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Sentenced to Silenced by Three Words—Luke 1:18

September 24, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Faith, Fear, John, Luke, Mark, Matthew, Trust, Word of God with 0 Comments


Today’s Scripture Reading:  Mark 1:1a, Luke 1:1-4; John 1:1-18; Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23b-38; Luke 1:5-38

In Luke 1, two absolute, no-doubt miracles were announced by the angel Gabriel.

  • Zechariah and Elizabeth were going to have a son— But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John.  You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth.  And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God.  He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.” Luke 1:13-17
  • Mary, a virgin was also going to have a son—Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean.  “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God!  You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.  He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David.  And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” Luke 1:29-33

Two announcements, two sons, two miracles…

Two responses, similar, but oh, so different:

  • Zechariah—Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” –Luke 1:18 (emphasis mine)
  • Mary—Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” –Luke 1:34

Both asked how…

Both knew it was naturally impossible…

But Zechariah’s three additional words ———->        I be sure…

…caused him to be silenced for nine months.

You would think that the presence of an angel and the announcement of God’s Word would encourage Zechariah’s faith, but they did not. Instead of looking to God by faith, the priest looked at himself and his wife and decided that the birth of a son was impossible. (The Bible Exposition Commentary)

Mary believed what was much harder without a sign.

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant.

May everything you have said about me come true.” –Luke 1:38

But before we criticize Zachariah too much, we should examine ourselves and see how strong our own faith is.

When we need a miracle do we look to—

  • Ourselves, like Zechariah, where the impossible is not possible?
  • To God, like Mary, where nothing is impossible?  (Luke 1:37)

Heavenly Father, help our unbelief (Mark 9:24).  Help us to expect the miraculous.  We are your servants.  May everything you have said about us come true (Luke 1:38)

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen.

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller
Today’s Scripture Reading: Luke 1:39-80; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-40

Hate Change? Remember This One Thing—Malachi 3:6

September 23, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Divorce, Fear, Malachi with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Malachi 2:10-4:6; Joel 1:1-3:21

Do you like change?

Most people don’t.

Sometimes things change for the good and some times change makes things worse.

Either way, change is a gamble.

How do we live in a world where change is the only constant thing in life?

We stay close to the One who does not change—

I am the Lord, and I do not change.  –Malachi 3:6

It is so fitting that God told us He doesn’t change on the last day of our chronological reading of the Old Testament.

As I think back over our 266 days of reading, the unchanging goodness of God is the overarching message of the Old Testament with the unchanging sinfulness of mankind as a close second.

It’s really ironic that we’re constantly changing but our sinful nature can’t be changed…

Until

We meet our Savior—Jesus Christ…

Which we are about to do in tomorrow’s reading.

What have you learned in these 8 months and 23 days?

Here are my take a ways from our Old Testament journey:

  • Jehovah God is the one, true, living God of the universe
  • Man inherently sinful—we can’t be “good” on our own
  • We  need a savior
  • Our God will use extreme measures to rescue us

AND

God does not change

Heavenly Father, I’m so thankful that You are my unchanging God.  My desire is to stay close to You as You lead me through the maze of change in this sinful world.  Jesus, I can’t wait to spend the rest of the year learning about Your gift of salvation.  Holy Spirit, draw us to Your Word.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen.

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller

 


Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Mark 1:1a; Luke 1:1-4; John 1:1-18; Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23b-38; Luke 1:5-38

Why Do You Want to Be a Leader?—Nehemiah 5:15

September 22, 2012 in 2012 Journey, leadership, Nehemiah with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Nehemiah 12:27 – 13:6; Nehemiah 5:14-19; Nehemiah 13:7-21; Malachi 1:1 – 2:9

D.L. Moody said, “A holy life will produce the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns; they only shine.” In our day of public scandals in almost every area of life, especially the political, how refreshing it is to meet a man like Nehemiah who put serving the people ahead of getting gain for himself.  (Wiersbe, Be Determined)

Nehemiah led the way most great leadership books suggest, but few leaders actually lead—by example.

  • His motive was pure–to honor and please God
  • He had compassion for those under his leadership
  • He was willing to sacrifice personal gain for the spiritual good of others
    • Did not use official expense account for household expenses
    • Was careful not to exploit people in any way
  • He participated in the building of the wall, didn’t just tell others what to do
  • He shared what he had with others

John Maxwell says a leader leads by example whether he intends to or not.

Are you leading by example…

  • In the home
  • In the church
  • In the workplace

Do you desire to be promoted to a place of “official” leadership in the workplace or your church?

Why do you want to be a leader?

  • To be in the spotlight
  • To be in charge
  • To tell people what to do
  • To make more money
  • To be in the “inner circle”

The reasons we want to be a leader will determine the way we lead.  Before accepting any position of leadership we should spend some time determining the “real” reason we want to lead.

Nehemiah wasn’t looking to be a leader; he just saw a need (the wall of Jerusalem needed rebuilding) and was moved with compassion to meet the need. (Nehemiah 1-2)

As you read this there are two responses you can have:

  • _________________ needs to hear this.  He/she is leading for the wrong reason.
  • I need to hear this.

Leaders must first grow in an area before we can help others grow.  That’s what makes leading by example so tough; there are many hard places we have to walk, so we can lead others through them.

Today’s our last day in the book of Nehemiah, let’s takes some time to reflect on our method of leading.  How does our leadership style compare with Nehemiah’s example?  What can we do today to become a leader that points others to Christ?

Heavenly Father, help us to make a conscious choice to live a life that leads others straight to You.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller

 

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Malachi 2:10 through Malachi 4:6; Joel 1:1 through Joel 3:21

3 Reasons Why We Don’t Volunteer in Our Local Church–Nehemiah 11:1-2

September 21, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Christian Living, Commitment, Discipleship, leadership, Spiritual Disciplines with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Nehemiah 11:1 through Nehemiah 12:26

As I read today’s passage, my western mindset was surprised that most Jews of that day did not want to live in the Holy City.

Here are 3 Reasons the Holy City Wasn’t Their Neighborhood of Choice:

  1. Because a greater strictness of conversation was expected from the inhabitants of Jerusalem than from others, which they were not willing to come up to.
  2. Because Jerusalem, of all places, was most hated by the heathen their neighbors, and against it their malicious designs were leveled, which made that the post of danger (as the post of honor usually is) and therefore they were not willing to expose themselves there.
  3. Because it was more for their worldly advantage to dwell in the country. Jerusalem was no trading city, and therefore there was no money to be got there by merchandise, as there was in the country by corn and cattle. Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible

In Nehemiah 7:4-5, God gave Nehemiah an idea to get the population up and the houses rebuilt.  In today’s reading we see that idea:

The leaders of the people were living in Jerusalem, the holy city. A tenth of the people from the other towns of Judah and Benjamin were chosen by sacred lots to live there, too, while the rest stayed where they were.  And the people commended everyone who volunteered to resettle in Jerusalem. –Nehemiah 11:1-2

Some of these citizens volunteered willingly while others had to be “drafted” (Neh. 11:1–2). The people had promised to tithe their produce (10:37–38), so Nehemiah decided to tithe the people; and 10 percent were chosen by lot to move from the villages into Jerusalem.

In today’s world most churches are in critical need of volunteers to work in all areas of ministry.  You would think that people who have been redeemed, rescued, and know the Lord would be thrilled to serve in any capacity.   But most don’t…

Why?

  1. Because leaders are held to a higher standard and most are not willing to come up to that standard.
  2. Because being a leader puts a target on our backs for criticism and judgment by family, co-workers, and friends.
  3. Because being a leader takes time, energy, and money and most would rather use those valuable resources for their own personal wealth and pleasure.

Very interesting…

The reasons why today’s church is low on volunteers are very similar to the reasons Nehemiah was having trouble getting the Jews to move back to Jerusalem.

Never underestimate the importance of simply being physically present in the place where God wants you. You may not be asked to perform some dramatic ministry, but simply being there is a ministry. The men, women, and children who helped to populate the city of Jerusalem were serving God, their nation, and future generations by their step of faith.

Heavenly Father, help us to commit to serving others through our local church.  Holy Spirit, show us how our talents, gifts, and time could make an eternal difference in the lives of people who don’t know you.  Jesus, stir us up, make us aware of the needs of a lost world.  Use us for Your Glory.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen.

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller


Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Nehemiah 12:27 – 13:6; Nehemiah 5:14-19; Nehemiah 13:7-21; Malachi 1:1 – 2:9

Are Your Church Services Too Long?—Nehemiah 9:1-4

September 20, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Commitment, God Speaks today, Nehemiah, Obedience with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Nehemiah 8:13 through 10:39

Did you go to church last Sunday? Did the service last an hour, an hour and a half?  How long did you stand up during worship?  How much scripture did your pastor read?  How much time did you spend in prayer and worship?

Probably not as long or as much as the Israelites did on October 31st 445 B.C.

On October 31 the people assembled again, and this time they fasted and dressed in burlap and sprinkled dust on their heads.  Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all foreigners as they confessed their own sins and the sins of their ancestors.  They remained standing in place for three hours while the Book of the Law of the Lord their God was read aloud to them. Then for three more hours they confessed their sins and worshiped the Lord their God. The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Kenani—stood on the stairway of the Levites and cried out to the Lord their God with loud voices. –Nehemiah 9:1-4 (emphasis mine)

I know, it’s easy to say, that was then and we just don’t do things like that any more.

A year ago I attended a Sunday Service at Park West Church of God in Knoxville, Tennessee.  I always enjoy attending this church when I am visiting my daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons.   They had a guest speaker, Dr. Hong Yang and his wife Dr. Esther Yang.

Dr. Yang’s grandparents and parents were committed communists and local leaders in the Chinese Revolution of 1949.  As a young teen, Dr. Yang was an enthusiastic youth leader in the communist party, until he began to question some of the doctrines and went to the library for answers, checked out a Bible and found Christ.  Ever since that day, his mission has been to put the life-changing Word of God in the hands of as many people in the Asian Pacific area as possible.

Dr. Yang and his wife have literally devoted their lives to bringing the gospel message to their homeland of China.  Dr. Yang has been imprisoned, tortured, and banned from entering the country.  He also told us of many others, some in his family who have been severely tortured; many have been sentenced to years in prison.

In today’s American churches pastors are trying to figure out how to get people to attend once a week for an hour.  For the 21st century Christian, thoughts of the unsaved in foreign countries rarely crosses our minds and certainly don’t keep us awake at night.  Most of us just want to check the “church” box on Sunday mornings and go and “enjoy” our day and our life…

Friends we have to fight against the selfishness and self-centeredness of our culture.  We must be different.

Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourself  from them, says the Lord. –2 Corinthians 6:17a

Heavenly Father, forgive us for our self-centeredness.  Teach us and show us how to live a life that has Your Kingdom as our top priority.  Jesus, You know our weaknesses (Matthew 26:36-41), strengthen us in our spirit so we live a life that causes others to know You more.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller

 

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Nehemiah 11:1 through 12:26

Lord, I Need an Idea–Nehemiah 7:4-5

September 19, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Encouragement, Holy Spirit, leadership, Nehemiah, Word of God with 0 Comments


Today’s Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 7:4-8:12

I am continually amazed at the simplicity of the Bible.  Yes, there were times when God parted the waters, raised the dead, and killed the giants, but there were also times when He just gave someone an idea!

At that time the city was large and spacious, but the population was small, and none of the houses had been rebuilt. So my God gave me the idea to call together all the nobles and leaders of the city, along with the ordinary citizens, for registration. I had found the genealogical record of those who had first returned to Judah. –Nehemiah 7:4-5

Nehemiah’s job was done. The wall was complete; everyone inside was safe, right?

Not exactly.

Nehemiah knew very well that the safety of a city, under God, depends more upon the number and valour of the inhabitants than upon the height or strength of its walls.

Nehemiah knew what was needed:

The Jews to return to the city, but what he didn’t know was how to get them to come home.

Until God gave him the idea…

When was the last time you had a great idea?

I wonder how many times God has given you or I an idea that completely changed the course of our lives or the lives of many others and we just thought,“we” had a great idea.

What if it was Him…

What if it was God speaking?

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Heavenly Father, forgive me for taking credit for “Your ideas.”  Help me to be like Nehemiah and recognize Your ideas and tell the world that You are the “idea giver!”

Holy Spirit, I’m working on several projects this week.  I know that if You gave Nehemiah an idea, You have ideas for me as well. Lord, thank You in advance for speaking to me.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller


Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 8:13-10:39

Can You Stay Focused for 52 Days? Nehemiah 15-16

September 18, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Choices, Commitment, Failure, Health, leadership, Nehemiah, Obedience, Prayer, Success, Workplace with 1 Comment


Today’s Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 3:1-7:3

Last summer my husband and I watched several documentaries on the part food plays in our overall health.  We decided to make some changes.  We truly thought we would never go back to our old ways.

We began working feverishly to stick to our plan: 

  • Walking every other day
  • Juicing once or twice a day
  • Organic foods
  • Very little sugar
  • No fast food
  • In the bed by 8 and asleep by 9

We had our plan and were doing great.  We had lost weight, had more energy, and were pretty, stickin proud of ourselves!

UNTIL…

We had company come in for the weekend.

It’s been over two weeks since they left and we’re haven’t gotten refocused.

If only we could be like Nehemiah.

We worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset. And half the men were always on guard.  I also told everyone living outside the walls to stay in Jerusalem. That way they and their servants could help with guard duty at night and work during the day.  During this time, none of us—not I, nor my relatives, nor my servants, nor the guards who were with me—ever took off our clothes. We carried our weapons with us at all times, even when we went for water. –Nehemiah 4:21-23

Nehemiah had a lot more opposition than weekend house guests.  Under Nehemiah’s leadership the Jews were trying to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.  They weren’t adding the wall for architectural beauty; with every stone laid they were fighting for their lives and the lives of their families.

Nehemiah had to deal with…

  • Being mocked (Nehemiah 4:4)
  • Hearing rumors of being attacked (Nehemiah 4:8)
  • The complaints of his own people (Nehemiah 4:10)

What did Nehemiah Do?

  • Prayed (Nehemiah 4:4)
  • Kept working (Nehemiah 4:6)
  • Prayed (Nehemiah 4:9)
  • Guarded the city day and night to protect themselves (Nehemiah 4:9)
  • Placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas (Nehemiah 4:13)
  • Stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows (Nehemiah 4:13)
  • Called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your homes! (Nehemiah 4:14)
  • Had half the men work while the other half stood guard (Nehemiah 4:15)
  • Made sure every builder had a weapon (Nehemiah 4:18)
  • Listened to their complaints and took the time to consider them (Nehemiah 5:6)
  • Avoided people who were trying to distract him (Nehemiah 6:3)
  • Ignored accusations and continued the work with greater determination (Nehemiah 6:9)
  • Discerned false prophets (Nehemiah 6:12)

…And Kept Working!

So on October 2 the wall was finished—just fifty-two days after we had begun. When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized this work had been done with the help of our God. –Nehemiah 6:15-16

This story reminds me of a John Wesley quote: “Work like it depends on you and pray like it depends on God.”

We can do amazing things in short periods of time, if we focus on our work and bring every obstacle to the Lord and ask for His help.

Heavenly Father, forgive me for thinking, “I” can do all things.  Help me to learn from Nehemiah’s example.  Thank you for reminding me that I have a part but nothing happens unless You give the increase.  Thank You for all the times You’ve “helped” me.  Help me to focus like Nehemiah on the projects You have called me to do.

 

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller


Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 7:4-8:12

Can Your Boss Say This About You?—Nehemiah 2:1

September 17, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Blessings, leadership, Nehemiah, Prayer, Success, Workplace with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Ezra 9:1 through Ezra 10:44, Nehemiah 1:1-2:20

What’s one word your boss would use to describe you?

Nehemiah’s boss probably described him as happy.

Early the following spring, in the month of Nisan, during the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I (Nehemiah) was serving the king his wind.  I had never before appeared sad in his presence. –Nehemiah 2:1 (explanation mine)

How important is a positive, happy attitude in the workplace?

Positive-attitude-tips.com says a resounding “it’s very important” and offered ten benefits of a positive attitude in the workplace:

  1. Career Success
  2. Stress Reduction
  3. Less sick days and better productivity
  4. Improved customer relations and/or sales
  5. Become a better leader
  6. Improve the attitude of other employees or those who report to you
  7. Improve teamwork
  8. Improve motivation for yourself and others
  9. Improve decision-making and overcome challenges
  10. Improve interpersonal relations

Nehemiah hadn’t been to business school and hadn’t read a book on success in the workplace, EXCEPT God’s Word (which is where all good leadership principles come from), but he knew enough to make sure he displayed a happy, positive attitude before the king. In his youth Nehemiah was appointed to the important office of royal cup-bearer at the palace of Shushan; a privileged position.

In Nehemiah 2:1-10, the king noticed Nehemiah was unusually distraught and asked him why he was looking so sad.  When Nehemiah told him that Jerusalem, the city of his ancestors was in ruins the king said, “Well, how can I help you?” (v.  2-4)

And with a prayer to the God of heaven Nehemiah boldly asked the king

  • For a leave-of-absence from his job to build the wall
  • To provide endorsement letters instructing the governors of the province west of the Euphrates River to allow Nehemiah to travel safely  through their territories
  • For the needed timber to build beams for the gates of the Temple fortress, for the city walls, and for a house for himself

And the king granted these requests, because the gracious hand of God was on Nehemiah.

God’s favor in the workplace is an amazing thing, but we have to do our part.  If your boss has a choice between a negative, complaining employee or a positive, happy person, he will choose the positive person every time.  This is especially true when bosses are choosing their inner circle of leadership.  They want to feel better about themselves and their company and having people on their team who have a good attitude and enjoy life helps to build a great team.

 

There’s one more reason for having an attitude like Nehemiah; it’s what Jesus would do.

 

Heavenly Father, help us to live a life in our homes, workplaces, and churches that will cause others to know You more.  Help us to strive to be the best employers and employees so that the name “Christian” will be synonymous with character and integrity in the world today.

In Jesus’Name.  Amen and Amen.

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller


Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 3:1 through 7:3

The Number One Predictor of Success—Ezra 7:8-10

September 16, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Commitment, Ezra, Failure, Goals, leadership, Spiritual Disciplines, Success with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Ezra 4:7-23; Ezra 7:1 through 8:36

Are you getting ready to begin a new project, business, or field of study?

Would you like to know if you will be successful in that endeavor?

We all know people who have started something and quit or “seemingly” failed.

Is there one predictor of success?

Paul Graham, an essayist, programmer, and investor believes there is…

The most important predictor of new business start-up success is determination. At first we thought it might be intelligence. Everyone likes to believe that’s what makes startups succeed. It makes a better story that a company won because its founders were so smart. The PR people and reporters who spread such stories probably believe them themselves. But while it certainly helps to be smart, it’s not the deciding factor. There are plenty of people as smart as Bill Gates who achieve nothing.

In most domains, talent is overrated compared to determination—partly because it makes a better story, partly because it gives onlookers an excuse for being lazy, and partly because after a while determination starts to look like talent.

Ezra agrees with Paul Graham:

Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in August of that year.  He had arranged to leave Babylon on April 8, the first day of the new year, and he arrived at Jerusalem on August for the gracious hand of his God was on him.  This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel. –Ezra 7:8-10

How many times do we look at someone and think, “Wow, everything seems to come so easy for them!”

It’s never “easy” to be successful; easy means with little or no effort.  It certainly wasn’t easy for Ezra.

Most people in his day couldn’t read or write. The majority of the Israelites were disobeying the Law rather than obeying.

But Ezra was determined to be what God had called him to be.

If you’ve been on our journey one day or all year, you can personally attest to the difficulty of developing a habit of reading, studying, and applying God’s Word.  Compared to Ezra we have it so easy, Bibles are everywhere and study helps are in abundance, but it takes just as much determination in our day-to-day study to obey God’s Word as it did in Ezra’s day.

Friends, let’s make a choice to be an Ezra and determine to know God through His Word!

Heavenly Father, help us to determine to be a student of Your Word.  Holy Spirit, teach us how to apply it to our daily lives. Help us to live a life that preaches Your Word to others.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Ezra 9:1 through Ezra 10:44; Nehemiah 1:1 through 2:20

Are You Expecting a “Divine Set-up?” Esther 6:1-2

September 15, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Believing God in the Hard Times, Esther, Faith, Fear, Trust with 3 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Esther 5:1 through 10:3

That night the king had trouble sleeping, so he ordered an attendant to bring the book of the history of his reign so it could be read to him.  In those records he discovered an account of how Mordecai had exposed the plot of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the eunuchs who guarded the door to the king’s private quarters. They had plotted to assassinate King Xerxes.

In Eastern courts, there were scribes or officers whose duty was to keep a journal of every occurrence worthy of notice.  It was a custom with Eastern kings, to frequently have these journals read to them.   It wasn’t only a pastime to while away a sleepless night, but it was a source of instruction to the monarch; by reviewing the important incidents of his own life, as well as those of his ancestors. So it wasn’t at all uncommon for a king to call for the court journal.   (A Commentary, Critical and Explanatory, on the Old and New Testaments)

But, for King Xerxes to…

  • be unable to sleep on that particular day and time
  • order the book to be read to him
  • have his attention specially directed to the important and yet unrewarded services of Mordecai

…causes us immediately suspect a divine setup.

Now add to that the fact that for “some reason” Esther waited until the second banquet to make her request known.

 

If…

She had immediately exposed Haman

or

King Xerxes had slept like a baby

or

The king had read a novel, People magazine, or the newspaper instead of the court journal…

 

The whole Jewish race could have been killed on March 7th, during the 13th year of reign of King Xerxes.

Friends, things like this don’t just happen, they aren’t “coincidences.”  EVERY DAY a divine plan is unfolding.

The question becomes, will we work with the Lord or work against Him?

Esther called for a 3-day fast to put her humanness in its place so she could hear God’s voice instead of her own.  It would have been easy for her to have allowed fear to overcome her and to have fought against the plan of God rather than worked within it.

I encourage you to put on your HS-D glasses (Holy Spirit Dimension) and begin to see the amazing things God is doing to get His will accomplished in your life.

Heavenly Father, You are the one and only true God.  Your attention to detail is amazing!  What you did for Esther and Mordecai You will do for us.  We trust you to divinely “set-up” our day!  We’re expecting it!

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Ezra 4:7-23; Ezra 7:1 through Ezra 8:36

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