Tag: King

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Beginning to Forever, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study

A Surrendered Heart

Posted on by

based on the Love God Greatly Study, From the Beginning to Forever/w4d1

Read: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and Soap verse 7; For Further Reading: 1 Samuel 8:4-9

Do you have a “Saul” who or that you are mourning? What I mean is, is there a person, place, or thing – or perhaps a dream or hope that hasn’t happened or was taken away- holding you captive or back from moving on? Scripture reveals to us that Samuel did. Verse 35 of 1 Samuel 15 tells the story of Saul’s disobedience to God, and how, “Until the day he died, Samuel did not see Saul again. Samuel did, however, mourn for Saul, but the Lord regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel.”

Until the day he died, Samuel did not see Saul again. Samuel did, however, mourn for Saul, but the Lord regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel.

1 Samuel 15:35

If you’ve never watched or prayed and waited with parents mourning their child’s decision to turn away from God, it is hard to understand the devastation and personal responsibility they feel and the sorrow it induces. It is an awful thing that either drives them to despair and/or to their knees. Much as a parent mourns their child wandering away from God’s path, Samuel mourned for Saul’s persistent disobedience and ultimately God’s rejection of him as king. On top of that, Samuel had devoted time and service to Saul and the calling on his life, so understandably, Saul’s failure and the Lord’s rejection of him were likely a personal disappointment and defeat for Samuel as well, possibly believing that he had failed Saul. Thus, the Lord’s question and command to Samuel that we find in our journey today:

The Lord said to Samuel, “How long do you intend to mourn for Saul? I have rejected him as king over Israel. Fill your horn with olive oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse in Bethlehem, for I have selected a king for myself from among his sons.”

1 Samuel 16:1 NET (KJV Version)

Having had time to mourn, God was now calling Samuel to stop mourning and “go” to the one He had selected as king in Saul’s place. Fear was Samuel’s next obstacle, as he was concerned that if he did as the Lord asked, Saul would hear about it and kill him. The Lord answered his concern, and Samuel did as the Lord told him. God’s assurance moved Samuel past his mourning and fear to obedience to God’s calling. From that obedience, Samuel meets Jesse and his sons, including David, who would one day be the successor of Saul, and the ‘root’ from which Jesus, our Rescuer, would come. Samuel assessed the brothers, beginning with Eliab, the oldest, and continuing through to the youngest. Ultimately, he chose David, the shepherd boy, the one whom God had told him to anoint, rather than the oldest, who looked more like a king. Why? Because Samuel had listened to God, who looks at the heart rather than appearance

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7

As today’s journal entry by LGG reminds us, Saul looked the part on the outside, but outward appearances don’t always match what’s on the inside. Saul was more concerned with what people thought of him than with pleasing God, so God chose a different king, a young shepherd boy named David. David was anything but kingly according to his outward appearance. But he had something that Saul did not, a heart that wanted to live for God. So God raised David to be the greatest earthly King of Israel, not because David was perfect, but because he was surrendered to God.1

Friends, if you are stuck in a place of mourning or regret, fear or disobedience, disappointment, or waiting… let me ask you – “How long do you continue to stay there?” Samuel was led to David, the true and future King of Israel when he left his mourning behind and followed where God led him. Let’s ask God to search our hearts, know our thoughts, and reveal anything holding us back from His mission/desire for us. Let’s humbly and faithfully surrender to Him daily, choosing His way over our own. 💜 🙌

The More We Know

Do you know the One who looks at the heart? If not, I invite you to check out the “Know These Truths” link below:

https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/
  1. From the Beginning to Forever, Love God Greatly Journal, p 121 ↩︎
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

A Victorious God

Posted on by

From the journal of the LGG Study, For Such A Time As This, p171

Read: Esther 7:9-10 and SOAP: Proverbs 26:27

If you set a trap for others,
    you will get caught in it yourself.
If you roll a boulder down on others,
    it will crush you instead.

Proverbs 26:27

It never gets old seeing God so visibly at work and/or seeing His Word played out in our own lives or on the pages of Scripture. What perfect correlation is seen in Haman hanging on the gallows he had built to hang Mordecai from, and the words of today’s Proverb: If you set a trap for others, you will get caught in it yourself. If you roll a boulder down on others, it will crush you instead.

As I read through today’s micro portion of Esther’s story, I found myself rejoicing when I read the words: “They hanged Haman on the very gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai.” However, I immediately felt bad for celebrating the demise of another person, but in searching my heart, I was reminded I wasn’t celebrating the death of a man but the victory of our God over the wicked enemy. As battles loom around or in us, what a blessing to know that our God is fighting for us. He goes before us, comes around, and behind us. Isaiah shared this message from God: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.1“ We can rest assured, no matter the enemy or the battle, our God is with us and in perfect control. There is no enemy He cannot defeat nor battle He cannot win.

As today’s journal entry points out, when we look beyond the story of Haman’s demise, we will find a warning that we would be wise not to miss. Check it out below. (Note this entry is also available at lovegodgreatly.com)

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study

God Has the Final Word

Posted on by

From the journal of the LGG Study, For Such A Time As This, p161

Read: Esther 7:7-8 and SOAP: Proverbs 16:4

The Lord has worked everything for his own ends—
even the wicked for the day of disaster.

Proverbs 16:4

I believe this is the first time I’ve read Esther’s story broken up into short segments. However, I must say that I’ve appreciated digesting it like this. It has helped me not only focus on specific actions, words, and reactions, but it has also helped me to visualize God’s sovereignty in micro detail rather than just the bigger picture. Something I noticed and shared yesterday bears repeating today: God’s presence is indisputable.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Romans 8:28

”Romans 8:28 is one of my life verses and perhaps one of the reasons I am, more often than not, aware of and/or looking for God’s fingerprints throughout every day and situation. While I’m not certain this verse correlates with Proverbs 16:4, what I do know is that Esther and Mordecai loved God and were used and/or called, for such a time as this, to fulfill God’s purpose to save His people from Haman’s wicked plot to destroy the Jews. Not only that, but consider Mordecai’s presence at the gate of the King at just the right time to hear the plot to kill the king1 and later the plot to destroy the Jews.2 Consider also the fact that while many captives had returned to their homes,3 Esther and Mordecai were still within the radius of the search for a new queen, and out of all that were brought to the palace, it was Esther who totally captivated the King’s heart and was positioned by God to save His people from annihilation.

Posted in Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Trust God’s Timing

Posted on by

From the journal, For Such a Time As This, by Love God Greatly, p145/w5d1

Read: Esther 6:10-11 and SOAP: Proverbs 25:6-7

Don’t demand an audience with the king
    or push for a place among the great.
7 It’s better to wait for an invitation to the head table
    than to be sent away in public disgrace.

Just because you’ve seen something,

Proverbs 25:6-7

Have you ever watched a contest and at the end, just as the announcer says, “the winner is…” the loser, certain that she has won, begins to step forward – only to hear some other name announced? As I read today’s portion of Esther’s story, this scenario filled my mind. I can’t help but imagine Haman, who was so certain that the King meant to honor him that he gave details of all he hoped to receive from King Xerxes, never dreaming the rewards and honor would go to his arch nemesis. I can only imagine the shock and displeasure/anger at hearing Mordecai’s name instead of his own. However, the humility and anger he must have felt having to clothe Mordecai in the royal garments worn by the king and lead him around on a horse the king had ridden – all the while shouting out a statement of the king’s wish to honor Mordecai. All of this was a far cry from the death he had planned for Mordecai and ‘his people.’

Pride goes before destruction,
    and haughtiness before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18

Today’s journal entry from the LGG journal, p 145, is a wonderful commentary and correlation between today’s portion of Esther’s story, the SOAP passage from Proverbs, and Proverbs 16:18, where we are given a warning about the dangers of pride. May it be a rich blessing and an encouragement to lay down any pride or self-seeking attitude we might be battling.

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Truth & Love Go Hand-in-Hand

Posted on by

From the Journal of: For Such A Time As This / w4d4, p131

READ: Esther 6:1-6 and SOAP: Proverbs 16:13

The king is pleased with words from righteous lips;
    he loves those who speak honestly.

Proverbs 16:13
The More We Know

What does it mean to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)?

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

When the Stakes are High

Posted on by

based on w3d3 of For Such A Time As This, by Love God Greatly, p101

Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king;
    his throne is made secure through love.

Proverbs 20:28

Consider this question as you read today’s journal entry: When the ways or call of God on your life come with “high stakes,” what do you do?

I’ve shared today’s LGG Journal page … but what I encourage you to read is their blog post for this day. It’s truly one of the best I’ve ever read from them. Please use the link below, as we are a week behind their schedule. – Friends, if you are short on time, scroll past the devotion and read the blog post – you won’t want to miss it.

Corrie and Esther’s stories should encourage our unsteady hearts to not give way to fear but to trust that God’s faithful love will serve as our sure foundation. Earthly authority may not give an audience to our petitions, but as God’s royal daughters we always have total access to the loving ear of God Almighty. You and I can confidently approach His throne of grace today and find the mercy and help we desperately need for whatever situation we are facing.  

LoveGodGreatly.com/w3d3blogpost – click the button below for the full post
Don’t miss the full Post

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Bowing Down

Posted on by

based on the LGG Study, For Such A Time As This, w2d4

Read: Esther 3:1-4 and SOAP: Psalm 95:6

Come, let us bow down and worship.
Let us kneel before the Lord, our Creator.

Psalm 95:6

This first portion of this Psalm is a reminder of who God is and what He has done but also who we, as God’s people, are in connection to Him. It is equally a beautiful invitation to not only consider who He is but to respond to Him in worship. The psalmist calls the people of God not necessarily to a particular physical posture but foremost to a posture of the mind and heart. For surely if God’s people recall that He has protected and delivered them, if they remember His greatness – His superiority to all other gods, and the fact that the earth and the seas are His – surely then – they will be moved to worship Him with every part of their being.

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord.
Let us shout out praises to our Protector who delivers us.
2 Let us enter his presence with thanksgiving.
Let us shout out to him in celebration.
3 For the Lord is a great God,
a great king who is superior to all gods.
4 The depths of the earth are in his hand,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
5 The sea is his, for he made it.
His hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down and worship.
Let us kneel before the Lord, our Creator.
7 For he is our God;
we are the people of his pasture,
the sheep he owns.
Today, if only you would obey him.

Psalm 95:1-7a

In today’s journey through Esther, we find Mordecai still among the servants in the king’s gates. This position has proven helpful thus far, but now he finds himself in a place where he is called to bow down and pay homage (a show of great respect and honor) to Haman, the king’s highest official. I am always delighted to read that Mordecai not only refused to bow or pay homage, but he also let it be known to the other servants of the king that he was a Jew, which was the reason he would not bow. While his revelation of his lineage stood in contrast to his instructions that Esther stay silent about hers, there was a time and purpose for both, which, as we will see in the story, God uses and honors both.

Friends, living in the twenty-first century, we may not find ourselves sitting in a king’s gates or living with rulers who make us bow down to them or “pay homage.” However, I think we would be careless to miss the things and/or people who, in many ways, whether by coercion or following the cultural norms we do often “bow down to” or give more homage to than we do our God. Like Mordecai, as children of the one true living God, we are neither to worship nor bow down to any other (man or god). In light of the warning/reminder found in Psalm 95:7b-11, may we be careful and faithful to “bow down” (whether physically or in our attitude) and worship only before the Lord, our Creator. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, the sheep He owns. Today, let us commit to living obediently with hearts and attitudes of honor and worship before Him.

Prayer

Father, there is no one like You, no other god, and no other man who compares to You. You are the true and living God who has loved us with an unfathomable love. You have lavished that love on us. We were prisoners on death row, and You offered us freedom through faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. You have washed us white as snow and filled us with Your Spirit, empowering us to live and love like Jesus and to know You as a child knows his/her father. I am mesmerized by You and truly stand with hands raised and head bowed in awe of You. – Thank You for the example of Mordecai and for the reminder to bend our knees to no one and nothing else besides You. In the name of Jesus – for Your eternal glory, Amen!

You are Lord of creation
And Lord of my life
Lord of the land and the sea
You were Lord of the heavens
Before there was time
Lord of all lords You will be
… We bow down
And we worship You Lord
We bow down
And we worship You Lord
We bow down
And we worship You Lord
Lord of all Lords You will be

We Bow Down
The More We Know

Commentary on Psalm 95:6

The second portion of Psalm 95:6 is in part an invitation to remember what happens when we turn away from God; yet it is also a warning of sorts. The people had seen what God could do and would do on their behalf, and yet they challenged His authority and tried His patience with their disobedience and refusal to return to Him. They chose other gods and the ways of the people around them, and roused God’s anger against them. May we remember this warning from the Psalmist: not to be stubborn but obedient. May we not challenge His authority and try His patience, but remember the work of His hands and heart for His people. May we not disgust Him as that generation did, but instead bring Him honor by obeying His commands. Let us be careful not to rouse His anger but faithfully press on to the high calling and one day dwell with Him forever.

Today, if only you would obey him.
8 He says, “Do not be stubborn like they were at Meribah,
like they were that day at Massah in the wilderness,
9 where your ancestors challenged my authority,
and tried my patience, even though they had seen my work.
10 For forty years I was continually disgusted with that generation,
and I said, ‘These people desire to go astray;
they do not obey my commands.’
11 So I made a vow in my anger,
‘They will never enter into the resting place I had set aside for them.’”

Psalm 95:7b-11

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Victory Belongs to Our God

Posted on by

Based on the study, For Such A Time As This, by Love God Greatly

Read: Esther 2:12-18 and SOAP verse 17/w2d2

 And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she met with his loving approval more than all the other young women. So he placed the royal high turban on her head and appointed her queen in place of Vashti.

Esther 2:17

“And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she met with his loving approval more than all the other young women.” Regardless of how often I have read this story, this line gets me every time. I think it’s because, for me, seeing God work behind the scenes is the real beauty of Esther’s story. As I read it today, I could not help but think of David and Goliath. Weird, right? Yet somehow, the odds that a young shepherd boy and his sling would take down the mighty giant with one stone seem very comparable to a Jewish girl named Esther, being chosen as one of “many attractive young women,” paraded before the king, and being chosen queen of Persia. There was something different about Esther that stood out, something that caused her to not only find favor in the king’s eyes but to be loved more than any of the other women. I believe that, as surely as God was with David, providing all that he needed to defeat the Giant, He was also with Esther, giving her all that she needed to capture the king’s heart.

Seeing God work behind the scenes is the real beauty of Esther’s story.

Friends, in the daily battles to slay the giants and come out on top of the demands of the day-to-day to-do list and challenges life throws at us, may we find God at work within us. May we trust Him to give us victory even when the way seems or looks impossible. May we remember that the battle, whatever it is, belongs to the Lord our God. May we never doubt that nothing, absolutely nothing, is impossible with God!

From Such A Time As This, journal entry p71

Prayer

Father God, I am so grateful for all the ways I have seen You work in my life. I look back to my childhood and I see Your hand, through my teen years, my married years, childbirth, hardships, joys, and sorrows. Even in the days that I ignored You or fled from You – I look back and see how in love You pursued me. As a child, when I was hit by the car – you spared me. When I had the tubal pregnancy – it was You who brought me through the emergency surgery. When I struggled with overwhelming anxiety – You came to my rescue and delivered me from captivity to fear. Father the list is endless and each memory strengthens me for the battles of today – for I look on them with confidence that You my God are with me – You have gone before me and come behind me and have filled me a hope that pierces through the darkness and guards me from the pits that seek to engulf. Your purposes are trustworthy and and good. Blessed be Your holy name, O Lord God Almighty! The battles and the victories belong to You! – Amen and amen!

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Love & Respect

Posted on by

based on the LGG Study: For Such A Time As This, w1d4

Read: Esther 1:19-22 and SOAP: Ephesians 5:33

However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Ephesians 5:33

As we saw yesterday, the king’s counsel was not from “godly” men. Yet, when we observe the story of Esther carefully, we will see that God was working behind the scenes, setting the stage for Esther, a Jew, to become queen to the King of Persia.

Today’s study of Esther focuses on verses nineteen through twenty-two, which detail the advice given to the King by his counselors. Counsel that basically banished Queen Vashti and allowed for the King to choose a new queen. However, the passage also emphasizes the importance of making this known throughout the kingdom so that all the women will give honor to their husbands. Friends, whether we are married or unmarried, we must remember that  “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

I realize that if we are not married, we may want to say Ephesians 5:33 doesn’t speak to us. However, as that thought came to my own mind, I was reminded that it is the call of God on every believer to love and respect Him (Deut 6:5; Mark 12:29-30). Likewise, regardless of our marital status, Jesus made it clear that we are to love others as He has loved us, (John 13:34); There is no qualifying statement indicating that we only have to do this “If he respects us;” nor do I find a qualifier for the words of Christ – commanding that we love just as He has loved us. Yet, I did find it good and helpful to read these words from today’s journal posting. I pray they are a blessing to you as well.

Marriage is a beautiful reflection of God’s love when both husband and wife seek to honor Him. In Ephesians 5:33, we’re reminded of the delicate balance in marriage. A husband is called to love his wife as Christ loves the church, and a wife is called to respect her husband. Both love and respect are essential for a thriving marriage. Just as a wife longs to feel loved, a husband desires to feel valued and respected.

But what happens when this balance is broken? In the story of King Ahasuerus and Queen Vashti, we see the consequences of love and respect missing from their relationship. The king’s request put Queen Vashti in a difficult position, asking her to do something she wasn’t comfortable with. Instead of protecting her, he unlovingly placed her in a situation that ultimately cost her the crown. This is not the way God intended marriage to be.

For those of us who are married, respecting our husbands is one way we show them love and appreciation. It’s how they feel cherished for the ways they lead and serve our families. But above all, we must first respect and honor God with our actions. When we choose to obey God, even when it’s hard, we trust that He sees us and will care for us, no matter the outcome.

Sweet sister, if you find yourself in a situation where standing up for what is right could come at a cost, be encouraged. God sees your heart, and He will always honor your obedience to Him.”

For Such A Time As This/journal p53
Prayer

Father, I pray for courage for every woman who belongs to you to courageously stand for what is right. For those who are married, help them, even when it is difficult, to honor You in their marriage by showing love and respect to their husbands. Whether we are married or unmarried, Father, help us honor You in all areas of our lives, trusting You to protect us and provide for every situation. Yes and Amen in Jesus’ name!

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study

He’s Coming Again

Posted on by

based on the LGG study, Firm Foundation w3d5

Scripture and Observation

Read/SOAP: Isaiah 25:8-9 and Revelation 1:7

He will swallow up death forever!
    The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears.
He will remove forever all insults and mockery
    against his land and people.
    The Lord has spoken!

9 In that day the people will proclaim,
“This is our God!
    We trusted in him, and he saved us!
This is the Lord, in whom we trusted.
    Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!”

Isaiah 25:8-9

I find Isaiah’s words to be dramatically beautiful. However, they led me to search for some commentaries as I wanted to make sure that I understood all the references, such as “He” and “Sovereign Lord.” When I checked out bibleref.com, I found another treasure of words to explain the words of Isaiah. The author writes:

This passage portrays an amazing moment of ultimate grace performed by the King Messiah. This moment occurs at the banquet which launches the Lord’s reign over all the earth. On Mount Zion, Isaiah describes the Lord as “swallowing up death,” the shroud that has been cast over all people since Adam sinned for the first time (Isaiah 25:6–7; Genesis 3:19).

Bible ref.com/Isa 25:8

I particularly love knowing that Jesus, “the King Messiah,” in an act of “ultimate grace,” swallows up death!” Friends, Jesus is coming again, which means death will not have the final say! Sickness, sadness, hurt, and sorrows will no longer be a part of our lives, for “All will be made new and right as we live in God’s perfect kingdom.1“

The LGG Journal entry for today, p 109, describes the Second Coming of Christ as a “beacon of hope for believers, lighting the way through the trials and tribulations of this world.” Isaiah’s prophecy points us to a time when we will forever be with our Savior. Surely, this is something we should wait for and look forward to with excitement and ‘readiness,’ not just to the kingdom Christ will establish but to be with Jesus, our Savior, “King Messiah.”

Living it Out: Application of our Journey

The foundation of our faith should be firmly rooted in the glorious truth that Jesus is coming again!🦋

Actually, the LGG Journal suggests that “Anticipating Christ’s return should influence our daily lives. Every moment carries eternal significance.” Why/how? Because “Our prayers, kingdom work, and evangelism are integral to God’s plan for that glorious day. As we yearn for His return, our actions and faithfulness are crucial in developing our perseverance until His coming.2“

Reflection for the Journey

Is your hope firmly rooted in the certainty of Jesus’ return?

Prayer for the Journey (inspired by today’s journal entry)

Jesus, thank You for your promise to return for us and to swallow up death!, Thank You for the hope of the new Kingdom, where sorrow and sickness will be no more and tears will be wiped away. Help us to be ready and eagerly anticipating that wonderful day! May we make every moment count for Your kingdom. As we wait, Lord, strengthen our faith and fill us with hope. – All of this for Your glory and our good –

  1. LGG Journal, Firm Foundation, p109 ↩︎
  2. LGG Journal, Firm Foundation, p109 ↩︎
The More We Know about the Journey

For more insight, be sure to check out today’s LGG Blog