A Beauty Exploited and Forgotten

Do any of us remember who the first woman introduced in the book of Esther was? I am sure that this morning as I sat down to read Esther, my first thought was not Queen Vashti. I had completely forgotten about her, yet she teaches us a vital lesson. She had integrity before the king, and though he did not accept this and banished her from the kingdom as an example, she guarded her beauty. She made a vulnerable decision, one that cost her everything she knew, but one that upheld her dignity.

In the first chapter of Esther, Queen Vashti is ordered to come before all the drunken men of the land who had gathered in an elaborate celebration and had gorged themselves and were full and drunk. She was ordered to come before them only wearing the royal crown, her beauty for all the world to see. She refused! This angered the king, and the other men there feared that this would lead to the women of the land all dishonouring their husbands. They told the king that he should order her to never be seen before him again, and it was done.

First let me point out that I am not saying that it would have been a good thing for the women to all know their queen had refused the king's orders, but I wonder how the word would have spread through the land. Had the king honoured her for keeping her beauty from the eyes of the men who had come to the palace, would the people have heard in that that she was honoured because she had made sure her dignity was protected, or would the people have heard just what the men had feared, that it was OK to disobey your husband? I think that were I in the place of Vashti, I would assure the women that they must be submissive to their husbands, but that this does not mean a doormat, but that the honour they bring their husband may at times look dishonouring. It's important to see what the effects will be in the long run, and not just to make decisions based on what will be better for now. Vashti knew what her husband was unable to think about while he was drunk: that he would have exposed her to the whole kingdom and no longer been only his.

Points of application with this one? Well, first of all, we need to look for appropriate decisions to make. By that I mean when faced with a decision, think about what the long-term effects will be, and what will matter for eternity. Second, ladies, this one is important, hold on to the dignity of the beauty God has given you. Know that it is powerful, and that means that it can be used for good or evil, and strongly so. Dignify it by using it only for God's glory, and you will be able to hold your head high among those around you.

And think, though this hurt Vashti, think about what wouldn't have happened had she obeyed...More on that later.

Interrupted

In Acts 18 I read today about Paul and companions being led before men who could sentence them, and their accusers being told that they had done nothing wrong that the government could punish them for. This was just before Paul was about to speak up, but was interrupted.

Have you ever been in a situation when you are about to say something and all of a sudden, someone else pipes in and says something on your behalf? I know there have been times when I really had no clue what I was going to say in my defense, but I was going to give it my best shot, and then someone else said something that totally took the heat off me and affirmed me. God has a way of stepping in and making things "safe" for those who are drawing from His power. This does not mean that we are free from all harm, as you will see if you read the rest of the chapter and the accusers sought to beat them, but it does mean that God will validate us when we are in His plans.

Just a short thought for the day, and the encouragement I have from it is to hold my tongue and let others speak up. You will be surprised at what you might learn about yourself when you let others tell you who they see in you.

Is Deliverance Freeing?

This weekend I read from Acts 16 and saw a woman released from demonic possession, only to be told almost immediately that her deliverance was not acceptable. Those who used her bondage to gain wealth were now without a money source and decided to throw Paul and Silas in jail for being a part of her deliverance from this bondage. She had been set free to really experience life and was now being told it was not OK, it was not acceptable.

I was met with the same kinds of things when I became a Christian. The night I got saved I was met at home with concerns about maintaining the way we had done church in the past, and respecting the way I was raised, let alone the constant reminders from my dad that I was not measuring up to the standards he expected of me. My freedom was not rejoiced over, but rather I was instantly met with struggles. My new learning was not celebrated, but rather it was squashed with trials and people who had better things to do than to see God's hand in my life.

I think back to the things that have broken the bondage in my life, and how when I hear someone say they feel light-hearted, I know that feeling as something being missing. I don't mean this in the sense that my heart is missing out on what I used to know, but that I understand the truth Jesus spoke of when He said that a house that has been cleaned must be filled, or else that which was once there will come back even stronger than before.

Woe to be this woman who has just been set free and is witnessing those who set her free taken captive and dragged to prison for thier acts. It was not OK to be set free. My heart goes out to those women who, maybe under the tyranny of husbands who are to busy with more important matters, maybe under the tyranny of fathers who abuse them each time they find new freedom and hope for getting away from that abuse in the first place, are so torn apart and don't know that the freedom they have is OK, as a matter of fact, GOOD! God wants you to be set free, and He sent His Son to do just that. Know that no matter what anyone else says, because the Son has set you free, you are truly free, and you don't have to wonder whether that is good or OK. It is!

I am so glad to have had a conversation last night with a brother in Christ and to have the freedom God has recently given me in an area of my life celebrated. He told me it was OK, and said I should continue in it, and I am so glad he was there to participate in God's work in my life. If you read this, and you know who you are, know that I am glad to be free. Thanks.

Today, my challenge to those who read this is to first look inside and see where God has set you free and celebrate it. Know that it is OK, and you are His precious child in whom He delights, and whom He delights to set free and see grow in His freedom. Second, if you know someone who is hurt by their freedom being taken from them, and this could have happened in many ways, minister to them. Spend time praying for them and seeking ways you can encourage them. Remember, they may not believe you at first, as they are probably not used to knowing it's OK to be free and celebrated, much less encouraged about anything at all. Love them with Christ's heart and let them know you are celebrating with them today.

House-Sitting

OK, so this is a poem written over a week ago, and probably needs some editing, but I thought I should include it as it does no good to let it sit in the copmuter file collecting the proverbial dust...



House Sitting
Clouds roll in like billows of smoke
Telling tale of the last place they smote.
I go to check the skies.
The dark blue billows have rolled south of the house,
And a heavy haze lays between us and the sun.
Hey stop, the dark clouds stop,
Just south of the house.

For reasons differing, we two venture out,
I to see the sky, he to business in the yard
I look and see, the skyscape split;
Business done, the beast and I hear it,
The sound of large drops pounding our way.
We head inside, and not too soon,
For half way there we see across the way—
Lightning as second prior to its thunderous roar.

Once inside we meet the calm, and then…
All power gone while thunder rolls.
Wind escalating, a storm surrounds.

Have I fear?
No, for I am much more enthralled—
In the beauty that I see, the glory of God’s might.
The destruction this storm has strength to bring
Only God could give.

Candles lit and storm gone by
I sit and watch the sky.
My mind fills with thoughts of the majesty of God.
Why does He choose to fill the skies with His splendour?
Why does He open our eyes to behold it?
Why is it so hard for me to grasp that He has placed
the very same beauty and splendour, captivation in my life?
When He beholds what He’s created in me
He sees what I only wish I’ll one day know,
That with the same captivation I beheld the storm
He stands back and looks on me.

Lord please teach me to look on all you’ve created and see
The beauty You’ve placed in my heart and all over me;
Be my crowning glory, and let me be Yours!
Let all I have and all I do be for Your honour, now and forever.

9-03-05 9:10pm
S. Mildred Jessee

Able to Bear the Yoke?

In the 15th chapter of the book of Acts, there is a dispute among the people as to the question of circumcision. Many of the Jewish believers in Christ (the ones known as Judaisers) demanded that for a Gentile to become a follower of Christ, he or she must first be circumcised and obey the Law of Moses.

Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and James all give account of God using them among Gentile populations without the Law being part of their salvation. Peter even reminds those in hearing range that not even the Jews and their ancestors were able to bear the yoke they seek to lay on the necks of those who have genuinely sought out od through the grace of Christ.

Two things to think about: First, I do want to be clear that our salvation is of no effect if there had not been a standard to live up to. The Jews knew the Law, and the Gentiles did not. Whether or not we know the standards, we are still held accountable to them. If I were to drive in another country and could not read the street signs, I would not be let off the hook from paying a fine for making a mistake. Likewise, that the Gentiles did not know the Law of Moses does not make them exempt from the punishment for disobedience. Whether or not we know the condemnation we are under without Christ, we are still in need of His gracious sacrifice.

Second, there are expectations we have as believers that we extend to those who are new to Christ, expecting them to follow a rigid set of rules for "normal Christian behaviour" that is beyond what those who are imposing it are willing or able to do. We have a responsibility to be ambassadors of the grace of Christ, and yet we dish out rules that make the Cross something that cannot be attained because none of us is good enough. Certainly there are t hings that can prove beneficial, and there are things that we should abstain from (see 15:20, 29) but beyond this line of thought and directions from Scripture, we need to stop pressing in our own (double-)standards on those around us.

One final thought: If we are not to push in the rules that are unbearable (unable to be obeyed fully), then what do we give to those who are new to the faith, and what should we live by? I believe the verses referenced above are a good example. If James can answer, after Peter says that they should not put on the believers a yoke that they were even unable to obey, that they should be instructed to abstain from things offered to idols, sexual immorality, strangled things or blood, then it's obvious to me that these things are not considered too much to ask. As I look over that list, I do not see anything that is hard to avoid, especially as they are all things which can be easily accounted for.

So, as you go about your day, remember the price paid for you life and salvation; pin no unnecessary burden on the lives of those who seek your discipleship; and remember that there are things you should definitely keep away from, and ask for help with those if you need it.

Hope this is encouraging to you.

Astonished For God's Glory

In Acts chapter 13 Saul (called Paul from here forth in Acts) and Barnabas are met with a sorcerer on their way to declare the message of the gospel to Sergius Paulus, a deptuy who desired their instruction.

This is a simple account of God using something sent to derail His plans and turning it around, with the use of justice mind you, to bring His glory. Paul was on his way to deliver a message and this man came in the way of that ministry. God gave him clear words to speak concerning this man's plight (blindness for a season) and it was done just as was spoken.

The result? Sergius Paulus "believed, being astonished..."

There are many times in the Paul's life alone that we see opposition that tries to keep him from doing the work God has given him to do. He never quits, but rather trust that God will come through and do what is most beneficial for His kingdom.

How many times in our lives have we been kept from doing something we know God has called us to only because we see no way for God to work on His behalf to bring down the opposition? Let's trust Him today to break down the barriers and open the eyes of those who need to see Him. Who knows who you and I will astonish today for His glory?!

Whose Pleasure Do We Seek?

In Acts 12 we are told that Herod killed James, John's brother, and then sought out Peter because he saw that the earlier slaying of James pleased the Jews. After a miraculous release of Peter from the prison, Herod had the guards in whose charge Peter was killed as well. Later in the chapter we are told that Herod accepts praise as a god and was immediately smote (killed) because he did not give the glory to God.

We are told in many places in Scripture that it is not fitting to seek the praise or approval of men, but that we should seek to please God and obey Him. Here we have an example of what can happen when we refuse this instruction.

Today look for opportunities to decide what you'll do based on what God would direct. I know for me that means I have to be honest with a friend, where I'd rather keep myself hidden and not risk the friendship. I seek to please God in honouring who He has made me to be rather than stuffing it all inside and denying that I am a whole person, and that means my thoughts/feelings count too.

Please pray for me to be sensitive to myself as I often am to others but push myself aside. Pray that I will be me and not what I expect someone else thinks I should be. Thanks for all who read this and pray for me, as well as for those who get encouragement from these posts. It is helpful to know that I am pleasing the Father by encouraging others in their walk with Him.

Creator of Wisdom

In Proverbs chapter 8 wisdom speaks of her whereabouts at creation. In our culture today there is the idea that the world was created by chaos or accident. This chapter says something quite different. God had wisdom prior to the creation of the world. Wisdom is an important part of who God is.

I am astonished by the imagery used here. In verse 28 we are told that wisdom was there when God "established the clouds above: when He strengthened the fountains of the deep." Now when I think of deep waters, I don't picture strength as much as a flowing fountain that is full of grace. But, if you've ever watched a child struggle to swim in a river where the current is swift, you know it's strong beyond that of the child, or even yourself. God's wisdom created the waters to have strength beyond what we could imagine.

Most of the readers of this blog probably know of the hurricane that recently caused destruction in the southern US, and that there are many whose lives are now in shambles and they are in need. I am not sure why God allowed this to happen, and I am not here to make assumptions. All I can say is that God will bring something out of this to glorify His name. Let's all look for what that will be. (Along those lines, what can each of us do to help? Let's try to do what we can.)

Verse 36 says the "He that sinneth against [wisdom] wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me loveth death." If we hate wisdom, or sin against her, we are in hatred against the very character of God that brings us life and created our souls. Let's walk with wisdom today and learn of the character of God.

A Trusted Source

In Acts chapter 11 Peter is called to account for his ministry among the Gentiles. He retells the story of the sheet of animals laid before him and a "voice" who instructed him not to call common or unclean what God has cleansed.

As I read this, I was in amazement that those who were listening to him did not question that what he heard was from God. Today we are quick to answer anyone who says God told them to do something with the question of "How did you know it was God who lead you this way?"

I was speaking to a friend and brother in Christ this weekend, and his response to my query was that these days we have much reason to wonder whether someone has actually heard from God or not. As I have thought on this further, I have come up with two application points.

The first is this, we must not be quick to judge what someone claims God told them to do based on its unusualness (is that a word?). God moves in ways we could never expect, and we need to be prepared to celebrate God's leading and help people learn to trust His voice without the common skepticism in our midst.

Second, we need to be examples of the trusted source. Peter was not just someone who came along and decided to preach to the Gentiles on his own accord, nor did he come from the shadows and expect that everyone should trust him. He had earned that level of trust, and God used him as His mouth-piece. If we are to be trusted, we must build in our lives a character that listens and obeys God's voice every time, and then those around us will know that it is God's voice who we follow. And by the way, Peter was not without fault, which proves we can start now, even if we've messed up majorly in the past. Praise be to God who makes all things new!

(Oh, and for those who read the previous post, God has blessed me with a car and agreeable financing. He fought for me through the gentleman who found the right car for me. He (God) is my provider and Lord!)

Trusting in God

Today I have found myself unable to read. My schedule has changed and I am now working early and then doing my quiet times after having been up for several hours. Though I know this could be OK, this morning I also have much on my mind, including a recent decision to shop for a car. I am nervous as the financing is in the works as I write this, and I have never made a purchase this costly before. My mind is too full to read and actually observe what I'm reading. (I know we've all had days like this, no matter what time we sit down to read, or what we read.)

Thankfully, my heart has also been full, and I am able to carry this back to Jesus and ask Him to fight for me. A fellow minister I know is known to often ask "Is the value worth the cost?" As I think through this, I also question why I want a car, why I think I need one. My answer right away is that I need it in order to reduce stress in my life and those around me. I don't know how reliable I can be without having dependable transportation, and sometimes I cannot find a ride that is available. (If you are reading this and have given me rides in the past, thank you very much. I appreciate every time you've gone out of your way to help me. You are a blessing.)

When I think of my response to this question why, I also think of the fact that this will open up a new door of where I think I can provide for myself. This is what has given me the answer to the minister's question. I must weigh in the balance if buying a car, or having one of my own by any means, will teach me to be self-sufficient, or if it will allow me to praise my God further. If I have a car, I will be able to work more in another job as well, and therefore I will be able to provide financially more for myself. I will also be building a good credit rating, and therefore providing for myself in the future to be able to afford a home (unless God blesses me with another means for housing as He has been so faithful to do so far, and if you know me very well, you know what I'm thinking here...).

All of this set me to tears this morning as I was praying. My heart cries out that God would fight for me as there are some issues with the financing end of things, and that God would allow me to have this car and know that it is Him who has provided for it. I know the business manager, car salesman, and banks are all working together to make this a possibility for me, but I would like to know it was God who worked it all out. I would love if I walked in this afternoon and was told that the gas certificate that was going to be applied towards my down payment was not needed to do so, and that all they did was to decrease the cost of the vehicle and the banks agreed to the terms, or whatever. God knows how He's going to work it out if this is the car He has for me.

May the Lord wake me each morning with a heart filled with praise that I can trust Him to provide for all my needs, and may I continue to trust Him in all things. I know the value is worth the cost, and that it will further teach me to be a good steward of the resources God has given to me. May I continue to fully know this daily, and trust Him to use each opportunity to move me closer to His image.

Baptized

Acts 10:47 "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?"

This verse always reminds me of the early part of my walk with Christ. I came to know the LORD on April 2nd, 1997, ten days before my mother passed away. God has allowed many things to shape my walk with Him, and I know that though it was never His desire for any of us to be without the parenting necessary to become the man or woman of God He has made us for, He has certainly used it all for good (Romans 8:28).

Shortly after I "got saved," my youth leaders and other church members started to ask when I was going to get baptized. My response was simply that I already had been, as my family attended a church where I was baptized as an infant. My mother's last request of me (the night I asked the Lord Jesus Christ to be my Lord) was to assure her that it would be honoured. Before I go on, I must say here that it is still honoured as a dedication of my life into the hands of God. My parents trusted God to lead me into His presence, and today I am grateful that they did.

Another response I would use was that I had received the Holy Spirit, and I had, and so obviously He honoured this baptism. That was until I was preparing a speech for my high school speech class (public school!?) on the differences in how churches baptize and when. I came upon this verse and God pricked my heart to be baptized again, immediately. I couldn't wait until the weekend when I could ask my pastor to baptize me. It was like my heart was literally burning inside of me, and the only way to get rid of that ache was obedience, immediately! That Sunday, in late March of 1999, I was baptized on Palm Sunday evening.

Since then I have continued to grow in my understanding of what that means for my life. I know, and did at the time, that it was symbolic of dying with Christ and raising to new life with Him. What I didn't understand was that it has a much more real significance. God has made us a whole people, and everything we do impacts everything else. If we take part in a sacrament (something that is an obvious connection between spiritual and physical reality, as our whole lives should be) we are actually changed. I had reached a place where I could not longer grow until the old man was buried and dead, and I had risen with Christ. That burning was also a labor pain of sorts purging me out and allowing a new life to begin. I literally felt like I was stuck and could not grow more unless something changed, and God offered that in obedience to His provision. Baptism is not simple a command that we follow as a part of the ritual in the church. It is much more a provision God has made by which we can lay to death the old man, stained by sin, and come alive again, really alive this time, with the new man of Christ as our life!

This passage is dear to me as I read it. I always remember that day of sitting in the high school library reading it and instantly being pricked in my heart. Praise God for moving in that unexpected setting and way. If you are reading this and have not yet been baptized, please talk to your pastor about this. If you have, remember what that day was like. It may not have held the emotional weight that I have portrayed here, but God was at work, and we can praise Him for the provision of freedom. God be praised!