Esther 4.16 comments, If I must die, I must die.
One of the heroes of the Bible is the young woman Esther. An oft quoted statement from the book in her memory is ‘perhaps you were made queen for such a time as this.’
The story of Esther is one of tragedy and triumph, of faith and courage, of God’s faithful work behind the scenes when people risk all for His purposes. (more…)
Matthew 18.3 demands unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never
get into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Many people are familiar with this requirement God gives for getting into heaven. The difficulty is understanding what it means.
Some extrapolate that it means we must be pure like little children. (more…)
2 Chronicles 17.4 tells us he sought the God of his father and followed His commands rather than the 
practices of Israel.
What do you do when the previous administration created chaos, hard times and a smaller economy? The opposite of that administration!
Jehoshaphat watched his father’s kingdom crumble after he turned his back on God. Jehoshaphat resolved to seek God and do what He commands turning his back on the gods and ways of his wicked father. The result was a resounding success personally and for his kingdom. (more…)
2 Chronicles 16.9 promises the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose 
hearts are fully committed to Him.
This declaration was made by the prophet to the king of Judah who had just exhibited unfaithfulness to the Lord. How was he unfaithful? By not seeking God for help but looking to others to rescue him during his time of need.
Its normal for us to solve our own problems or seek help from others when those troubles are larger than our own resources. This kind of living is defined by God as being wise in our own eyes. (more…)
Luke 8.14 explains the seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their 
way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.
Not too many Christians are happy with the current state of world affairs. Too much violence, too many corrupt people in high places, not enough economic growth and opportunities; unrest seems to be the norm.
What are the issues? The same ones that have plagued humanity from our beginning: selfishness, greed, power. (more…)
James 2.12 commands we speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives
freedom.
God plans to judge everyone. We inherently know this to be true yet suppress it as much as possible from our conscience. When we do think about God holding us accountable we normally give ourselves a passing grade as to our adherence to His commands.
The answer to what God will judge us on and how He will judge us has all been revealed by God so that we can pass the test. (more…)
1 Chronicles 10:13-14 explains, Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.
Imagine being hand chosen by God to be the first king over His people. Pretty high honor. You would also think the vetting process would have been the best. Yet, like the first man created, Adam, this first king was a failure. (more…)
Luke 1.15 promises he will be great in the sight of the Lord.
Few men don’t desire to be great. Its inherent to our nature. It comes from our origin: we are made in the image of God.
God is great and ever increasing in glory so too those made in His image aspire to greatness. Since being kicked out of paradise for our rebellion we have perverted the object or goal of our greatness. Most of us want others to see and recognize us as great, the reason our natural desire is perverted. (more…)
John 15.9-10 warns us to remain in Jesus’ love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
If I must remain in God’s love am I not working my way to heaven, the antithesis of orthodox Christianity? Of course not for we cannot even know God until He reveals Himself to us. God must draw us to Himself for us to have a relationship with Him. In addition, He must supply the power and Person we need to remain in that relationship. (more…)
John 15.9-10 warns us to remain in Jesus’ love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, 
just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
It seems odd to hear God command us to remain in His love. We presume that we just always remain in His love without effort or thought on our part. After all, God so loved the world He gave Himself in His Son to reconcile us to Himself.
Why then would I need to remain in His love since He already loves me? Indeed God loves everyone but the experience of His love occurs only in a relationship with Him through Jesus. (more…)
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