the only standard we recognize. We have no built-in beliefs, no ethical boundaries. Cheat on your taxes, just don't get caught. Cheat on your wife, just don't get AIDS. Simply use a condom.” Looking at Nehemiah

4. Where did I go wrong? • Then he goes on to look back at the previous generation, as these people in Nehemiah do. • "Where did I go wrong?" is the traditional wail of parents of kids-gone-wrong. The eighties version says, "We gave him everything -- clothes, a computer, a car, a college education." Everything but a conscience. We are products of a high-tech society; amoral automatons outfitted with calculating brains and sleek casings, just like the computers with which we are so compatible. But they forgot to give us souls.” • He concludes by saying, • “What good is lolling in your Jacuzzi in the beautiful backyard of your breathtaking home if you feel an aching emptiness in your innards -- a chronic pain that all the wine cooler in the world can't numb?” Looking at Nehemiah

5. Their response • They gathered before God • They fasted • They wept • They kept it in the family…. Not involving outsiders • They confessed • …. They praised Looking at Nehemiah

6. How did they pray? • 1. Fill your minds with who God is (5-8) • Creator • Caller and Chooser • Keeper of promises • Deliverer • 2. Retell your story (9ff) • Remember where you came from • Remember his providential care • Remember his faithful love Looking at Nehemiah

7. But it’s a long story • The chapter tells the long story • Rebellion and degradation • The loss of everything they hold dear • “And now we are slaves in the land of promise.” What an irony! Looking at Nehemiah

8. Remember who you are! • Don’t go back to your life of slavery…. Go back to the Maker’s Original Intention! • Remember you parentage, Simba! Looking at Nehemiah

9. We are all prodigal sons • Our only recourse is to confess… • … to reach out for mercy • ….and make the long trip home Looking at Nehemiah