Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. Calling together his friends and Zeresh, his wife, 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. “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. But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate.” Esther 5:10-13
To say that Haman was in a bad place is an understatement. His pride and over-sensitivity toward Mordecai was the perfect recipe for a megalomaniac. But, Haman’s pride and passion would lead to his own demise.
Pride is a dangerous thing. The Bible gives many warnings about pride. “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble“ (James 4:6). “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2). “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). If we believe what these verses say, then we understand that our pride leads to disgrace and destruction and brings about opposition from God. Why is it that we risk losing some much when we’re proud, yet it’s so hard to let go of?
Pride encourages us to think highly of ourselves and toot our own horns. But, God challenges us to live humbly and to allow Him to elevate us. “Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor” (Proverbs 29:23). When we realize how much God loves us and how highly He thinks of us, there really is no reason to hang onto our pride. God will do the heavy lifting. We can enjoy His presence.
How is your pride getting the best of you these days? Where do you need to get self out of the way? How do you need to let God or others have their way instead of insisting on your way?
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Sunday, February 20, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
God is Always There for Us
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
Not every promise in the Bible is ours to claim. Often I hear Christians claiming promises like Joshua 1:3, “I will give you every place you set your foot as I promised Moses.” Some Christians have used this verse to support prayer walks and various activities, and I have nothing against praying or walking. It’s just that this promise is not for us. We can’t boldly stride into our neighbor’s yard and claim it for ourselves. I mean, you could try it, but I’m taking no responsibility here.
While every promise was not made to us, these promises can encourage us by reminding us of God’s nature. The promise in Deuteronomy 31:6 was given to the people of Israel to encourage them in taking possession of the Promised Land. The words that God speaks to them are certainly words that encourage us. But, more than the words are encouraging. The outcome is far more encouraging. God’s people did drive out their enemies and came to possess the Promised Land. The Jewish people still inhabit the Promised Land today. God kept His promise. God was faithful to them.
As God’s people today, we possess something far greater than an arid piece of desert land. God has given us His Kingdom (Luke 18:16). He has given His salvation (Romans 1:16). He has given His assurance (Hebrews 10:22). He has promised abundant life both now and for eternity (John 10:10).
This promise from Deuteronomy is great assurance of all that God has promised us. The best part is that God is always with us. Every place that we go, God is there. Often we don’t recognize His Presence or invite Him into our circumstance, but God is always there for us.
I would like to challenge you today. Every place that you go invite God’s Presence to be with you. Just quietly and to yourself. You don’t need to make a big scene. Invite God into every aspect of your day today. Let me know how it goes.
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Not every promise in the Bible is ours to claim. Often I hear Christians claiming promises like Joshua 1:3, “I will give you every place you set your foot as I promised Moses.” Some Christians have used this verse to support prayer walks and various activities, and I have nothing against praying or walking. It’s just that this promise is not for us. We can’t boldly stride into our neighbor’s yard and claim it for ourselves. I mean, you could try it, but I’m taking no responsibility here.
While every promise was not made to us, these promises can encourage us by reminding us of God’s nature. The promise in Deuteronomy 31:6 was given to the people of Israel to encourage them in taking possession of the Promised Land. The words that God speaks to them are certainly words that encourage us. But, more than the words are encouraging. The outcome is far more encouraging. God’s people did drive out their enemies and came to possess the Promised Land. The Jewish people still inhabit the Promised Land today. God kept His promise. God was faithful to them.
As God’s people today, we possess something far greater than an arid piece of desert land. God has given us His Kingdom (Luke 18:16). He has given His salvation (Romans 1:16). He has given His assurance (Hebrews 10:22). He has promised abundant life both now and for eternity (John 10:10).
This promise from Deuteronomy is great assurance of all that God has promised us. The best part is that God is always with us. Every place that we go, God is there. Often we don’t recognize His Presence or invite Him into our circumstance, but God is always there for us.
I would like to challenge you today. Every place that you go invite God’s Presence to be with you. Just quietly and to yourself. You don’t need to make a big scene. Invite God into every aspect of your day today. Let me know how it goes.
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Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Building Relationships While in Conflict?
Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.”
“If it pleases the king,” replied Esther, “let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him.”
“Bring Haman at once,” the king said, “so that we may do what Esther asks.”
So the king and Haman went to the banquet Esther had prepared. As they were drinking wine, the king again asked Esther, “Now what is your petition? It will be given you. And what is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.”
Esther replied, “My petition and my request is this: If the king regards me with favor and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question.” Esther 5:3-8
Rather than focusing on the problem, Esther chooses to focus on the relationships. She doesn’t start the party by blurting out accusations like a crazy person. She entertains not only the king, but also Haman who instigated the plot. Why even invite Haman?
Haman didn’t have the power to act, but he did have the power to influence. Sure, the king could reverse the edict and save the Jewish people, but Haman would just wait until the next opportunity.
It was wise to include Haman in the dinner. This way everyone involved in making the decision would experience the same things and participate in the same conversation. There was no room for interpretation or exaggeration outside of the meeting. No one would forward portions of their emails. They would work all of this out together.
Esther’s banquet invitation led to a second invitation. Whether this was the decorum of the time or a way of showing courtesy and building into the relationship, Esther certainly wasn’t stalling for time. The date had been set. Action needed to take place quickly.
Who are you at odds with right now? How would you rate that relationship? Do you tend to go around this person? Do you go over their head or behind their back? Maybe it’s time to figure out a way improve the relationship. I know that you’d rather have a root canal, but there will be a time when you are grateful for having built this relationship rather than avoiding the person.
What’s the first step?
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“If it pleases the king,” replied Esther, “let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him.”
“Bring Haman at once,” the king said, “so that we may do what Esther asks.”
So the king and Haman went to the banquet Esther had prepared. As they were drinking wine, the king again asked Esther, “Now what is your petition? It will be given you. And what is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.”
Esther replied, “My petition and my request is this: If the king regards me with favor and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question.” Esther 5:3-8
Rather than focusing on the problem, Esther chooses to focus on the relationships. She doesn’t start the party by blurting out accusations like a crazy person. She entertains not only the king, but also Haman who instigated the plot. Why even invite Haman?
Haman didn’t have the power to act, but he did have the power to influence. Sure, the king could reverse the edict and save the Jewish people, but Haman would just wait until the next opportunity.
It was wise to include Haman in the dinner. This way everyone involved in making the decision would experience the same things and participate in the same conversation. There was no room for interpretation or exaggeration outside of the meeting. No one would forward portions of their emails. They would work all of this out together.
Esther’s banquet invitation led to a second invitation. Whether this was the decorum of the time or a way of showing courtesy and building into the relationship, Esther certainly wasn’t stalling for time. The date had been set. Action needed to take place quickly.
Who are you at odds with right now? How would you rate that relationship? Do you tend to go around this person? Do you go over their head or behind their back? Maybe it’s time to figure out a way improve the relationship. I know that you’d rather have a root canal, but there will be a time when you are grateful for having built this relationship rather than avoiding the person.
What’s the first step?
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Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Don’t Let Your Behavior Become the Issue
On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. Esther 5:1-2
In modern times, Esther’s entrance might have looked more like this: “Are you out of your mind, Xerxes? Don’t you understand that if you kill all of the Jewish people, that you’re also killing me. Maybe rather than hiding behind your servants, you could walk out of this palace gate and see what’s going on for yourself. But, you’ve surrounded yourself with a bunch of yes men and you just do whatever they tell you to do. King, my foot. You’re no Nebucchadnezzar old boy…” But, Esther was wiser than that. After all, Queen Vashti didn’t leave a forwarding address.
There is a place to speak our minds, but I believe that Jerry Springer’s show is no longer on the air. Before we release a head of steam, we have to think about the effect that we will have. No one is motivated by scolding. No one wants to hear how terrible they are. Most of us are already fully aware of our weaknesses. When we treat others disrespectfully, we treat them as less than human. They are no longer a person to reason with. We have lowered them to a mammal that must obey. No wonder they bite back.
There was much at stake in Esther’s appearance in the throne room. If she didn’t handle herself correctly, her cause and her life would end. While most of us are not threatened with death in how we handle conflict or disputes, sometimes our actions will put to death communication and any chance at resolving an issue. Even if the other person seems to be unreasonable that doesn’t give us license to jump off the cliff with them.
Showing respect will go a long way in receiving favor from another person. The days of name calling and ridicule should have stopped in elementary school. If you were the other person, which you could never imagine, how would you want to be treated? Why do they do what they do? What is their motive? What is their heart?
Don’t let your misbehavior become the issue. Let the issue be the issue, and approach the other person with respect.
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In modern times, Esther’s entrance might have looked more like this: “Are you out of your mind, Xerxes? Don’t you understand that if you kill all of the Jewish people, that you’re also killing me. Maybe rather than hiding behind your servants, you could walk out of this palace gate and see what’s going on for yourself. But, you’ve surrounded yourself with a bunch of yes men and you just do whatever they tell you to do. King, my foot. You’re no Nebucchadnezzar old boy…” But, Esther was wiser than that. After all, Queen Vashti didn’t leave a forwarding address.
There is a place to speak our minds, but I believe that Jerry Springer’s show is no longer on the air. Before we release a head of steam, we have to think about the effect that we will have. No one is motivated by scolding. No one wants to hear how terrible they are. Most of us are already fully aware of our weaknesses. When we treat others disrespectfully, we treat them as less than human. They are no longer a person to reason with. We have lowered them to a mammal that must obey. No wonder they bite back.
There was much at stake in Esther’s appearance in the throne room. If she didn’t handle herself correctly, her cause and her life would end. While most of us are not threatened with death in how we handle conflict or disputes, sometimes our actions will put to death communication and any chance at resolving an issue. Even if the other person seems to be unreasonable that doesn’t give us license to jump off the cliff with them.
Showing respect will go a long way in receiving favor from another person. The days of name calling and ridicule should have stopped in elementary school. If you were the other person, which you could never imagine, how would you want to be treated? Why do they do what they do? What is their motive? What is their heart?
Don’t let your misbehavior become the issue. Let the issue be the issue, and approach the other person with respect.
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Monday, February 14, 2011
Que Sera Sera
When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish. Esther 4:16
Esther decided to approach the king uninvited once the people had fasted. Surely, if everyone was serious about this and determined that Esther’s intervention was the right course of action, then she would move forward.
Her words can be taken in several different ways. Some take “if I perish, I perish” to mean that Esther was resigned to face her fate. She and her people were backed into a corner, so she really didn’t have any other choice. This is sort of the Doris Day version of the story, “Que sera sera, whatever will be, will be, the future’s not ours, to see…” (Wow, that’s a throwback. I don’t even know how I knew that song. It’s not on my iPod…). Life just happens. It’s fate or dumb luck or whatever. It doesn’t sound like there’s much that we can do about it.
But, Esther’s tone here is not resignation. Esther is showing great courage. She is willing to lay down her life, if necessary, for the sake of her people. There is no greater love than this (John 15:13).
There was no easy solution to this situation. Esther couldn’t just waltz into the throne room and give the king a piece of her mind, considering the fate of the last queen who mouthed off. An uninvited appearance could result in death. Her silence would also result in death. The crucible of her situation forged courage that she might have lacked otherwise.
To use an overused quote, “Desperate times call for desperate measures.” Esther didn’t have much choice, except the choice to take action rather than passively submit to fate.
When circumstances are stacked against us, it’s easy to feel like just giving up. The temptation is just to walk away, to escape. But, the path of least resistance makes both men and rivers crooked. God did not place us on this earth merely to let life happen to us. God put us here to make a difference, to build our character, and to glorify Him. Cowardice doesn’t glorify God. Courage wrought by faith does.
What corner do you find yourself backed into today? What overwhelming circumstance are you tempted just to give in to? What is making you entertain the idea of running away or cashing it in? It’s time to take courage and do something about the situation. Giving up may mean giving the outcome over to God, and fully submitting to His will.
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Esther decided to approach the king uninvited once the people had fasted. Surely, if everyone was serious about this and determined that Esther’s intervention was the right course of action, then she would move forward.
Her words can be taken in several different ways. Some take “if I perish, I perish” to mean that Esther was resigned to face her fate. She and her people were backed into a corner, so she really didn’t have any other choice. This is sort of the Doris Day version of the story, “Que sera sera, whatever will be, will be, the future’s not ours, to see…” (Wow, that’s a throwback. I don’t even know how I knew that song. It’s not on my iPod…). Life just happens. It’s fate or dumb luck or whatever. It doesn’t sound like there’s much that we can do about it.
But, Esther’s tone here is not resignation. Esther is showing great courage. She is willing to lay down her life, if necessary, for the sake of her people. There is no greater love than this (John 15:13).
There was no easy solution to this situation. Esther couldn’t just waltz into the throne room and give the king a piece of her mind, considering the fate of the last queen who mouthed off. An uninvited appearance could result in death. Her silence would also result in death. The crucible of her situation forged courage that she might have lacked otherwise.
To use an overused quote, “Desperate times call for desperate measures.” Esther didn’t have much choice, except the choice to take action rather than passively submit to fate.
When circumstances are stacked against us, it’s easy to feel like just giving up. The temptation is just to walk away, to escape. But, the path of least resistance makes both men and rivers crooked. God did not place us on this earth merely to let life happen to us. God put us here to make a difference, to build our character, and to glorify Him. Cowardice doesn’t glorify God. Courage wrought by faith does.
What corner do you find yourself backed into today? What overwhelming circumstance are you tempted just to give in to? What is making you entertain the idea of running away or cashing it in? It’s time to take courage and do something about the situation. Giving up may mean giving the outcome over to God, and fully submitting to His will.
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Sunday, February 13, 2011
A Hunger Strike or Drawing Closer to God?
Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do.” Esther 4:15-16
Fasting is often misunderstood, and sometimes is unwelcomed. Most people who fast are preparing for some sort of surgical procedure. To be honest, that’s not a great association. They deny themselves in order to undergo something rather unpleasant. That’s not much of a reward.
In Christian circles fasting is one of those things that people tend to use to amp up their prayer. When prayer alone won’t do the job, they will fast and pray. Now they’re serious.
Don’t get me wrong. We need to be serious about prayer and connecting with God. But, a lot of the fasting that I’ve witnessed seems more like a hunger strike. “I won’t eat until God answers my prayer.” Well, if God answered with “wait,” they’ll be fasting for a while.
If one person’s fast didn’t achieve the answer that they desired, then fellow believers would join in. Their collective fasting and praying would forcefully move the hand of God, or so they think. This seems more like a protest than intercession. God is sovereign. It’s not our place to attempt to move His hand. It’s our place to obey.
Jesus did tell us that some things can only be accomplished through prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29 – Most modern translations, however, put “fasting” in a footnote). But, God is not the one who needs the prayer and fasting. We do.
Fasting offers an opportunity to connect with God. The time that we would spend eating is devoted to prayer. In this time of conversation, yes, speaking and listening, we set aside a time when normally we would provide for ourselves. We seek God’s provision instead.
Fasting is a means of discerning God’s will. The task is not to change God’s mind, but to obtain the mind of God about the issue (Joel 2:12). It’s not forcing God to fall in line with our plans, but to align ourselves with God’s plan. When we are moving in God’s direction, it’s amazing how much will actually go our way.
The byproduct of fasting is benevolence. The money that we save from avoiding meals can be given to the poor. God provides for our needs through prayer, and then God provides for the poor through our generosity.
When was the last time that you fasted? Have you ever fasted? If you have a physical condition that would be affected by fasting, you need to check with your doctor before attempting a fast. If you determine to fast for a long period of time, it would be good to research fasting and consult your doctor as well.
Try a beginner fast: start the day with breakfast then fast from Noon today until Noon tomorrow. Then, eat dinner on the second day. You are allowed to drink fluids during a fast. Some people stick to water and juice only. Some will add milkshakes and smoothies. The point is not to make this a legalistic exercise. This is also not the place to try out the Bassomatic.
You really won’t understand the benefits of fasting until you have experienced it yourself.
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Fasting is often misunderstood, and sometimes is unwelcomed. Most people who fast are preparing for some sort of surgical procedure. To be honest, that’s not a great association. They deny themselves in order to undergo something rather unpleasant. That’s not much of a reward.
In Christian circles fasting is one of those things that people tend to use to amp up their prayer. When prayer alone won’t do the job, they will fast and pray. Now they’re serious.
Don’t get me wrong. We need to be serious about prayer and connecting with God. But, a lot of the fasting that I’ve witnessed seems more like a hunger strike. “I won’t eat until God answers my prayer.” Well, if God answered with “wait,” they’ll be fasting for a while.
If one person’s fast didn’t achieve the answer that they desired, then fellow believers would join in. Their collective fasting and praying would forcefully move the hand of God, or so they think. This seems more like a protest than intercession. God is sovereign. It’s not our place to attempt to move His hand. It’s our place to obey.
Jesus did tell us that some things can only be accomplished through prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29 – Most modern translations, however, put “fasting” in a footnote). But, God is not the one who needs the prayer and fasting. We do.
Fasting offers an opportunity to connect with God. The time that we would spend eating is devoted to prayer. In this time of conversation, yes, speaking and listening, we set aside a time when normally we would provide for ourselves. We seek God’s provision instead.
Fasting is a means of discerning God’s will. The task is not to change God’s mind, but to obtain the mind of God about the issue (Joel 2:12). It’s not forcing God to fall in line with our plans, but to align ourselves with God’s plan. When we are moving in God’s direction, it’s amazing how much will actually go our way.
The byproduct of fasting is benevolence. The money that we save from avoiding meals can be given to the poor. God provides for our needs through prayer, and then God provides for the poor through our generosity.
When was the last time that you fasted? Have you ever fasted? If you have a physical condition that would be affected by fasting, you need to check with your doctor before attempting a fast. If you determine to fast for a long period of time, it would be good to research fasting and consult your doctor as well.
Try a beginner fast: start the day with breakfast then fast from Noon today until Noon tomorrow. Then, eat dinner on the second day. You are allowed to drink fluids during a fast. Some people stick to water and juice only. Some will add milkshakes and smoothies. The point is not to make this a legalistic exercise. This is also not the place to try out the Bassomatic.
You really won’t understand the benefits of fasting until you have experienced it yourself.
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Thursday, February 10, 2011
You Might Want to Flip the Channel Instead
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. James 4:17
James hits so squarely between the eyes that these words really don’t need much commentary.
What is the good that you ought to do? You can’t do everything, but what is the good that YOU ought to do? Who needs your help? Who needs your words of encouragement today? What cause is on your heart that needs to be championed?
As Edmund Burke put it, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”
When we think of the immensity of evil in this world, it’s sometimes hard to believe that we could make any kind of a difference. Human trafficking, drug cartels, starvation, disease, terrorism, prostitution, slavery – most of us would rather change the channel than think about any of this.
There is something that we can do. The International Justice Mission works with local law enforcement in countries around the world to stem the tide of human trafficking Water of Life drills fresh water alongside church planting in West Africa and India. World Vision provides food, clothing and education for children worldwide.
What about the needs in your own home? How is evil influencing your children? While we all need to monitor the inputs into our children’s lives, how have you connected with your child’s heart?
Parents are not raising puppies. It’s not merely the behavioral tasks of following instructions, behaving in public, and potty training. Our kids need more than obedience school. How are we influencing their thoughts? How are we teaching them to deal with failure and disappointment? How are we showing them to deal with their emotions?
If we do nothing and hope that all of this just goes away, we are just adding to the problem.
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James hits so squarely between the eyes that these words really don’t need much commentary.
What is the good that you ought to do? You can’t do everything, but what is the good that YOU ought to do? Who needs your help? Who needs your words of encouragement today? What cause is on your heart that needs to be championed?
As Edmund Burke put it, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”
When we think of the immensity of evil in this world, it’s sometimes hard to believe that we could make any kind of a difference. Human trafficking, drug cartels, starvation, disease, terrorism, prostitution, slavery – most of us would rather change the channel than think about any of this.
There is something that we can do. The International Justice Mission works with local law enforcement in countries around the world to stem the tide of human trafficking Water of Life drills fresh water alongside church planting in West Africa and India. World Vision provides food, clothing and education for children worldwide.
What about the needs in your own home? How is evil influencing your children? While we all need to monitor the inputs into our children’s lives, how have you connected with your child’s heart?
Parents are not raising puppies. It’s not merely the behavioral tasks of following instructions, behaving in public, and potty training. Our kids need more than obedience school. How are we influencing their thoughts? How are we teaching them to deal with failure and disappointment? How are we showing them to deal with their emotions?
If we do nothing and hope that all of this just goes away, we are just adding to the problem.
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