God Be The Glory

God is truly an amazing wonder. Each day we are presented with brand new mercies, and so many chances to experience unconditional love and forgiveness. While at times my flesh fights against these opportunities with feelings of discouragement and doubt, God through the spirit sends a fresh perspective and awakens me to arise to the light of God's glory. A week ago, during my four hour visit to the hair salon I sat and read the story of Esther. I remember reading the story once last year, but today I realized that I didn't do it any justice. The richness of her story and her fearless courage is one that every young woman should read. It has been such a blessing to me today, as I am in the midst of transitions and important decisions. Esther had the courage to take a risk. She was fearless as her people, the jews, placed possible annihilation. As Queen, Esther was in the unique position to expose an evil plot devised by one of the Kings closest advisor. This advisor hated the Jews and despised Esther's relative. In those days even the Queen could not approach the King without first being summoned. Obviously she did not have much time to wait for this summons, as the advisor planned to carry out his plans against the jews quickly. It was common knowledge that anyone who approached the King without an official summons would be killed. Esther knowing this responded by saying " I will go to the King, even though its against the law. And if I perish, I perish"~Esther 4:16. Her fear did not paralyze her as she knew she had to act FAST! She had to speak up for her people. She displayed tremendous courage and boldness in the face of adversity. She laid her life down in the similar way that Jesus did for all of us on Calvary. He endured spiritual and physical pain of the worst kind so that we could be reconciled to God, and offered the promise of eternal fellowship with our Creator. "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" ~John 15-13. Long story short Esther did not perish. She exposed the plot to the King and was God's instrument in saving her people from the destruction and attacks of their enemies. God used Esther in an amazing way. He uses all of us if we will just trust him. During the life of Jesus's ministry on earth he performed many miracles. Today I listened again to the story of Lazarus. Again I read this story last year, but its amazing the new things the spirit teaches you. Yes Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead after four days. While this seems to be the headliner, the major story is how God used Lazarus to reveal his Glory so that others would believe in a sovereign God. Its not so much about being raised from the dead, as it was pure evidence that Jesus is sent from the Father. That Jesus and our Father are one. Glory be to the Father! All great gifts come from above. Let us remember that these gifts are for his glory. So that others may believe in him and come into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Our accomplishments while they may seem to be ours, are truly for the Glory of the Living God. Hope you all had a restful Saturday, and best wishes for a productive work week.