Dishonored by drama and disobedience

"But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him." Esther 1:12

This was a very costly decision by the queen. In her pride she refused her husband's call. It not only cost her his respect, but that of all in the kingdom and the kingdom itself!

This simple portrait can be related to the call of Christ. Many today, in their pride refuse Him too, being comfortable where they are. They see no need nor the long term consequences.

If He's speaking to you, will you heed His call or will you reject in great disrespect? For some this may pertain to your salvation for others, He desires your presence in willful obedience. Question is, what is your response to the King of kings?

Strength of man or Christ covering?

"Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion." Isaiah 30:1-3

Is not the strength of man (humanness) limited? What protection can a shadow give? Does it not move with the sun and fade as the sun passes? Oh, but to "add sin to sin"! The endless opportunities, yet unbenounced leads to confusion, chaos, shame, regret and not to mention, a wide open target because outside the Lord's Will is to be outside of His protection! 

"Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD." Jeremiah 17:5

Yet in His mercy and grace---> "...For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still." Isaiah 10:4 He still bids us "come"!

Honestly give yourself a prayerful examination. Where is your hope, peace and trust placed?

Saving Strength

"The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed." Psalm 28:8

To be "His anointed" is to be His chosen vessel and one that is set apart. There is favor here that the common carnal man/woman knows nothing of. More than being touched with oil, this one is filled with the Holy Spirit. 

As though being His anointed weren't a blessing big enough in itself; He is THE "saving strength"! Saving here is victory, deliverance, help or aid, and salvation! 

If His Holy Spirit is living within us and He alone is our saving strength, are we truly abiding in Him and learning that needed reliance and dependence upon Him in every area of our lives? Is His mark upon us that visibly shouts "GLOOOOORY" from the rooftops; reflecting He is ALL we need in all things?

My heart is fixed

"My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise." Psalm 57:7

Only a heart "fixed", which is established, fastened, firm and/or ready can continually sing and give praise. Why? Because this heart sees Christ above all circumstances, trials, tribulations and temptations. 

Do you know why this is so important? It testifies to those around us Who Christ is: he is our Rock, our Strength, our Fortress, our Deliverer, our Strong Tower, He is alive, working and ever present! Is the joy of the Lord evident in your life today?

The struggle is real

"The struggle is real", a common phrase these days. Honestly, we all see it, we all experience it.

One day my son came up to me with a wrinkled sheet of paper. I asked what he was making. He says, "Oh, I'm trying to make a paper airplane." I asked him if he still had his instruction book. He thought a moment and said I think I do. I replied wouldn't it be easier to get it and know how to do it the right way? He said, ummm, no. I want to do it my way. 

Real life application: The longer we ignore instruction, the harder we will struggle. 

God in His infinite love has given us an instruction manual too... His Word!

He says in Psalm 38:8 "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."

 Key question is: Will we struggle in our own way or trust Him, believe Him, and obey His instructions?

Clear Cut & Concise ... Truth

Jesus Christ said,

"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." Matthew 10:34

Think of this sword a moment, once it separates, its final. Let's consider a few basic but important things.

Right vs. Wrong, Our ways vs. God's ways, God's purpose and plans vs. the flesh, truth from error, righteousness vs. wickedness... honestly the list can be quite lengthy. 

In no way ever did He desire us to be confused. "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace..." 1 Cor. 14:33 As a matter of fact, a few verses later we are told, "Let all things be done decently and in order." (vs 40)

So, let's consider our ways as we journey through these last days. The enemy has created a cesspool of confusions. May we seek the face of the Prince of Peace who will lead, guide, direct, protect and strengthen us in every situation we face.

He is the God of order, let's trust Him with His clear cut truths regardless how man may misconstrue His words and teachings. Do you have His discernment?

Falling for flatteries or strength to stand?

Falling for flatteries or strength to stand?

"And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries." Daniel 11:21
"And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." Verse 32

According to the Strong's Concordance, "flatteries" is used as 'flattery, smoothness, fine promises' (strongs/H2514)

Now we know this passage reveals how the antichrist will get his way, but there is spiritual application for us today as well!

Many of us know a smooth talker. May we be close enough to the Lord God and full of His Holy Spirit, so we can recognize such talk in our day to day lives. After all, whether it be one attempting to get what they want from us, or the ultimate deceiver's soon coming antichrist the Word of God reminds us "but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.(v 32)".

Keys to victory, know the God who lives!

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:10-11

No doubt smooth talkers, filled with fine promises and "feel good" words can be quite convincing! May we draw nearer to Christ than ever before, clothed in Him, filled with His Holy Spirit and Word so that we trust Him, His covering and His promises in such deceptive times as we are in.

Can you recognize these people who deceive with such pleasantries? Is it any wonder  that we are warned of such vile and evil ones? Truth is, we weren't made to battle alone! Are you abiding in the vine? Living in Christ? Will you recognize that false feel good and have His strength to stand?