When the king held out the golden sceptre to Esther, Esther rose and stood before the king.
Esther 8:4.
The king holds out the golden sceptre to Esther again. He held it out so that Esther could regain her standing and rediscover who she was. Our King, the Lord our God also holds out the golden sceptre to you. Do you need to rediscover who you are? or recognise your ability to stand and be accepted by the King?
This Christmas, if you have found that you have lost a sense of self, feel weighed down or burdened, then reach out to the King, He has already reached out to you, all you need fo is accept the golden sceptre that is held out to you.
The king has His sceptre ready, He is prepared, He is ready to invite you into a deeper relationship with Himself, there is acceptance and forgiveness readily available to you, what are you going to do about it?
God, the King of all Kings, has already handed out His golden sceptre. He is waiting for you to accept it. God's sceptre was not some consecrated, bejewelled object, but came in the shape of a baby. God's son, Jesus was delivered to us one night in Bethlehem, born into filth, to exhausted parents in a dismal cave. He grew up amidst turmoil, in an average religious family, running away from persecution. God allowed His own son to do this, do you know why? Because He thinks you are worth it. This was God's demonstration of His wholehearted love for you. He sent His sceptre, in the form of a vulnerable baby, to live, love and grow into the man we know as Jesus. Jesus accepted all who approached him. God desires a relationship with us, that's the only reason for Jesus Christ liven and dying on Earth.
God’s stretching out of his hand with the sceptre was not merely the lifting of an object, but the gift of Himself. It required more effort, more love, more understanding than lifting a special stick. God’s offering, God’s stretching out of His hand is bigger, greater, more long-lasting than any other action of any other king, and He only did it because of YOU.
His power as a sceptre of acceptance is not a one time wonder. It is a gift to be received every day of your life. You need no appointment, no special clothing or attitude, just the willingness to bow down and recognise the mess of your own life without God in it. God has already reached out to you, are you going to reach back to Him?
If you accept the sceptre this Christmas, it will be the greatest gift you ever receive.
Jesus did come as a baby, He did live, He did die. He did it all for you, so that you could know God;s hand of acceptance stretched out to you - are you willing to take it?
Tuesday 24 December 2019
Thursday 19 December 2019
Thank God for the Little Things
Don’t you just love the way God intervenes in life?!
Sometimes it’s in subtle ways, like prompting you to pray for something or talk to someone, it could be finding a bit of money or some marvel of nature, or even disturbing your sleep.
We can take these things to be small coincidences or even just random occurrences, they are quite easy to explain away. However, like we see in Esther, a series of ‘coincidences’ led to the freedom of many people. It led to recognition and promotion as well as judgement and condemnation. Sometimes the small, unusual details of our lives can be dismissed by us as unusual circumstances. I guess my encouragement to you today, is to not be so quick to write off the unusual. To instead consider - could God be in this?
Reading Esther, Chapters 5-7 we see plenty of these unusual small situations coincide in just one day. These chapters outline the events after Esther’s first banquet, all joined together by little snippets of God’s intervention in subtle ways.
First, Haman’s jealous hatred of Mordecai is kindled yet again and reaches a crescendo as he instructs for a gallows to be built so he can hang him (not for any notable reason either really). Then, the king cannot sleep, so what does he do? He orders for the big book of history to be read to him. It just so happens to be read that Mordecai, years ago, was a hero. Mordecai undermined an assassination plot and received no acclaim for it. This concerned the king, and so he spent more wakeful hours considering how to rectify this oversight. Then Haman is spotted in the grounds, so he seeks his counsel and commands Haman to give the acclaim he described to his mortal enemy Mordecai. Lots is going on there - but can you see the subtle intervention of the Holy Spirit in these circumstances? Can you see that God is involved in every part of that process?
The king was not ill, or disturbed in order to be awake, he just couldn’t sleep - why was that? And why did he decide at that very time to have the history books read and just so happen to come across the tale of Mordecai?! That seems far too many coincidences to me to be by chance and not orchestrated by God! All of these little incidents we read about in Esther clearly outline that whilst people are getting on with their normal lives, God is there, God is at work.
In the same way God is intervening in your life too.
Watch out for the little promptings of the Holy Spirit. Look out for the way God is working, even in the small things. If you are wakeful, ask God why, if you find something that was lost, praise Him for it, if you notice something beautiful and new, thank Gos for creating it. Our lives are full of small details that God has put there for us to take notice of. Even if it’s a broken nights sleep, or a chance meeting with someone. Be aware and be prepared to see God at work. Like in Esther, the small details can come together to cause a massive life change for others. So, be attuned to what God is doing. Have eyes that see the blessings around you, the small moments of joy that God gives you, the little promptings to talk or pray with someone. In the same way that God uses others to be a blessing to us, He also uses you to be a blessing to others, so keep mindful that God wants your attention everyday, and consider what can you do that God wants you to today? God may well be song you to change someone’s life as well as your own. Be prepared to see the subtle things and do the little things God asks. You may end up being the answer to someone else’s prayer.
Sometimes it’s in subtle ways, like prompting you to pray for something or talk to someone, it could be finding a bit of money or some marvel of nature, or even disturbing your sleep.
We can take these things to be small coincidences or even just random occurrences, they are quite easy to explain away. However, like we see in Esther, a series of ‘coincidences’ led to the freedom of many people. It led to recognition and promotion as well as judgement and condemnation. Sometimes the small, unusual details of our lives can be dismissed by us as unusual circumstances. I guess my encouragement to you today, is to not be so quick to write off the unusual. To instead consider - could God be in this?
Reading Esther, Chapters 5-7 we see plenty of these unusual small situations coincide in just one day. These chapters outline the events after Esther’s first banquet, all joined together by little snippets of God’s intervention in subtle ways.
First, Haman’s jealous hatred of Mordecai is kindled yet again and reaches a crescendo as he instructs for a gallows to be built so he can hang him (not for any notable reason either really). Then, the king cannot sleep, so what does he do? He orders for the big book of history to be read to him. It just so happens to be read that Mordecai, years ago, was a hero. Mordecai undermined an assassination plot and received no acclaim for it. This concerned the king, and so he spent more wakeful hours considering how to rectify this oversight. Then Haman is spotted in the grounds, so he seeks his counsel and commands Haman to give the acclaim he described to his mortal enemy Mordecai. Lots is going on there - but can you see the subtle intervention of the Holy Spirit in these circumstances? Can you see that God is involved in every part of that process?
The king was not ill, or disturbed in order to be awake, he just couldn’t sleep - why was that? And why did he decide at that very time to have the history books read and just so happen to come across the tale of Mordecai?! That seems far too many coincidences to me to be by chance and not orchestrated by God! All of these little incidents we read about in Esther clearly outline that whilst people are getting on with their normal lives, God is there, God is at work.
In the same way God is intervening in your life too.
Watch out for the little promptings of the Holy Spirit. Look out for the way God is working, even in the small things. If you are wakeful, ask God why, if you find something that was lost, praise Him for it, if you notice something beautiful and new, thank Gos for creating it. Our lives are full of small details that God has put there for us to take notice of. Even if it’s a broken nights sleep, or a chance meeting with someone. Be aware and be prepared to see God at work. Like in Esther, the small details can come together to cause a massive life change for others. So, be attuned to what God is doing. Have eyes that see the blessings around you, the small moments of joy that God gives you, the little promptings to talk or pray with someone. In the same way that God uses others to be a blessing to us, He also uses you to be a blessing to others, so keep mindful that God wants your attention everyday, and consider what can you do that God wants you to today? God may well be song you to change someone’s life as well as your own. Be prepared to see the subtle things and do the little things God asks. You may end up being the answer to someone else’s prayer.
Wednesday 11 December 2019
Count your blessings
Haman recounted to them the splendour of his riches, the number of his sons, all the promotions with which the king had honoured him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and the servants of the king. 12 Then Haman said, “Even Queen Esther let no one but me come with the king to the feast she prepared. And tomorrow also I am invited by her together with the king. 13 Yet all this is worth nothing to me, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.”
Esther 5:11–13.
Oh Haman!
Haman has just had the unrivalled honour of dining with the king and queen of the known world, and he still gets grumpy!
Do you know anyone like that? Someone who has it all, but is still discontented?
Haman has mounds of riches, honour, prestige, a growing family, a job he loves, lots to boast about, yet he can still find something to moan about! Why is he dissatisfied? It seems everything is going his way - he has prestige, power and possessions, he has most things that people would dream of, yet he focuses on the one little thing that outweighs his contentment. Then that one little niggle is so magnified in his view that it destroys his enjoyment of what is pleasing. It tarnishes his perception of his perfect life.
The little niggle that blemishes Haman’s life is the lowly man that is Mordecai. Of all the aspects of life Haman could be consumed by; power, wealth, prestige, gaiety, responsibility, Haman instead focuses on the one thing that bothers him so he fails to fully enjoy or appreciate the great things of life, why? because of a man. Because of Mordecai. It doesn't really make sense does it? Why would a powerful and influential man be upstaged, angered and jealous of the seemingly poor, unimportant, Mordecai
What is it about Mordecai that bothers Haman so much? Mordecai, materially has so very little, he has little family, little power, renknown or responsibility so what is it about Mordecai that Haman hates so much?
Could it be that every time Haman comes across Mordecai, Haman realises that actually his life isn’t fulfilling, that in fact he recognises that there is something missing? Could it be that Mordecai in his seemingly uninfluenttial, insignificant position shows greater joy and contentment in his life than Haman with all his wealth, power and possessions can attain?
I think that might be it. That for Haman, Mordecai is a constant reminder that his life isn’t as perfect and fulfilling as it would appear. That all of his achievements, prowess and power, actually doesn’t increase happiness. Haman is unfulfilled, empty. Yet he sees Mordecai, who is content with the little he has and with who he is. So, whenever Haman encounters him, he sees something lacking within himself. Haman has to acknowledge the lack of contentment everytime he sees his face. Mordecai is a constant reminder of the unattainable joy and peace. Haman has moments of joy, but not the long-lasting, unshakeable type that Mordecai has.
The one thing Mordecai has is greater than the many things Haman owns, and Haman knows it.
No matter how much Haman tries, whatever promotion he gains, honour he receives, he cannot reach the internal satisfaction that Mordecai has. Haman works and works yet still it is not enough to satisfy. He is invited to feasts, triumphant in wars, yet despite the accolade, pomp and ceremony, he knows something is missing. Then, Haman happens upon righteous Mordecai, sitting contentedly at the gate and he is tormented. Seeing this man of little accord satisfied with what he has, with the work he does, even with his limited status breeds contempt. It is a lot easier to despise the one who reminds you of what you're missing rather than consider your own responsibility for inner contentment.
Mordecai is a constant reminder that Haman will never be or have enough. Mordecai has the one thing that matters and whenever he comes across him, Haman sees his inner self more clearly and he doesn’t like it. Mordecai mirrors what he’s missing - inner confidence and satisfaction.
This seems so unachievable for Haman that the feeling of resentment, anger and revenge grows the more he sees Mordecai. As he faces this contented man, he is forced to acknowledge to himself that all of the pomp and ceremony does not actually provide the internal satisfaction that he craves. The pile of possessions, the life and love of family, the responsibility of position matters nothing and never will if you don't first attain satisfaction within. Without that, life will always be lacking, as Haman found, and there will always be something that's a problem which outweighs the great things of life.
Haman, as we have read, is consumed with Mordecai being the problem. He projects his discontent onto him when, in fact, the problem lies within himself. It is far easier to blame our condition, situation and disappointments upon others. Others may well of had an influence in our circumstances, but we are actually responsible for the condition and response of our heart. No-one else can change that. Haman allowed himself to become consumed with anger and resentment because Mordecai represented all that he lacked. Whereas, if Haman had considered his own heart and what he was missing, using Mordecai as a role model, then there could of been contentment for him too.
Considering all this raises a few questions for our own lives;
Do you focus on the problems and annoyances rather than the achievements, success and positive things all around you?
Are you concerned with how much others have compared to you?
Are you one who displays peace and contentment in all circumstances?
Have you ever thought that others may be looking at you and seeing the peace and contentment you enjoy and they are jealous for it?
What does your life display? Do you live in lack or acknowledge your wealth?
Do not underestimate the great value you have and..
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.’
Esther 5:11–13.
Oh Haman!
Haman has just had the unrivalled honour of dining with the king and queen of the known world, and he still gets grumpy!
Do you know anyone like that? Someone who has it all, but is still discontented?
Haman has mounds of riches, honour, prestige, a growing family, a job he loves, lots to boast about, yet he can still find something to moan about! Why is he dissatisfied? It seems everything is going his way - he has prestige, power and possessions, he has most things that people would dream of, yet he focuses on the one little thing that outweighs his contentment. Then that one little niggle is so magnified in his view that it destroys his enjoyment of what is pleasing. It tarnishes his perception of his perfect life.
The little niggle that blemishes Haman’s life is the lowly man that is Mordecai. Of all the aspects of life Haman could be consumed by; power, wealth, prestige, gaiety, responsibility, Haman instead focuses on the one thing that bothers him so he fails to fully enjoy or appreciate the great things of life, why? because of a man. Because of Mordecai. It doesn't really make sense does it? Why would a powerful and influential man be upstaged, angered and jealous of the seemingly poor, unimportant, Mordecai
What is it about Mordecai that bothers Haman so much? Mordecai, materially has so very little, he has little family, little power, renknown or responsibility so what is it about Mordecai that Haman hates so much?
Could it be that every time Haman comes across Mordecai, Haman realises that actually his life isn’t fulfilling, that in fact he recognises that there is something missing? Could it be that Mordecai in his seemingly uninfluenttial, insignificant position shows greater joy and contentment in his life than Haman with all his wealth, power and possessions can attain?
I think that might be it. That for Haman, Mordecai is a constant reminder that his life isn’t as perfect and fulfilling as it would appear. That all of his achievements, prowess and power, actually doesn’t increase happiness. Haman is unfulfilled, empty. Yet he sees Mordecai, who is content with the little he has and with who he is. So, whenever Haman encounters him, he sees something lacking within himself. Haman has to acknowledge the lack of contentment everytime he sees his face. Mordecai is a constant reminder of the unattainable joy and peace. Haman has moments of joy, but not the long-lasting, unshakeable type that Mordecai has.
The one thing Mordecai has is greater than the many things Haman owns, and Haman knows it.
No matter how much Haman tries, whatever promotion he gains, honour he receives, he cannot reach the internal satisfaction that Mordecai has. Haman works and works yet still it is not enough to satisfy. He is invited to feasts, triumphant in wars, yet despite the accolade, pomp and ceremony, he knows something is missing. Then, Haman happens upon righteous Mordecai, sitting contentedly at the gate and he is tormented. Seeing this man of little accord satisfied with what he has, with the work he does, even with his limited status breeds contempt. It is a lot easier to despise the one who reminds you of what you're missing rather than consider your own responsibility for inner contentment.
Mordecai is a constant reminder that Haman will never be or have enough. Mordecai has the one thing that matters and whenever he comes across him, Haman sees his inner self more clearly and he doesn’t like it. Mordecai mirrors what he’s missing - inner confidence and satisfaction.
This seems so unachievable for Haman that the feeling of resentment, anger and revenge grows the more he sees Mordecai. As he faces this contented man, he is forced to acknowledge to himself that all of the pomp and ceremony does not actually provide the internal satisfaction that he craves. The pile of possessions, the life and love of family, the responsibility of position matters nothing and never will if you don't first attain satisfaction within. Without that, life will always be lacking, as Haman found, and there will always be something that's a problem which outweighs the great things of life.
Haman, as we have read, is consumed with Mordecai being the problem. He projects his discontent onto him when, in fact, the problem lies within himself. It is far easier to blame our condition, situation and disappointments upon others. Others may well of had an influence in our circumstances, but we are actually responsible for the condition and response of our heart. No-one else can change that. Haman allowed himself to become consumed with anger and resentment because Mordecai represented all that he lacked. Whereas, if Haman had considered his own heart and what he was missing, using Mordecai as a role model, then there could of been contentment for him too.
Considering all this raises a few questions for our own lives;
Do you focus on the problems and annoyances rather than the achievements, success and positive things all around you?
Are you concerned with how much others have compared to you?
Are you one who displays peace and contentment in all circumstances?
Have you ever thought that others may be looking at you and seeing the peace and contentment you enjoy and they are jealous for it?
What does your life display? Do you live in lack or acknowledge your wealth?
Do not underestimate the great value you have and..
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.’
Wednesday 4 December 2019
Pleasing the King
when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favour in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. *3*And the king said to her, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom.” *4*And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the king and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for the king.” *5*Then the king said, “Bring Haman quickly, so that we may do as Esther has asked.” So the king and Haman came to the feast that Esther had prepared. *6*And as they were drinking wine after the feast, the king said to Esther, “What is your wish? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.” *7*Then Esther answered, “My wish and my request is: *8*If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my wish and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come to the feast that I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king has said.”
Esther 5:2–8.
After the nerves and anxiety of the past few days, why doesn’t Esther just get it over with? Why doesn’t she just blurt out what she wants? What her people need?
The king has asked twice in this passage to know what Esther desires, so why doesn’t she just tell him?
Esther is, wisely, being patient. Despite the imminent danger, the worry and confusion, Esther waits. She has assessed the situation and knows that her standing with the king is not certain. She has previously witnessed how ill-timed requests have been dealt with, and she doesn’t want to end up dead, so she bides her time. She hasn't been requested by him for over a month. So, she wants to make sure she, once again, captures his heart before she makes her request. How refreshing that must of been for the king. He must of been used to people coming in, in humility and trembling, pouring out their emotions and wishes and then expecting a favourable response from him, and action that relieves their suffering. Ultimately, that is what Esther wants too, but before she makes known what she needs. she puts the king first. She knows he enjoys feast and celebrations, so, despite the enormity of her task, Esther seeks to satisfy and win over the king. Esther is not just an average citizen - she considers and concerns herself with the king - his wants and desires before her own. She wishes to please him before she asks for him to do something for her. I wonder how many people approached the king in the same way. Many would of manipulated him, cajoled him and begged him, so Esther's approach stands out. She invites the king. She asks, not for his power, but his presence. She doesn't ask for change right away, but relationship. She seeks to earn favour, not expect it even though she has every right to as a queen and as a wife.
Esther understands that she has a big ask, so she realises she needs to earn her favour with the king. She knows the far-reaching effects of her request, and knows that it isn’t right to ask for such a big thing in a moment, or even after an enjoyable party. The favour she needs must last not just for a moment or one night. So, instead of approaching the king with her wants, she first makes it clear that she is keen to satisfy him. It is clear that Esther’s desire is to ensure the king is happy and accepting of her before she states her cause. Even when the king asks a second time, Esther still waits. She wants to secure her affection in the king's hearts and ensure that the he is satisfied with her, and will act decisively when her request is made known. She wants to have insight into his heart and character once again, to gain the closeness they have previously enjoyed before making any issues known. That way she will be more certain of success, or at least, she will gain insight into hesitation from his side.
Esther has understood how to approach a king. Even when it’s risky business, even when it is dangerous and scary, Esther understands what is required. She knows that the king has all authority and power, and in order for her to gain privilege with him she needs to put him first, not herself or her wants.
Do you approach The King in the same manner?
When you pray, what is your attitude towards God? What are the things you talk about with the King of Kings?
Are you sometimes in such a rush to make your needs known that you just real of a wish-list? Or, do you realis, like Esther, that you have the priveleged position of access to a relationship with the King?
God desires the intimacy that Esther was seeking with her king. He wants to be first in your heart, not to just have your woes and worries poured out as ramble of requests. He will listen to those too, but do you know who He is when you approach Him? Is it more important to you to have your requests fulfilled or your relationship with God grown?
As you enter His presence in prayer, do you consider who He is? That He is the one with ALL authority and power? Do you enter, as Esther does, acknowledging the little she is and has, but keen to satisfy His heart? Do you intend to deepen your intimacy with God and have a relationship with Him every time you chat with Him?
I think we can get forgetful and lazy, and easily reel off our concerns and desires without first considering the mighty King we are approaching.We are fortunate in that we know we have the golden sceptre already reached out to us every time we approach our King. He saves us from death each time, He extends His favour and love to us always. Yet, do you recall that when you approach Him?
You are invited, not just into the throne room, but into the heart of the King, you have an invitation to sit and feast at His table. Remember that next time you talk to Him. Enjoy your time with the King, relax and enjoy His presence, you can tell Him your wants, of course, but take a lesson from Esther and ask yourself - am I pleasing the King? What can you do for Him today?
Esther 5:2–8.
After the nerves and anxiety of the past few days, why doesn’t Esther just get it over with? Why doesn’t she just blurt out what she wants? What her people need?
The king has asked twice in this passage to know what Esther desires, so why doesn’t she just tell him?
Esther is, wisely, being patient. Despite the imminent danger, the worry and confusion, Esther waits. She has assessed the situation and knows that her standing with the king is not certain. She has previously witnessed how ill-timed requests have been dealt with, and she doesn’t want to end up dead, so she bides her time. She hasn't been requested by him for over a month. So, she wants to make sure she, once again, captures his heart before she makes her request. How refreshing that must of been for the king. He must of been used to people coming in, in humility and trembling, pouring out their emotions and wishes and then expecting a favourable response from him, and action that relieves their suffering. Ultimately, that is what Esther wants too, but before she makes known what she needs. she puts the king first. She knows he enjoys feast and celebrations, so, despite the enormity of her task, Esther seeks to satisfy and win over the king. Esther is not just an average citizen - she considers and concerns herself with the king - his wants and desires before her own. She wishes to please him before she asks for him to do something for her. I wonder how many people approached the king in the same way. Many would of manipulated him, cajoled him and begged him, so Esther's approach stands out. She invites the king. She asks, not for his power, but his presence. She doesn't ask for change right away, but relationship. She seeks to earn favour, not expect it even though she has every right to as a queen and as a wife.
Esther understands that she has a big ask, so she realises she needs to earn her favour with the king. She knows the far-reaching effects of her request, and knows that it isn’t right to ask for such a big thing in a moment, or even after an enjoyable party. The favour she needs must last not just for a moment or one night. So, instead of approaching the king with her wants, she first makes it clear that she is keen to satisfy him. It is clear that Esther’s desire is to ensure the king is happy and accepting of her before she states her cause. Even when the king asks a second time, Esther still waits. She wants to secure her affection in the king's hearts and ensure that the he is satisfied with her, and will act decisively when her request is made known. She wants to have insight into his heart and character once again, to gain the closeness they have previously enjoyed before making any issues known. That way she will be more certain of success, or at least, she will gain insight into hesitation from his side.
Esther has understood how to approach a king. Even when it’s risky business, even when it is dangerous and scary, Esther understands what is required. She knows that the king has all authority and power, and in order for her to gain privilege with him she needs to put him first, not herself or her wants.
Do you approach The King in the same manner?
When you pray, what is your attitude towards God? What are the things you talk about with the King of Kings?
Are you sometimes in such a rush to make your needs known that you just real of a wish-list? Or, do you realis, like Esther, that you have the priveleged position of access to a relationship with the King?
God desires the intimacy that Esther was seeking with her king. He wants to be first in your heart, not to just have your woes and worries poured out as ramble of requests. He will listen to those too, but do you know who He is when you approach Him? Is it more important to you to have your requests fulfilled or your relationship with God grown?
As you enter His presence in prayer, do you consider who He is? That He is the one with ALL authority and power? Do you enter, as Esther does, acknowledging the little she is and has, but keen to satisfy His heart? Do you intend to deepen your intimacy with God and have a relationship with Him every time you chat with Him?
I think we can get forgetful and lazy, and easily reel off our concerns and desires without first considering the mighty King we are approaching.We are fortunate in that we know we have the golden sceptre already reached out to us every time we approach our King. He saves us from death each time, He extends His favour and love to us always. Yet, do you recall that when you approach Him?
You are invited, not just into the throne room, but into the heart of the King, you have an invitation to sit and feast at His table. Remember that next time you talk to Him. Enjoy your time with the King, relax and enjoy His presence, you can tell Him your wants, of course, but take a lesson from Esther and ask yourself - am I pleasing the King? What can you do for Him today?
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