A Spiritual Guide

Our Redeemer 06.22.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Sunday June 22, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on teh book of Job. Please read Chapters 17-20 in your Bible or Click Here to read.
Cut & Paste to browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%2017-20&version=9

Today we will read and learn about Job’s appeal to God; Bildad’s cruel accusation; Job’s reaffirmation of his faith; and Zophar refering to Job as a wicked man. Today’s message focuses on the importace of realizing that all possessions are transient, and God wants us to see that we cannot hold a tight grip on material or physical things, or even people, that are dear to us. We need to hold tight on Jesus, our Redeemer and all things will be added unto you.

Job assumed all hope of recovery was gone, “My breath is corrupt, my days are extinct, the graves are ready for me.” (Job 17:1). Bildad interrupted and his second speech was the most hostile of all. He assumed that Job’s sufferings exposed him as a sinful hypocrite who was hopelessly condemned. “For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walketh upon a snare…..Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked, and this is the place of him that knoweth not God.” (18:8,21). With every lash of condemnation came a greater depth to Job’s confidence in his life beyond the grave.

Job could bear the unjust reproach of his friends for he was living in the expectation of the glorious appearance of his coming King. His faith soared like an eagle above the clouds and beyond the heavens to view eternal truths which were never before revealed. With great spiritual discernment and assurance Job replied, “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.” (19:25-27).

According to the Law, a redeemer was the next of kin who was responsible for redeeming (buying back) an enslaved kinsman or his lost inheritance (See Leviticus 25:25). The same word is used spiritually for Christ since he is our Redeemer who paid the price for our sins to purchase our freedom from sin (I Peter 1:18-19). This is one of the most remarkable and magnificent prophecies in the Bible.

This revelation of life after death is one of the greatest in the Old Testament. God leads us to see, through Job, that we have no valid excuse for complaining about our suffering, material loss, or being misunderstood by others, for all of this life will pass and we will have an eternity of joy and hapiness waiting for us. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (I Corinthians 10:31). Today would be the best time to take a spiritual inventory of what things are most important in our life. How do the things of God measure up?

In today’s reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the Redeemer (Job 19:25). Christ, our Redeemer, has bought us with His own blood on the cross. By His death, Jesus provided the required sacrifice to purchase salvation for mankind.

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Jesus, I am full of gratitude today as I consider Your abiding presence in my life.  You planned my existence in my mother’s womb before I even drew my first breath. When so many people have come into my life and exited it throughout the years You have taken up residence and You forever rule my heart. When the path before me was unclear You have always gone before me sustaining me in my wilderness journey. Though all forsake me You remain faithful, and remarkable as it seems, even if we are faithless, You will remain faithful, for You cannot deny Yourself.  Thank You for being my Saviour and my Redeemer.  In Jesus’ name…..Amen.

Have a great and wonderful Sunday.
God Bless,
Christina

P.S. I apologize for not getting a lesson out yesterday, there will be another later on today.

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God’s In Control 06.20.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Friday June 20, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Job. Please read Chapters 13-16 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%2013-16&version=9

Today we will read and learn about Job defending his integrity, his desire to die, Eliphaz’ intensified condemnation, and Job’s second reply to Eliphaz. Today’s message focuses on the importance of realizing that our lives are in God’s control. In the middle of our worst trials, we must not lose sight of the fact that this life is not all there is. For a Christian, there is eternity in Heaven.

Satan prompted the attacks on Job by his wife and by his devoted friends in an attempt to substantiate his own accusation that Job would curse God if his many blessings were removed.

Job’s suffering intensified with days and weeks of sleeplessness and painful, ulcerating boils that would only become more intense since he had no painkillers. It may appear that he wavered at times, but Job always ended his comments on a high note of praise. The boldness of Job’s faith and faithfulness brought new revelation of his relationship with God. It was the turning point in the conflict between God and Satan when Job said, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him. Hear diligently my speech, and my declaration with your ears. Behold now, I have ordered my cause; I know that I shall be justified.” (Job 13:15-18). When we realize that our lives are in His control, we will trust ourselves unreservedly into His hands that He might fully accomplish His purpose in us. Amazing as it may seem to Job’s friends, and Satan, Job had the utmost confidence that when he died, he would live again and be changed.

Although Job gave up hope of recovering his health, wealth, children, or high esteem among the people, he did not become bitter or resentful toward his accusers or toward God. Instead, he looked forward to being with the Lord, “If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.” (14:14). Meaning:, after death, I shall live again and I will be changed.

How different Job’s attitude was from many today who blame fate, circumstances, God, or others for what goes wrong in their lives. Some easily become dissatisfied, bitter, pessimistic, or engulfed in self-pity. Their self-image depends on others’ reactions. When others praise them, their self-esteem rises; when they are criticized or their plans fail, they feel defeated. Job didn’t need praise from people to maintain his faith since he retained his confidence in the wisdom and justice of his Creator.

Like Job, every child of God will face trials and suffering, but, as we trust God in the midst of those trials, our faith and love for Him are deepened. In conforming to Christ’s death, we come to an end of self, a giving up ourselves to live or die for Him. “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matthew 16:25).

In today’s reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the smiting of Job on the cheek (Job 16:10). Christ also was struck by those who ridiculed Him (Matthew 27:29-44; John 18:22-23)

Today’s Prayer:
The great blessing in trusting You is the confidence we walk in as we look to You for everything that we have need of. When facing struggles, instead of cringing in fear we walk in confident faith because it is not in ourselves that we trust but in the Living God who is trustworthy in all areas of our lives.  Lord, give us the grace to trust You even more and to walk in peace knowing that You are near and in control. In Jesus’ name…….Amen.

Have a great and wonderful Friday! TGIF! And weekend too!

God Bless,
Christina

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God’s Mediator 06.19.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Thursday June 19, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Job. Please read Chapters 9-12 in your Bible or Click Here to read.
Cut & paste to browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%209-12&version=9

Today we will read and learn about Job acknowledging God’s justice, his weariness of life, Zophar’s accusation, and Job’s affirmation of faith in God’s wisdom. Today’s message focuses on the importance of realizing that through our trials, God is always with us and waiting on us to call on Him.

Bildad, Job’s second friend to speak, was noticeably less sympathetic than Eliphaz, but he agreed with Eliphaz that sin was the cause of Job’s suffering (See Job 8). Bildad was misled by the same false principle that all suffering is caused by sin. As is often the case, this legalistic religious comforter becomes the critic. He proceeded to reprove and denounce Job as a mere talker, a vain and lying boaster, and as a self-righteous pretender of perfection.

Job answered Bildad, “Then Job answered and said, I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God? If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand. He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered? Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: which overturneth them in his anger.” (9:1-5). Job also confessed that God’s dealings with him were beyond his ability to comprehend, ”Lo, he goeth by me, and I see him not: he passeth on also, but I perceive him not.” (Job 9:11). Job was expressing assurance of God’s presence, even though he could not visibly see Him.

All Christians can sense the presence of God not only in our trials, but also in our day to day activities. Although we cannot see Him, we know, through faith, that He is with us. God may never reveal a reason for our trials, but we should never question His actions for there is a purpose for all things in our lives.

Zophar went on to accuse Job, “Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified? Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed? For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thine eyes. But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee; And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth.” (Job 11:2-6).

During all this Job realizes the need for a mediator between man and God, someone who would stand in the gap between the Holy God and sinful man. “For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment. Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.” (9:32-33). Our Lord Jesus Christ is the only Mediator who can restore man’s broken fellowship with God. “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” (I Timothy 2:4-6)

We are led to see that religious people who express unkind criticism of others do Satan’s work. We are cautioned not to impose added suffering to saints who need comfort. Religious professors, who profoundly express divine opinion as God’s authoritative judge on earth, often misunderstand God’s method of dealing with His disciples. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

In today’s reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the daysman Job longs for (Job 9:33). Christ is the only Mediator between God and sinful men (I Timothy 2:5).

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord,
The day to day circumstances in our lives are so uncertain. The solutions to our problems can be very perplexing and seem beyond our grasp. You don’t expect us to have all the right answers or to fully understand all that concerns us, but You do want us to trust You, as we hold on to Your unchanging hand. Jesus, we have trusted You over and over throughout the circumstances of our lives, and today we pray for grace to trust You even more. In Jesus’ name…..Amen.

Have a great and wonderful Thursday.
God Bless,
Christina

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Conquering Affliction 06.18.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesady June 18, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Job. Please read Chapters 5-8 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%205-8&version=9

Today we will read and learn about Eliphaz rebuking Job & his response, Job’s criticism of his friends for rebuking him, & Bildad’s theory about Job’s affliction. Today’s message focuses on the importance of realizing that affliction creates us into the person that God created us to be.

After one full week of silent contemplation about Job’s suffering, Eliphaz, his eldest friend spoke first. He tried to convince Job to confess his secret sin, “Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.” (Job 5:17-18). Eliphaz then went on to elaborate on the blessings Job could expect if he would only confess his sin, “Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good.” (5:27).

After listening to lengthy condemnation, Job replies sorrowfully, “But Job answered and said, Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together! For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up. For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.” (6:1-4).

In addition to Job’s physical sufferings, his financial loss, the death of his children, and his wife’s bitterness toward God, all three of his friends misjudged his integrity and continued to unmercifully attack him day after day. Job felt the bitter sting of Eliphaz’s condemnation and his insinuation that Job was a hypocrite. Job did not understand why God had not come to his defense. Even worse, it seemed to him that he had even been struck down by God himself.

Though shaken, Job remained faithful to God and through his sufferings we see how the Lord was bringing to light deeper spiritual insight. “What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him? And that thou shouldest visit him every morning, and try him every moment?” (7:17-18). We too recognize our insignificance in comparison to the eternal, holy, and Almighty God. Although He created us, by nature we are defiled by sin and deserve eternal punishment. But, through the miraculous new birth, we have the joy of being eternally with our loving Creator.

When a child of God understands the reason for suffering, the heaviest load will not crush him. But when tragedy occurs with no sign of God’s presence, we are all prone to become discouraged. Too often, friends like Eliphaz and Bildad give hasty, harsh rebuke without sensing the intensity of the suffering.

Added to our suffering is the fact that we seldom understand the reason for our trials. In our human frailty, there are times when our faith is weak, but God will not allow us to suffer beyond what is best to accomplish His perfect will in our lives. One of the greatest evidences of God’s love to those who desire to be like the Master is for them to have affliction. Even Satan is used as God’s tool to develop His gracious purpose in the lives of His children.

God allowed Job to suffer but, it is also a fact that for Christians, regardless of what happens we are children of God and can conquer anything that is set before us. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39).

In today’s message Jesus Christ is revealed through Job’s sorrowful condition (Job 7:1-6). Christ was known as a Man of sorrows, and He was acquainted with grief. On the cross separated from God in His humanity, Jesus felt that pain in addition to all our sins which He bore (Isaiah 53:3; Mark 15:34).

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord,
You have great purpose for our lives and for the legacy we leave for those who follow. In our journey there are bitter waters from which we drink and there are sweet fragrances that fill our nostrils. Through it all You work to bring the good out of all bad circumstances, all the while reminding us of our calling to live according to Your purpose.  May we be trusting in the hard times and faithful all the time. In Jesus’ name…..Amen.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

God Bless,
Christina

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Sinless Trials 06.17.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday June 17, 2008 and today we begin our studies on the book of Job. The book of Job is the eighteenth book of the Old Testament, contains fourty-two chapters, and is also the first of 5 books of poetry. The author of the book is unknown and the book is not specifically addressed to anyone, but is applicable to all believers who experience suffering. This book wrestles with the question, “Why do the righteous suffer?” The purpose of the book is to show that there is a spiritual reason behind suffering of the righteous and that suffering is not necessarily evidence of God’s displeasure.

Please read Chapters 1-4 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%201-4&version=9

Today we will read and learn about Job’s wealth and godliness, God permitting Satan to afflict Job, and the critical counsel by Job’s wife and friends. Today’s message focuses on the importance of realizing that not all trials we face are due to disobeying God. It is difficult to understand our circumstances or why we must go through a particular trial, but it is then that we must trust in the Lord and not ourselves to get us through them.

Job’s life is a dramatic story of a wealthy, but godly landowner attacked by the devil. “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.” (Job 1:1-3).”

He was stripped of his family, possessions, reputation, and health. But his suffering was not misfortune or bad luck, nor was it punishment from God for his sins as his friends mistakenly assumed. All of Job’s sufferings were the attacks of Satan, but God allowed them in order to bring Job into a closer relationship with Himself. Behind all the world’s evil is Satan, in his continuous effort to destroy all that is good. But Satan is under the constant surveillance of God and can do nothing without His permission. “And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.” (1:8-12).

Satan assumed that, like every self-serving person, Job was faithful only because God would reward him. During his intense suffering and testing, Job’s wife even suggested that he curse God, and die. She too had suffered loss, but it seems that her greatest loss was her faith in God. Job realized he was not the owner of all he possessed, not even of his children, but he was merely the Lord’s manager of things entrusted to his care. From there, it was just one more step of faith for Job to accept that God. Instead of cursing God, Job worshiped Him, “Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” (2:9-10).

Spiritual victories do not just happen; they are dependent upon one’s faith in God, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17). Apart from the indwelling power of His Spirit and His Word, all efforts to live a victorious Christian life are doomed to failure. To remain faithful in the midst of trials, we must develop a love for God’s Word which creates a confident faith in Him.

In today’s reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the conversation between Satan and God Almighty (Job 1:6-12). We can see the meaning of Christ’s statement to Peter that Satan wanted to sift him as wheat (Luke 22:31). It is comforting to know that Satan cannot test us beyond the will of God.

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I pray for a steadfast heart that does not flicker during times of adversity, acts of injustice, or when evil is visibly prevalent. Draw me to the cleansing fountain of Your saving blood which flows from the cross of Calvary. It is there that springs of living water quench my thirst and invigorate my spirit so that I am refreshed in the Holy Spirit and renewed in my resolve to follow You all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name…..Amen.

Have a great and wonderful day.
God Bless,
Christina

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Vengeance Through God 06.16.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Monday June 16, 2008 and today we are completing our studies on the book of Esther. Please read Chapters 8-10 in your Bible or Click Here to read.
Cut & paste to browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther%208-10&version=9

Today we will read and learn about Esther’s plea to reverse Haman’s decree, the destruction of the enemies of the Jews, the Feast of Purim, and Mordecai’s promotion to great honor. Today’s reading focuses on the importance of realizing that when the world says “I will get even” the Christian knows that vengeance belongs only to the One True God who is the Righteous Judge of all.

Haman appeared to be invincible, and his decree to execute all the Jews seemed final. The law had been established, and the decree had been approved by the Persian king. Under the law of the Medes and the Persians, a decree could not be altered, not even by the king. 

However, following Haman’s execution, Esther pleaded before the king to have the decree reversed. “And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews. Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king, And said, If it please the king, and if I have favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king’s provinces:” (Esther 8:3-5)

The king allowed Mordecai to write a new decree giving the Jews the right to defend themselves. “Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey, Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.” (8:11-12).

The determined day of execution, which is known as Purim, turned from death to deliverance, and the Jews have celebrated it each year for centuries. The Feast of Purim is a testimony to the fact that what seems to be chance and good luck to some is in reality ordered by the Almighty Controller of world affairs. The Book of Esther demonstrates how God uses faithful servants to change world affairs in order to fulfill His Word.

In days of peace and prosperity, we are prone to be less concerned about the presence of God, but when our situation seems critical and we seek His presence, He wonderfully intervenes and we praise Him for His merciful protection and provision.

Esther is a testimony to the fact that, even in a secular society dominated by a heathen power, our God can protect His people, but He expects us, like Esther, to respond courageously in faith to the threats of the Hamans of this world.

The peace and satisfaction enjoyed by Mordecai and Esther can only be experienced by those who share our Lord’s compassion for a lost world.

In today’s reading Jesus Christ is revealed through Mordecai’s exaltation from servanthood to a position of honor and glory next to the king (Esther 8:2,15; 10:3). Christ came to earth as a servant and was exalted to the right hand of God (Philippians 2:7-9)

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord,
The cares of this world often press in on us and weigh our hearts down. It’s not your desire that we carry a heavy load because You are the Burden Bearer. You use the difficult circumstances of our lives to bring glory to Yourself as You bring us in a closer relationship with You. Our faith is strengthened and our understanding deepened as You take the evil that Satan hurls at us and turn it into a glorious occasion for Your power to be released and for deliverance to take place. You led us into battle, but You will also lead us to a great victory. In Jesus’ name…..Amen.

Have a wonderful day and week!

Gods Bless

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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.

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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