Devotionals

Over the years, there have been moments when I have ‘felt’ a bit lost from the looming demands and flurry of life, but am I spiritually lost? No; never. God knows my heart, understands my feelings, but is always seeking to reveal deeper ways for me to relate to his presence and receive grace in times of need. Salvation is about relationship. When we are “feeling” lost, we must call for the Shepherd.

The purpose of Psalms is to direct our focus to the Savior who alone can rescue us. Essentially, the writings in the psalter are love songs that help us better understand the unfailing commitment of God to find us in our lostness. These songs are not given to simply stir our emotions as we experience God’s presence, because relying on feelings alone to decide God is with us is a mark of spiritual infancy. However, our emotions are used by God to move us closer to the Savior who never changes or fluctuates in his covenant commitment.

God’s goal for his children is that we would grow in our understanding of his intense steadfast love for us. For the spiritually mature, the indicator of God’s presence with us is the conviction and belief that God is faithfully transforming us from the lost into knowing we have been found. We are confident that he will deliver us from evil and rescue us, because we obediently allow the Lord to lead us in the Truth.

In our passage from the psalter, today, David does not rely on feelings. Rather, he relies on what he knows to be true. When David trusts God to lead, direct, and guide his life, he is never lost. David remains in the care of the Lord—his Guardian.

As believers—who seek to be guided in the Truth by our Shepherd—we are never lost. We are being spiritually transformed as new creatures in Christ’s nature and character. Our feelings may simply be slow in catching up to the Truth that we have already been found and we are loved more than we can ever understand. In those moments, we must reach for faith and persevere, because the Shepherd of our souls—mind, will, and emotions—is never far away. Easter reminds us our Hope lives!

Psalm 23 A psalm of David.
1 
The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need.
2 
He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 
    He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to his name.
4 
Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.
5 
You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.
6 
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
    all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the assurance that even during the times in life when we may feel the most vulnerable, we are eternally secure in your love. Feed, lead, and guide us in the Truth. Help us cling to your gift of peace for our hearts and minds. Rescue us from the work and ways of evil, Lord. Please continue to meet our needs: lead us, strengthen us, protect us, comfort us, and bless us with your goodness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

In ancient times, writers used papyrus reed [Nile grass] sheets fused together [up to 30 feet long] when writing books or scrolls. When I was in the Holy Land in 2012, I watched how these papyrus reed sheets were made, dried, and formed into these long scrolls. Clay or wax seals were used periodically throughout these long sheets to isolate specific information. Each section drew attention to something very important.

In our passage today, the Apostle John has a vision from God and he writes about it. John sees a scroll that contains the words of God and what the Lord plans for his fallen world at the end of time. John understands each sealed area of the scroll will reveal another phase of God’s plan; seven seals in all. Who is worthy to open the seals? Who can be trusted with the world’s future?

Only a perfect and sinless life can break the first seal of the scroll, open and read the Word of God, and advance through the following seals. John witnesses that Jesus, the Lamb of God who willingly gave his life to save humanity from destruction, is the only one worthy to open the scroll. Only Jesus has pure power and authority to rule the world, because he destroyed sin and death. Salvation comes to those who believe in Christ’s work on the cross (John 6:29).

The Lord is both the Lion with authority and power, as well as the Lamb who perfectly submitted to God’s will. As the Lamb, Jesus died to save the world by taking on the sins of humanity; he purchased us with his blood. As the Lion, Christ will lead the final battle in godly strength to defeat Satan once and for all—Satan is NOT equal to God in power.

So, all of creation rejoices, because the eternal Kingdom of God is supreme [above all fallen things], filled with the priesthood of believers, and governed in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit! (Ro 14:17). One day, believers will rule the world [Luke 22:29-30]. A glorious future awaits us—which gives us hope in the midst of the trials we face in this fallen world.

Revelation 5:1-10 NLT The Lamb Opens the Scroll
1 Then I saw a scroll [book] in the right hand of the one who was sitting on the throne. There was writing on the inside and the outside of the scroll, and it was sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel, who shouted with a loud voice: “Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll and open it?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll and read it.
4 Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it. 5 But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, [the root of David] has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
6 Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit [Holy Spirit] of God that is sent out into every part of the earth. 7 He stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne. 8 And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 9 And they sang a new song with these words:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
    and break its seals and open it.
For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God
    from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 
And you have caused them to become
    a Kingdom of priests for our God.
    And they will reign [are reigning] on the earth.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for purchasing our lives back from the penalty of sin and death. As believers, we can be assured of a future with you in your righteous Kingdom. Although we don’t fully understand the progressive nature of your plan, we know you will rescue us from Satan’s deception and destruction that infiltrates this fallen world. For believers, Satan is a defeated foe. You give us authority to choose and operate in your strength and righteousness each day. Please continue to cause us to rise up in your righteous nature and be the witnesses you need in the world. May your whole world worship you once again! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I’m not sure how I manage to get so many soliciting SMS [short message service] texts, because to my knowledge I have never consented to receive anything from these certain companies or small businesses. Yet, there they are—short and sweet—on my phone asking me to clink on a specific promotion link. I block or delete the text and move on knowing another message will soon show up, again.

I do not like being on the receiving end of any unwanted message, but every form of communication arrives as a part of life. Sometimes, the unwanted messages we receive bring deep sorrow, sometimes challenges, and sometimes rebukes. Can you imagine being instructed to personally deliver a message you know will be regarded as extremely unpleasant, emotionally upsetting, and completely unwanted?

In our passage today, the prophet Isaiah has a vision of the Lord and he is overwhelmed by the reality of God’s Throne, the seraphim angels, and the pure holiness of God’s glorious presence. Just seeing this view of the heavenly realm overwhelms Isaiah. Immediately, Isaiah sees a contrast between Who and what is holy—God—and who and what is not—humanity.
God had chosen to send Isaiah to deliver an unwanted message to Israel. Although Israel thought they were favored and pleasing to God, the Lord was planning to destroy them for their disobedience! Someone needed to warn them. Therefore, God cleansed and prepared Isaiah to be the messenger of a very unpleasant and unwanted message to Israel from the Lord. God wants his people to know the Truth, so they can repent and be restored in holy fellowship. Isaiah submitted himself to God’s service. Humanity still needs to know the truth. Will you go?

Isaiah 6:1-8 NLT Isaiah’s Cleansing and Call
1 It was in the year King Uzziah died[740 BC] that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. 2 Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 They were calling out to each other,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies!

    The whole earth is filled with his glory!”

4 Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke.

5 Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”

6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. 7 He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.”

8 Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?”

I said, “Here I am. Send me.”

Prayer: Lord, we want to thank you for the cleansing process you use to prepare us for your service. Our awareness of your moral perfection moves us away from sin and toward your holiness. Cleanse our hearts and minds from being preoccupied with the world. We want to worship and serve you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What does it mean to make the most of every opportunity? If we are going to make the most of a moment, we are going to need to be fully present and engaged in what is going on. This is not a passive position, because engagement requires making a connection with God and others.

“Making the most” takes a decision and desire to experience the transformation God has in mind for us personally and in our relationships with others while we place our faith in Christ’s life, love, and power. If we are truly connected to Christ and we build relationships with others, we will experience personal and relational growth in our lives, learn to operate our lives in the power of God’s wisdom, and bring a passion to serve others as an extension of Christ’s love.

No one in Scripture knew this Truth like the Apostle Paul. He came to that understanding in a very traumatic way, but he had an experience with the resurrected Lord and nothing was ever the same for him. He stepped away from fighting against God’s will and began to live as a powerful disciple and servant of Christ’s love. Therefore, Paul sought every opportunity to carefully live in the wisdom of Christ, because he knew evil was always present (Eph 5:15-16).

In our passage today, Paul retells his story to King Agrippa about meeting the living Lord and how his life was transformed by God. This retelling takes place about twenty-three years after his initial conversion of becoming Christ’s apostle. Paul is on trial for antinomianism—the belief that Christians are freed from all obligations to obey Mosaic Law. This accusation against Paul comes from the religious Jewish Council, but they do not remember Messiah is the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets and Jesus is the Messiah.

Paul basically explains his position this way: the Law teaches valuable principles and gives people guidelines for grateful living in God’s love, yet observing the Law does not bring salvation or eternal life. Paul explains we are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus and not by our own efforts or works (Eph 2:8-9). God loves, forgives, and saves us; God’s system is grace-based. Yet, once we receive that precious gift of salvation, the work of Christ in and through us begins. We become God’s Masterpiece, because Christ transforms us by his grace and power (Eph 2:10). Christ is perfect love and the Mosaic Law is about how we love God and others, so as we grow in Christ we find ourselves living more obediently to the Law. Are the commands from God? Absolutely, and Jesus is the Helper we need to obey them while on earth.

Acts 26:1-18 NLT
1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You may speak in your defense.”
So Paul, gesturing with his hand, started his defense: 2 “I am fortunate, King Agrippa, that you are the one hearing my defense today against all these accusations made by the Jewish leaders, 3 for I know you are an expert on all Jewish customs and controversies. Now please listen to me patiently!

4 “As the Jewish leaders are well aware, I was given a thorough Jewish training from my earliest childhood among my own people and in Jerusalem. 5 If they would admit it, they know that I have been a member of the Pharisees, the strictest sect of our religion. 6 Now I am on trial because of my hope in the fulfillment of God’s promise made to our ancestors. 7 In fact, that is why the twelve tribes of Israel zealously worship God night and day, and they share the same hope I have. Yet, Your Majesty, they accuse me for having this hope! 8 Why does it seem incredible to any of you that God can raise the dead?
9 “I used to believe that I ought to do everything I could to oppose the very name of Jesus the Nazarene [from Nazareth]. 10 Indeed, I did just that in Jerusalem. Authorized by the leading priests, I caused many believers [God’s holy people] there to be sent to prison. And I cast my vote against them when they were condemned to death. 11 Many times I had them punished in the synagogues to get them to curse [blaspheme] Jesus. I was so violently opposed to them that I even chased them down in foreign cities.

12 “One day I was on such a mission to Damascus, armed with the authority and commission of the leading priests. 13 About noon, Your Majesty, as I was on the road, a light from heaven brighter than the sun shone down on me and my companions. 14 We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is useless for you to fight against my will [kick against God’s oxgoads].’
15 “‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked.

“And the Lord replied, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. 16 Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. Tell people that you have seen me, and tell them what I will show you in the future. 17 And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles 18 to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’

Prayer: Lord, thank you for every opportunity you bring to us so we can reveal your glorious and loving presence abiding in us. Continue to transform and grow us in your beautiful nature and character, so we live more faithfully to your commands of love. You are the living Vine and we are the branches who live dependently upon what you can do in our behalf to bring eternal life into a fallen world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I enjoy traveling to the mountains of North Carolina in the fall.  My brothers live in Franklin and it’s like a double blessing to see them, as well as enjoy the colorful fall leaves.  Ascending in the mountains can be a challenging drive, but seeing things from a higher perspective is inspiring.  I enjoy the moments of the journey, not only the destination of Franklin.  God has created so many beautiful places for us to enjoy and he goes with us as we experience them.  We can worship him all the time and thank him for his beautiful creation, diligent care of us, and being the helper we need each day.

In our passage today, the people of God are making a journey toward Jerusalem—ascending to the temple to worship is their goal. Perhaps the are gathering to celebrate Passover, Feast of Weeks, or another holy feast.  Whatever the event, the journey is filled with a certain level of danger; encamping at night the people need protection but they do not need to worry.  Their help and protection will not come because they reach the destination of the temple.  The psalmist wants God’s people to know, their help comes from the Lord who watches over them, guides their way, and protects their lives from evil.  So, he sings a song to reassure the people of God’s care as they march forward in worship.

Let this psalm reassure you, as well.  God loves you and watches over your life each day; so remain fixed on God, because you can trust Him.  Look around you, today, and know God is with you.  Worship the Lord your Helper.

Psalm 121 NLT  A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

1 

I look up to the mountains—
    does my help come from there?

2 

My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth!

3 

He will not let you stumble;
    the one who watches over you will not slumber.

4 

Indeed, he who watches over Israel [God’s people]
    never slumbers or sleeps.

5 

The Lord himself watches over you!
    The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.

6 

The sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon at night.

7 

The Lord keeps you from all harm
    and watches over your life.

8 

The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
    both now and forever.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for keeping guard over the lives of your children.  We do not need to fear, because you never leave us in our ventures.  Thank you for being our Helper, today.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

One of the things that I look forward to is coming to church on a Sunday morning and getting to worship God.  I like when I get to worship God individually, but I love it when we come together collectively and worship Him.  There’s something about collective worship that brings me a sense of peace and a sense of being fueled.  During the week, I feel a sense of fatigue, not just physical fatigue because of the events during the week, but also a sense of spiritual fatigue.  The church is a place where people can come and get healed.  In other words, it is a hospital where people can be treated and restored instead of hospice.  We need to understand that worship is something that we don’t do just once or twice a week, but rather a lifestyle we ought to be living on a daily basis.  

In today’s passage, the apostle John is describing about worship in heaven.  He shares in detail about how wonderful it would be.  He not only describes what worship is like, but also what we might see when we enter into the gates of heaven.  From the twenty four thrones to the flashes of lightning and thunder, it is going to be an amazing sight to see.  If we want to see this, we need to be in that place of obedience to Him and Him alone.  When we appear before the judgment seat of God, I want to hear “well done good and faithful servant.”  Once we hear that, we can then join the angels in heavenly songs and praises to Him.  

Revelation 4:1-11 (NLT Translation)

1 Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” 2 And instantly I was in the Spirit,[a] and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. 3 The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. 4 Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads.5 From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit[b] of God. 6 In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal.

In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. 7 The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. 8 Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—
    the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”

9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), 10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,

11 

“You are worthy, O Lord our God,
    to receive glory and honor and power.
For you created all things,
    and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Help us to always worship You no matter what happens.  Father, we know that it can be an easy thing for us to fall away from You.  We know that Your word says that we will never be separated from Your love.  Let Your love continue to fuel our hearts and our souls.  Help us to not get weary or heavy burden by our weekly activities.  Help us to take some time to worship You.  Help us to be in spirit and in truth of Your word and Your word alone.  Without Your word, we will not have a clear direction from You.  Help us to dive into Your word and let us meditate on Your word.  

In Jesus name, amen

If there’s a group of people who really put themselves on the line is not only our military, but also the first responders (Police, EMS, Fire Rescue, etc).  I know people who are serving in these areas and they are out there every day doing their best to not only bring that sense of peace, but also rescue us from any harm.  When we are faced with trying obstacles, we would call the first responders to rescue us from those threats.  

In today’s passage, the psalmist David is saying a prayer for the dedication of the Temple.  He starts off by saying that he will exalt the Lord.  Why would he do this act?  It is because He has rescued him.  There is no doubt in my mind that He has rescued us from sin.  It is because of God that we can have life with Him.  While we do have free will, we need to understand that our choices do have consequences.  It is because of God that we can have eternal life with Him.  It is because of God that we have been rescued.  It is because of God that we don’t get trampled by the enemy.  It is because of God that we are restored.  We need to thank Him.  

Psalm 30 (NLT Translation)

1 

I will exalt you, Lord, for you rescued me.
    You refused to let my enemies triumph over me.

2 

O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
    and you restored my health.

3 

You brought me up from the grave,[a] O Lord.
    You kept me from falling into the pit of death.

4 

Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones!
    Praise his holy name.

5 

For his anger lasts only a moment,
    but his favor lasts a lifetime!
Weeping may last through the night,
    but joy comes with the morning.

6 

When I was prosperous, I said,
    “Nothing can stop me now!”

7 

Your favor, O Lord, made me as secure as a mountain.
    Then you turned away from me, and I was shattered.

8 

I cried out to you, O Lord.
    I begged the Lord for mercy, saying,

9 

“What will you gain if I die,
    if I sink into the grave?
Can my dust praise you?
    Can it tell of your faithfulness?

10 

Hear me, Lord, and have mercy on me.
    Help me, O Lord.”

11 

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
    You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,

12 

that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.
    O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!

Dear Heavenly Father, 

I thank You for all that You have done for us.  I thank You for rescuing us from sin.  Thank You for always being there for us.  Thank You for not leaving us even when we sin.  While we know that we are not perfect people, help us to continue to turn to You for when we are lost.  We would get lost by the things that we see and hear from this world.  When we would listen, we tend to get engaged in it and get tangled.  Help us to not get tangled by the web of this world.  Let us be in tuned with You and You alone.  

In Jesus name, amen

Most of you are aware of this but I work at a funeral home.  During my time there thus far, I have heard about different things about people.  I will admit that I was pretty shocked as to what takes place within an environment like that.  At the same time, it was enlightening to know because most would think about what is view on TV.  Of course we all know that what we see on TV is not necessarily portrayed accurately.  While most people think of a funeral home as a place of death, I view it as a place to love on people.  In other words, the light of Christ needs to shine through.  It’s during moments like a funeral service where the enemy can slip in and begin to divide the family over the circumstances that are before them.  It is important to remind them about the love of Christ and giving the families a sense of peace.  

In today’s passage, Jesus is having a conversation with His disciples about how we shouldn’t worry.  Worry about what?  About what happens when we die.  Often times,  we view God as someone who is full of anger and wrath.  There is also another side to God.  He is also a God who is full of love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness.  We will all appear before the judgment seat when we die.  I want Him to say to all of all “well done good and faithful servant.”  

Luke 12:4-12 (NLT Translation)

4 “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that.5 But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell.[a] Yes, he’s the one to fear.

6 “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins[b]? Yet God does not forget a single one of them.7 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

8 “I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man[c] will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels. 9 But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God’s angels. 10 Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

11 “And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”

Dear Heavenly Father, 

I thank You for Your everlasting love.  Help us to now worry about what is going to unfold in the future.  Give us that sense of peace and let Your shalom wash over us so that we are in Your care.  We know that You are a God of love and justice.  You want what is best for us each and every day.  Help us to be in that place of obedience of Your direction and instruction.  Without You, I don’t know where we would be because we would lost in this ocean of darkness and confusion.  Thank You God.  Continue to remind us that You are always right there with us every step of the way.  

In Jesus name, amen

Back in 2019, God laid on my heart to write a book.  This was never my plan.  At the time, I had no intentions to do such a task like that.  We all know that God puts these things on our hearts for a reason.  So during my final year of my undergraduate studies, I wrote the book “Rise Up: The Journey from Restrained to Released.”  After I had that moment with the Lord, He showed me all the young people mentioned in the Bible and showed me that God can use people who are in their youth to do things for the Kingdom of God.  One of the people who didn’t let their youth dictate their call was a young woman named Esther.  

In today’s passage, King Xerxes has made a decree that would help the Jews who were faced with persecution from his right hand man, Haman.  After his death, the king has made a decree to spare the lives of Esther’s people.  It was because of Esther that the Jewish people are saved from persecution.  Esther had the courage to save her people.  Even though it took her three different attempts to talk to the king, but during the first two times, she clammed up and chickened out.  You know the saying: third time’s the charm.  Once she did, the king eliminated the problem and brought a sense of restoration.  

Esther 8:1-17 (NLT Translation) 

1 On that same day King Xerxes gave the property of Haman, the enemy of the Jews, to Queen Esther. Then Mordecai was brought before the king, for Esther had told the king how they were related. 2 The king took off his signet ring—which he had taken back from Haman—and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed Mordecai to be in charge of Haman’s property.

3 Then Esther went again before the king, falling down at his feet and begging him with tears to stop the evil plot devised by Haman the Agagite against the Jews. 4 Again the king held out the gold scepter to Esther. So she rose and stood before him.

5 Esther said, “If it please the king, and if I have found favor with him, and if he thinks it is right, and if I am pleasing to him, let there be a decree that reverses the orders of Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, who ordered that Jews throughout all the king’s provinces should be destroyed. 6 For how can I endure to see my people and my family slaughtered and destroyed?”

7 Then King Xerxes said to Queen Esther and Mordecai the Jew, “I have given Esther the property of Haman, and he has been impaled on a pole because he tried to destroy the Jews. 8 Now go ahead and send a message to the Jews in the king’s name, telling them whatever you want, and seal it with the king’s signet ring. But remember that whatever has already been written in the king’s name and sealed with his signet ring can never be revoked.”

9 So on June 25[a] the king’s secretaries were summoned, and a decree was written exactly as Mordecai dictated. It was sent to the Jews and to the highest officers, the governors, and the nobles of all the 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia.[b] The decree was written in the scripts and languages of all the peoples of the empire, including that of the Jews.10 The decree was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the king’s signet ring. Mordecai sent the dispatches by swift messengers, who rode fast horses especially bred for the king’s service.

11 The king’s decree gave the Jews in every city authority to unite to defend their lives. They were allowed to kill, slaughter, and annihilate anyone of any nationality or province who might attack them or their children and wives, and to take the property of their enemies. 12 The day chosen for this event throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes was March 7 of the next year.[c]

13 A copy of this decree was to be issued as law in every province and proclaimed to all peoples, so that the Jews would be ready to take revenge on their enemies on the appointed day. 14 So urged on by the king’s command, the messengers rode out swiftly on fast horses bred for the king’s service. The same decree was also proclaimed in the fortress of Susa.

15 Then Mordecai left the king’s presence, wearing the royal robe of blue and white, the great crown of gold, and an outer cloak of fine linen and purple. And the people of Susa celebrated the new decree. 16 The Jews were filled with joy and gladness and were honored everywhere. 17 In every province and city, wherever the king’s decree arrived, the Jews rejoiced and had a great celebration and declared a public festival and holiday. And many of the people of the land became Jews themselves, for they feared what the Jews might do to them.

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for Esther.  I thank You for giving her the courage to talk to the king about what Haman was trying to do behind his back.  Because of Esther, her people were saved.  Help us to have the same courage that Esther showed.  Remind us that no matter what temperature this world is at, we cannot sweat and lose ground.  Help us to stay focused on You because only You can show us the direction for us.  

In Jesus name, amen

Over the course of history, different civilizations would build these huge walls so that they can keep their people within the limits.  Most of the time, it was for military purpose so that they can have a sense of defense.  Over in China, they have what’s called The Great Wall of China.  It was primarily used for military purposes and keeping their people within the boundaries of the wall.  One of the main focuses is that the purpose of the wall is mainly for defense rather than offense.  

In today’s passage, the psalmist David is writing a song for pilgrims who are ascending to Jerusalem.  In verse 1, he says that he was glad when they said “Let’s us go to the house of the Lord.”  I always feel great when I have the opportunity to go to the house of the Lord.  When we go to the house of the Lord, it should be the opportunity for us to come together as one body.  We come together to lift up our hearts in praises, pray to Him, and have fellowship with one another.  During this particular psalm, David speaks about how the city of Jerusalem is well built.  One thing that we need to understand is that the church is not defined by the building.  It is defined by the people who are occupying the building.  One pastor describes the church as a hospital, not hospice.  A hospital is where people can go to be treated while hospice is where people would go to just be satisfied.  

Psalm 122 (NLT Translation)

1 

I was glad when they said to me,
    “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

2 

And now here we are,
    standing inside your gates, O Jerusalem.

3 

Jerusalem is a well-built city;
    its seamless walls cannot be breached.

4 

All the tribes of Israel—the Lord’s people—
    make their pilgrimage here.
They come to give thanks to the name of the Lord,
    as the law requires of Israel.

5 

Here stand the thrones where judgment is given,
    the thrones of the dynasty of David.

6 

Pray for peace in Jerusalem.
    May all who love this city prosper.

7 

O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls
    and prosperity in your palaces.

8 

For the sake of my family and friends, I will say,
    “May you have peace.”

9 

For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
    I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.

Dear Heavenly Father, I am thankful for You church.  I’m thankful that we can go to the church so that we can be spiritually treated by the ultimate physician.  I thank You that we can always turn to You for when we are in need of Your divine healing.  We recognize that we are going to receive spiritual bruised and battered, but help us to not be in that place of despair.  Help us to turn to You because we don’t need to book an appointment to see You.  We can always go to You during times of difficulties.  

In Jesus name, amen