Esther 7:3 " Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases your majesty, grant me my life-this is my petition. And spare my people-this is my request. Esther 8:4 Now once more Esther came before the king, falling down at his feet and begging him with tears to stop Haman's evil plot against the Jews.
It has been said that evil presists because good people do nothing. Believers must not be afraid to speak truth, counter evil, and help the innocent and the helpless. Our responsibility is to resist evil, repay kindness and restore order. Evil acts know no fear or boundaries ...unless God's people act. The wicked never rest, so the righteous must resist.
What a "superhero" our Esther turned out to be. Taking a stand for righteousness even if it meant death!!!! Well, alone I couldn't do what Esther did....only through the power of Christ that lives in me could I risk my life .....Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. I don't know if the LORD would ever call me to such a task...but, I'm confident that if He called me too it...He would give me the strength to follow through. Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'........
Father, thank you that all that you have called me to do, the purposes that You created me for, You will give me the ability to do....I too can be a "superhero" like Esther...because Your Spirit lives in me. Help me to continue to seek Your direction in my life and not miss any opportunity to take a stand for You.
In Jesus name, Amen.
God bless your day,
Sharon
Friday, August 27, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
"Open the Door in the Name of the LORD"
John 3:8 We ought therefore to show hospitality"
Practicing hospitality is modeled for us throughout the Old and New Testaments. Again and again, we see that the purpose was to serve others and to be a vehicle for God's grace.
1 Peter 4:9 & 10 Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:
I found it interesting that in the Webster's dictionary we find the definition for hospitality wedged between the word "hospice," which is a shelter and the word "hospital" which is a place of healing.
Right after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:42-47), believers began meeting to devote themselves to four things:
to the apostles' teaching
to fellowship
to breaking of bread
to prayer
Notice that they not only went to the temple, but their homes became "small sanctuaries" for teaching, prayer, fellowship, and meals.
As we open our homes, hearts and lives to others...we are given an opportunity to give to others...something that the LORD has given to us....whether it's a meal or words of encouragement. Matthew 25:35...I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was lonely and you made me welcome. Hospitality is simply to say, I care, I love you, and I have prepared a place for you....
I had a friend years ago....she is with the LORD now....she would never let me leave her home without first praying for me...she would say ...the LORD gave me this home to use for His glory...let's pray. I loved that about her! By the way....she was in her 90's and still practicing hospitality!
My desire would be that whenever someone was in my home that as they leave they would be able to say Luke 24:32 “Were not our hearts burning within us while he (she) talked with us on the road (in her house) and opened the Scriptures to us?”
Father, would you use my home for Your purposes...make it a place of refuge, a sanctuary for others..a place of healing by the sharing of Your Words of hope. In Jesus name, Amen.
Blessings on your day,
Sharon
Practicing hospitality is modeled for us throughout the Old and New Testaments. Again and again, we see that the purpose was to serve others and to be a vehicle for God's grace.
1 Peter 4:9 & 10 Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:
I found it interesting that in the Webster's dictionary we find the definition for hospitality wedged between the word "hospice," which is a shelter and the word "hospital" which is a place of healing.
Right after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:42-47), believers began meeting to devote themselves to four things:
to the apostles' teaching
to fellowship
to breaking of bread
to prayer
Notice that they not only went to the temple, but their homes became "small sanctuaries" for teaching, prayer, fellowship, and meals.
As we open our homes, hearts and lives to others...we are given an opportunity to give to others...something that the LORD has given to us....whether it's a meal or words of encouragement. Matthew 25:35...I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was lonely and you made me welcome. Hospitality is simply to say, I care, I love you, and I have prepared a place for you....
I had a friend years ago....she is with the LORD now....she would never let me leave her home without first praying for me...she would say ...the LORD gave me this home to use for His glory...let's pray. I loved that about her! By the way....she was in her 90's and still practicing hospitality!
My desire would be that whenever someone was in my home that as they leave they would be able to say Luke 24:32 “Were not our hearts burning within us while he (she) talked with us on the road (in her house) and opened the Scriptures to us?”
Father, would you use my home for Your purposes...make it a place of refuge, a sanctuary for others..a place of healing by the sharing of Your Words of hope. In Jesus name, Amen.
Blessings on your day,
Sharon
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)