Well, a lot has happened over the past few weeks. A lot of work has been put into upholding presidential candidates and now the one that the majority of the American people wanted in office has won. A lot of the people are celebrating this time and others are feeling pretty downhearted...like I was feeling today when I got up this morning.
Yes, I was pulling for John McCain to win but alas, Barack Obama has taken the victory and I feel like there's a possible chance for the freedom of this nation to go down. Yet, I am praising God for the fact that I'm still here, alive and well and I have won in my own right. I just know in my heart that I am one of those who have been called "for such a time as this." My eyes have been opened to what I need to do. I have to take a stand for what I believe in, share the Gospel of Jesus Christ faithfully, pray for our new president and this nation continuously, fervently and frequently. It's time-time for Christians (every single one of us) to pray now more than ever before. We also can't be silent anymore. We need to speak and shout aloud for the Glory of God! Like it says in the song Make A Joyful Noise to the Lord: "I will not be silent, no! And I will not be quiet anymore!" I'm not just talking to whoever is reading this blog; I am talking to myself, too. Do I feel guilty for not sharing Jesus like I was supposed to all this time? Of course I am! I know now though that I can't be silent. God is calling us (you and me) to be bold - bold for Him.
One time when I first started going to my old church (Impacting Your World Christian Ctr.), I came down to the altar to "receive the Holy Spirit." I went downstairs with other people after the pastor prayed for us. Some of you might have your own views on this kind of thing but don't mind me; I'm just sharing my testimony. Anyway, we were all downstairs together. The leaders prayed with us and we all started speaking in tongues. It was the most exciting thing I've ever experienced! One lady laid her hands on me and she had a message from God for me. She said "You love God with all your heart but the only thing He wants from you is more boldness." I was reminded of that today and I truly believe that's the calling not just for me but for every Christian in the United States and all over the world. Let's take this opportunity to stand up for Jesus Christ. Let's be revolutionaries for our Lord and Savior!!
1When Mordecai learned (A)all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city and wailed loudly and bitterly.
2He went as far as the king's gate, for no one was to enter the king's gate clothed in sackcloth.
3In each and every province where the command and decree of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with (B)fasting, weeping and wailing; and many lay on sackcloth and ashes.
4Then Esther's maidens and her eunuchs came and told her, and the queen writhed in great anguish. And she sent garments to clothe Mordecai that he might remove his sackcloth from him, but he did not accept them.
5Then Esther summoned Hathach from the king's eunuchs, whom the king had appointed to attend her, and ordered him to go to Mordecai to learn what this was and why it was.
6So Hathach went out to Mordecai to the city square in front of the king's gate.
7Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, and (C)the exact amount of money that Haman had promised to pay to the king's treasuries for the destruction of the Jews.
8He also gave him (D)a copy of the text of the edict which had been issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show Esther and inform her, and to order her to go in to the king to implore his favor and to plead with him for her people.
9Hathach came back and related Mordecai's words to Esther.
10Then Esther spoke to Hathach and ordered him to reply to Mordecai:
11"All the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces know that for any man or woman who (E)comes to the king to the inner court who is not summoned, (F)he has but one law, that he be put to death, unless the king holds out (G)to him the golden scepter so that he may live. And I have not been summoned to come to the king for these thirty days."
12They related Esther's words to Mordecai.
13Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, "Do not imagine that you in the king's palace can escape any more than all the Jews.
14"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and (H)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 Plans to Intercede 15Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai,
16"Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; (I)do not eat or drink for (J)three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish."
17So Mordecai went away and did just as Esther had commanded him.
Esther 4:1-17
Dear Heavenly Father, You are such an awesome God! My mind still has yet to comprehend the greatness of You. My Lord and Savior, I come to You now humbled and moved by the calling You've placed on my life. May I go forth by Your leading and share the Gospel with EVERYONE I come in contact with. If the time comes when I have to give my life for spreading Your word, then so be it. I pray earnestly for our president. I pray in the Name of Jesus that whatever decisions he makes during his term will be divinely directed of You, God. I put him into Your hands. I lift him up in prayer to You right now, Lord. Do with him as You will. I pray fervently that he will make the right decisions because he is following Your lead. I thank You Lord that You are still on the throne and prayer changes things. Praise Your holy name!! I give Your name praise, honor and glory forevermore. I love You, Lord!!! In Jesus' precious name I pray, amen!!!!
