Hand Me Another Brick: Timeless Lessons on Leadership

j The Matter at Hand

Survey of Nehemiah
i
The Heart of the Matter
In his roles as cupbearer, builder, and governor, Nehemiah exemplified the qualities of Tools for
a wise, godly leader. We can learn from Nehemiahs example as we examine our own Digging Deeper
character and God-given place in life. Like the bricks and mortar of a solid, ancient city
wall, the bricks of excellent leadership must be placed on a foundation of Gods Word
and godly character with the mortar of faith and fortitude.

Discovering the Way

1. Historical Setting of Nehemiah (2 Chronicles 36:1823)
The events described in the book of Nehemiah took place at a crucial turning point in
Jewish historywhen the people were restored to the land after decades of exile in Hand Me Another Brick
Babylon. See the attached historical chart. by Charles R. Swindoll
Bible companion and CD series

2. Nehemiah the Man (Survey of Nehemiah)

Throughout his life of leadership and service to God, Nehemiah filled many roles,
including cupbearer (Nehemiah 1:11), builder (2:116:19), and governor (713). See
attached map of Jerusalem. Nehemiahs leadership experiences provide several lessons
for leaders today from every walk of life.

Hand Me Another Brick

by Charles R. Swindoll
softcover book

Starting Your Journey

Even if we are not engaged in a literal building project, each of us has a responsibility
for building the spiritual walls of our lives, though they may lie in ruins. What can be
done to repair your walls in preparation for a life of godly leadership?

Hand Me Another Brick

by Insight for Living
softcover Bible Companion

For related resources, please call

USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 787 9364
or visit www.insight.org
or www.insightworld.org

Original outline copyright 1974 and Message Mate copyright 2007 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.
All rights are reserved worldwide. Duplication of copyrighted material for commercial use is strictly prohibited.
Committed to Excellence in Communicating Biblical Truth and Its Application
Discovering the Way

Copyright 1974, 1982, 1990 Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.

Copyright 2006 by Insight for Living. All rights reserved worldwide.

 Hand Me Another Brick: Timeless Lessons on Leadership
j A LeaderFrom the Knees Up!
Nehemiah 1:111
i
The Heart of the Matter
Few Old Testament characters surpass Nehemiah in the potency of their leadership. Tools for
God used him to motivate and direct a relatively small group of people in building a Digging Deeper
wall around the city of Jerusalem and then to establish a godly government. Nehemiah
discovered Jerusalems desperate need and then brought it before God in prayer. It is
highly significant that the first place we find this great leader is on his knees. Leadership
requires prayer.

Discovering the Way

1. Orientation (Nehemiah 1:1, 11)
Nehemiah served as the king of Persias cupbearer, a high-ranking official with weighty Hand Me Another Brick
responsibilities. This experience would prepare him for his later leadership roles. by Charles R. Swindoll
Bible companion and CD series

2. Situation (Nehemiah 1:23)

Because he was a Jew, Nehemiah sought information about the condition of the city of
Jerusalem and its residents. The news he received was not encouraging.

3. Reaction (Nehemiah 1:411)

Hand Me Another Brick
Nehemiahs reactions were neither negative nor critical. As a great leader, Nehemiah
by Charles R. Swindoll
responded to the needs of Jerusalem and her people with clear recognition, personal
softcover book
concern, an appeal to God, and availability.

Starting Your Journey

Prayer was at the center of Nehemiahs launch into leadership. Prayer is an essential
discipline for leadership in four practical ways. It makes us wait, clears our vision, Hand Me Another Brick
quiets our hearts, and activates our faith. by Insight for Living
softcover Bible Companion

For related resources, please call

USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 787 9364
or visit www.insight.org
or www.insightworld.org

Original outline copyright 1974 and Message Mate copyright 2007 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.
All rights are reserved worldwide. Duplication of copyrighted material for commercial use is strictly prohibited.
Committed to Excellence in Communicating Biblical Truth and Its Application
 Hand Me Another Brick: Timeless Lessons on Leadership
j Prepar ation for a Tough Job
Nehemiah 2:111
i
The Heart of the Matter
While carrying his great burden for the people and conditions in Jerusalem, Nehemiah Tools for
began the tough job of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem . . . by getting on his knees in Digging Deeper
prayer. He asked God for compassion and understanding to come to the heart of King
Artaxerxes (Nehemiah 1:34, 11). In the second chapter of Nehemiah, we see Gods
gracious answer to Nehemiahs prayer, an illustration of Proverbs 21:1, and we gain
insight into how we should handle a difficult boss or authority figure today.

Discovering the Way

1. A Principle from Proverbs (Proverbs 21:1)
The best tool to affect change in an individual is prayer. Hand Me Another Brick
by Charles R. Swindoll
Bible companion and CD series

2. Nehemiah in Persia (Nehemiah 2:18)

Though he desired to leave his post and answer Gods call, Nehemiah waited four
months for God to move the heart of the king. Stepping out in faith involves prayer,
planning, and patience.

3. Nehemiah en Route to Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:911)

Hand Me Another Brick
Because Nehemiah prayed and waited, God provided special blessings for his journey
by Charles R. Swindoll
that he would have missed had he acted rashly.
softcover book

Starting Your Journey

Nehemiahs preparation for a tough job surfaces four important principles for us today.
First, changing the heart is Gods specialty. Second, prayer and waiting go hand-in-
hand. Third, faith is not an excuse for disorder or failure to plan. Fourth, opposition
often reinforces the will of God rather than hinders it. Hand Me Another Brick
by Insight for Living
softcover Bible Companion

For related resources, please call

USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 787 9364
or visit www.insight.org
or www.insightworld.org

Original outline copyright 1974 and Message Mate copyright 2007 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.
All rights are reserved worldwide. Duplication of copyrighted material for commercial use is strictly prohibited.
Committed to Excellence in Communicating Biblical Truth and Its Application
 Hand Me Another Brick: Timeless Lessons on Leadership
j Getting off Dead Center
Nehemiah 2:1120
i
The Heart of the Matter
When Nehemiah journeyed to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall, he faced the immense Tools for
task of inspiring those around him to pick up bricks and begin a grueling project. Digging Deeper
Some were young; others were old. They came from different walks of life with
diverse expectations. Its easy to see that motivating them was one of Nehemiahs first
challenges of leadership. Through Nehemiahs example, we can learn how to motivate
people to get off dead center.

Discovering the Way

1. Private Investigation of the Scene (Nehemiah 2:1116)
In silence and solitude, Nehemiah sized up the task before him. Similarly, leaders today Hand Me Another Brick
need to make a clear and objective appraisal of the facts. by Charles R. Swindoll
Bible companion and CD series

2. Open Discussion of the Need (Nehemiah 2:1719)

Nehemiah demonstrated insight and foresight about when to call people to action
based on the facts. His example reveals the essential keys to proper motivation.

3. Direct Criticism of the Plan (Nehemiah 2:1920)

Hand Me Another Brick
Because opposition to the will of God is inevitable, leaders like Nehemiah must have
by Charles R. Swindoll
courage to take a stand.
softcover book

Starting Your Journey

Nehemiah demonstrated that when alone, in public, or under attack, godly leaders
must always keep their eyes on the Lord.

Hand Me Another Brick

by Insight for Living
softcover Bible Companion

For related resources, please call

USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 787 9364
or visit www.insight.org
or www.insightworld.org

Original outline copyright 1974 and Message Mate copyright 2007 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.
All rights are reserved worldwide. Duplication of copyrighted material for commercial use is strictly prohibited.
Committed to Excellence in Communicating Biblical Truth and Its Application
 Hand Me Another Brick: Timeless Lessons on Leadership
j Knocked Down, but Not Knocked Out
Nehemiah 4:19
i
The Heart of the Matter
As soon as Nehemiah and his crew began to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, opposition Tools for
and criticism bombarded them from all sides. Yet through Nehemiahs response Digging Deeper
we discover how a leader should handle the inevitable and unavoidable criticism
that comes from the outside. It is possible not only to stay at our task in the face of
opposition but also to deepen our walk with God at the same time. Criticism may
knock you down, but it doesnt have to knock you out!

Discovering the Way

1. Introduction: New Testament Promise (2 Corinthians 4:710)
People in leadership inevitably become a target for criticism and opposition, which
often increases with Gods blessing. Hand Me Another Brick
by Charles R. Swindoll
Bible companion and CD series

2. Illustration: Old Testament Example (Nehemiah 4:19)

As God blessed the rebuilding of the walls, the angry opposition from others grew
(Nehemiah 4:13). Nehemiah countered the opposition by speaking with God and
staying at the task (4:46). But as the opposition intensified, so did Nehemiahs
response (4:69).

Hand Me Another Brick

by Charles R. Swindoll
softcover book

Starting Your Journey

Nehemiah gives us three simple principles for dealing with opposition in leadership
today:

1. It is impossible to lead anyone without facing opposition. Hand Me Another Brick

by Insight for Living
2. It is essential to face opposition first by prayer. softcover Bible Companion

3. It is questionable that prayer is all that is necessary when opposition intensifies.

For related resources, please call
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 787 9364
or visit www.insight.org
or www.insightworld.org

Original outline copyright 1974 and Message Mate copyright 2007 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.
All rights are reserved worldwide. Duplication of copyrighted material for commercial use is strictly prohibited.
Committed to Excellence in Communicating Biblical Truth and Its Application
 Hand Me Another Brick: Timeless Lessons on Leadership
j Discour agement: Its Causes and Cure
Nehemiah 4:923
i
The Heart of the Matter
The farther we travel through the pages of Nehemiah, the more we discover the Tools for
value and relevance of its instruction for every level of leadership. As we turn to Digging Deeper
Nehemiah4:923, we find Nehemiahs work crew discouraged for the first time
since the project of rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem began. But what caused the
discouragement? How did Nehemiah handle it? The answers to these questions apply
directly to the discouragement many leaders face today.

Discovering the Way

1. The Cause of Discouragement (Nehemiah 4:912)
Discouragement among a staff or team is often caused by loss of strength, loss of Hand Me Another Brick
vision, loss of confidence, and loss of security. by Charles R. Swindoll
Bible companion and CD series

2. The Cure for Discouragement (Nehemiah 4:1323)

Nehemiah cured discouragement among his people in five important ways. He unified
them around the same goal (Nehemiah 4:13). He directed their attention to the Lord
(4:14). He encouraged them to maintain a balance (4:1418). He provided a rallying
point (4:1920). And he occupied them in serving others (4:2123).
Hand Me Another Brick
by Charles R. Swindoll
softcover book

Hand Me Another Brick

by Insight for Living
Starting Your Journey softcover Bible Companion
Nehemiah knew the causes of discouragement . . . and how to handle them. Whats
causing discouragement for you or those under your leadership today? Which of the
five ways of dealing with discouragement can you apply?
For related resources, please call
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 787 9364
or visit www.insight.org
or www.insightworld.org

Original outline copyright 1974 and Message Mate copyright 2007 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.
All rights are reserved worldwide. Duplication of copyrighted material for commercial use is strictly prohibited.
Committed to Excellence in Communicating Biblical Truth and Its Application
 Hand Me Another Brick: Timeless Lessons on Leadership
j Love, Loans . . . and the Money Crunch
Nehemiah 5:113
i
The Heart of the Matter
Every worthy task contains its share of challenges, and Nehemiahs God-given work Tools for
was no exception. The first thirteen verses of Nehemiah 5 shine a spotlight on a dismal Digging Deeper
financial fiasco involving the workers. This problem caused the project to grind to a
temporary halt while their leader guided them to a godly solution. Though our own
tasks today are different, problems and difficulties will surely find us, and wise leaders
will need to know how to handle them.

Discovering the Way

1. The Historical Situation (Nehemiah 5:15)
On the heels of discouragement, the people began to complain about problems caused Hand Me Another Brick
by money. by Charles R. Swindoll
Bible companion and CD series

2. The Leaders Reaction (Nehemiah 5:67)

Nehemiah responded by consulting Gods law about the proper handling of money.

3. The Practical Solution and Peoples Response (Nehemiah 5:713)

Nehemiah rebuked those who caused the problems, then set forth a plan to correct
Hand Me Another Brick
them.
by Charles R. Swindoll
softcover book

Starting Your Journey

The money problems and Nehemiahs solution surface four practical principles.
1. God is pleased with wise handling of our money.

2. Prolonged, personal sin takes a heavy toll on the public work of God. Hand Me Another Brick
by Insight for Living
softcover Bible Companion
3. Correcting wrong in our lives begins with facing it head on.

For related resources, please call

4. Correction is carried out most effectively when a promise is made to God. USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 787 9364
or visit www.insight.org
or www.insightworld.org

Original outline copyright 1974 and Message Mate copyright 2007 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.
All rights are reserved worldwide. Duplication of copyrighted material for commercial use is strictly prohibited.
Committed to Excellence in Communicating Biblical Truth and Its Application
 Hand Me Another Brick: Timeless Lessons on Leadership
j How to Handle a Promotion
Nehemiah 5:1419
i
The Heart of the Matter
Weve all experienced or witnessed demotions, cutbacks, downsizing, or Tools for
layoffsdreadful realities that prompt a run on self-help books. Occasionally, God Digging Deeper
promotes His people in a marked fashion, but we seldom hear messages or read books
about what God says to those who have experienced a promotion. Using Nehemiahs
own experience as the basis of our study, we learn how to pass the tests of integrity
that come with a promotion.

Discovering the Way

1. Promotion: An Axiom to Remember (Psalm 75:57)
Behind the promotion of every believer is the Lord, a timely axiom that is illustrated Hand Me Another Brick
over and over again in the Bible. by Charles R. Swindoll
Bible companion and CD series

2. Promotion: An Example to Follow (Nehemiah 5:1419)

When Nehemiah was promoted from builder to governor, he humbly accepted the
responsibility as being from the Lord (5:14). With Gods help he avoided the dangerous
perils that come with privileges, policies, projects, and people (5:1418). He handled
all of this without spoiling his relationship with the Lord (5:19).

Hand Me Another Brick

by Charles R. Swindoll
softcover book

Starting Your Journey

Nehemiah exhibited absolute integrity in his promotion. There was no credibility gap,
no cause for suspicion or wondering. In what areas of your life and leadership do you Hand Me Another Brick
need to examine your integrity? by Insight for Living
softcover Bible Companion

For related resources, please call

USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 787 9364
or visit www.insight.org
or www.insightworld.org
 Hand Me Another Brick: Timeless Lessons on Leadership
j Oper ation Intimidation
Nehemiah 6
i
The Heart of the Matter
For months Nehemiah led the project of rebuilding Jerusalems walls in spite of Tools for
constant opposition. As the walls neared completion, foes once again assailed this Digging Deeper
leader. But this time the attacks were more insidiousthe enemy attempted to
intimidate him. Nehemiahs discernment helped him frustrate the plots of his
adversaries. In the same way, God-given discernment can help us face intimidating
circumstances in our own realms of leadership.

Discovering the Way

1. When Did the Attacks Occur? (Nehemiah 6:1)
The walls of Jerusalem were nearly complete and the people were just about to begin a
well-deserved celebration when the attacks began. Hand Me Another Brick
by Charles R. Swindoll
Bible companion and CD series
2. What Were the Attacks? (Nehemiah 6:214, 1619)
First, Nehemiahs enemies sent a personal request, intending to lure him into a
trap (6:24). Second, his opponents circulated a public letter defaming Nehemiahs
character (6:59). Third, they formed a subtle conspiracy, seeking to frighten
him (6:1014). And finally, Nehemiahs greatest enemy, Tobiah, sent threatening
communication (6:1619).

Hand Me Another Brick

by Charles R. Swindoll
softcover book

3. Did the Attacks Affect the Situation? (Nehemiah 6:15)

Nehemiah refused to be intimidated, instead trusting God for the discernment he
needed to continue to survive the attacks of his enemies and complete the task.

Hand Me Another Brick

by Insight for Living
Starting Your Journey softcover Bible Companion
It is impossible to do the will of God without experiencing opposition. Like Nehemiah,
we need discernment to persevere through the inevitable challenges in our own realms
of leadership. For related resources, please call
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 787 9364
or visit www.insight.org
or www.insightworld.org

Original outline copyright 1974 and Message Mate copyright 2007 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.
All rights are reserved worldwide. Duplication of copyrighted material for commercial use is strictly prohibited.
Committed to Excellence in Communicating Biblical Truth and Its Application
 Hand Me Another Brick: Timeless Lessons on Leadership
j Revival at the Water Gate
Nehemiah 8:112
i
The Heart of the Matter
Once the walls and gates were completed, Nehemiah immediately made plans to revive Tools for
the citizens spiritually with the authoritative Scriptures. The testimony of Gods Word Digging Deeper
had been kept silent for far too long, and the beginnings of spiritual revival were about
to take place. The potential for revival is always present in our own lives, if we will
return to the Word of God.

Discovering the Way

1. The Setting of Revival (Nehemiah 8:12)
The wall was complete, the city was protected, the people were organized, and the
government was running smoothly. But a very important ingredient was missing . . . a Hand Me Another Brick
meaningful spiritual life. by Charles R. Swindoll
Bible companion and CD series

2. The Event of Revival (Nehemiah 8:38)

The people gathered at the Water Gate to hear Ezra read Gods Word (8:35). They
responded with an outpouring of praise for the Lord (8:6). Then, Ezra and the Levites
carefully explained the meaning of each passage of Scripture (8:78).

Hand Me Another Brick

by Charles R. Swindoll
softcover book
3. The Mobilization of Gods People (Nehemiah 8:912)
With great guilt, the people wept over the sins of their forefathers (8:9). Then, Ezra,
Nehemiah, and the Levites reminded the people of Gods grace and forgiveness
(8:1012).

Hand Me Another Brick

Starting Your Journey by Insight for Living
As we observe the revival of Gods people, four practical lessons are apparent: softcover Bible Companion
1. No life is complete without the spiritual dimension.
2. No spiritual dimension is complete without scriptural input.
3. No scriptural input is complete without personal obedience. For related resources, please call
4. No personal obedience is complete without great rejoicing. USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 787 9364
or visit www.insight.org
or www.insightworld.org

Original outline copyright 1974 and Message Mate copyright 2007 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.
All rights are reserved worldwide. Duplication of copyrighted material for commercial use is strictly prohibited.
Committed to Excellence in Communicating Biblical Truth and Its Application
 Hand Me Another Brick: Timeless Lessons on Leadership
j The Fine Art of Insight
Nehemiah 8:1318
i
The Heart of the Matter
The revival led by Ezra was just the beginning of the Israelites desire to renovate their Tools for
lives. In search of a solid foundation in the Law, they returned to Ezra, seeking insight Digging Deeper
that could be built into their daily lives. They committed to clear away the rubble of
wrong thinking and their old patterns of living, replacing them with obedience to the
Lord and His Law. This biblical method for spiritual renovation is an excellent model
for rebuilding our spiritual lives today.

Discovering the Way

1. The Pursuit of Insight (Nehemiah 8:1315)
The people of Israel sought insight into the Scriptures, returning to Ezra for further Hand Me Another Brick
instruction. They came with a humble attitude and teachable hearts, responding by Charles R. Swindoll
immediately to Gods Word. Bible companion and CD series

2. The Products of Insight (Nehemiah 8:1618)

The insight the Israelites received from Ezras teaching led to three specific responses:
personal effort in spite of difficulty, a willingness to change in spite of tradition, and
Hand Me Another Brick
great rejoicing in spite of the newness of this experience.
by Charles R. Swindoll
softcover book

Starting Your Journey

In order to preserve the benefits of insight, we need to commit to two specific spiritual
disciplines: consistent time studying the Word of God and regular gatherings with Hand Me Another Brick
other believers for worship and celebration. by Insight for Living
softcover Bible Companion

For related resources, please call

USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 787 9364
or visit www.insight.org
or www.insightworld.org

Original outline copyright 1974 and Message Mate copyright 2007 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.
All rights are reserved worldwide. Duplication of copyrighted material for commercial use is strictly prohibited.
Committed to Excellence in Communicating Biblical Truth and Its Application
 Hand Me Another Brick: Timeless Lessons on Leadership
j Four-Dimensional Pr aying
Nehemiah 9; 10:2931, 39
i
The Heart of the Matter
After Gods people observed the Feast of Tabernacles, they met for a time of corporate Tools for
prayer. Together they offered up sincere confession as well as thanksgiving and praise, Digging Deeper
bringing them to an understanding of the holiness of God and the depth of their
sins. The Israelites example provides guidelines for the discipline of prayer that are
meaningful, logical, and relevant for us today.

Discovering the Way

1. General Observations (Nehemiah 9:15)
The longest prayer recorded in the Bible was offered by the Israelites in a context of
humility and purity. Hand Me Another Brick
by Charles R. Swindoll
Bible companion and CD series
2. Four-Dimensional Prayer (Nehemiah 9:538; 10:2931, 39)
The Israelites illustrated four important dimensions to prayer. They looked up, offering
praise and adoration to the Lord for who He is (9:56). They looked back, reflecting on
the past and thanking God for what He had done (9:731). They looked at the present,
confessing their sin and petitioning God regarding their needs (9:3237). And they
looked ahead, seeking the Lords direction for their lives and committing to follow Him
in the future (9:38). They signed a document to commemorate this vow before the Lord
(10:2931, 39).
Hand Me Another Brick
by Charles R. Swindoll
softcover book

Starting Your Journey Hand Me Another Brick

God designed prayer to be a top priority in our lives. Memorize the four dimensions of by Insight for Living
prayer and commit to spend time engaging in this vital spiritual discipline. softcover Bible Companion

For related resources, please call

USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 787 9364
or visit www.insight.org
or www.insightworld.org

Original outline copyright 1974 and Message Mate copyright 2007 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.
All rights are reserved worldwide. Duplication of copyrighted material for commercial use is strictly prohibited.
Committed to Excellence in Communicating Biblical Truth and Its Application
 Hand Me Another Brick: Timeless Lessons on Leadership
j Putting First Things First
Nehemiah 10
i
The Heart of the Matter
In Nehemiahs day, when the people of Jerusalem prayed, they meant business! They Tools for
did not offer mere wordsthey signed their names to a sealed document Digging Deeper
(Nehemiah 9:38). The document contained an agreement that was prepared and
established before God. They promised to pattern their lives according to His truth, to
put first things first. Through this episode in the life of Nehemiah, we will consider the
impact our priorities have on our lives.

Discovering the Way

1. The Document of Promise (Nehemiah 10:2829)
The people of Israel came together to sign a binding written document commemorating
their renewed commitment to the Lord and their vow to follow His law. Hand Me Another Brick
by Charles R. Swindoll
Bible companion and CD series

2. The Promise (Nehemiah 10:2939)

Within the sealed document, the Israelites pledged to pattern their lives according
to the Word of God. They promised to remain distinct from the surrounding culture
in their homes and in their work. And they agreed to worship the Lord faithfully Hand Me Another Brick
according to the Law of Moses. by Charles R. Swindoll
softcover book

Starting Your Journey

Principles for putting first things first: Hand Me Another Brick
1. Serious thought precedes significant change. by Insight for Living
softcover Bible Companion
2. Written plans confirm right priorities.

3. A loss of distinction and conformity to the world go hand in hand. For related resources, please call
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 787 9364
or visit www.insight.org
or www.insightworld.org

Original outline copyright 1974 and Message Mate copyright 2007 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.
All rights are reserved worldwide. Duplication of copyrighted material for commercial use is strictly prohibited.
Committed to Excellence in Communicating Biblical Truth and Its Application
 Hand Me Another Brick: Timeless Lessons on Leadership
j The Willing Unknowns
Nehemiah 7:14; 11
i
The Heart of the Matter
Because our pace is so often accelerated, we miss many of the hidden treasures God Tools for
has stored up for us in His Word. One such treasure is in Nehemiah 11. A very special Digging Deeper
group of people, the willing unknowns, served a vital function in Jerusalem but never
saw their names in lights. Their story will encourage us to consider our own sacrificial
service and learn to appreciate those who work behind-the-scenes in our homes,
workplaces, and realms of leadership.

Discovering the Way

1. Historical Background (Nehemiah 7:14; 11:13)
Though Jerusalems walls had been rebuilt, the city itself remained in shambles (7:1 4). Hand Me Another Brick
One tenth of the people were required to move back into the city, and many more by Charles R. Swindoll
volunteered to return and begin the rebuilding process (11:13). Bible companion and CD series

2. The Willing Unknowns (Nehemiah 11)

The willing unknowns included those who volunteered to move into the city (11:2),
those who faithfully worked within the temple (11:1012), those who worked outside
the place of worship in civil service (11:1516), those who spent significant time in
prayer (11:17), and those who served the Lord by singing (11:2223). Hand Me Another Brick
by Charles R. Swindoll
softcover book

Starting Your Journey Hand Me Another Brick

If you serve as one of the willing unknowns, remember:
by Insight for Living
1. Your gift makes you valuable, though not necessarily popular.
softcover Bible Companion

2. Every labor done in love is remembered by God, never forgotten.

For related resources, please call
3. Our final rewards will be determined on the basis of personal faithfulness, not USA 1-800-772-8888
public applause. AUSTRALIA 1300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 787 9364
or visit www.insight.org
or www.insightworld.org

Original outline copyright 1974 and Message Mate copyright 2007 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.
All rights are reserved worldwide. Duplication of copyrighted material for commercial use is strictly prohibited.
Committed to Excellence in Communicating Biblical Truth and Its Application
 Hand Me Another Brick: Timeless Lessons on Leadership
j Happiness Is a Walk on the Wall
Nehemiah 12:2747
i
The Heart of the Matter
The book of Nehemiah is filled with challenges, setbacks, criticisms, and sorrows as Tools for
the returning Jews rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem. But following the completion of Digging Deeper
their immense task, the Jews responded with intense happiness. The city overflowed
with music, and the triumphant tone of rejoicing was heard from afar (Nehemiah 12:43).
Through this uplifting scene, we glean several practical lessons about joy and the
celebration of Gods mighty works.

Discovering the Way

1. Dedication of the Wall (Nehemiah 12:2743)
The people of Israel gathered to celebrate the dedication of Jerusalems wall with song Hand Me Another Brick
(12:27 28). But before they began, they purified themselves before the Lord (12:30). by Charles R. Swindoll
Then Ezra and Nehemiah each led a group of people as they walked the length of the Bible companion and CD series
wall, singing, playing instruments, and praising God (12:31 43).

Hand Me Another Brick

2. Dedication of the People (Nehemiah 12:4447) by Charles R. Swindoll
The people consecrated their money, their hearts, and their lives to the Lord, softcover book
worshiping Him with great joy.

Starting Your Journey

As we celebrate the Lords mighty works in our own lives, we should keep the
following principles in mind: Hand Me Another Brick
1. An atmosphere of happiness should surround Gods people. by Insight for Living
softcover Bible Companion
2. Music is one of the most expressive ways to communicate joy.

3. A joyful spirit will have far-reaching effects. For related resources, please call
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1300 467 444
4. Joy is not dependent upon outward circumstances, but upon inward focus. CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 787 9364
or visit www.insight.org
or www.insightworld.org

Original outline copyright 1974 and Message Mate copyright 2007 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.
All rights are reserved worldwide. Duplication of copyrighted material for commercial use is strictly prohibited.
Committed to Excellence in Communicating Biblical Truth and Its Application
 Hand Me Another Brick: Timeless Lessons on Leadership
j Taking Problems by the Throat
Nehemiah 13
i
The Heart of the Matter
One of the occupational hazards of leadership is the need to face, analyze, and solve Tools for
problems. While supervising the construction of the wall and, later, while governing Digging Deeper
the people of Jerusalem, Nehemiah faced and wisely dealt with many knotty,
complicated problems. In the final chapter, we observe Nehemiah as he addressed
four more critical issues. From his example, we will draw several timely, applicable
principles for our own realms of leadership.

Discovering the Way

1. Four Critical Problems (Nehemiah13:131)
When Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem, he encountered four major problems. First, he Hand Me Another Brick
discovered a compromising companionship (13:49). Then Nehemiah faced a financial by Charles R. Swindoll
fiasco (13:1014). Third, he dealt with a secularized Sabbath (13:1522). Finally, Bible companion and CD series
Nehemiah confronted a domestic disobedience (13:2331).

2. Analyzing Nehemiahs Solutions

Nehemiah followed four basic steps as he dealt with Israels problems. First, he
Hand Me Another Brick
faced the sin head-on. Second, he condemned it severely. Third, he worked toward a
by Charles R. Swindoll
permanent correction. Fourth, he followed up the situation with prayer.
softcover book

Starting Your Journey

Nehemiahs example provides us with three helpful principles for solving problems. Hand Me Another Brick
1. Dealing with problems begins with honest observation. by Insight for Living
softcover Bible Companion
2. Correcting what is honestly observed demands fearless conviction.

3. Honest observation and fearless conviction must be tempered by consistent For related resources, please call
devotion. USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 787 9364
or visit www.insight.org
or www.insightworld.org

Original outline copyright 1974 and Message Mate copyright 2007 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.
All rights are reserved worldwide. Duplication of copyrighted material for commercial use is strictly prohibited.
Committed to Excellence in Communicating Biblical Truth and Its Application