Day 269: Nehemiah 1-5

This is the last of the historical books in the Old Testament. It records the history of the 3rd return to Jerusalem after captivity, telling how the walls were rebuilt and the people were renewed in their faith.

The prayer in chapter 1 is a great illustration of effective prayer. My notes point out that it includes (1) praise, (2) thanksgiving, (3) repentance, (4) specific request, and (5) commitment.

Kind of impressive in chapter 3 when we hear that the high priest jumps right in and helps with building! I like a leader who isn't to great to get down into the trenches. Then at the end of chapter 5 it says that Nehemiah was also in there doing labor. He wasn't just the general contractor...he was doing whatever it took to get this job accomplished.