For Such a Time as This

One of my favorite books in the Bible is the book of Esther.  I partially think the reason I love it so much is because in the beginning there is a beauty pageant. 

Yes, I said beauty pageant. 

Think about it.  There was an order for women from every kingdom (a casting if you will) to come to the palace and display themselves before the king (the judge or judges). Then the new queen, Esther was crowned (like the crowning of a new Miss Universe etc).  Esther was awarded the title as the new queen of Persia, with her predecessor banished from the kingdom due to not "fulfilling" her duties. 

See the comparison? 

But that isn't the only reason why I love this book.  I love it because of this verse in Esther after Mordecai informed the Queen of evil Haman's intentions to completely destroy the jews:

"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the jews from another place and you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this." Esther 4:14

Esther didn't want to be queen. She didn't ask to be queen. But her currently reality was.....she was queen.  And what was she going to do with the information she had at hand. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes for other versions) law at the time was that anyone who approached the King in the inner court without being summoned would be put to death.  Would she risk her life for her people?

It was no coincidence that she was queen during this tumultous time.  The fate of her people was at stake and she was really the only one who could speak to the King and save them.  It is so amazing to see God's hand as he orchestrated every detail of this story.  From her becoming Queen to when the jews were able to defend themselves against those who sought to destroy them.  God was in control. And he used a young girl to show His glory and save His people.

This story often has me wondering....just what am I doing here right now? Again, it is no coincidence that I am here. On this earth. At this very moment.  God has a purpose, a plan, a will for my life.  What is He orchestrating at this very moment?  People are hurting and searching for something. They are grasping at air, celebrities, drugs, alcohol, porn and money in order to fill a void that only God can fill.  How do I know that I have not been placed here on this earth "for such a time as this". In order to share the grace that is from God. The gift of salvation that is only from the blood of Christ.  The loneliness that takes a hold of our hearts....the ache that can only be filled by Him. 

We can't stand by and just profess that we know Christ. We must live it. We must share it with others. We must be light to the darkness that encompasses this earth. 

Do you have a favorite book in the Bible? One that stirs up emotions and motivates you?  Please share!

Tiff~

Forgotten God

I just finished Forgotten God by Francis Chan.  I have to tell you....my eyes were thrust open by his honesty and by his challenge to us as believers.

The church has forgotten about the Holy Spirit. 

We often don't hear people talk much about Him. I mean, He is God. Part of the Trinity. He cannot be separated from God.  He is who Jesus talked about before He was killed. The one who will come to those who choose to walk alongside Jesus. Our Helper and Companion.  Yet....we often forget about Him.

Francis asks this questions: When was the last time you experienced the hand of God? Really? When were you touched by God in such a way that no one could convince you it was a coincidence?

You want me to be honest? For me it has been awhile.  I have purposely grieved the Spirit. When He chooses to direct me, whisper to me, show me and teach me...I choose not to listen.  I try to do it all in my own strength.  It is no wonder that I fail so often.  I find myself on my knees pleading for forgiveness, mercy and strength.  When all I had to do in the first place was surrender to the Holy Spirit...to God's leading.....and I wouldn't be in such a mess.

But I guess that is the beauty of our messy lives isn't it?  Because we are so frail. Because we are so weak...we are dependent on Him. When we choose to depend on our own strength to live out our lives we become wasted and exhausted individuals.  Unable to keep moving and unsure of the next path to take.  The passion we started out with diminished.  God's voice is no longer audible to us due to disappointments and frustrations of life.

How do you know if the Holy Spirit dwells in you? Francis offers this:

*The Spirit helps us speak in certain situations (Mark 13:11; Luke 12:12)
*He is our comforter, advisor, encourager and strength
*From the Spirit we receive God's power to be witnesses to the world. 
*The spirit sets us free from sins and we put to death any misdeeds within the flesh
*We receive adoption as children of God through the Spirit
*Conviction of sin
*Brings life and freedom
*We have HOPE!
*Through the Holy Spirit we are each given a spiritual gift to be used for the Kingdom
*Evidence of the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

I was truly blown away by this book.  I think my goal is to study more on the Holy Spirit.  Will you join me?

Have you read Forgotten God? If so, what did you think? If not, any other books on the Holy Spirit that you love and would recommend?

Tiff~

Hey Moms and Mom's To Be!

I have the opportunity to giveaway an awesome prize from CSN Baby.

I am giving away this diaper bag:

For your chance to win, just go to CSN Baby and check out the Nursury furniture, diaper bags, gifts and gear and let me know what you would love to have! 

You will have until Tonight at midnight to post your comments.

Good luck!