We may never live in a palace.
We may never be called a queen.
Does this kind of beauty hold happiness we know not?
They were just as much at unrest as the lowly.
Ahasuerus thought way too much of himself, his kingdom.
There is such a compelling story in this book of Esther.
To what end has God called us?
Consider why He has left you where you are.
God has so answered that for me this year.
This heathen prince showed great generosity.
For whose sake?
We may know the nicest people in the world.
And their motivation could be just as sinful as this prince.
Pretense: You think you are doing well in this life.
But your motivation is self-serving.
What do you foster through your life?
Divine Providence is calling, always.
Come.
Let your Beauty pour out.
You are called for A Purpose.
PRAYER FROM PSALMS
Psalm 50:2 ~ Perfect in Beauty is the God Who flows out of you. O Divine Providence, we so want to know the end you have called us to. Write our steps this day.
OVERVIEW: Esther 1-5
Photo Credit: Flickr/ Commons/ Library of Congress
I think we all long to find our life's purpose, to know that we were born "for such a time as this." It required such courage for Esther not to miss the opportunity to save her people. God had prepared and positioned her to be His vessel. She could have said, "Surely I will perish." But she said, "If I die, I die."
ReplyDeleteThis is the kind of courage that is required for living in these latter days. We must stand strong against the evils of this world. We must want Christ more than we want a simple life of comfort. And these times are just beginning to challenge our faith. The opportunities will come. Our only choice in the matter is to act with faith or run and hide. But let it be known:
Mat 16:25 "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
Who knows? The next opportunity we have to stand up for God may be the moment we were born to accomplish. And what if a whole generation depended on it?
Thinking of you so much, Annette, holding Lindsay's baby. I cannot fathom what it is like. What tenderness. What silence. What joy. Cannot stop thinking of you . . .
ReplyDeleteI believe I could never think it an ordinary day with the miracle of new life. I love every part of motherhood, grandmotherhood, womanhood. And I'm so very thankful. Thank you for sharing my joy here, Bev, Mary Lou, Pearls. I love you all.
DeleteAngie, how are you doing after your surgery? Been thinking about you. Such a hard thing to go through . . . and you hope the outcome is worth the journey. Praying for your speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteI find no words this morning to express what we are reading. I live in a world that is content with their small sins, shallow sins, simple sins, even good deeds. May I never be content with what I am doing to make life work, make life more comfortable---we simply do not recognize the manipulation of events. O God, open our eyes to see what You see. And please remember us, today.
ReplyDeleteBev, you always find such a kind way to pull to the surface the inconvenient truths how sin can infiltrate the ordinary and become okay. Thank you for your sweet spirit that is in tune to the nudges of God's gentle correction. I agree with you--these readings render my heart in ways I haven't seen before.
DeleteLet it not be just words that impress, but life changing power in our lives, Lord.
I believe that I have found the purpose of my life for at least this season of my life. My son now has full custody of his two boys, in the sense that he has them during the school week and the mother has them every week end but one. We take care of them the days he is at the Fire Station. It's not hard but can be very tiring at times. The boys are 8 and soon to be 12. The oldest has made a profession of faith and has been baptized. My son does his best to be a spiritual leader for/to them. But my husband and I recognize that we can and do have great influence on them.So, for this season of my(our) lives I am being called upon to sacrifice my routine and my schedule and put their needs first. For time goes my swiftly and the days are growing much shorter that we have to influence them for the kingdom of God and for all eternity and the lives of all of those that their lives touch. May God continue to open my eyes to see what He sees and remind me of it daily.
ReplyDeleteYou do have a noble purpose in this season, Mary Lou. Your and David's sacrifice and love for these boys will affect the rest of their lives and into eternity. A child can never have too many people who love him in his life. I pray I will be that influence for my grandchildren, Lord willing. I join you in prayer for eyes to see what He sees and the reminder to do it daily. Your heart is so dear, Mary Lou.
DeleteToday's reading could be anywhere in the world. Cultures' focus on govt and self instead of the Lord. We see a righteous man Mordecai who saves the king and then is forgotten. Next we see him in sackcloth telling his niece she cannot remain silent. She would die because it would be discovered to be a Jew or she would die for approaching the King. She knew what to do - Fast and Pray and raise intercessors.
ReplyDeleteWe must fast (not necessarily from food for those with medical conditions) and pray for we are called to be watchwomen on the wall for such a time as this.
Bev, thank you SO much for asking about me and my surgery. I'm hoping it was worth it! It's been a week today and I've been to Physical Therapy every day except today. They are pushing me big-time and although it hurts a lot, I believe it's one of those things... No pain = No gain. All is good... on the outside! ;)
ReplyDelete"A Time Such As This..." This is the longest I've been away from my blog since it all began back in 2007. I must admit to you all that I feel I'm really far away from God and it's starting to affect my life. My husband and I went to Italy for 2 weeks. After seeing all of those beautiful churches, experiencing all of the history... and climbing The Holy Stairs that Jesus climbed, I've been having a difficult time. I was brought up Catholic, with all that goes along with that religion, and having a relationship with Jesus wasn't a big part of it. Guilt played a bigger part. After I got divorced I gave my life to Him completely, and I learned to depend on Him above all. I've loved the relationship that has grown, but... I'm a bit confused about it all now. This probably doesn't make any sense to you. I have half-heartedly gone to church, but it's just been different. It wasn't until last night that I finally brought myself to listen to a church message. I realized I've missed Him. I usually love my Christian music, but now I rarely listen to it. I haven't forgotten where we've gone together, but I feel I have disappointed Him and I feel badly. It feels like I lost my best friend. Oh boy, I'm really getting vulnerable now! Anyway, I've been trying to figure it out on my own, but At A Time Such As This... I would really appreciate any prayers if you feel led to send them my way. Thank you!
You're in a safe place here, Angie. It's a sweet place to return to His Feet clothed in all our humanity of not measuring up to who we think we should be. Because this very thing is one of the things He died for...we confess and return. Grace awaits.
ReplyDelete"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1
Angie, I just read this. Last week was a blur for me with very little sleep. Yesterday I took a 7-hour nap in the afternoon my body was so messed up. All that to say--I would have responded to your humble caring message above sooner. Job is a fitting place for all of us to jump in. So many questions about what God allows. And we are all worthless physicians at times. We try to convince persuade cajole people to trust God. Like Annette said, it is safe here. We're all wandering longing pushing through. While the words escape me, we do walk alongside you and offer our hands and hearts. Think the world of you. It is my privilege to pray for you. Thanks for sharing about what really matters. My love, Bev
ReplyDelete