Obedience Brings Blessings 06.15.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Sunday June 15, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Esther. Please read Chapters 4-7 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther%204-7&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the Jews fasting, Esther's banquet for Haman and the king, Haman's plot to kill Mordecai, and his (Haman's) execution.

Haman, the most powerful assistant to the king, had issued a decree to execute all Jews (3:9-13). When this was made known, Queen Esther requested prayer and fasting, for Mordecai and all the Jews in order to ask the king to spare her people. "Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish." (Esther 4:16).

The king who controlled the Persian Empire, the most powerful kingdom on earth, had made a decree that no one could come into his presence without his permission or they would be executed. To make Esther's situation even more serious, she had not been called to see the king for thirty days. Although she was queen, the king may have lost interest in her. If so, she could not hope to influence him. Success appeared unlikely, but after three days of fasting, queen Esther stood in the inner court of the king's house and waited to see if she would face life or death. Fortunately the king welcomed her and offered to grant her request. "Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre. Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom." (5:1-3).

Not only did the king accept her, but he also offered her half of the kingdom. Esther could have clutched her prize, considering it far too precious to lose by making her request, but saving her people meant more to her than riches and being queen. He was shocked to hear her pleading for her own life over Haman's decree to kill all the Jews in the land. "Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request: For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage. Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so? And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen." (7:3-6). Angrily, the king said hang him and Haman was hung from the same gallows that he made to kill Mordecai.

Esther is an encouragement to all of us to use whatever talents, position, popularity, or wealth we have been blessed with to tell a lost world that our King gave His life to save them. As Christians we constantly face choices whether to obey God or allow temptation to overcome us. Remember, obedience always brings blessing.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through Esther, whose death was demanded by others although she was innocent. She went before the king's court willing to die for her people (Esther 3:6-14; 4:16). Jesus also was innocent and His death was demanded by others (Mark 15:13-14). He was taken before rulers and was willing to die for His people and He did die for them and for all mankind (John 10:17-18; I John 2:2).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We are so thankful that we don’t have to step out on our own and rely on our connections, wisdom, giftings, or experience. Whatever challenge we face can be met by remembering Your promise, “I will be with you.” Whatever enemy we face, if we are suited in Your spiritual armor, we can be confident of Your promise to us as you remind us: “I will be with You.” What a blessing and comfort these words bring to our hearts. Lord, watch over us, guide us, and abide in us. Give us peace and comfort knowing that You are with us and will take care of us. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day!
God Bless,
Christina

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God's Purpose 06.12.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Thursday June 12 and today we begin our studies on the book of Esther. The book of Ester is the seventeenth book of the Old Testament and contains 10 chapters. The author of the book is unknown and was written to the Jews that were scattered throughout Persia. The purpose of the book is to continue documenting the history of Israel and to also recount the providential care of God for His people. The book is meant to show us that God meets the crises of life with human vessels which He has prepared.

Please read Chapters 1-3 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Today we will read and learn about queen Vashti removed of her reign and Esther taking her place, Mordecai saving the king's life, and Haman's plan to destroy all the Jews. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that God has a purpose and a plan for every Christian that will not only bless that person but countless others as well.

Esther was an orphan named Hadassah taken from Jerusalem to Babylon during the destruction of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Esther found herself in a situation over which she had no control. She and her faithful, older cousin, Mordecai, who had adopted her could only trust God for direction and protection. "Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter." (Esther 2:5-7).

She was taken to the king's palace along with other maidens, either to be made queen or to become a part of the king's harem. "So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women." (2:8).

She could have become bitter. But it is a reminder that all of us are where God has placed us for His intended purpose. It's up to us whether we maintain an attitude of self pity if we don't like our circumstances or whether we allow Christ to use us where we are. Shortly after Esther became queen, "So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti." (2:16-17)

To complicate their situation, the man given the power to enforce the king's commands was the evil and self-serving Haman, a descendant of Esau, and Amalekites hated all Jews. After Esther became queen, Haman had become so influential with the king that all the king's servants bowed, and respected him except Mordecai. Mordecai could have bowed to Haman, along with the rest of the servants, but he chose to tell them that he was a Jew. "And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai." (3:5-6).

This testimony brought about what appeared would be Mordecai's death, but Mordecai was willing to die, if necessary, rather than compromise his loyalty to God. God's foreknowledge has determined our circumstances even before we were born. Esther was brought to the king's house along with other maidens to be either slave or queen. Her consent was not asked. The consent of Mordecai, her adopted father, was not asked. They had no choice. But, Our Creator IS in control regardless of circumstances.

We too may feel like a victim of circumstances beyond our control and wish for another situation where we could do something more for our Lord. There is no need to fear that you are missing God's best; just serve Him where you are, for He has placed you there for such a time as this. It is God's will for you to remain a faithful witness willing to sacrifice all. There is nothing about which to complain and nothing of which to boast in God's arrangement. There is also no one of whom to be jealous, for other people's talents and abilities have nothing to do with you.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through Mordecai, who adopted Esther (Esther 2:15). We are adopted into the family of God by Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5), and we are now called children of God.

Have a great day!
God Bless,
Christina

P.S. I apologize for not getting the Bible messages out for a couple of days, we had a youth conference at our church and most of my time was there. All will resume back to normal on Sunday.

Thanks for your patience, God Bless.

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Worldly Influences 06.11.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesday June 11, 2008 and today we are completing our studies on the book of Nehemiah. Please read Chapters 11-13 in your Bible, Click Here, or cut & paste this link to your browser : biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehimiah%2011-13&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the residents of Jerusalem; the priests and Levites with Zerubbabel; the dedication of the walls; the Temple offices restored, the reading of the Law; separation from the heathen; tithes given; the forbiddance of breaking the Sabbath and the condemnation of mixed marriages. Today's message focuses on the importance of putting God first above all things and letting the world influence you.

Ordinary people, although not skilled in building walls, had willingly gone to work under Nehemiah's leadership and did the best they could to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem.

Only a minority of the people who left Persia to rebuild Jerusalem actually lived inside the city's walls. Most of the Jews lived in suburbs where they could grow crops, pasture their animals, and make a living more easily. Because of this, there were not enough people living in Jerusalem to maintain and protect it. "And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities. And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem." (Nehemiah 11:1-2).

The Israelites could now assemble within the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem and worship without fear of their enemies. Their worship demonstrated a heartfelt commitment to the Lord in their renewed relationship to Him.

Though all true Christians love the Lord, not all are willing to give up personal interests and financial security to do what is needed to accomplish His purposes. It is no less important for followers of Christ today to consider "the walls" that may need to be rebuilt in their own lives where worldly interests have broken through and devastated their zeal for the Lord. In our Christian walk, we need to be on guard against anything, including good, wholesome activities, which may cause us to divert either our time or our money from their usefulness to God. God wants us to have what we desire, but when our desires (which become idols) take the place of God that wall will tumble.

After the wall had been rebuilt and Nehemiah left Jerusalem and returned to Persia, he had restored the priests and Levites to their responsible positions of spiritual leadership in Jerusalem. However, when Nehemiah had returned to Babylon after about 11 years, he discovered the people once again ignoring the Word of God and returning to sinful practices. During his absence, the Israelites' worship of God and the Sabbath observance were neglected and intermarriage to Canaanite idol worshipers took place.

Eliashib, the high priest, had been a co-worker with Nehemiah in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. As the years passed without the influence of Nehemiah, Eliashib associated with Tobiah, the Ammonite, probably because of a marriage relationship even though Tobiah had been one of the enemies who had tried to stop Nehemiah from completing the walls years earlier. Eliashib even went so far as to prepare Tobiah a place to live in the courts of the House of God. "And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah: And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king: And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God." (13:4-7).
Nehemiah again took a firm stand for the Word of God and would not consent to their compromising attitude toward sin. He would not tolerate dishonoring the Sabbath day or intermarriage of idol worshipers with Israelites (13:15-28). His reforms were resisted by an influential group of Israelites whose children had intermarried with Moabites or Ammonites.

Too often Christians compromise with the world. Because they lack knowledge of the Scriptures, they excuse disloyalty to God by saying they don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. But where there is obvious opposition to what is clearly stated in God's Word, we must take a positive stand for Christ.

The Aposte Paul was led of God to warn us, "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." (II Timothy 4:2-5)

To resist worldly influence calls for tough decisions to be made in order to remain faithful to God's Word.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the priests and Levites who purified (sanctified) themselves and the people (Nehemiah 12:30) and through Nehemiah who cleansed the priests and Levites and defined their duties (Nehemiah 13:30). Christ cleanses us from all our sins when we confess them (I John 1:9).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We pray for a sincere heart that is sensitive to Biblical truths as they apply to our lives. We struggle with forgetfulness and indifference of a living vibrant relationship with You. Father, we invite You to arrange the circumstances of our lives that will keep us patiently looking to You and asking for Your divine guidance. Revive both the messenger and listener so that our lives are a demonstration of the reality of a vibrant walk with You, Jesus, our living Savior and Lord. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a great and wonderful Wednesday!
God Bless,
Christina

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The Holy Spirit 06.10.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday June 10, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Nehemiah. Please read Chapters 9-10 in your Bible, Click Here to read or cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehimiah%209-10&version=9

Today we will read and learn about fasting and confession of sins; the reading of the Law; the confession of God's goodness; and a new covenant to keep the Law. Today's message focuses on the importance of reading God's Word. When we accept Jesus into our lives the Holy Spirit dwells in us and allows us to understand His Word as well as what He wants us to do for Him.

Israel was chosen of God to be the guardian proclaimer of true worship of the One True God. As long as they were obedient to His Word, God blessed them. When they drifted into idolatry, He gave them up to destruction and they ultimately became captives in Babylon. After 70 years of captivity and slavery, God, faithful to His Word, caused Cyrus to issue a decree for their return. Having rebuilt the Temple and city wall, they renewed their covenant relationship with God. As a result of hearing the Law read, the Israelites repented of their sins. "And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God........Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, Stand up and bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise." (Nehemiah 9:3,5).

The priests revealed how God had provided His good spirit to instruct them, "Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst. Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not." (9:20-21). It is this same Holy Spirit who still guides believers today. Reading the Scriptures brings about a conviction of sin, leading to confession and obedience to God's Word, producing joy of the Lord.

The Holy Spirit also seeks to guide all Christians into the occupation or position God has chosen for us to most effectively serve Him and to prepare us for our eternal inheritance. The Holy Spirit alone can enlighten our minds, impart conviction of sin, and empower us to live a holy life no matter what difficulties we face. "Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love," (Ephesians 3:13-17).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the Creator (Nehemiah 9:6). All things were created by Him, and for Him (Colossians 1:16).

Today's Psalm: 51:10-12
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
How marvelous is Your love. So many things in life are unobtainable, just beyond our grasp, but You make Your love available to everyone who calls on the name of the Lord. Your love and tender care mends the broken heart; it cleanses the sin-filled heart, and it encompasses the empty heart. How utterly amazing that Christ would pour out His sinless, extravagant love on the vilest of sinners who truly believe. Your demonstration of love is witnessed foremost in Your death on the cross which redeems us from sin, reconciles us to the Father, and restores us to wholeness through Jesus Christ our Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray....Amen.

Have a great and mighty day!
God Bless,
Christina

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Rejoice in Forgiveness 06.09.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Monday June 9, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Nehemiah. Please reach Chapters 7-8 in your Bible or Click Here to read.
Cut and paste into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehimiah%207-8&version=9

Today we will read and learn about Nehemiah's appointment of leaders; the genealogy of the returned exiles; Scriptures read and explained; and the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that when we confess our sins and repent that we are forgiven forever. We need to enjoy the fact that our sin is no more visible to God.

The ultimate purpose of God for His people was more than the restoration of His Temple and the walls of Jerusalem. These man-made structures were powerless to protect the Israelites from their enemies unless the people knew and obeyed the Word of God.

The Hebrew language in which the Book of the Law was written was no longer the common language of the people. During their captivity, they spoke Aramaic, which was the international trade language used by the Aramaeans (Syrians), Persians, and Babylonians at that time. Thousands of Jews assembled in Jerusalem day after day from sunrise until noon to hear Ezra and the Levites read and explain the Book of the Law. This resulted in a renewal of the Covenant relationship of the Israelites with God and the restoration of scriptural worship. "And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law." (Nehemiah 8:1-3).

As Ezra and other Levites read the Book of the Law it was explained to them and as a result they were overwhelmed with guilt and sorrow when the reading of the Law revealed their sin against God. "So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law." (8:8-9).

The Jews continued to weep exceedingly after hearing how they had violated the Lord's Commandments. Once they confessed their sins and repented Ezra told the people not to weep any longer over past sins. "Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (8:10). They had extraordinary reasons for joy. God had delivered them from Babylon and had prospered them and protected them in building the Temple and in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem even though they were threatened with violent opposition.

Since the Lord has accepted us, we should accept ourselves as well as all others. All the Lord's people are likewise taught that if we confess our sins and repent that the sins are no more in God's eyes and we are to joy in that fact. If we are not enjoying our growing relationship with the Lord, it could be because of a lack of prayer or reading His Word or not recognizing how evil an unconfessed sin is. We who have experienced redemption from Satan's captivity have been delivered from all sin to serve the Savior. "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:22-24).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank You, Jesus for giving Your life so that I could be forgiven. Though my sins were as scarlet they are washed white as snow, cleansed by Your saving blood. You turned my hopeless condition into a life full of hope for this life and glorious anticipation for eternal life beyond the grave. Nothing in all of history will ever compare to the Divine Exchange where my sins were exchanged for Your pardon. In Your mighty name, Jesus, I pray......Amen.

Have a great and mighty day!
God bless,
Christina

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