Nehemiah Member Book: A Heart That Can Break

by Kelly Minter

Nehemiah: A Heart That Can Break - Bible Study Book by Kelly Minter is a 7-session Bible study for women. Nehemiah's heart was so broken for those in need that he left the comfort of his Persian palace to help them. Like Kelly’s other studies in the Living Room Series, you'll find authentic Bible teaching, recipes, and a relational approach. Nehemiah also includes 7 video sessions and real-life ways to put feet to your faith. Are you ready to let God break your heart for a hurting, lost world and move you in compassion to be the hands and feet of Jesus? Features: Author:
Kelly Minter is an author, speaker, songwriter, and singer. She is passionate about women discovering Jesus Christ through the pages of Scripture. So whether it’s through a song, study, or spoken word, Kelly’s desire is to authentically express Christ to the women of this generation. In a culture where so many are hurting and broken, she loves to share about the healing and strength of Christ through the Bible’s truth. Kelly writes extensively and speaks and leads worship at women’s conferences, retreats, and events.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Christianity, Devotional, Spirituality, Christian Living

173 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Kelly Minter is passionate about God’s Word and believes it permeates all of life. The personal healing and steadfast hope she’s found in the pages of Scripture fuel her passion to connect God’s Word to our everyday lives. When she’s not writing or teaching, you can find her tending her garden, taking a walk with friends, cooking for her nieces and nephews, riding a boat down the Amazon River, or walking through a Moldovan village with Justice & Mercy International. Kelly holds a master’s degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Denver Seminary.

A few of Kelly’s past Bible studies and books include: Esther: Daring Faith for Such a Time as This; Encountering God: Cultivating Habits of Faith through the Spiritual Disciplines; and The Blessed Life: A 90-Day Devotional through the Miracles and Teachings of Jesus. To see a full list of Kelly’s Bible studies and books, visit kellyminter.com/store.

Reviews

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of Kelly Minter, so this was the fist study of her's that I've done. I was apprehensive, not only for doing a study by an author I've never heard of, but whether I'd find ways to relate with her. I was quite taken by surprise. Quite honestly, it wasn't about relating so much on a personal level, as it was on a spiritual one. Kelly encourages us to diligently seek God's will with a heart of compassion. She takes us on a journey with her main question always at the forefront: "What has God put in your heart to do?" With the idea of where can we be "placed to be of potential influence" and what are some of our stumbling blocks that distract or hinder us from being obedient with God's calling for our lives. Kelly draws from the book of Nehemiah as a foundation for this call to obedience with a heart of compassion. The videos provide a practicality that encourages us to move beyond our fears and step out in obedience to His will.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this was one of her first studies but it’s the last one of hers that I’ve now done. Loved it like all her others - forced me to get into an Old Testament story I would have never delved into on my own.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is more than just a fascinating story of the Jews returning to Jerusalem after their Babylonian captivity and rebuilding the walls of the city as well as their lives. It is also more than just a portrait of one of the greatest leaders in the history of Israel. This is a life transforming journey into our own hearts; of rebuilding our own lives as well as the lives of others while removing the rubble that clutters our hearts and keeps us in a state of disgrace. I discovered a renewed sense of clarity and courage to do the things God has purposed for my life. In my heart, I found greater compassion and empathy for others. Intimacy with God is not an unattainable fantasy, but the lessons learned in this book create a wonderful mode of transportation toward that end.

[Coralie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this one. I was pleasantly surprised since Nehemiah has always just been "another book in the Bible" to me. It was neat to dig into it and learn more and dwell in it! And Minter does a great job bringing the book to life in an easy to understand way.

First, the aesthetic and design of the book was nice. The colors were pretty XD But I also appreciated having plenty of space to answer the questions--including margins specifically designed to have room to write in. The recipes, though some were a little out there, were a homey touch. And the video reflection pages actually had enough room to take notes from the videos! So, I liked the formatting and set up of the book.

Each of the personal studies were easy to manage in a reasonable amount of time, but yielded truly meaningful reflections. They guided me through the text and gave me a deeper understanding of the book. And the videos were relatively short, a split of teaching and an interview with someone in Minter's life to further enhance her teaching. I enjoyed the teaching and the interviews and they weren't usually a recap of the week so much as a wrap up of the week and an actual teaching to go alongside the week's study.

I'd recommend this one, and am really glad my women's Bible study picked this study. I'd be curious to try more by Minter in the future.

[Larissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was skeptical, or maybe the better word would be hesitant, when my women's bible study group chose this for our fall study. The first thing that came to my mind when I thought of the book of Nehemiah were all the names and how, while I hate to say it, I didn't always think of Nehemiah as the easiest or most exciting books of the bible to read let alone study. I can think of so many other books of the bible I would rather study. Well, Kelly Minter did a wonderful job making the book of Nehemiah relatable. I appreciated how she interwove scripture from other books of the bible throughout the study of Nehemiah. This made studying Nehemiah more easily digestible and the study so incredibly personal. As I read through each day and week of the study book answering the questions and reflecting on my life I found myself developing an appreciation for and understanding Nehemiah. As the title of the book so accurately states "A Heart That Can Break", I found myself examining deeper the situations that break my heart and how I may unfortunately contribute to those situations, and on a more positive note, how I can help with in those situations. I would highly recommend this book as either a personal study or a group study.

[Jill Taraskiewicz Lyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a great Bible study to do in a small group. There wasn't enough homework to make me feel like I really dug into the Bible deeply, but Kelly has a great voice and takes you through the book of Nehemiah with funny stories and thought-provoking questions. What has the Lord put on your heart that you need to pursue? Others who don't like as much homework would probably find this just right - there are only 5 days a week to read and fill out.

I purchased the audio files from lifeway.com as well, but if I did a small group study I might take up a collection and purchase the video files. Kelly interviews people in her life to enrich the videos each week, and one week she was interviewing a Brazilian woman. There was no translation. I'm assuming the video had subtitles. :)

I would purchase another book study by Kelly Minter, as I really enjoyed her personality and writing.

[Kelly Utesch · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many amazing nuggets found in this study. This is one that will stick for a long time. I discovered a far deeper meaning of the importance of the city of Jerusalem. Such a key book to tie together the connections from the old stories from The Laws of Moses into literally building the streets that Jesus will eventually walk. So many ideas on the difficulty to lead while facing adversity and listening to what God has placed in one’s heart, and to persevere with His plan. Minter does an excellent job covering the seemingly difficult “exclusivity” portions of Scripture that one may struggle with on their own - she is able to provide a frame of reference and related laws to describe what the author is addressing and likely intending without tying race into the confusion. Highly recommend.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I've done an intense Bible study like this. It was good, but a change that caught me off guard, so I wasn't mentally prepared for the hard work on my end. I had no idea you could spend seven weeks intensely studying the book of Nehemiah, which, I have to be honest, I probably couldn't have given you a coherent summary of before starting this study. Minter manages to bring home time after time in so many different ways how this little story ties in with key themes throughout the Bible and is one clear example of God's presence in our lives.

[Kristen Gebbia · Rating 5 out of 5]

And EXCELENT Bible study! This was the first time I had studied anything by Kelly Minter and I'm definitely going to get more of her studies! She took a "boring" Old Testament book and brought it alive! I learned so much about Nehemiah! And the applications she drew for our lives today were beautiful. Kelly's style is simple, straightforward, and down-to-earth-relatable. She may just have topped Beth Moore for my favorite Bible study author!

[Shana OkieCozyReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my third of Kelly Minter’s studies to complete and I look forward to reading her words every day. This summer, she did new videos with them, to benefit a charity that she works closely with, Justice and Mercy International. The original videos feature several charities.

This look at Nehemiah really shows how this book is a call to love out our faith as we do daily work set out before us, and how Nehemiah was called not just to rebuild the wall, but to restore people.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounded up from 2.5 stars. Really felt like this study lacked much depth, too much of the author’s personal stories and not enough digging into the text. The group discussion questions were lacking in quantity and in quality; however, I went through this study with a fantastic group of women. Quite a few of them also felt as if this study lacked substance and depth. I’m not sure I would be enthusiastic about doing another study by this author - her style just didn’t click with me.

[Jess Feller · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not a fan of this study. I felt that it went straight to application most of the time, not allowing the person doing the study to dig into what is actually happening in Nehemiah. There was far more commentary than I like in a study as well. Many of the questions felt like busy work. In my opinion, multiple-choice questions should not be a thing in a Bible study.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Kelly Minter study that I have done. I really liked it. It is an enjoyable study. I learned quite a bit especially since Nehemiah is not a book I have studied very often. It gives you a lot to think about and apply to your own walk with God.

[Kim Overton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way Kelly writes and the things she brings out. This is the first in-depth study I have completed on Nehemiah. It is a great study and one I recommend, especially with a small group of ladies.

[Michelle Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this study before the pandemic and we stopped halfway through. I didn’t get to finish the videos but did the weekly homework. It blessed me so much and I think kelly is more talented as a writer than a speaker. (Sorry kelly!) I will definitely check into more of her studies!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great study of this book of the Bible and loved the videos that came with it. Enjoyed her writing style, questions, discussion, recipes, and in depth guide.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

S1V1L1

[Carrie Carlson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not Kelly's finest study. I found the weekly study portions to be great but the video teachings for this study were somewhat lacking.

[christy hesslen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful study that is applicable to my life today. I highly recommend.

[Teresa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Bible study with Kelly!

[Kristie Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great study from Kelly. She has a way of bringing the Bible to life and helps with understanding. I never knew that Nehemiah had such an important role in God’s plan for us.

[Chandra Boulden · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't have as big of a bang as I was hoping. Whatever you choose to do, do it well and pray often.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of all the Kelly Mentor Bible studies that I have done, this one is her best so far.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Bible study book was AMAZING! Very deep and very thought provoking. I would do it again!

[Jeanne Castle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't quite finish this one as my Bible study group stopped meeting, but enjoyed and learned from every chapter I finished.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Bible Study, love Kelly’s passion.

[Elizabeth C S · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best study books! I love her candor, depth and ability to make a book of the Old Testament so very applicable to my life today.

[Jerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite Bible study teacher!

[Nancy Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this study. Very educational and such an example of faith and leadership. This was my first study by Kelly Minter. Her perspective is so relatable that really adds to the study.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelly Minter has picked challenging, encouraging people to interview. I especially liked that her sister said she felt God saying to her "I love you anyway," despite the things that she did wrong. That is truly part of the good news of the gospel, that Jesus loves us anyway. Like we spoke about in the discussion, there are other parts of the good news that are harder to talk about - that we need Him to begin with, for example, not just for life and breath and being, but because we've all messed up at some time or another and need a Savior. There is faith-stretching homework in the Nehemiah study - about being awestruck by God, about Nehemiah's heart and prayers, and about how to serve. I thought that the end of the study was absolutely wonderful, looking forward to the heavenly Jerusalem that is to come. Ending the study of Nehemiah in the Biblical book of Hebrews was much more joyous and uplifting, than the dismal ending to the Biblical book of Nehemiah, where the peoples' hearts had already turned away once again from revering God. I liked the included verses "For he was looking forward to the city with foundation, whose architect and builder is God." (Hebrews 11:10) and "For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14) It's good to have an eternal perspective on setbacks.

I realize that Kelly Minter's book on Nehemiah is not a study on becoming a Christian, but some women have had problems with the repentance/sharing your faith part of the week one homework. I didn't think it was explained very well in either the video or the book. I know I shouldn't have been caught off-guard, but I was, thinking that the women knew more about this than they did. I keep having to remind myself from study to study that I need to be very clear in talking about becoming a Christian. Becoming a Christian doesn't always have to involve tears, and I think Katie on the video was actually already a Christian when she was repenting of her "selfishness," as she called it. I would hate for someone to either be needlessly worried about their Christianity, or else think they're a Christian when they're not.

Also, the early weeks of this member guide had "group discussion" questions in the margin, but as the weeks went on, these group discussion questions became fewer and fewer until there was only one in week 4, and none in week 5. I found this confusing and wished it had been more consistent. However, there are always "session" questions in the back, which I used to supplement the homework questions I thought would most likely lead to good discussion.