saved to share

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

c2k0035Esther 8

Mordecai had been rescued from the gallows so that he could make the decree that would allow his people to defend themselves from sure destruction.  Just as Esther had been providentially placed so that she could make a significant choice, so now Mordecai is saved to share salvation.  Every believer stands in the same situation.  We have been rescued from the kingdom of darkness and promised eternal life.  Now all the angels in heaven watch to see what we will do with our new status.  God loved us, sending his Son to die for us.  Do we love the lost enough to share this blessing?

LORD, give us your heart to rescue our kindred from sure destruction.

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mightier than the waves

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

c2k0032Psalm 93   The LORD is king of the universe. He reigns, and his reign is a majestic one that will last for eternity. 

The trouble we encounter often tempt us to forget who he is. Troubles will come like a storm, but he is mightier than the storm. Trouble come in mighty waves, but he is mightier than the waves. 

LORD, we confess that we have been worrying about the future. We have not been living like those whose father controls all things. Forgive us for doubting your sovereignty.

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Hang him on that

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

c2k0033Esther 7

The story of Esther’s intervention to save her people is not a story of revenge.  It is a reminder to all those who would seek to do a great injustice that God has a way of turning treachery around.  Haman still awaits judgment.  He will stand before Jesus Christ who will judge him for all of his evil works, including his plot to commit genocide.   But those like Haman who would seek their own success at the cost of others should know that sometimes God allows a sneak peek of that judgment.  He allows consequences to come to those who do evil.  The gallows Haman had prepared for Mordecai is a symbol of those consequences.

LORD,  when we are tempted to get our own way at the expense of others, remind us of Haman’s gallows.

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indoor plant

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0712Psalm 92  I can picture a believer worshipping  at the temple in Jerusalem on the Sabbath and thinking about his fate compared to that of unbelievers. They are like patches of grass, which flourish for a time, but are doomed to destruction forever (7). He is a tree growing inside God’s temple courts. He expects to bear fruit in his old age — to be ever full of sap and green.  Day and night he lives to declare the faithfulness of the LORD.

LORD, how great are your works, your thoughts are very deep!  May we grow where we are planted, and declare your faithfulness.

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well made plans

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

c2k0031Esther 6

Reading stories like this reminds us of two things about God. He is sovereign over the affairs of men, and he sometimes shows that sovereignty by orchestrating events which turn the plans of men upside down.  Those moments of irony where God upsets the schemes of people like Haman encourage us.  Even if things seem to be going according to someone else’s plan, we can still pray, and God can turn things around.

LORD, thank you for spoiling the enemy’s well-made plans.

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safe in the center

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

c2k0021Psalm 91

A loving and confident relationship with God is described here as a refuge.  It is not a promise that no storms will come to our lives.  It is a promise of a place to rest and a place of protection during those storms.  If you have a refuge, it does not matter how many storms come.  If you are safe under his wings, it does not matter how many dangers there are to the right and left.  You are safe in the center of God’s will.

LORD, you are our mighty fortress, our refuge.  We trust in you.

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the blindness of envy

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

c2k0030Esther 5

Haman had many accolades. He admitted that himself.  But he could see nothing but his envy of Mordecai.  When his wife and friends suggested that he have a gallows made upon which to kill Mordecai, he could not see the possibility that the plan would backfire, leading to his own death.  Such is the blindness caused by envy.  God’s people should be content, not only with what they have, but also with what others have.  Many a person and ministry has been destroyed by envy of others.

LORD, strengthen our hearts so that we stand before you, unhindered by other people’s possessions and positions.

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for such a time as this

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

c2k0019Esther 4

An enemy has convinced the king to make a decree that could result in the extermination of her people.  Queen Esther is in turmoil.  Interceding for her people could cost her life, because the law prohibits approaching the king unless bidden by him. She has only once chance — if the king holds out his scepter, allowing her approach. Her uncle asks “who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”   Mordecai’s question suggests that there is a sovereign God moving the pieces around the board just so that she can make a strategic decision that honors him. It is not every day that we are called on to make such decisions. But we must be ready on any day.

LORD, may we live our lives honoring you, so that when the time comes for us to make a difference — we are ready.

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return!

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

c2k0009Psalm 90  Moses highlights our dependence upon God and his sovereignty over all humanity in this prayer by using the same word in two different senses. The word is RETURN! First, Moses shows our dependence upon God for life by showing our mere mortality (3). He returns us to the dust with a mere command after we have spent our seventy or eighty years of trouble. All our mortal lives are spent within the One who is our dwelling place. He is immortal and we are not.  Second, Moses shows God’s sovereignty in our lives by imploring him to return his favor and salvation to us (13).  Our years of affliction and wrath can be remedied by a simple turn in direction by the sovereign omnipotent God.

LORD, RETURN your grace upon our land before you RETURN us all to dust.

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the first Kristallnacht

Posted on March 30, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

c2k0018Esther 3

Haman was busy planning the first Kristallnacht, and there seemed to be no stopping him.  His jealousy and hatred of Mordecai had warped his conscience, and he thought it only rational to get even with his enemy, Mordecai, by committing genocide against all the Jews.  He saw his prominence, and access to the king as justification for what he wanted: might makes right.

The LORD was watching.  He is not blind to the evil in men’s hearts. 

LORD, thank you that “though the wrong seems oft’ so strong”  you are the ruler yet.

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