Esther Chapters 1-8 (KJV) Tell the story of King Ahasuerus who reigned from India unto Ethiopia which was over 127 provinces, of Esther and Mordecai who were both Jewish, and of Haman a Prince among the King's Princes.
King Ahasuerus made a feast for all his princes and servants, and took them on a tour of all his kingdom. He then decided he wanted to show off his wife, Queen Vashti, and so he summoned for her but she refused to come. This was of great embarrassment to the King, and his counsel said you must send her away and take a new queen because, when the women of the provinces hear of her behavior they will all begin to disrespect their husbands. King Ahasuerus did just that. He sent Queen Vashti away, and began searching for a new Queen.
A man named Mordecai had taken his cousin Esther to raise after both of her parents had died, and he brought Esther to go before the King in hopes he would select her to be his new Queen. Mordecai and Esther were both Jewish, but they didn't make that known right away. It happened that King Ahasuerus loved Esther and chose her to be his wife, so she became Queen instead of Vashti, and Mordecai remained in the Kings gate. One day Mordecai overheard two of the King's Chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, discussing a plot to kill the King. Mordecai told Queen Esther of the plot to kill the King, she then told the King about it, and thereby Mordecai had saved the King's life.
Now let's meet Haman. He was a man that King Ahasuerus had promoted above all the princes in his kingdom. With this promotion came the requirement that everyone except of course the King and Queen should bow before him. Haman would pass by Mordecai daily, and Mordecai continued to refuse to bow to him. This infuriated Haman, and he had his servants ask him why he refused to bow. Mordecai responded by telling them he was a Jew. Jews bowed to their Kings, but Persians bowed to pay homage as to a divine being which was something Mordecai would only do before God. Mordecai's response angered Haman further, so much so that he sought to have all Jews killed.
Haman went before King Ahasuerus and told him there were certain people scattered among the provinces who refused to abide by the King's laws. He told the King he would send 10,000 talents of silver for his treasury, if he would sign a decree to have them all killed. The King obliged Haman not realizing that Queen Esther herself was a Jew, and that the people Haman spoke of were her people. The letters ordering that all Jews be killed were written, and sent out to all the provinces. When the Jewish people learned of the content of the letters they began fasting and praying. Mordecai then tells Queen Esther that she must tell the King she is a Jew in order to save herself, and all of her people.
Queen Esther goes before the King, and tells him she wants to prepare a banquet for him and for Haman. The King accepts her offer, and she has the banquet prepared. Haman is notified of his invitation to the banquet, and he heads for home passing Mordecai who still does not bow. Haman was in a hurry to get home so he continues on his way excited to share the news of his invitation with his wife, and friends. He arrives home, brags about his promotion, and about his invitation to a banquet where the guests are to be the King, Queen, and him alone.
Haman then begins to complain to his family and friends about Mordecai, and goes so far as to tell them he can't be completely happy as long as Mordecai sits at the gate. He is so power hungry and proud that he is letting the fact that this one man refuses to bow to him consume his thoughts, steal his joy, and make him miserable. His wife and friends advise him to have a gallows built, and speak to the King about having Mordecai hung before the banquet, advising that he could then enjoy himself. Haman hungry for revenge orders the gallows built, and plans to request the King's permission to have Mordecai hung the next day prior to the banquet.
That night the King couldn't sleep so he had a servant read to him from records of the chronicles. It happened that the servant read the record of Mordecai forwarding the information regarding the plot to kill the King and thereby saving his life. The King asked what was done for Mordecai as a reward for saving his life, and the servant responded, nothing.
The next day Haman comes to the Kings court to ask permission to hang Mordecai, and before he could ask the King asked him a question. He asked what should be done to honor the man I delight to honor? Haman thought the King was talking about him, and so he said dress him in royal apparel, place him on the King's horse, crown him, and bring him on horseback throughout the city for all to see. The King agreed to Haman's suggestion and instructed him to go and do all that he suggested unto Mordecai. Haman obeyed the King, and then ran home to his wife and friends telling them all that had happened.
The King's chamberlains then came to Haman's house, and escorted him to the banquet. At the banquet the King told Queen Esther that whatever she requested to the half of the kingdom he would give her, and he asked her what she desired. She told the King that her desire was that her life, and the life of her people be spared. She told the King that they had been sold, and were to be destroyed. The King ask her who this enemy was that sought to do such a thing, and she responded Haman. The King went into the palace garden for a moment, and while he was gone Haman began pleading with Queen Esther to spare him. The King returned to find Haman sitting on the bed that Queen Esther was lying on and he asked him if he was trying to force his wife too. Another of the King's chamberlains then told the King that Haman had a gallows built to hang Mordecai on, and the King ordered that Haman be hung on those very gallows.
The order to hang Haman was carried out. The King gave Queen Esther the house of Haman. Mordecai advanced and was honored, and Queen Esther placed him over the house of Haman. The letters ordering the Jewish people destroyed were reversed, and Jews everywhere rejoiced.
Haman could not get enough power. He couldn't be happy with being top Prince, having people bow before him, and having access to the palace. He let one man who refused to bow before him, and who gave him a legitimate reason why he objected to doing so, completely destroy him. He was so power hungry and became so angry because of it, that he bribed the King with 10,000 pieces of silver in order to get permission not just to kill Mordecai but all Jewish people. He never went before the King out of loyalty to share news that people were disobeying the Kings laws, it was personal. It was about him. When he had the conversation with the King about honoring someone he was certain the King was talking about him. Haman was all about himself, and what he could gain, He obviously lacked humility, and yet he got a big dose of it when he found out it was Mordecai who was to be honored. Not only was Mordecai to be honored, but Haman would be in charge of making it happen, and don't you know he was filled with jealousy and anger over this turn of events. His final demise was allowing the rage he had for Mordecai to get so out of control that he sought revenge upon him. The very gallows he had built for Mordecai were used to hang him. He wove a web of deceit for worldly gain that he himself got caught up in losing everything in the end including his life.
This story is filled with so many lessons. It serves to show us that pride, anger, selfishness, the desire for power, jealousy, and revenge are in the end harmful only to those that harbor these emotions in their own heart.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
A New Man
Colossians 3:8-11 (KJV) Says, "But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed knowledge after the image of Him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all."
In the above scripture Paul uses the terms old man and new man. When he uses the word old man, he is talking about the person we were prior to accepting God's precious gift of salvation. When he uses the term new man, he is, of course, speaking of the person we become after we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Paul explains that after we have been saved we should no longer carry anger, wrath, and harbor ill will toward others. We should not tell lies, and we should guard what comes out our mouths. We should cease to curse, condemn others, gossip, and allow other such negative spewing to come from our mouths. Paul reminds us that we have put on the new man, and that we were created in God's image. He also reminds us that we are all equal in Christ.
After we have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior people should be able to tell a difference between us and non-believers. Unfortunately, in the world today that is becoming very difficult to do. If I being a Christian, become angry, lose control, scream, and yell what does that do for my credibility as a witness for Christ? How am I behaving any different than I would have prior to being saved? If I harbor ill will toward another human being, and have the desire to get back at them for something they've done to me, then how have I changed? How is my heart any different? If I curse, lie, gossip, and in no way guard my mouth, then how am I demonstrating that I am a New Creature in Christ?
God created each of us in His own image, and God is love. God is patient, kind, loving, forgiving, understanding, compassionate, humble, and all other things good. Being created in His image, and then becoming a New Man in Christ we should have the desire in our hearts to be these things as well. Accepting God's precious gift of salvation doesn't mean we will never become angry, that we won't slip while attempting to guard our mouths, that we won't have to battle the fleshly desire to argue back at someone who lashes out at us, or that we won't slip on occasion in some other area of weakness. No human being is perfect, and God is well aware of that. To be born again, however, and then make no effort whatsoever to identify our areas of weakness, and begin working on them is damaging in so many ways. First and foremost it is hurtful to God, He has granted us eternal life and in return we continue behaving as the Old Man we once were. Secondly, we are being poor witnesses for our Lord and Savior. Thirdly, we are God's children and just as we tell our own children, there are consequences for disobedience because we love them, so it is with God when we choose to walk in disobedience to him.
Jesus being sinless, knowing He was going to suffer crucifixion for all of our sins walked in love. He was encouraging, patient, kind, and all things good. Again, human beings will never be perfect, but I know that Jesus having faced what He faced and enduring the suffering He endured out of love for us is more than enough incentive for us, as Christians, to have the desire in our hearts to walk in obedience to Him.
I encourage you to take an inventory of yourself, make a list of your problem areas, and begin work on correcting them today. I have problem areas as we all do, and I try each day to improve on them. Once you become aware of a behavior that you desire to correct, and make a conscience effort to correct it then eventually it is no longer a problem. I know many people think accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior means that you must live a boring life, and nothing could be further from the truth. When you accept Christ, you receive eternal life, unconditional love, forgiveness, understanding, compassion, someone to talk to twenty four hours a day seven days a week, someone who will never leave you nor forsake you, someone who will take on all of your worries and cares, a divine peace like you have never before known, joy, someone to hold your hand and walk beside you every step you take, blessings, miracles, answered prayers, and so much more that there is no possible way to list it all here. Knowing that He freely gives us all these things, how could we as Christians even consider walking in our Old Man ways?
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
In the above scripture Paul uses the terms old man and new man. When he uses the word old man, he is talking about the person we were prior to accepting God's precious gift of salvation. When he uses the term new man, he is, of course, speaking of the person we become after we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Paul explains that after we have been saved we should no longer carry anger, wrath, and harbor ill will toward others. We should not tell lies, and we should guard what comes out our mouths. We should cease to curse, condemn others, gossip, and allow other such negative spewing to come from our mouths. Paul reminds us that we have put on the new man, and that we were created in God's image. He also reminds us that we are all equal in Christ.
After we have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior people should be able to tell a difference between us and non-believers. Unfortunately, in the world today that is becoming very difficult to do. If I being a Christian, become angry, lose control, scream, and yell what does that do for my credibility as a witness for Christ? How am I behaving any different than I would have prior to being saved? If I harbor ill will toward another human being, and have the desire to get back at them for something they've done to me, then how have I changed? How is my heart any different? If I curse, lie, gossip, and in no way guard my mouth, then how am I demonstrating that I am a New Creature in Christ?
God created each of us in His own image, and God is love. God is patient, kind, loving, forgiving, understanding, compassionate, humble, and all other things good. Being created in His image, and then becoming a New Man in Christ we should have the desire in our hearts to be these things as well. Accepting God's precious gift of salvation doesn't mean we will never become angry, that we won't slip while attempting to guard our mouths, that we won't have to battle the fleshly desire to argue back at someone who lashes out at us, or that we won't slip on occasion in some other area of weakness. No human being is perfect, and God is well aware of that. To be born again, however, and then make no effort whatsoever to identify our areas of weakness, and begin working on them is damaging in so many ways. First and foremost it is hurtful to God, He has granted us eternal life and in return we continue behaving as the Old Man we once were. Secondly, we are being poor witnesses for our Lord and Savior. Thirdly, we are God's children and just as we tell our own children, there are consequences for disobedience because we love them, so it is with God when we choose to walk in disobedience to him.
Jesus being sinless, knowing He was going to suffer crucifixion for all of our sins walked in love. He was encouraging, patient, kind, and all things good. Again, human beings will never be perfect, but I know that Jesus having faced what He faced and enduring the suffering He endured out of love for us is more than enough incentive for us, as Christians, to have the desire in our hearts to walk in obedience to Him.
I encourage you to take an inventory of yourself, make a list of your problem areas, and begin work on correcting them today. I have problem areas as we all do, and I try each day to improve on them. Once you become aware of a behavior that you desire to correct, and make a conscience effort to correct it then eventually it is no longer a problem. I know many people think accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior means that you must live a boring life, and nothing could be further from the truth. When you accept Christ, you receive eternal life, unconditional love, forgiveness, understanding, compassion, someone to talk to twenty four hours a day seven days a week, someone who will never leave you nor forsake you, someone who will take on all of your worries and cares, a divine peace like you have never before known, joy, someone to hold your hand and walk beside you every step you take, blessings, miracles, answered prayers, and so much more that there is no possible way to list it all here. Knowing that He freely gives us all these things, how could we as Christians even consider walking in our Old Man ways?
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Are You Starving In The Wilderness?
Genesis 15:13 (KJV) tells us that the Israelites had been in bondage in Egypt four hundred years. In Genesis 3:7-8 (KJV) the Lord is talking to Moses, and this passage of scripture says, "And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians; and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites." When Moses went into Egypt he advised the Israelites that God had sent him, and of God's plans for them.
Exodus 16:1-3 (KJV) Says, "And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt. And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger."
When God sent Moses into Egypt to lead the Israelites out of bondage by His mighty hand they didn't make their exit right away. God hardened Pharaoh's heart, and it was only after he sent many great plagues upon the land that Pharaoh agreed to let them go. The Israelites along with the Egyptians witnessed these plagues, and the magnitude of these plagues left no doubt they were from God. The Egyptians followed after the Israelites when Pharaoh finally let them go, and so God parted the Red Sea, allowed the Israelites to cross over safely, and brought the waters together again covering the Egyptians who pursued them. The Israelites, of course, witnessed this mighty act of God as well.
In the above scripture from Genesis, we learn that the Israelites had been in bondage four hundred years in Egypt. We are told that God saw their affliction, and He heard their cry. The Lord tells us that they cried out because of their taskmasters. The description we are given in the Bible of the life the Israelites were living as slaves in Egypt, was one of hard labor and strict rule. The Israelites were told by Moses that God was going to lead them out of bondage in Egypt, and into a large land flowing with milk and honey. They witnessed mighty works from God in Egypt, and at the Red Sea. In the scripture taken from Exodus, it is clear that the mighty works of God which they witnessed first hand were not enough to prevent them from murmuring, complaining, and doubting God. After only a few days in the wilderness, they forgot about being so afflicted by their taskmasters that they had cried out to God. They forgot about the hard labor they experienced in Egypt. They apparently had a huge memory lapse regarding the mighty works of God they had witnessed as well because they complained to Moses that they should have stayed in Egypt where at least they had all the bread they wanted, instead of following him into the wilderness to starve to death. It is hard to believe that they truly felt that way, after all God had done for them, and showed them firsthand. They failed to keep their trust in Him, and to be grateful for all He had done and was doing for them. They failed to look back on all of the amazing feats He had accomplished as He brought them out of Egypt, knowing that if He did all that for them that He would with a certainty fulfill his promise to them regarding the land of milk and honey.
We can learn a great deal from the useless whining, complaining, murmuring, doubting, ungratefulness, and lack of faith and trust the Israelites displayed in the wilderness. We are shown many examples in God's Word of promises He made and fulfilled. We know that with God all things are possible, and that nothing is to difficult for Him. We know that we are His children, and that He loves us tremendously. In fact, we know that He loves us so much He sent his only Son to die for us on the cross and that if we accept His precious gift of salvation we will have eternal life. We know that He is trustworthy, merciful, kind, loving, understanding, and so much more. He promises us in scripture that He will meet our needs. What more could He possibly do to encourage us to have unwavering faith in Him? What more can He do to prove we can trust Him, and that He will never leave us or forsake us?
Do you have unwavering faith in God? Do you put your complete trust in Him, when it comes to meeting your needs? or Do you lack faith, and doubt Him as you whine, murmur, and complain? Are you standing firmly on the promises of God? Do you give Him praise, and gratitude for all he's done for you? or Are you starving in the wilderness?
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
Exodus 16:1-3 (KJV) Says, "And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt. And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger."
When God sent Moses into Egypt to lead the Israelites out of bondage by His mighty hand they didn't make their exit right away. God hardened Pharaoh's heart, and it was only after he sent many great plagues upon the land that Pharaoh agreed to let them go. The Israelites along with the Egyptians witnessed these plagues, and the magnitude of these plagues left no doubt they were from God. The Egyptians followed after the Israelites when Pharaoh finally let them go, and so God parted the Red Sea, allowed the Israelites to cross over safely, and brought the waters together again covering the Egyptians who pursued them. The Israelites, of course, witnessed this mighty act of God as well.
In the above scripture from Genesis, we learn that the Israelites had been in bondage four hundred years in Egypt. We are told that God saw their affliction, and He heard their cry. The Lord tells us that they cried out because of their taskmasters. The description we are given in the Bible of the life the Israelites were living as slaves in Egypt, was one of hard labor and strict rule. The Israelites were told by Moses that God was going to lead them out of bondage in Egypt, and into a large land flowing with milk and honey. They witnessed mighty works from God in Egypt, and at the Red Sea. In the scripture taken from Exodus, it is clear that the mighty works of God which they witnessed first hand were not enough to prevent them from murmuring, complaining, and doubting God. After only a few days in the wilderness, they forgot about being so afflicted by their taskmasters that they had cried out to God. They forgot about the hard labor they experienced in Egypt. They apparently had a huge memory lapse regarding the mighty works of God they had witnessed as well because they complained to Moses that they should have stayed in Egypt where at least they had all the bread they wanted, instead of following him into the wilderness to starve to death. It is hard to believe that they truly felt that way, after all God had done for them, and showed them firsthand. They failed to keep their trust in Him, and to be grateful for all He had done and was doing for them. They failed to look back on all of the amazing feats He had accomplished as He brought them out of Egypt, knowing that if He did all that for them that He would with a certainty fulfill his promise to them regarding the land of milk and honey.
We can learn a great deal from the useless whining, complaining, murmuring, doubting, ungratefulness, and lack of faith and trust the Israelites displayed in the wilderness. We are shown many examples in God's Word of promises He made and fulfilled. We know that with God all things are possible, and that nothing is to difficult for Him. We know that we are His children, and that He loves us tremendously. In fact, we know that He loves us so much He sent his only Son to die for us on the cross and that if we accept His precious gift of salvation we will have eternal life. We know that He is trustworthy, merciful, kind, loving, understanding, and so much more. He promises us in scripture that He will meet our needs. What more could He possibly do to encourage us to have unwavering faith in Him? What more can He do to prove we can trust Him, and that He will never leave us or forsake us?
Do you have unwavering faith in God? Do you put your complete trust in Him, when it comes to meeting your needs? or Do you lack faith, and doubt Him as you whine, murmur, and complain? Are you standing firmly on the promises of God? Do you give Him praise, and gratitude for all he's done for you? or Are you starving in the wilderness?
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Why God?
In John Chapter 9:1-3 Jesus and His disciples come upon a man who has been blind
since birth. His disciples ask him Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents
that he was born blind? Jesus answered neither the man or his parents, but that
the works of God should be made manifest in him. Jesus goes on in later verses
to cure the man of his blindness. The miracle Jesus performed in curing
the man's blindness was a powerful testimony of God's existence, and his awesome
power.
In John Chapter 9 Jesus explains that this man was born blind in order for God's work to be shown through him, as it was. in the miracle of Jesus curing his blindness. It is not meant for us to know the reasons behind everything God does, or why certain things are as they are. The Bible tells us that His ways are not our ways. Romans 8:28 (KJV) Says, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose."
A wonderful example of God turning something meant for harm into something good is the story of Joseph. Out of jealousy his brothers threw him in a pit, and planned to kill him. Instead of killing him, they sold him into slavery. He was later accused of a crime he didn't commit, and sent to prison for it. God touched the heart of one of his brothers, and he prevented the murder of Joseph, and instead suggested selling him into slavery. God made certain that Joseph was purchased by a man who would take him into the land of Egypt, and here he was falsely accused and imprisoned. The King had a dream that no one could interpret so when he discovered that Joseph could interpret dreams he sent for him, and had him brought up out of prison. Joseph interprets the Kings dream informing him that his dream warned that there would be seven years of plenty during harvest followed by seven years of famine. The King was so pleased with Joseph that he put him in charge of storing food in the seven years of plenty, and distributing food in the seven years of famine. No one had more power in Egypt than Joseph did except the King himself. Joseph's father and brethren were forced to go before him during the seven years of famine in order to have food for their survival. So you see, God took what was meant for Josephs harm and turned it into good sending Joseph from the pit to the palace. God had a plan for Joseph's life, and He carried it out.
The book of Job is another example of bad things happening to good people. Job was a righteous man who loved the Lord with all of his heart, mind, and soul. He was rich in blessings from the Lord, and had everything he could need or want in abundance. Satan told the Lord that Job would not be so faithful, and loving if didn't have his many blessings. The Lord allowed Satan to do anything he wanted to Job in order to test his faith, as long as he didn't kill him. Job suffered immensely losing everything he had including his children. He also suffered physically with a plague of boils, but through it all Job remained steadfast in his faith, and in his love for the Lord. God later restored all that Job lost, and more. So we see in Job's case his faith was being tested.
We don't always know why things happen the way they do, and many people in times of trials and tribulations have ask God why. Why did this happen or Why did that happen? We can see in some instances the reasons for certain things as I've listed above. The blind man was born blind so that God's existence, and his power and greatness could be made manifest through him. Job suffered great trials as a test of faith, and knowing God is good and to be trusted Job passed the test saying in Job 1:21 (KJV) "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. " Job 1:22 (KJV) Says, "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." This remained Job's attitude throughout every loss he suffered. Job continued to hope and trust in God.
There are times as we see with Joseph, when the Lord takes things meant by others for our harm, and turns them into good. Joseph displays a Godly attitude toward his brothers, when they come to him for food as we are shown in Genesis 50:20-21 (KJV) which says, "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them." Through Joseph's trials we can learn many great lessons.
A point for all of us to ponder is that most of us are never closer to God than when we are facing trials and tribulations. Many people, when things are going great in their lives tend to forget God, ignore him, and spend little if any time worshiping and praising him. The moment something goes wrong in their lives and they need something, they run to God immediately remembering where He is in an instant. We should keep God number one in our lives always, and not just when we need a miracle.Trials and tribulations can be sent our way in order to draw us closer to God.
Although we will never know the answers to all of the why God questions we have, we must remain steadfast in our faith, and keep our trust in Him knowing that he loves us tremendously. Even Jesus suffered hardships here on earth, and He was sinless. Jesus was mocked, spit on, beaten, betrayed, and ultimately crucified in order that all of us, none being perfect like him, could have eternal life. The bottom line is we will never know all the answers, but we do know that we can put our trust in God, rest in the hope of His glory, and find comfort in Him, trusting that He will never leave us or forsake us, and that He will see us through all the trials and tribulations that come our way.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
In John Chapter 9 Jesus explains that this man was born blind in order for God's work to be shown through him, as it was. in the miracle of Jesus curing his blindness. It is not meant for us to know the reasons behind everything God does, or why certain things are as they are. The Bible tells us that His ways are not our ways. Romans 8:28 (KJV) Says, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose."
A wonderful example of God turning something meant for harm into something good is the story of Joseph. Out of jealousy his brothers threw him in a pit, and planned to kill him. Instead of killing him, they sold him into slavery. He was later accused of a crime he didn't commit, and sent to prison for it. God touched the heart of one of his brothers, and he prevented the murder of Joseph, and instead suggested selling him into slavery. God made certain that Joseph was purchased by a man who would take him into the land of Egypt, and here he was falsely accused and imprisoned. The King had a dream that no one could interpret so when he discovered that Joseph could interpret dreams he sent for him, and had him brought up out of prison. Joseph interprets the Kings dream informing him that his dream warned that there would be seven years of plenty during harvest followed by seven years of famine. The King was so pleased with Joseph that he put him in charge of storing food in the seven years of plenty, and distributing food in the seven years of famine. No one had more power in Egypt than Joseph did except the King himself. Joseph's father and brethren were forced to go before him during the seven years of famine in order to have food for their survival. So you see, God took what was meant for Josephs harm and turned it into good sending Joseph from the pit to the palace. God had a plan for Joseph's life, and He carried it out.
The book of Job is another example of bad things happening to good people. Job was a righteous man who loved the Lord with all of his heart, mind, and soul. He was rich in blessings from the Lord, and had everything he could need or want in abundance. Satan told the Lord that Job would not be so faithful, and loving if didn't have his many blessings. The Lord allowed Satan to do anything he wanted to Job in order to test his faith, as long as he didn't kill him. Job suffered immensely losing everything he had including his children. He also suffered physically with a plague of boils, but through it all Job remained steadfast in his faith, and in his love for the Lord. God later restored all that Job lost, and more. So we see in Job's case his faith was being tested.
We don't always know why things happen the way they do, and many people in times of trials and tribulations have ask God why. Why did this happen or Why did that happen? We can see in some instances the reasons for certain things as I've listed above. The blind man was born blind so that God's existence, and his power and greatness could be made manifest through him. Job suffered great trials as a test of faith, and knowing God is good and to be trusted Job passed the test saying in Job 1:21 (KJV) "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. " Job 1:22 (KJV) Says, "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." This remained Job's attitude throughout every loss he suffered. Job continued to hope and trust in God.
There are times as we see with Joseph, when the Lord takes things meant by others for our harm, and turns them into good. Joseph displays a Godly attitude toward his brothers, when they come to him for food as we are shown in Genesis 50:20-21 (KJV) which says, "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them." Through Joseph's trials we can learn many great lessons.
A point for all of us to ponder is that most of us are never closer to God than when we are facing trials and tribulations. Many people, when things are going great in their lives tend to forget God, ignore him, and spend little if any time worshiping and praising him. The moment something goes wrong in their lives and they need something, they run to God immediately remembering where He is in an instant. We should keep God number one in our lives always, and not just when we need a miracle.Trials and tribulations can be sent our way in order to draw us closer to God.
Although we will never know the answers to all of the why God questions we have, we must remain steadfast in our faith, and keep our trust in Him knowing that he loves us tremendously. Even Jesus suffered hardships here on earth, and He was sinless. Jesus was mocked, spit on, beaten, betrayed, and ultimately crucified in order that all of us, none being perfect like him, could have eternal life. The bottom line is we will never know all the answers, but we do know that we can put our trust in God, rest in the hope of His glory, and find comfort in Him, trusting that He will never leave us or forsake us, and that He will see us through all the trials and tribulations that come our way.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Make A Difference
Philippians 4:13 (KJV) Says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me." James 2:14 (KJV) Says, "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?" In Luke 15:7 (KJV) Jesus says, "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."
The above scripture taken from Philippians assures us that with God working through us and with us we can do anything within His will. There are many instances in the Bible where God has used people that are not physically capable of accomplishing all they accomplished on their own. This proves to witnesses that God deserves all the credit for the feat being accomplished, and that it was Him working through that person which resulted in their accomplishment. For instance, David slaying Goliath, and Moses leading the people out of Egypt, just to name a couple. With God's approval, and Him on our side we can all make a difference doing work for His kingdom.
In the above scripture taken from the book of James, we are informed by James that post conversion work for the Lord is very important. Once we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior we should have the desire in our hearts to do work for His kingdom. We are not all able to do the same work, but we can all do work that makes a difference. We can do volunteer work for charity, the elderly, or the sick, we can witness to others, we can help a neighbor with a chore, we can teach Sunday School, or work in the nursery. If you're home bound, or without transportation, you can write a blog, you can phone the sick, phone family members, or friends to encourage them, you can tweet your blog, or tweet scripture. There are many ways in which you can do work for the Lord, and there are far too many to list here. My point is we can all make a difference.
I know I can do nothing without God, and I desire in my heart to do work that pleases him. I pray to Him about my blog asking Him to place on my heart any message He desires for me to deliver. Let me warn you in advance that there are going to be people who attempt to discourage you from whatever work you set out to do for the Lord. They may attempt to belittle it as though it's not enough or that it's insignificant especially compared to what they are doing, but do not listen to them. Doing work for the Lord is NOT a competition. Any discouragement thrown your way is Satan attempting to throw a cease work order on you; so disregard it, and keep working.
If the work you do leads one individual to the Lord, and they ask God into their heart the above scripture from Luke tells us that it causes joy in heaven. Friends, my prayer for you today is that you remain strong in your work for the Lord, that you don't allow yourself to be discouraged by others, and that you remember all work for the Lord is significant and can make a difference.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, send a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
The above scripture taken from Philippians assures us that with God working through us and with us we can do anything within His will. There are many instances in the Bible where God has used people that are not physically capable of accomplishing all they accomplished on their own. This proves to witnesses that God deserves all the credit for the feat being accomplished, and that it was Him working through that person which resulted in their accomplishment. For instance, David slaying Goliath, and Moses leading the people out of Egypt, just to name a couple. With God's approval, and Him on our side we can all make a difference doing work for His kingdom.
In the above scripture taken from the book of James, we are informed by James that post conversion work for the Lord is very important. Once we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior we should have the desire in our hearts to do work for His kingdom. We are not all able to do the same work, but we can all do work that makes a difference. We can do volunteer work for charity, the elderly, or the sick, we can witness to others, we can help a neighbor with a chore, we can teach Sunday School, or work in the nursery. If you're home bound, or without transportation, you can write a blog, you can phone the sick, phone family members, or friends to encourage them, you can tweet your blog, or tweet scripture. There are many ways in which you can do work for the Lord, and there are far too many to list here. My point is we can all make a difference.
I know I can do nothing without God, and I desire in my heart to do work that pleases him. I pray to Him about my blog asking Him to place on my heart any message He desires for me to deliver. Let me warn you in advance that there are going to be people who attempt to discourage you from whatever work you set out to do for the Lord. They may attempt to belittle it as though it's not enough or that it's insignificant especially compared to what they are doing, but do not listen to them. Doing work for the Lord is NOT a competition. Any discouragement thrown your way is Satan attempting to throw a cease work order on you; so disregard it, and keep working.
If the work you do leads one individual to the Lord, and they ask God into their heart the above scripture from Luke tells us that it causes joy in heaven. Friends, my prayer for you today is that you remain strong in your work for the Lord, that you don't allow yourself to be discouraged by others, and that you remember all work for the Lord is significant and can make a difference.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, send a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Family Identified
Mark 3:31-35 (KJV) Says, " There came then His brethren and His mother, and standing without, sent unto Him, calling Him. and the multitude sat about Him, and they said unto Him, Behold thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. And He answered Who is my mother, or my brethren? And He looked round about on them which sat about Him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother."
In the above scripture as Jesus is teaching among a multitude of people, His mother and His brothers approach requesting to speak with Him. When it is brought to Jesus' attention that they are looking for Him, He asks the multitude who His mother and brethren are. He of course knew who they were talking about, but opted to use this opportunity to teach the multitude that all those who do the will of God are His brothers, sisters, and mother. When we choose to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, and choose to live in obedience to Him, we are identified by Him as members of his family, and as members together in His family, we are thereby brothers and sisters with one another in Christ.
I'm sure many of you resemble your family members, and can relate to being easily identified as belonging to your family. We should strive to display traits that make us even easier to identify as members of the family of Christ. For instance, people may look at you and say you have your earthly father's eyes, his smile, or his hair, but can they look at the manner in which you live your life, and know automatically that you are a brother or sister in Christ? Are you patient, kind, loving, forgiving, merciful, compassionate, and understanding? People may be able to look at you and know right away who your mother is, but can they observe your behavior and know, without a doubt, you are a brother or sister in Christ? Each of us need to take a good look at ourselves and our behavior, and answer the question am I easily identified as a member of Christ's family? We need to answer ourselves honestly, and identify the areas where we need work. These areas in which we are weak may be making our relationship with Christ difficult for others to recognize. Once we have identified these weaknesses we need to begin work on them immediately. None of us are perfect, we all have areas that need work, and that will hold true as long as we live here on earth, but we can strive each day to grow in Christ and become more easily identified as a member of his family.
We may casually use the terms brother so and so and sister so and so, when speaking to a member of our Church family, but how many times do we pause to consider exactly how important that title is, and what it means to earn it? I urge you to think about how blessed we are to have Jesus Christ Himself claim us as His brothers and sisters if we will only choose to accept Him as our personal Lord and Savior. I urge you to join me in doing our best to live up to the title brother or sister in Christ.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
In the above scripture as Jesus is teaching among a multitude of people, His mother and His brothers approach requesting to speak with Him. When it is brought to Jesus' attention that they are looking for Him, He asks the multitude who His mother and brethren are. He of course knew who they were talking about, but opted to use this opportunity to teach the multitude that all those who do the will of God are His brothers, sisters, and mother. When we choose to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, and choose to live in obedience to Him, we are identified by Him as members of his family, and as members together in His family, we are thereby brothers and sisters with one another in Christ.
I'm sure many of you resemble your family members, and can relate to being easily identified as belonging to your family. We should strive to display traits that make us even easier to identify as members of the family of Christ. For instance, people may look at you and say you have your earthly father's eyes, his smile, or his hair, but can they look at the manner in which you live your life, and know automatically that you are a brother or sister in Christ? Are you patient, kind, loving, forgiving, merciful, compassionate, and understanding? People may be able to look at you and know right away who your mother is, but can they observe your behavior and know, without a doubt, you are a brother or sister in Christ? Each of us need to take a good look at ourselves and our behavior, and answer the question am I easily identified as a member of Christ's family? We need to answer ourselves honestly, and identify the areas where we need work. These areas in which we are weak may be making our relationship with Christ difficult for others to recognize. Once we have identified these weaknesses we need to begin work on them immediately. None of us are perfect, we all have areas that need work, and that will hold true as long as we live here on earth, but we can strive each day to grow in Christ and become more easily identified as a member of his family.
We may casually use the terms brother so and so and sister so and so, when speaking to a member of our Church family, but how many times do we pause to consider exactly how important that title is, and what it means to earn it? I urge you to think about how blessed we are to have Jesus Christ Himself claim us as His brothers and sisters if we will only choose to accept Him as our personal Lord and Savior. I urge you to join me in doing our best to live up to the title brother or sister in Christ.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Promises
In Matthew 6:31-33 (KJV) Jesus Says, "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherefore withal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." In Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus says, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." John 3:16 (KJV) Says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Isaiah 41:10 (KJV) Says, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
There are many examples found in the Bible of God making promises, and keeping them.He promised Abraham that he would bless him abundantly, and He did so. He promised Abraham He would bless those who blessed him, and curse those who cursed him, and He did so. He promised Moses he would go with him into Egypt, and be with him as he led the Israelites out of bondage, and into the promised land. He kept that promise. When God gave King Solomon the opportunity to ask for anything he wanted, King Solomon chose wisdom to reign over the people fairly. Since King Solomon requested something so unselfish God promised to bless him with riches and honor. God kept that promise. The Bible contains numerous promises made and kept by God, far more than I could begin to list here. The above scripture gives an example of a few of those promises, and their fulfillment.
In the passage of scripture taken from Matthew Chapter six, God promises that if we put Him first we do not have to worry over our needs because He knows what they are, and He will make certain that they are met. In the passage of scripture from Matthew Chapter eleven Jesus promises us that if we come to Him in prayer when we are overwhelmed He will give us rest. John 3:16 promises us that if we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior we will be granted eternal life.
God's Word is filled with great promises to us, if we will accept Him as our Lord and Savior and choose to live in obedience to Him. The Word of God contains thousands of examples that prove God NEVER breaks a promise. If I told you there was someone who loves you unconditionally, will keep every promise they make to you, meet all of your needs, take on every worry and problem you have, comfort you in sorrow, be your strength in time of need, be available to you twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, and they'll never leave or forsake you, what would your response be? I feel quite certain you'd ask me how you could get in touch with this someone, and you'd find them quick.
Friends, God is that someone. Numbers 23:19 (KJV) Says, "God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do? Or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?" Don't miss out on all the great promises God has for you. He has proven He will keep each and every one of them. All you have to do is ask Him into your heart, and choose to obey Him. If you haven't accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, I urge you to do so immediately. Don't miss out on God's greatest promise; his promise of eternal life with Him in Heaven. Ask Him into your heart while there is still time. Just pray a simple prayer, ask God to forgive you of all your sins, tell Him you believe that Jesus was born, died on the cross for your sins, and that He rose again. Ask him to come into your heart, and be your Lord and Savior. If you prayed this prayer you are heir to all of God's promises. God bless you!
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
There are many examples found in the Bible of God making promises, and keeping them.He promised Abraham that he would bless him abundantly, and He did so. He promised Abraham He would bless those who blessed him, and curse those who cursed him, and He did so. He promised Moses he would go with him into Egypt, and be with him as he led the Israelites out of bondage, and into the promised land. He kept that promise. When God gave King Solomon the opportunity to ask for anything he wanted, King Solomon chose wisdom to reign over the people fairly. Since King Solomon requested something so unselfish God promised to bless him with riches and honor. God kept that promise. The Bible contains numerous promises made and kept by God, far more than I could begin to list here. The above scripture gives an example of a few of those promises, and their fulfillment.
In the passage of scripture taken from Matthew Chapter six, God promises that if we put Him first we do not have to worry over our needs because He knows what they are, and He will make certain that they are met. In the passage of scripture from Matthew Chapter eleven Jesus promises us that if we come to Him in prayer when we are overwhelmed He will give us rest. John 3:16 promises us that if we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior we will be granted eternal life.
God's Word is filled with great promises to us, if we will accept Him as our Lord and Savior and choose to live in obedience to Him. The Word of God contains thousands of examples that prove God NEVER breaks a promise. If I told you there was someone who loves you unconditionally, will keep every promise they make to you, meet all of your needs, take on every worry and problem you have, comfort you in sorrow, be your strength in time of need, be available to you twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, and they'll never leave or forsake you, what would your response be? I feel quite certain you'd ask me how you could get in touch with this someone, and you'd find them quick.
Friends, God is that someone. Numbers 23:19 (KJV) Says, "God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do? Or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?" Don't miss out on all the great promises God has for you. He has proven He will keep each and every one of them. All you have to do is ask Him into your heart, and choose to obey Him. If you haven't accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, I urge you to do so immediately. Don't miss out on God's greatest promise; his promise of eternal life with Him in Heaven. Ask Him into your heart while there is still time. Just pray a simple prayer, ask God to forgive you of all your sins, tell Him you believe that Jesus was born, died on the cross for your sins, and that He rose again. Ask him to come into your heart, and be your Lord and Savior. If you prayed this prayer you are heir to all of God's promises. God bless you!
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
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