Habakkuk 2: 2-3 And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. (3) For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
A few years back, I had an encounter that taught me a valuable lesson. One day, a beautiful hummingbird bird unexpectedly flew into my home through an open window. I immediately acted, doing everything I could to help the little creature. Its instincts took over to act upon potential danger. This experience left a lasting impression on me, highlighting God’s remarkable lesson. “Little bird, I’m not going to harm you; I just want to help you safely exit. In a gentle voice, I reassured it, “I promise; I just want to help you exit safely.” Opening every window wide, I continued coaxing him towards a safe, excitement. Finally, he realized that freedom awaited him through an open window the moment he calmed down.
The Holy Ghost spoke to me, saying, “Darlene, I know you are hurting, but I can’t free you from this cage of pain unless you calm down.”
When individuals experience emotional pain, they may instinctively lash out with feelings of anger and hostility. This defensive response can be likened to the sensitivity of an open wound, where any contact brings increased discomfort. Despite our sincere efforts to provide comfort, those in pain may perceive our actions as intensifying their pain rather than easing it. Emotional pain is a profoundly intense and agonizing form of suffering.
While physical pain can often be managed with tangible treatments, emotional pain usually necessitates a sense of divine healing or intervention for relief. Jesus is the Healer.
Continue to pray for that person, and never give up.
“For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.”Jeremiah 30:17 KJV
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11 KJV
There was a time when I held a stubborn attitude toward reading the book “Esther.” I remember distinctly that I had no interest in the book, which my sister had been recommending for a while. The reason for my reluctance was the fact that it was a love story. I believed it would have no relevance to my spiritual journey with Jesus, so it was not worth my time.
Despite my sister’s persuading me to read it, I refused to budge from my stance. However, my sister’s persistence and convincing arguments eventually broke through my resistance, and I finally gave in and decided to read the book.
As I began to read, I found myself drawn into the story of Esther and her courage to stand up for her people. I was amazed at her faith and trust in God, evident throughout the book. The love story aspect of the book also made sense to me, as it highlighted the sacrificial love that Esther had for her people.
I am grateful for my sister’s suggestion and for reading Esther, which imparted valuable lessons about the importance of maintaining an open mind.
Esther’s story is captivating on many levels. As a historical account and a biblical narrative, it offers a unique perspective on the power of faith and the bravery of those willing to stand up for their beliefs.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Esther’s character is her unwavering courage in the face of adversity. Despite the many challenges she faced, including the risk of death, she remained steadfast in her commitment to her people and her faith.
Although God is not explicitly mentioned in the book, his presence is felt throughout the story. Esther’s faith in God and willingness to trust in his plan testify to divine intervention’s power.
The book’s many mysteries and uncertainties only add to its allure. From Esther’s hidden identity to the complex political landscape of ancient Persia, there is always something new to discover in this timeless story.
Esther’s story is a powerful testament to the unwavering strength of faith, courage, and perseverance. This unforgettable story will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations.
The name Hadassah means Myrtle tree, joy. Esther means secret, hidden, star, and myrtle leaf[DC1] .
Observing how Esther’s Persian heritage shaped her identity and complemented her innate character is truly intriguing. When Queen Vashti defied the king’s decree and was banished from his presence, it set the stage for Esther to step forward and embrace a prominent role in the unfolding narrative.
However, the road to fulfilling her destiny was far from easy. Esther spent twelve months in captivity within the palace, but this time proved crucial in aligning her with her true purpose. It’s never easy to accept one’s destiny, but Esther used her time with the king to showcase her unique qualities. To him, she was like an exotic flower that no desert could ever hope to destroy.
What made Esther stand out from the mundane of everyday life? She could shine in the presence of others without even saying a word. The beauty of God’s light encircled her, making her an intense and radiant star in the night sky, outshining all the others. Unlike the king’s previous fruitless searches for the right queen, Esther was different. She was chosen by God, serving an essential purpose that would ultimately change the course of Israel’s history.
Interestingly, Esther’s cleansing process was shortened by three months (Esther 2:16), which only served to highlight her exceptional nature further. I’m sure King Ahasuerus was captivated by her.
Esther found herself locked in a fierce battle with an adversarial figure, none other than Haman – a high-ranking court official who exerted his power and influence with an arrogant sense of entitlement. Haman seemed to bask in the glory of his close relationship with the king, demanding that all bow before him as a sign of his supposed superiority. The tension between Esther and Haman grew more palpable with each passing moment as the pendulum swung back and forth in a constant struggle for dominance. Mordechai refused to appease his wishes by refusing to bow. He stood firm against bowing to someone who made themselves an idol. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God” …. (Exodus 20:3 KJV) Of course this meant a threat to his power and influence. Something had to be done. What other way to do so than to abuse his power to pacify him?
The story of Esther is one of intrigue, danger, and salvation. Throughout the book, we see God’s hand at work, preserving the Jewish people from their enemies. Despite the enemy’s repeated attempts to destroy them, God always has a redemptive plan.
The metaphor, “I give them enough rope to hang themselves on,” illustrates how reaping what you sow works. He allows the enemy to set traps and then waits for them to fall into their trap. The story of Haman is an excellent example of this. The deceitful Haman was determined to bring about the noble Mordecai’s downfall, so he went to great lengths to construct hidden gallows for his nefarious plans. But the truth came out in the end, and the plot backfired on him.
The passage draws a strong comparison between the rebounding nature of a boomerang, the diligent training of a skilled player, and the application of this principle to our work, underscoring the importance of incorporating this concept into our professional lives. We should be intentional with our actions and plan for the unexpected. We should trust in God’s redemptive plan and know He is always at work, even when we don’t see it. With this trust, we can confidently face any challenge, knowing that God will preserve our integrity and guide us toward redemption. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7 KJV
During Haman’s attack, Esther, who was appointed queen by God, played a crucial role in His plan. As a woman of great influence, Esther used her position to prevent the annihilation of the Jewish people. The identity of God was recognized through Esther’s bravery and unwavering faith in Him, which allowed her to stand up against the powerful adversary and protect her people. Esther’s story serves as a reminder that God can use anyone to fulfill His purpose regardless of their background or circumstances.
Esther initiated a three-day fast accompanied by prayer.
“Is it such a fast that I have chosen? A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush and spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to lose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward.” (Isaiah 58:5-8 KJV)
In Prussia, breaking the protocol by appearing uninvited before the king was a grave offense with severe consequences, including death.
To protect her life and people, the Jewish maid Hadassah assumed under the name Esther to conceal her true identity. Despite the risks involved, Esther possessed a wealth of virtues such as truth, salvation, and compassion. Her inner beauty was evident in her actions, as she fearlessly risked everything to save her people. It was clear that God’s favor was upon her, as she displayed unwavering strength and resilience throughout her journey. Her story inspires us all, a reminder that even in the most difficult of circumstances, we can find the strength to overcome adversity.
Standing before the throne of God, I felt a sense of nervousness and uncertainty. I had come to ask for something desperately needed, but I didn’t know how to articulate my request. I couldn’t help but think that God would never grant my plea, that He only listened to the prayers of those more deserving than me. However, as I reflected on the words of Romans 2:11, I realized that God is no respecter of persons. He doesn’t show partiality or favoritism; He is willing to hear the prayers of anyone who seeks Him. And so, with a newfound sense of hope, I lifted my eyes to the heavens and began to pour out my heart to the One who holds all things in His hands.
The identity of Haman was also disclosed, reminding us that a hidden character comes to light!
What has God called you to do? I understand that it is fearful to step out.
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 KJV
Jesus bled and died so we could access the throne room. He arose from the dead. When the king raised his scepter, we were authorized to enter His throne room. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” 1 Timothy 2:5 KJV
I decree Esther 4:14 over you, “For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
I declare that you will become bold in the Lord. You will not hold your peace but speak against strongholds, they shall break. I declare that you are courageous and have been chosen, for such a time as this.
This story is dedicated to everyone who has a longing for God.
The tale of the donkey and the well, the author is probably Aesop VI Century B.C., shows us that even in the darkest moments, there is a light of hope.
One day, a farmer’s donkey fell into a well. The frightened animal brayed loudly for hours while the farmer tried to figure out what he could do to get it out of there. After much pondering, the farmer thought that the animal was too old to continue working and that, since the well was dry and he had planned to cover it, it was not worth taking the donkey out.
So he asked some neighbors for help. They all took their shovels and began to throw dirt to cover the well, with the donkey inside.
The donkey, which is actually an exceptionally intelligent and problem-solving animal, began to realize what was happening, so it brayed even louder. Soon after, to everyone’s surprise, he calmed down and lay down, letting the dirt slowly cover him.
However, after a few minutes of calm, the donkey opened its eyes and sat up, shaking off the dirt that covered its back and head. As the dirt fell, he got up again to get closer and closer to the mouth of the well.
After a while, everyone saw how the donkey reached the top, jumped over the curb and trotted off full of renewed vitality”.
The first time I read this passage, it deeply inspired me. It reminded me of the importance of letting go of the burdens our adversaries try to impose on us, including negative influences from certain individuals. God wants to set us as a city on a hill. I hope you find solace in this powerful story, as I have!
I must write about this, I thought. I must write and tell my followers about my experience on Wednesday, the 10th.
When we face trials, we often feel drained of energy. Our inner strength is being tested, much like a ship caught in a violent storm. We get thrown around like a ping-pong ball being relentlessly struck from one end to another. At that moment, I felt like I was experiencing exactly that, and I know some of you may be experiencing the same.
During our regular meeting, my team of devoted intercessors discussed the profound insights we received from the Holy Spirit. We explored how God had orchestrated our coming together for a meaningful purpose. Dallie, brimming with conviction, fluently expressed her unwavering belief that this gathering signified a transformative new chapter for each of us. We were united in believing that God would be present when we gathered.
The challenges initiated by Satan’s stumbling blocks were made stepping stones for the Way Maker.
In the face of discouraging challenges, we found the strength to prevail and stand united. I am deeply grateful for the blessing I received from God in our meeting!
“For the first time in many years, I experienced a deep sense of renewal and spiritual rebirth in my faith in Jesus Christ! It was incredible to receive a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. As the ladies surrounded me in prayer, I felt all the weight and burden I had been carrying for so long lift off my shoulders: no more hurt, guilt, shame, or regret! I can honestly say that I feel like a completely new person and that my faith has been rejuvenated in a way I never thought possible. This experience has truly transformed me, and I am so grateful for the love and support of those around me. I can easily laugh off everything; they are insignificant compared to the power of God!
… “thou, LORD, art most high for evermore. For, lo, thine enemies, O LORD, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered. But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.” Psalm 92:8-10 KJV
The next time you open a glass jar containing food, pay close attention to the security of the lid. Some lids can be difficult to open, and there may be a popping sound as you work it loose. The seal inside the lid is designed to preserve the contents.
I pondered the supposed scenario of where I would find myself if God had not graciously preserved me. A preservative serves the purpose of safeguarding a substance from spoiling or losing its original shape and form. Christ within us preserves our spirit, even during difficult moments.
Heartache is undoubtedly the longest pain to heal but it’s not impossible. God’s ability to reach within us is the main thing to remember.
I know God has kept me from losing my sanity as I faced heart-wrenching situations.
“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 KJV
Beloved I encourage you to keep pressing through whatever you’re challenged with. Don’t stop praying. Thank Him for all things and give Him praise!
We become compassionate yet bold, fearful to fearless, weak to strong, injured to victorious, and so forth. Wisdom and knowledge become our possession.
“Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit.Job 10:12 (KJV)
“If God sends us on stony paths, he provides strong shoes.” – Corrie Ten Boom-
Remember the profound words: “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” These words of Jesus remind us of children’s invaluable nature and innocence. Luke 17:2, Jesus gives this warning, “It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” KJV
Surrounding myself with children brings me immense joy and deep spiritual healing. The innocent presence of a child has the remarkable ability to create a profound impact with their simple yet powerful words. Their forgiving nature, unconditional love, and unwavering trust in others are inspiring.
Please join in prayer with me to pray for children worldwide.
“Today, I proclaim that every single child, regardless of their background or circumstances, is free from oppression. It is our shared duty to ensure that every child has the opportunity to bask in the light of the divine: for every one of them carries the radiant glory of the divine and represents the very embodiment of His kingdom on earth. “I declare Matthew 19:14, … Jesus said, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
I decree that every child, regardless of their circumstances, is now freed from oppression. As of today, no child shall be denied the opportunity to come to the Lord and experience His love and presence. They shall carry the glory of God within them and are a vital part of His kingdom. I declare Psalm 127:3, “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
As the Lord’s cherished heritage, all children will find joy and fulfillment in following His ways. Every child shall walk in accordance to His divine purpose.”
During power outages, the wait for light is difficult. Morning comes gradually as the night slowly fades.
Sunlight is important to our bodies; it directly produces Vitamin D. Most of our vitamin D is gained this way. Doctors encourage an increase in outdoor activities during the summer for improved mental health, as sunlight helps drive away depression and serves as a mood enhancer.
“Christ is the guiding spiritual light in our lives, providing all we need to thrive. Similar to power outages that can disrupt our connection with God, we may encounter moments of weariness in our bodies, minds, and hearts. Nonetheless, He is the only healing light that illuminates our path. and we discover our sustenance in the comforting embrace of His presence.
No matter how dark the world is, Jesus is still a shining light. Through our prayers and reading His word, we become empowered.
“All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (John 1:3-5 KJV)
“Here God, take all of me,” I felt a deep sincerity in my heart. I came to Him with every single broken piece of myself, offering them up in exchange for a new life. The weight of living in darkness had become unbearable, and I knew I could no longer continue that way. In return for my surrender, God didn’t abandon me; instead, He showed me that I had a purpose.
As I eagerly awaited a delivery one day, my eyes were drawn to something peculiar outside my glass doors. To my amazement, a solitary mum stood by itself beside my large flower box, seemingly emerging from the cemented parking lot. I didn’t plant it there. Some of the seeds must have been carried by the wind from my neighbor’s flowers! Of course, this was one of God’s messages for me. It turned into two messages!
Countless times, we may find ourselves questioning the impact of the seeds we plant in people’s lives, wondering if our efforts are in vain. However, it is important to remember that our actions often have a deeper and longer-lasting effect than we realize. Just like how seeds germinate and grow into flourishing plants, the influence of sowing gospel seeds never truly fades away. Every interaction and gesture, no matter how small, can contribute to a greater and significant transformation in someone’s life. Isaiah 55:11 is a promise, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (KJV)
The second message I received from the mum is, that God works outside the box. I didn’t surrender my life to Him to be confined, nor does He want to be.
I desire to experience God’s amazing power to its fullest! No boundaries, no stopping, or no questions I want to witness those seeds being showered by His glory!
As I strolled home, basking in the warm sunlight, I took a moment to ponder the events of my day. Where would I be if someone hadn’t stood in the gap to pray for me?
In a heartfelt discussion with my friend, we delved into the profound significance of radiating God’s light in our lives. I found myself distancing from embracing God’s teachings as a sinner due to the approach of certain Christians. Their calamitous warnings of eternal damnation did nothing to draw me closer to God; instead, I felt pushed away by their lack of compassion and nurturing. Their self-righteous tone seemed to proclaim, “Look at my righteousness!”
David Phelps wrote a song called, Live Like a King. The lyrics go like this,
My thirst for the things of this earth Isn’t quenched by diamonds or pearls One Man lived the life that I want He’s the One they said ruled the world
Though He only wore a crown of thorns And He never owned a thing
I want to live like a King I want to live like a King And my decree it will ring “Love will rule everything” I want to live like a King
This King did the strangest of things He befriended the sick and the poor There was no one too wrong, too right, too black, too white for Him to Love He built no walls, left no unopened doors Well, now I could croon a million other tunes There is just one I want to sing
I want to be stronger, I want to be wiser I just want to make every move be the one He’d want to see from me There’s just such power, such healing power In every word that He said, in every deed that He did
This world has heard enough preaching, now we need a demonstration of the Holy Ghost, His power! Reflectors were designed to reflect subjects in the dark. People who work in the mines are required to wear reflective clothing. People walking in the dark should wear bright clothing to be spotted. We are living in a dark world. If we aren’t reflecting God’s glory, how will they see? They need something tangible not religious and ceremonial.
My prayer is to be as much like Jesus as possible. For the Holy Ghost to cleanse me of all unrighteousness so that I can be a reflector of God’s glory. It’s time for us to be the church and stop being ceremonial. The building is not the church, we are the church
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