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Hi ladies! I’m so glad you’re joining me for this 13-week journey through the book of Nehemiah.
Each week, we’ll walk through one chapter as we look at how God works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Nehemiah wasn’t a prophet or a priest—he was a cupbearer. And yet, God used him to lead a nation in rebuilding what was broken. This study is about more than history—it’s about spiritual restoration, obedience, and the refining work of the Holy Spirit in our own lives.

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That first year of marriage was an interesting one. We were independent and ready to take on the world—at least we thought we were. We bought a big old character home, believing we could restore this diamond in the rough on a cubic zirconia budget. The magazines made it look doable. The morning shows told us we could. So we dove in headfirst.

What we didn’t expect were the hidden costs—tools, putty, sandpaper, brushes, rollers, drop cloths, painter’s tape, caulking, primer, extension poles, cleaning supplies, wood filler, outlet covers, lightbulbs, and of course, the never-ending takeout when the kitchen was unusable. So when we found a sale on “Bird’s Egg” paint, we jumped on it. We had hoped for eggshell white, but we figured it was close enough. And at that price, we could finally cover the whole house. We loved it… in the can. But once it hit the walls, it didn’t whisper “neutral and timeless.” It shouted “robin’s egg blue” with confidence. In our defense, this was the ’80s, and we were still figuring things out.

But it wasn’t the bird’s egg that broke me. It was the mauve.

I don’t even remember which room it was—maybe the hallway. I just remember standing there with a roller in one hand and tears in my eyes. The house was torn apart. The money was gone. And we had just spent our last dime on doorknobs that didn’t fit a single door in the house. It was funny later, but in that moment it wasn’t. It was overwhelming. We weren’t just tired—we were worn out from trying to do it all ourselves.

And maybe that’s where the Lord needed us.

That week, my parents came over and quietly took over where we couldn’t. They brought meals, painted walls, patched up what we left unfinished, and filled our house with the help and grace we didn’t even know how to ask for. Looking back, I realize that was the beginning of something important. We learned that brokenness isn’t a dead end. Sometimes it’s the point where the rebuilding really starts.

That’s what strikes me when I read Nehemiah chapter 1. He hears the report about Jerusalem—the walls torn down, the gates burned with fire—and before he does anything else, he sits down and weeps. Then he mourns, fasts, and prays. It’s the same place we found ourselves—not in the middle of a crisis, but at the bottom of ourselves. When you finally realize that your best efforts haven’t been enough, that’s when God does what only He can do. Restoration isn’t about fixing things on your own—it’s about turning to the One who rebuilds from the ground up.

Nehemiah didn’t have position or power. He was a cupbearer. But he had a burden. And that burden brought him to his knees. That’s where rebuilding begins—with prayer, with humility, with the kind of surrender that says, “Lord, I can’t, but You can.”

We thought we were painting a house, but what God did in our hearts that week was far more lasting. He taught us the beauty of starting again—not in our own strength, but in His.

Week at a Glance

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A Note About Journaling
As you move through this study, consider keeping a personal journal nearby. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a simple notebook where you can jot down your prayers, reflections, and anything the Lord impresses on your heart. This is your space to write freely, revisit lessons, and record your own journey of restoration.

TUESDAY

Watch This Week’s Video – Visit Time-Warp Wife to watch this week’s video or click here to watch it on Youtube. (P.S. Make sure you subscribe).

Read Nehemiah 1.

Read Chapter 1 in the Study Guide – Focus on how Nehemiah’s grief and response reflect the work of the Holy Spirit.

Begin the Study Guide Questions – Start working through the questions.

Community Check-in – Share one takeaway or prayer request in the Facebook group.

WEDNESDAY

Share Your Insight – Post one thing in the group that God is teaching you through this chapter.

THURSDAY

Continue Study Guide Questions – Answer any remaining questions from the chapter.

FRIDAY

Read Darlene’s Closing Thoughts – Visit timewarpwife.com or check your inbox for a short weekly devotional wrap-up.

Community Engagement – How did this chapter speak to you? Share in the Facebook group.

SATURDAY

Quiet Time or Catch-Up – Use today to finish reading, praying, or thinking through what you’ve learned.

SUNDAY – No assignments today. Let today be a day of spiritual renewal.

MONDAY

Wrap-Up Reflection – What stood out to you most this week? Jot down some notes in your journal.

Final Community Post – Share one truth or encouragement as we prepare for Chapter 2.

This Week’s Challenge

Identify one area in your life that feels spiritually “broken” or neglected. Spend time in prayer each day this week, asking the Holy Spirit to lead you toward restoration.

This Week’s Bible Verse

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