Friendly Fear

Job 6: ¹⁴ “Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend
    forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

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A few weeks ago I was in a hurry to get to an event. I parked downtown and exaggeratedly paid $2.5 Million for parking. While walking to the door a homeless person stuck her hand out asking for some cash. My excuse for not helping was “I’m in a hurry” so I stuck my hand up and said a small prayer and kept going. This bothered me all while I was at the event. I could not find her afterwards.

• Sometimes I have withheld my kindness for various reasons.
• Sometimes I have rationalized why I should not give to a particular person.
• Sometimes I have determined “this person is scamming me” when I really don’t have the full picture of their life.

I do understand that I cannot cure homelessness, but sometimes I have turned my eyes from them and I say to myself, “I have bills of my own I have to pay.” Then I poke my mouth out when no one turns to help me. How should I act

• GOD wants me to understand that sometimes I could be entertaining an angel and not be aware of it.
• GOD wants me to give sacrificially when HE delivers someone to me.
• GOD wants me to be honored to give when the SPIRIT leads me.

I actually should be seeking those in need but GOD delivers people to me when I don’t feel like being generous. HE wants me to fully understand HE owns everything and I should not get upset at how he distributes HIS wealth. My focus should be on the kingdom and that means helping out friends. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.

• Are you judging that person and have determined they are not “worth” your help?
• Have you elevated their sin above yours?
• Can you take the beam out of your eye that may be blinding you and help people?
• Will you seek GOD’s kingdom out who are in need today?

Use Protection

Job 5: ²⁴ You will know that your tent is secure;
    you will take stock of your property and find nothing missing.

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“Another sunny day” I thought to myself. I smiled and went to the garage and to my dismay I realized that I had left the garage door open all night. I looked around to see if anything was missing and again to my dismay noticed some of my tools had been stolen. This was the first week of moving into this new home. Why did this happen?

• There are times where I think I am responsible for the protection of my home.
• There are times where I fall short of protecting “my stuff.”
• There are times where thieves will get “my stuff” and I feel victimized.

I was definitely mad, but my anger subsided when I realized that the door leading to the house was wide open as well. No one in my household was hurt and all of the “stuff” was safe. I then realized that the toolbox that they took only contained a few older tools. My eyes were opened to checking the house each night. But wouldn’t you know I still have left the doors open several times afterward.

• GOD has protected me on so many occasions I cannot count them.
• GOD has watched over “my stuff” and allowed me to remain safe.
• GOD has prevented calamity on so many levels in my life that I can do nothing but praise HIM.

When I look back and see the times I could have been in an accident or the times where I could have been hurt I can do nothing but praise GOD. HE has protected me from being foolish and HE has watched over me when people tried to harm me. I praise GOD for where HE has me.

• Are you afraid?
• Are you trying to hold onto your stuff?
• Can you let go of your stuff and let GOD watch it?
• Will you take a moment and drop your worries and praise GOD for a change?

Acting Jealous

Job 4: ⁷ “Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished?
    Where were the upright ever destroyed?
⁸ As I have observed, those who plow evil
    and those who sow trouble reap it.
⁹ At the breath of God they perish;
    at the blast of his anger they are no more.

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Award time really showed how pitiful I was. If I didn’t receive the award I pouted, questioned and ranted about how good I was. One time “this snake of a guy” received an award and got promoted! I went in and expressed my disillusionment and suddenly I was being looked at funny, like “I” was the problem. I mean, he was the jerk, right? Wrong!

• Sometimes jealousy blinds me.
• Sometimes jealousy makes me look at people the wrong way.
• Sometimes jealousy sets a false expectation that makes me more entitled than I am.

Political environments are very difficult to work in. I mean it’s standard practice to get passed over even when many people around me said I was one of the best. Some of these statements went to my head and I was filled with rage. BUT GOD wants me to think different.

• GOD wants me to know HE will tear me down or raise me up in HIS time.
• GOD wants me to know the battle is not mine rather it is HE who has placed me where I am.
• GOD wants me to know HIS plan for me is perfect and the sneaky people are already accounted for.

“Judge, jury and executioner” thinking had to be disposed of when dealing with GOD. HE is well aware of those who steal ideas, cheat on expenses and short cut their work to get ahead. GOD wants me to do my work for HIM rather than doing it for humans, this way I cannot be jealous. I’m not saying stay in a place that oppresses people or harms them, but I am saying jealousy is not something GOD enjoys from me.

• Are you jealous of those who seem to have it easy?
• Do you say “Look at that person squandering their life with millions of dollars?”
• Can you stop talking about “that” person and start speaking about GOD?
• Will you take a moment to focus on what GOD wants you to do rather than being jealous about another person?

Asking Why

Job 3: Why is life given to a man
    whose way is hidden,
    whom God has hedged in?

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After bargaining with GOD and blaming HIM, my thoughts went to questioning HIM as Job did in this passage. “Why” was the beginning of my question each time I went through something. Then I would add an extra helping of “Why” when I would compare my life to someone else’s.

• When I have gone through trouble I have asked “Why?” and received no answer.
• When I have gone through problems I have asked “Why?” and did not receive a sound.
• When I have gone through issues I have asked “Why?” and hear nothing.

“Why” is a question of clarity but it can also carry a tone of entitlement as if I could change GOD’s mind by making HIM reason HIS way into thinking like me. Does GOD owe me an explanation?

• GOD does not owe me an explanation because HE has already shown HIS maximum love by dying for me.
• GOD does not owe me an explanation because HE has already forgiven me.
• GOD does not owe me an explanation because HE has a plan for me that is HIS perfect will.

Sometimes I forget that GOD is supreme. I think HE can and should change HIS mind to think like me. I squirm and wiggle and HE stays steady. I then realize the struggle against HIS will is futile. The better question is “What” instead of “Why”. “What would YOU like me to do today?” “What is YOUR will and can you help me align to it today?”

Asking GOD “What” helps me accept the fact that Satan wants to thwart GOD’s plan. It makes me get up off the ground and fight another day. “Why” points to the past, “What” points to the here and now.

• Are you going through something?
• Have you been facing this problem very long?
• Can you stop feeling sorry for yourself by stopping your “why” question?
• Will you gain your life back by asking GOD “What” for a change?
• Will you receive HIS glorious power by being led by HIM today?

On the Edge of Cursing GOD

Job 2: ⁷ So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. ⁸ Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes.

⁹ His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!”

¹⁰ He replied, “You are talking like a foolish^[b] woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”

In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

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“I’m not going to serve YOU anymore” I said to GOD in a curt fashion. It was the first job I had been passed over for and I really wanted it. I was only eighteen months out of college and one of my friends recommended that I try the executive track. When I did not get the position I threw a tantrum. I mean what good is this GOD stuff anyway if I don’t get my way?

• When I don’t get my way I am ready to give up on GOD.
• When I don’t get my way I am ready to tell GOD to go somewhere else.
• When I don’t get my way I am ready to blame GOD because “I” think HE has the power to give me “my” way but simply refuses to.

Looking back on many situations I see how patient GOD was with me. HE saw the immature baby within me and held on tight anyway. After being passed over for this position, I was passed over for many others at different companies. This made me stronger and wiser. It also taught me to look at GOD and not the positions.

• GOD wants me to continue to praise HIM in the middle of trouble.
• GOD wants me to expect trouble and when I get some, expect more trouble and continue to praise HIM.
• GOD wants me to seek HIM in all that I aspire to do so I can depend on HIM and mature.

Growing up is a difficult thing to do, BUT GOD wants me to mature in HIS ways. This may mean taking on a little more trouble so I can praise HIM through it. People around me may not understand. They may even question my faith, BUT GOD continues to guide me towards growth in HIM.

• Are you pouting at GOD?
• Do you have complaints on your lips?
• Will you focus your words on praise instead of problems?
• Can you seek maturity in GOD and expect problems in life rather than only expecting comfort?
• Can you understand that GOD loves you dearly and has warned you that life will have trouble?

A Very Bad Day

Job 1: ¹³ One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, ¹⁴ a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, ¹⁵ and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

¹⁶ While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

¹⁷ While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

¹⁸ While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, ¹⁹ when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

²⁰ At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship ²¹ and said:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
    and naked I will depart.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
    may the name of the Lord be praised.”

²² In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

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I have had some bad days, but not nearly as bad as the one Job had where in a moment his entire life was turned upside down. They say “Trouble comes in threes” meaning if you are having trouble, just wait, more trouble is around the corner so get ready.

I pondered, why did GOD allow Job to have his stuff taken and his people killed? Then I noticed something interesting.

• My sinful view of life makes me think “my stuff” is “my stuff.”
• My sinful view of life makes me think people around me should never be hurt or scathed.
• My sinful view of life makes me think GOD is to blame when things go wrong.

I also noticed Job did not ask “why” in this passage. Well, not yet. Job probably did not feel like praising GOD, yet he was obedient to the task. He knew that GOD is the only refuge rather than the center of blame.

Praise GOD for all HE has done!

• Are you blaming GOD?
• Are you mad that you are not getting your way?
• Can you see that GOD has a wonderful plan for you if you would just hold that complaint back?
• Will you seek to praise GOD during your trial?

Who Am I Working For?

Esther 10: ³ Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.

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Shrimp chips was the appetizer at this exclusive five star restaurant that I enjoyed. It was something I had to try said the concierge at the five star hotel I stayed at. After this fancy upscale vacation my only concern was getting ramped back up after my twelve week paid vacation. I mean will I be able to get back up to the pace? Meanwhile, I never once thought about struggling people.

• When I’m blind I cannot see hurting people.
• When I’m blind I cannot seek lost people.
• When I’m blind I cannot empathize with those who are in need.

The “pace” is the thing that kept me from seeing people. I never knew my neighbors, had shallow relations with people at church and those I served were only there for a short period of time so I could get back to my rat race. I became a voice for the rich and powerful, helping them fix their complaints of not being wealthy enough. Is this where I’m supposed to spend my precious time?

• GOD says to me “The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few” and I see why when there is money to be made.
• GOD says to me “It is harder for a rich man to get into heaven than a camel to go through the eye of a needle” and I see why when wealth caused me to have blindness.
• GOD says to me “Seek first the kingdom of GOD and all these things will be added to you” and I see why when HE is concerned with the well-being of all.

Wealth is not my problem, it is the love of being wealthy that fogs my spectacles. My conversations about fine wines, humidors and exclusive resorts were not words where I was speaking up for the needy. In fact those words barely came across my lips. GOD raised me up to be a spokesperson for HIS people who are hurting. HE wants me to take the blinders off and work hard for those who HE delivers to me.

• Are you a voice for those in need?
• Do you cater to the rich and powerful without mentioning people in need?
• Can you start speaking up for those in need for a change?
• Will you look at giving differently and see if GOD wants you to give more if you are wealthy?

Remember to Celebrate

Esther 9: ²⁸ These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never fail to be celebrated by the Jews—nor should the memory of these days die out among their descendants.

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After that catastrophic year, I was numb. I went to class then work then home to finish studying. This was my fifth year and I was ready to be out of college. Life had resumed after my trial and I went into another year, not really noticing things had changed for the better. I wonder if I should have celebrated.

• Life had some very difficult moments for me.
• Life does not always go as planned for me.
• Life had some twists and turns that seemed to throw me for a loop.

I did not celebrate after my trial because I was not paying attention. I was just floating through life and wanted to move onto the next thing. As far as I was concerned nothing special had happened. BUT GOD wants me to think different.

• GOD wants me to celebrate after I go through a trial so I can remember HIS deliverance.
• GOD wants me to take notice when I go through my trouble so I can shout about HIM.
• GOD wants me to remember how I was before and after the trouble so I can praise HIM.

Trials and tribulations are always going to be here. GOD knew this when HE cursed the Earth, heavens and  mankind. HE knew humans would get sick, hurt and die. HE knew sin would enter humanity and “I” would turn my back on HIM along with everyone else.

Yet HE chose to have compassion on me. JESUS thought being GOD was nothing to gain so HE became a human, took my punishment that HE decreed with the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT and proved HIS power by being raised from the dead. HE overcame all trials and wants me to remember HIM as often as possible.

• Did you just come out of a trial?
• Are you going to celebrate what GOD did for you?
• If you are still going through something can you celebrate the little accomplishments?
• Will you remember to set up a time to remember?

A Sense of Urgency

Esther 8: ⁵ “If it pleases the king,” she said, “and if he regards me with favor and thinks it the right thing to do, and if he is pleased with me, let an order be written overruling the dispatches that Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, devised and wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces. ⁶ For how can I bear to see disaster fall on my people? How can I bear to see the destruction of my family?”

⁷ King Xerxes replied to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, “Because Haman attacked the Jews, I have given his estate to Esther, and they have impaled him on the pole he set up. ⁸ Now write another decree in the king’s name in behalf of the Jews as seems best to you, and seal it with the king’s signet ring—for no document written in the king’s name and sealed with his ring can be revoked.”

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¹⁰ Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes, sealed the dispatches with the king’s signet ring, and sent them by mounted couriers, who rode fast horses especially bred for the king.

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“You’d better get busy calling people” one of my friends at work told me. This was going to be one of the worst reorganizations the company would face. It was Friday and I urgently called my network and one person said “We need you out in the West Coast Monday.” I had hours to decide whether or not to pick up and move my entire life, family and all to a new place.

• Sometimes life comes at me very fast.
• Sometimes things change for me in a moment.
• Sometimes a fire gets lit and I have to do something about it immediately.

“Why me” can’t even be uttered when life happens. The smoke clears and suddenly I am in a new chapter of this journey, confused and bewildered. How should I act when change is thrust upon me?

• GOD says to me “I will be with you always even unto the end of this age.”
• GOD says to me “No man can pluck you out of my hand.”
• GOD says to me “My grace is sufficient.”

When things happen quickly, my mind starts racing with plans and steps toward action. BUT GOD wants me to stop for a moment and communicate with HIM. HE desires that I act with a sense of urgency in helping people stay on HIS path and remain encouraged. In every emergence HE wants me to bring HIM along with me.

• Has life happened to you?
• Did some emergency change your life quickly?
• Can you stop for a moment to ask GOD to enter into your plans?
• Will you start acting with a sense of urgency to reach the people GOD wants you to speak with?

I Don’t Want Justice

Esther 7: ⁸ Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining.

The king exclaimed, “Will he even molest the queen while she is with me in the house?”

As soon as the word left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face. ⁹ Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said, “A pole reaching to a height of fifty cubits stands by Haman’s house. He had it set up for Mordecai, who spoke up to help the king.”

The king said, “Impale him on it!” ¹⁰ So they impaled Haman on the pole he had set up for Mordecai. Then the king’s fury subsided.

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Bragging was an art in the position I was in. It was concealed by the words “self-promotion” mixed in with a hint of “praising my team.” I wasn’t always a master at it though. One day I blurted out “I” worked hard and “I accomplished whatever. I did this because I was tired of my thieving boss stealing credit for ideas he had no clue about.  I was pulled aside and told “don’t ever do that again. “What” I said innocently. “Don’t be a braggart.” I was labeled a trouble maker for a while until I learned the right bragging mix.

• Spotlight seemed like the place I wanted to be.
• Headline seemed like the words I wanted to hear.
• Top spot seemed like the place I deserved.

Haman was a braggart who would do anything to gain power. He ordered to have GOD’s people murdered, simply because he didn’t like them or how they were handling things. He would then self-promote about his wealth and title. Little did he know his demise was around the corner. He received GOD’s justice. I felt the same way when I was looked at as the troublemaker. What was I to do?

• GOD says “Do not think more highly of yourself.”
• GOD says “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.”
• GOD says “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

True humility is what GOD is looking for, not the fake stuff I sprinkle here and there when I can tally how humble I have been when I rant to GOD in a tantrum. GOD is looking for the times when I have served and no one knows about what I have done but HIM and me. Service cannot wipe away sin rather it is a celebration of not receiving GOD’s justice.

• Are you bragging about something?
• Are you mad at someone because you are doing more of the work or you are “better” than them?
• Are you yelling at GOD and telling HIM how humble you have lived?
• Can you leave the humble judging to HIM?

Wish Prosperity on Your Enemies

Esther 6: ⁶ When Haman entered, the king asked him, “What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?”

Now Haman thought to himself, “Who is there that the king would rather honor than me?” ⁷ So he answered the king, “For the man the king delights to honor,⁸ have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. ⁹ Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king’s most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor, and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!’”

¹⁰ “Go at once,” the king commanded Haman. “Get the robe and the horse and do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king’s gate. Do not neglect anything you have recommended.”

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They brought me in a small room and asked me if the other guy would be a good fit for the top position of the company I interviewed for. This was strange to me. “Why ask me?” I thought to myself. If I answer “He’s horrible, pick me” it could show I’m not a team player, on the other hand if I say “He’s great” then I may be giving the position up. What should I do?

• Many times I have had to face my ego.
• Many times I have had to face the choice of slandering versus speaking highly of a person.
• Many times I have had to face getting passed over.

Wishing the demise of someone feels so good at the time, especially if that person has been very irritating to me. When I see them go down in flames I feel great because maybe I can get their spot. BUT GOD desires something different of me.

• GOD wants me to delight when HE places people above me so I can serve as JESUS served me.
• GOD wants me to enjoy when HE blesses people I don’t like, because it shows HE is truly unbiased in HIS view and has even forgiven me.
• GOD wants me to sing praises when HE does great things in other folk’s lives because it shows HIS power and majesty over everything.

Pouting when someone else “wins” is a sure sign of immaturity on my part. In fact, just the thought of someone “winning” is immature. If I am part of GOD’s kingdom then I should delight in what HE is doing all around me. HE loves when I change my pouting into praise. The more I can truly praise HIM for blessing others the more HE blesses me either in this life or the next.

• Are you pouting over someone’s prosperity?
• Are you on the side of slander or speaking well about “that” person?
• Can you realize that maybe your attitude towards other people may be why GOD holds blessings back from you?
• When will you mature and wish others the best like GOD wants the best for you?

Those People

Ester 5: ⁹ Haman went out that day happy and in high spirits. But when he saw Mordecai at the king’s gate and observed that he neither rose nor showed fear in his presence, he was filled with rage against Mordecai. ¹⁰ Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home.

Calling together his friends and Zeresh, his wife, ¹¹ Haman boasted to them about his vast wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored him and how he had elevated him above the other nobles and officials. ¹² “And that’s not all,” Haman added. “I’m the only person Queen Esther invited to accompany the king to the banquet she gave. And she has invited me along with the king tomorrow. ¹³ But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate.”

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Riding my bike made me feel free. One time I was asked to go on a bike hike so I begged my mother. After her reluctant twenty questions she caved in. I jumped on my bike and we rode further than I would have ever imagined. We crossed the railroad tracks and went into a very unfamiliar neighborhood. Suddenly many of the people in the park chased us, calling us names. We sped away.

I recalled this incident as my parents were driving through another unfamiliar neighborhood and as we sat at a light someone threw a slush ball with a concealed rock at my window. I then recalled these incidents as I walked down the hall at a major university, only to be called a name. This lit my rage. I bundled the incidents together. Found a friend and was going to teach “those people” a lesson!

• Sometimes my hatred is cloaked in justified rage.
• Sometimes my hatred is hidden by something I wanted to do anyway.
• Sometimes my hatred is mixed in with a misunderstanding of a group of people.

It is so easy to stoop to a low position of looking on the outside of a person and putting them into a category, but I have done this in the past. This has caused me to mistake good people for bad and lumping what a single person did into an entire category of people who really shouldn’t be categorized.

• GOD said to me “All have sinned and fall short of MY glory.”
• GOD said to me “I have no respect of persons, I want salvation for all of my human creations.”
• GOD said to me “It does not matter where they came from, it matters where I am sending you.”

If I go down the road of hatred or counter-hatred then I am on a very destructive path. GOD knows my heart has evil in it and has forgiven me through HIS SON. HE desires that I tell people of HIS everlasting love for me regardless of my sins. HE needs to be my focus of resolution.

• Are you mad at “them?”
• Are you lumping large groups of people together without looking at your own sins?
• Can you start searching for those who need to hear GOD’s message from you rather than teaching “them” a lesson?
• Will you seek first the kingdom of GOD today?

If I’m Not Part of the Solution I’m Part of the Problem

Esther 4: ¹¹ “All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.”

¹² When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, ¹³ he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. ¹⁴ For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

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“Why would anyone travel out of this country?” I said to many people as we discussed missions trips. I mean we have poor people and people in need right here. I carried this belief for years. Then one day a pastor challenged my belief. “Come with me to Zimbabwe” he said. I pictured muddy water and the bloated, starving baby with the fly in his eye. BUT “something” made me go anyway. It changed my view of the world.

• Sometimes I think GOD is here to only protect me and my family.
• Sometimes I think GOD is limited to only my small area.
• Sometimes I think my calling is tiny.

When I arrived I was shocked by the skyscrapers, pristine golf courses and malls. But when we went into the rural areas I say the extreme opposite. Six or seven slept in a one room shack as large as a bathroom. The people we saw were not physically starving, but mentally and even more, spiritually. How can I fix this?

• GOD said to me “Go to the uttermost parts of the world.”
• GOD said to me “Seek first the kingdom of GOD and all these things will be added to you.”
• GOD said to me “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.”

There is a world of hurt out there. I can focus on trying to find out why some people remain greedy and point at them or I can go out and help those in need. I also cannot think poverty cannot happen to me. I cannot fix poverty, nor can I change the mind of the arrogant and greedy people. GOD is the one who provides. HE sends me to serve just like HIS SON was sent to me.

• Are you avoiding understanding the problem?
• Do you think you can isolate yourself by going to church and hanging around Bible studies?
• When is the last time you actively sought out helping someone in need strictly because GOD said for you to do this?
• Can you seek GOD’s kingdom today and allow HIM to deliver you to people with HIS message of grace and salvation?

Standing Firm

Esther 3: After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles. ² All the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor.

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Each morning I would perform my ritual of listening to a well thought out GODLY message at work. One person took it upon himself to start a network where he would give the message and people would forward the voicemail to people throughout the company.

When that person left the company people looked around for another person who would take on this daily daunting task. When they asked me I thought to myself “I can’t show I follow JESUS, I may offend my employees who do not believe.” I declined.

• There have been times where I have been ashamed of GOD.
• There have been times where I have hidden my beliefs in order to gain whatever.
• There have been times where I have backed away from GOD because I was in a business setting.

I went to church so wasn’t that enough? I mean the company policy says we need to have extreme diverse views so I had to be quiet, right? Wrong!

• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid of humans who can harm the body but fear GOD who can harm the soul.”
• GOD says to me “If you are ashamed of ME then I will be ashamed of you.”
• GOD says to me “I raised you up to certain levels for MY purpose.”

God did not put me in a job just to become rich and hide who HE is. HE cannot be secondary to my life, but many times I treated HIM like HE was a closet genie. I would pull HIM out in secret and put HIM away when HE fixed the problem, meanwhile I could sin and be part of the crowd. It seemed like a pretty good life.

GOD wants me to follow HIM, proclaim HIS word, profess HIS SON and when someone threatens my livelihood, move on knowing HE will protect me. GOD is the answer, not mankind.

• Are you bowing down to the god of money?
• Do you fear being as bold as GOD is calling you to be?
• Do you think you will hurt someone’s feelings if you spoke up about your relationship with GOD?
• Can you start by confessing your relationship with GOD, having no expectations of people converting to your beliefs right away?

Opportunity Comes at Strange Times

Esther 2: ¹⁹ When the virgins were assembled a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate. ²⁰ But Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to follow Mordecai’s instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up.

²¹ During the time Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s officers who guarded the doorway, became angry and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. ²² But Mordecai found out about the plot and told Queen Esther, who in turn reported it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai.

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My roommate and I were walking back from class when the dorm director pulled up and asked us, “Would you like to visit a nearby college?” We jumped in the car and reveled our first trip to another world.

Another time I was sitting and waiting for my interview, and was called in early. The other candidate decided to go with another company. I got the job.

Yet another time a large company was reorganizing and I was in a conference room confused about the future. It just so happened that I was in the conference room of one of the people who was initiating the change and I was invited to help.

• Sometimes I thought I was simply at the right place at the right time.
• Sometimes I thought I was simple lucky.
• Sometimes I thought I had what it took so therefore I made things happen.

I have learned over the years that there is no such thing as luck and positioning myself to be at the right place could never happen the way it has happened in my life. In fact, the times I tried to position myself for something I wanted got met with huge disappointment. What am I to do?

• GOD wants me to rely on HIM to deliver the right path HE wants me on.
• GOD wants me to understand HE is the one who provides favor.
• GOD wants me to believe HE can provide, protect and prevail over any circumstance.

There are no coincidences. GOD has me right where HE wants me at all times. HE is blessing me thoroughly even when I don’t recognize it.

• Are you trying to position yourself to be at the right place at the right time for something you want?
• Do you place luck over faith?
• Can you start having faith in GOD today?
• Can you open your spiritual eyes and notice where GOD has you so you can be useful to HIM today?

Titles May Mean Trouble

Esther 1: ¹⁰ On the seventh day, when King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar and Karkas— ¹¹ to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at. ¹² But when the attendants delivered the king’s command, Queen Vashti refused to come. Then the king became furious and burned with anger.

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After years of scratching and clawing my way up, I had finally reached the top! I could finally make some decisions and get things done. I called a meeting of my entire staff so I could meet everyone and give them my high level plan.

One of my employees refused to come to the meeting. I brushed this absence off until she refused to come to my next gathering. I then wanted to get rid of her. I approached her and asked, about the absences. Turns out she was the only one who was supporting a large number of systems and my meetings conflicted with her support.

• Sometimes titles give me an ego.
• Sometimes titles blind me to what’s going on.
• Sometimes titles make me believe I am important.

It seems like titles have made me think people should react to me in a special way. Titles like VP, Senior Director, Manager, Husband or even Dad commanded some level of respect and I craved it. BUT GOD wants me to see something different.

• GOD is the most high so I should look to HIM for my power
• GOD is the being I get my power from and titles are meaningless.
• GOD became a human, giving up HIS title of GOD just to die for me and is now raised up above all with the highest title.

Titles seem to ruin my humility. I do not mean I should not have a title or become a pushover when I have one, rather I should accept whatever title I have as a gift from GOD and treat it with the humility HE has bestowed on me.

• Do you demand respect and are not getting it?
• Are you frustrated with the people who are supposed to be following you?
• Can you point your life to GOD instead of yourself?
• Can you humble yourself before the only being who deserves a title, namely JESUS?