Lessons from Esther: For such a time as this

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? 15 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, 16 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. 17 So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.  Esther 4:14-17

Mordecai continues his discourse with Hatach. He reminds Esther where she is living; basically reminding her that it was not by accident that she is living in the palace. “Who knows whether you are come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Out of all the girls that went to the “beauty pageant”, the king picks a little Jewish girl, a captive from Jerusalem brought to Babylon. This was not a coincidence; God was in control of the entire situation. God knew Vashti was going to be dethroned. God knew a search would be made for a new queen. God knew who the new queen would be; I believe God had picked the new queen because God knew wicked Haman’s heart.

“Dr. A.W. Tozer compared God’s sovereign purposes to an ocean liner leaving New York City, bound for Liverpool, England. The people on board the ship are free to do as they please, but they aren’t free to change the course of the ship. The mighty liner of God’s sovereign design keeps its steady course over the sea of history.” – Be Committed – Warren W. Wiersbe

This time Mordecai “got through to Esther”. Her reply was for him to get all the Jews together and fast for her. She would also get all the maids together and would fast. After the three day fast “I will go to the king, if I perish I perish.” She was now determined she would not stop until she got an answer or she died.

Each one of us is living where we should be, doing the job we should be doing for “such a time as this”. Are we looking for opportunities to share the gospel, to be a witness, to be a helping hand, to show others that we do have answers from the word of God?

Wherever you are living, whatever job you are performing, whatever school or church you may be attending, do all for the glory of God.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31

Have a blessed day,
Donna

The Christmas season

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Can you believe it is already December? Christmas is only 16 days away. What does Christmas mean to you?

As I ponder this thought many Christmas memories come floating to mind. I remember one Christmas going with my father to pick out the Christmas tree, while there I saw a poor crippled boy. I remember crying for this boy and praying for him for many months. It had an impact on me.

I have lots of happy Christmas memories which include:

·        Singing carols with the neighbors

·        Having one big present and one or two “small” items

·        An orange, apple and tangerine and maybe a few coins in my stocking

·        Singing carols at the veteran’s home

·        Singing carols at the nursing homes

·        Making cookies for the veterans

·        Going to see “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” with my granddaughters

·        Adopting a family instead of buying gifts for each other

·        Our first Christmas tree as a young married couple – we purchased the biggest one we could afford

·        Making my grandfather my favorite pumpkin bread recipe, which is all he wanted and all I could afford.

·        Making homemade gifts, which I still think are the very best kind

·        Making cookies for the neighbors

·        My uncle “playing Santa”

What are some of your favorite memories? As the season begins dwell on your happy Christmas memories. Find ways this Christmas to make more good memories. Look for ways to help those less fortunate than yourself.

Here are some ideas:

·        Buy gift cards (local coffee shops, McDonald’s, Wal-Mart, and Target) in small amounts ($5-$10) and give them out when the Spirit leads

·        Make cookies or fruit breads (banana, pumpkin etc) for shut ins

·        Volunteer at a soup kitchen

·        Volunteer at a local charity

·        Make small gifts or look for small gifts to have on hand to give when the Spirit leads

·        Spend time with an elderly neighbor or family member

·        Give the gift of time

Here are some verses and quotes that may help:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippines 4:8

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.  ~ Charles Dickens

When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time.  Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs?  ~ G.K. Chesterton

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so?  It came without ribbons.  It came without tags.  It came without packages, boxes or bags.  And he puzzled and puzzled ‘till his puzzler was sore.  Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before.  What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store?  What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?  ~ Dr Seuss

Christmas gift suggestions:  To your enemy, forgiveness.  To an opponent, tolerance.  To a friend, your heart.  To a customer, service.  To all, charity.  To every child, a good example.  To yourself, respect.  ~ Oren Arnold

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Enjoy life

7 Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. 8 Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment. 9 Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun. 10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.  Ecclesiates 9:7-10

Solomon tells us to enjoy life, not recklessly, but enjoying God’s creation. Should we moan and groan because we are going to die? Absolutely not but “Stop and smell the roses” once in a while. As you go along doing your daily tasks “Don’t make mountains out of mole hills” and “Pick your battles”. We tend to be “uptight” about the littlest things in life.

Look around and be thankful. Live your life joyfully. Now is the time to do that good work; Now is the time to encourage others; Now is the time to be a testimony; Now is the time to … (fill in the blank).

Once we die it is too late to “do all the things we want to do”. Ask God what He would have you do and do it.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31  

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Lessons from a trip – Tunnels

Have you ever been in a situation where you thought there was absolutely no way out? At one time or another I think all of us have been there.

Last week as we traveled to Alabama we went through West Virginia. The views were spectacular. At one point we were traveling up a mountain and could only see the sky and green trees around us. Cresting the top of the mount it was breath taking. Absolutely beautiful, we were at the top of one of the mountains and we could see for miles, or so it seemed. I cannot explain the beauty that lay before us. Most of the trip through West Virginia was up and down mountains and hills; we traveled into the valleys at the bottom of the hills. At one point it looked like we were in a valley with only mountains around us. As we were traveling along the highway, and wondering how long we would be in the valley a tunnel came into view. The tunnel was cut straight through the mountain. We found the way out of the valley. Thinking about the trip and all the beautiful views from Massachusetts to Alabama, I thought of the tunnels.

Throughout our lives we will be on the mountain tops as well as in the valley. The valley is usually where we learn the precious promises of God. “I will never leave or forsake you” “draw close to me and I will draw close to you” “come unto me all you who are heavy laden”.

Through each valley there is a way out. Sometimes our valleys are self made, sometimes they are trials, and sometimes they are a schoolroom. Whatever the valley in your life is remember God has made a passageway, to draw us closer to him.

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 

Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 1Thessalonians 5:24 

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: II Peter 2:9  

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Restoration continues

[23] In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab: [24] And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people. [25] And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves. [26] Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin. [27] Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives? [28] And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me. [29] Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites. [30] Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the priests and the Levites, every one in his business; [31] And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good. Nehemiah 13:23-31

The book of Nehemiah ends. We can see the progression of sin, repentance, obedience, restoration and then the  cycle starts again.

Wow, is this just in Nehemiah’s time. I dare say no. The Christian life is like any other life. We make mistakes, we learn from our mistakes, we make more mistakes, we learn from those. Life is a circle. Hopefully we learn and grow and do not make the same mistakes again, but sometimes we do. We are imperfect people but we have a perfect Savior. He is always waiting to teach us His way.

For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Proverbs 24:16 

We may not have the same problems as the people in Nehemiah’s time, but we still have problems.

In this portion Nehemiah is saying, what you are doing is the same thing that King Solomon did. Do you not remember that he was drawn away from God because of sin?

For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. 1Kings 11:4 

I think of all the things/events/people/places that can draw me away from God. I have to make a conscience decision to stay away from those things. It is not easy to do right.

·        The first step is to know yourself and know your weaknesses. Stay away from those temptations.

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1Corinthians 10:13 

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12 

·        Learn from the mistakes of others. There are many examples in the Bible as well in history and even in our own circle of family and friends.

·        Ask the Lord to restore you. No matter what one has done He is waiting with outstretched arms to receive us.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1John 1:9 

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Psalm 51:12 

·        We can break the cycle of sin if we are willing to wholly follow Him.

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 1 Timothy 6:11 

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 1Peter  2:21 

Please join me on my next post. I will sum up what I learned about Nehemiah.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Working together

[1] Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,… [26] These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe.
Nehemiah 12:1-26

This section starts off with a listing of the priests and Levities. Woven throughout the list is mention of different jobs/tasks which were performed by the priests or Levites.

~ v 8 “over the thanksgiving” – the directing and conducting of the songs in the temple especially the thanksgiving songs

~ v 9 “over the watches” - watched over the temple

~ v 24 “to praise and give thanks” - (I Chronicles 16:4; 23:30)

~ v 25 “porters keeping the ward at the thresholds” door keepers

Each priest/Levite had a job to do. This reminds me of the body of Christ, each one in the body has a job. We cannot all be the head any more than all being the hand. Like a well oiled machine, each part needs to work together.

I Corinthians twelve provide us with a word picture of the body, each part doing its job.

[14] For the body is not one member, but many. [15] If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? [16] And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? [17] If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? [18] But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. [19] And if they were all one member, where were the body? [20] But now are they many members, yet but one body. [21] And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. [22] Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: [23] And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. [24] For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: [25] That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. [26] And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. [27] Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. I Corinthians 12:14-27

What is your responsibility in the body? Are you doing the job God wants you to do? Don’t compare yourself to others. Pray and ask God want He wants you to do. I praise God for making me who I am.

There was a time (and it still creeps in from time to time) I always worried about not being like this one or that one. Then God spoke to me from Joshua 23:11, “take good heed unto yourself that you love the Lord your God.” When I have my eyes on God and busy doing what God wants me to do, I have no time to look around at others.

Whatever the Lord is speaking to you about, do it! Do the best job you can with what you have.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1Corinthians 10:31

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Living by example

[14] Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.
[15] But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God. [16] Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work. [17] Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us. [18] Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people. [19] Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people. Nehemiah 5:14-19

Nehemiah was a man of integrity. He did not ask of others something he himself would not do. In this portion of scripture we learn that Nehemiah was made governor.

He was a governor like none before him. He did not live at the expense of the people. Nehemiah did not take a pay or food from the people. So, what did Nehemiah do while he was the governor? He worked on the wall. He had a mission to do and he would complete it.

Nehemiah worked and took care of his servants as well as a hundred and fifty Jews and rulers. He made sure the people were fed. His daily provision for them: one ox, six sheep, different birds and every ten days they had special wines. All of this was paid for by Nehemiah, not the government, so the people would not be burdened.

At the close of the chapter is what I consider a one line prayer, “think upon me, my God, for good...” Nehemiah was not looking toward men for his reward but toward his Heavenly Father.

Lesson: Do everything you do for the Lord.

Do we live by example? Do our actions match our words?

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1Corinthians 10:31

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Colossians 3:23

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Goals 2012

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

As I sit and reflect on the past year I remember many things, some are positive and some are negative. As I wrote I thought, negative to whom? The Bible says, “All things work together for good to them that love God …” Romans 8:28

I usually set spiritual goals for myself each year, reviewing periodically to “stay on track”. One of the meanings for the word goal is “the end toward which effort is directed: aim “. My aim is to draw closer to the Lord to “know him and the power of his might” Ephesians 6:10

Today I reviewed the goals I set last January. I kept or surpassed most of the goals. There was one that I didn’t even do, which I will again put on my list. I was encouraged by what I did accomplish.

Do you want to grow closer to the Lord this year? Set some goals. Do not start with big goals but with little goals.

Suggestions:

1. Keep a prayer/praise journal. What can you write? Write prayers to the Lord. Write down answers to prayers. Write down praises, thanksgivings and gratitude to God.

… I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. Psalm 9:1

2. Memorize verses that will help with a problem in your life i.e. gossip, anger, selfishness etc.

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11

3. Read the Bible daily.

I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Psalm 119:16

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Proverbs 30:5

4. Pick up a daily devotional or sign up for an email devotional.

5. Be an encourager in your corner of the world. Send cards, emails or make phone calls to those hurting or those who need to be encouraged by a kind word or deed.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

6. Read nonfiction Christian books i.e. spiritual growth, biographies.

Everyone is in a different spiritual place in life. Don’t look at what others are doing, ask the Lord to show you what He wants you to do.

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. II Corinthians 10:12

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2Peter 3:18

As you set goals for 2012, do not look back on what you did not do, look forward to what you will do, with the Lord’s help.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Attitudes

Attitudes, we all have them whether good or bad. Have you ever noticed the type of attitude you have will affect your whole day? I have really been thinking about attitudes lately.

My husband was out of work since the end of December. He injured his back, went through physical therapy, an operation and more physical therapy. He used crutches, canes, wheelchair, and walker, and some days could not stand on his own power. Through all of this his attitude was excellent. He did not blame God or someone else for what he was going though, he took it all in stride as another day in his life. He was positive through this entire time, he kept working toward his goal of getting better. Slowly, some days slower than others, he has gotten his strength back, he is not at 100% but he continues to work toward the goal. He may never be at 100%, this may be his “new normal” but his attitude and hard work has gotten him where he is now– how we think affects how we act.

I worked with a person who complained about everything, and I do mean everything. No matter what the situation something negative was said, the weather was too hot in the summer but way to cold in the winter, the phone rang too much or not enough, people asked too many questions or did not ask enough. The negativity was constant and I had enough; I was starting to capture the “negative” bug myself. Finally when I heard for the umpteenth time that another job was better than the one she had I said why don’t you apply? The excuses started but it made her realize I did not want to hear all the pessimistic comments. Negative attitudes can affect everyone. Negatively will “rub” off on us if we let it.

Sometimes it is hard for Christians to stay focused on the Lord. Our mind works overtime and the negative attitudes start to cultivate in our thoughts. We look around and see others doing so much better than we are, whether physically, mentally, or spiritually. The “grass is greener” syndrome is everywhere even in the Christian realm.

What can we do to have better attitudes?

Realize where the negative comes from
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Ephesians 2:2

Think differently
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; Ephesians 4:23

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

Praise God for what you have
I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. Psalm 9:1

And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long. Psalm 35:28

Meditate on the blessings of God
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. Psalm 68:19

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Ephesians 1:3

Don’t compare yourself to others
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. II Corinthians 10:12

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Kindness

I hardly ever read “Dear Annie”, an advice column, but today this just happened to catch my eye. My husband and I have a ministry to a couple of assisted livings and an elderly apartment building. There are many lonely people who live there. There are also many who have very loving and caring families who spend lots of time with them.

If this little essay “touches” you in anyway, call, visit or send a card to a senior citizen. You will bring a RAY of beaming sunshine into their life.


It Was Grandfather's Birthday
by Rudy Joe Mano
It was Grandfather's birthday. He was 79. He got up early, shaved, showered, combed his hair and put on his Sunday best so he would look nice when they came.

He skipped his daily walk to the town cafe where he had coffee with his cronies. He wanted to be home when they came.

He put his porch chair on the sidewalk so he could get a better view of the street when they drove up to help celebrate his birthday.

At noon, he got tired but decided to forgo his nap so he could be there when they came.

Most of the rest of the afternoon he spent near the telephone so he could answer it when they called.

He has five married children, 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. One son and a daughter live within 10 miles of his place. They hadn't visited him for a long time.

But today was his birthday and they were sure to come.

At suppertime, he left the cake untouched so they could cut it and have dessert with him. After supper, he sat on the porch waiting.

At 8:30, he went to his room to prepare for bed. Before retiring, he left a note on the door that read:

"Be sure to wake me when you come."

It was Grandfather's Birthday. He was 79.


And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Colossians 3:12

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1Corinthians 10:31
Have a blessed day,
Donna