Esther 3
Today's Scripture

Today's passage is a rather bleak one to read. Maybe as you read Esther 3, you feel you are in a similar position--perhaps your people are not threatened with annihilation, but maybe you are about to lose a job, a relationship, your health, or your financial security. There are plenty of Haman's in the world who would love to squash those beneath them so they can attain higher status.

But the story of Esther is not over yet--and neither is the story of our lives. God can work in incredible ways through tragedy if we put our trust in him. What others mean for evil, God can work for good. Let's ask him who sees the big picture to help us as we struggle within our limited framework. Let's trust him to hold us up and see us through whatever we are facing in life.
- posted by Suzi @ 5:42 AM 0 comments

 
Esther 2
Today's Scripture

If someone were to ask what reading the Bible was like, most people wouldn't respond that it had stories of women in harems and their beauty treatments, and how a devoted woman of God won the heart of a secular king.

But God uses events like this in history to change the course of things. True, we read in Scripture that God looks on the heart, not on outward appearance, but he can use what men value for his purposes. Esther's beauty was not her only virtue--she had been raised as a devout Jew by her cousin Mordecai.

As we look at Eshter's life, we may see little similarity to our own--but the same God who was working in her life, through her situation--can work in ours--wherever we find ourselves. As the story of Esther goes on, we see God's hand in amazing ways. He can work in the same way in our ordinary lives as well.
- posted by Suzi @ 4:41 AM 0 comments

 
Esther 1
Today's Scripture

The book of Esther is a story written about a time when the Jews were in exile from the land of Israel--they lived far away under Persian rule. The king of Persia was a man named Xerxes, and his wife was the beautiful Queen Vashti.

Though the book never mentions the name of God, the prayer, fasting and devotion of Esther and Mordecai in the story are evidence of God's work in their lives. This first chapter sets the stage for the story--the king has a banquet, his wife refuses to appear to be paraded in front of his friends, an the king and his advisers decide Vashti will be deposed and a new queen is sought for.

God was at work, even though King Xerxes was self-centered and angry, he was about to use the situation for good. How is he using trouble in our lives to shape us, bring us to our knees, and bring us closer to him?
- posted by Suzi @ 6:41 AM 0 comments

 
James 5:13-20
Today's Scripture

Prayer is powerful stuff. When we're in trouble, we should pray. When we are happy, we should pray. When we sin, we should pray. God hears us and answers us when we pray according to his will. When we come clean before him and confess our sins, he wants to restore us. When we wander far from him, he welcomes us back when we return to him.

Lord, help us pray according to your will, and to live in your will. Let us be examples to others who may see the error of their ways and turn to you as well. Thank you for the gift of prayer and the forgiveness of sins. Amen.

- posted by Suzi @ 5:25 AM 0 comments

 
James 5:7-12
Today's Scripture

I know I should be anticipating the Lord's coming. I am looking forward to his return, when all will be made right, when we will go to live in heaven with him. But in my earthly framework, I find myself anticipating other dates. Right now, I'm looking forward to April 16, when the tax season will end and my work at the tax office will be finished. I look forward to warmer days of spring, and summer, and camping. It seems I'm always looking ahead, not really living day to day.

It's important to plan and look ahead, but as we anticipate the Lord's return, we should live each day fully--anxious to hear the words, "Well done, faithful servant." We should live in compassion and mercy, not grumbling or judging, and we should be careful of our language. Our Yes should be yes and our No should be no.

That last concept seems a difficult one to teach children. It seems parents are always qualifying their yeses and nos. "What part of 'no' don't you understand?" "I'll think about it." "Maybe." "Go ask your father/mother."

Kids like to "pinky swear." To validate their yeses, they think they need something tangible to confirm them. But our language should be simple, clear and compassionate. And we can seek God for the wisdom of when to say a simple yes or a simple no.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:56 AM 0 comments

 
James 5:1-6
Today's Scripture


Everything we have is a gift from God. My family, the home I enjoy, food, furnishings, books, computers--all are because God has blessed us. I pray I will not become callous to the needs of others when I have so much. James doesn't have very kind words for those of wealth who cheat or disregard the needs of others.

Someday all that we enjoy will be gone--only what is eternal will last. Let's spend our time investing in others--for their souls are what will go into eternity. And let's be grateful for the things we have been given and use every opportunity to be generous.
- posted by Suzi @ 5:43 AM 0 comments

 
James 4:11-17
Today's Scripture



Two good lessons are in this scripture today: do not speak against your neighbor in judgmemt and live as if today were your last day.

I suppose if we really believed that this could be our last day on earth, we would treat others kindly and want to share God's love and peace with them. Judgment will come soon enough, and God is the ultimate judge. For now, let us live in harmony and in gratitude for each day God gives us.
- posted by Suzi @ 8:12 AM 0 comments

 
James 4:4-10
Today's Scripture

It is often difficult to separate ourselves from the culture we live in. Evil surrounds us, invades our thoughts and is evident in the actions of those around us.

Just to try to summon up the will to be set apart is not enough. Our proud attitude of being pure is not purity at all, but lack of humility. God wants us to come to him, to submit to him, and he will help us resist the devil. As we draw near to God, he draws near to us. As we come before him in our weakness and grief for our sins, he will love us, forgive us, and lift us up.
- posted by Suzi @ 5:50 AM 0 comments

 
James 4:1-3
Today's Scripture

As a mother of a teenage daughter, I know a little about fights and quarrels. Sometimes it seems our desires are worlds apart--she wants something I want no part of, or I want something for her that she would not desire (understated!).

But if we both look to God, we are seeking the same thing. If we ask for something according to his will, he will grant our request. He wants us to live in peace, in his peace--not as the world gives.

There will still be squabbles as long as we are alive. But I pray as we become more like God, we may know more of his peace. And someday all battles will end as our King and Savior returns for us in victory.
- posted by Suzi @ 7:45 AM 0 comments

 
James 3:13-17
Today's Scripture

When we seek wisdom, we should be sure it is not an earthly, temporal knowledge. We should not seek wisdom out of envy or selfish ambition in our hearts, but look for God's wisdom. God's wisdom is evident by a good life and works done in a humble spirit. James lists these evidences as pure, peaceloving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

As we seek wisdom in accomplishing a task or in dealing with people, let us be guided by these traits, seeking the Father and his direction in our lives.

- posted by Suzi @ 5:50 AM 0 comments

 
James 3:1-12
Today's Scripture

We all know the childhood rhyme: "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me." But even as children, we knew those words weren't really true--sticks and stones could cause physical hurt, but those wounds could heal. Words that tear down and insult go to our very hearts and can be lodged there for years, if not a lifetime.

Our tongue is such a small part of our physical body. But, as Paul points out, it is like a bit in the mouth of a horse--it can turn the whole body. We can cause much damage by what we say, so we should guard our language carefully.

Our tongues should be used to sing praise to God and to help others. True, there are times when we need to correct others, but this should always be done in love. Another saying I recalled on an earlier blog is that we have two ears and only one mouth. Let us listen before we speak, and use our mouths to glorify God no matter what words we form.
- posted by Suzi @ 8:53 AM 0 comments

 
James 2:14-26
Today's Scripture

The late Rich Mullins, a popular contemporary Christian musician, wrote a song about this particular Scripture passage. Titled "Screen Door" this song was about how faith without works is about as useless as a screen door on a submarine. Even though faith itself is a gift of God, how is it evidenced in a person's life if not by the actions they do?

James points out how Rahab and Abraham acted out their faith--Rahab by protecting the Israelite spies, and Abraham by his willingness to sacrifice his only son because God asked him to.

God is the author and giver of all, including faith. He wants us to put that faith into action--through his Holy Spirit. If we sit back and expect God to use us without any effort on our part, we will be like that submarine with a screen door--we'll just sit at the bottom of the ocean and never go anywhere. But if we act out our faith, then we will see God at work in us--for we are his hands and feet on this earth till Jesus comes again. Let's get up and move!
- posted by Suzi @ 4:30 AM 0 comments

 
James 2:1-13
Today's Scripture

It is easy to make judgments of people by looking at the outside. A clean, well-dressed person may immediately receive our respect and trust, even before they utter a word. On the other hand, someone who is shabbily dressed and perhaps smelled is a person we are likely to want to avoid.

We've met some formerly homeless people who are not looked on well by the upper echelon of society. But their hearts are good and kind and they are seeking the things of the Lord. On the other hand, there are plenty of well-dressed, clean people who are unkind and impure.

James warns us not to show favoritism. He reminds us to love our neighbor as ourselves--and that neighbor may not look or act like us, but is worthy of our love. God in his mercy loved us, should we not love others he has created in his image?
- posted by Suzi @ 4:29 AM 0 comments

 
James 1:22-27
Today's Scripture

Bible reading and study is a very good thing, but if we do not apply what we learn from the pages of Scripture, it is really of no value. James stressed the importance of living out what we learn--not forgetting the truths that God gives us. Practical ways we can do this are by keeping a reign on our tongues--not speaking unkindly, or in hasty anger. James also points out that looking after widows and orphans in their distress and keeping ourselves from being polluted by the world are other ways we can put into practice what we learn from the Bible.

I'm off to my Women's Bible Study this morning. I pray that what I learn I will apply throughout the day, week, and for a lifetime.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:53 AM 0 comments

 
James 1:19-21
Today's Scripture

Perhaps you've heard the expression--"God gave us one mouth and two ears--so listen at least twice as much as you speak." This is good advice, and is also given here in James. Often I find myself thinking about what I want to say when someone else is speaking instead of taking time to really listen to what they are saying.

Be slow to anger--more good advice. I find I can be quick to be angry when people irritate me, question or challenge me, or when I see wrongdoing or injustice. The latter is justified anger, but the former is usually not as justified. If I take time to listen to others instead of defending my position, I will do better in my relationships.

James also cautions us to get rid of moral filth and evil that may be present in our lives. Instead, we should dwell on the word of God--that is planted within us when we read and study--the Word, written and living, that can save us.
- posted by Suzi @ 8:01 AM 0 comments

 
James 1:12-18
Today's Scripture

When things go wrong, a temptation can be to blame God. But James tells us here, and it is evident throughout Scripture, that God is the giver of good and perfect gifts. He wants to bring light and truth to us, not shadows or evil.

When we endure through trials, we will receive the crown of life that the Father has for us. So, as we face difficulties, let us ask God for the strength to persevere and know that he wants the best for us. Thank you, Lord, for the many good gifts you give us, and help us when hardship comes and give us the endurance to bear whatever may come. Amen
- posted by Suzi @ 7:42 AM 0 comments

 
James 1:9-11
Today's Scripture

⁹The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. ¹⁰But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. ¹¹For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.

Some of these verses in James remind me of Proverbs--bits of wisdom packed into every verse--lessons for life. Here James writes about wealth and status. Those who have little money should take pride in their high position--for their treasure is not on earth, but in heaven. And those with a lot of money should take pride in their low position--because wealth on this earth is not what matters in the scheme of eternity. Like a flower that has beauty for a season, so is money--here for a time, but we can't take our stocks and bonds with us when we die.

I need to remember this as we deal with money in our lives. Recently, a homeowner refused to pay my husband the entire amount for construction work he had done in their home. He paid a little more than half, and paid four months late.

Rather than getting worked up, Tim just chalked it up to business. I can learn a lot from his attitude. Don't get me wrong--I still want people to pay what they owe, but in view of eternity, a few dollars is not going to make much difference, but the way we use our money and the attitude we have towards it will make a difference.
- posted by Suzi @ 7:14 AM 0 comments

 
James 1:1-8
Today's Scripture


Most scholars agree that James, a first century church leader, was the half-brother to Jesus, son of Joseph and Mary. But he does not mention this in his letter--he did not even come to faith in Jesus till after the resurrection. He became a pillar of the church in Jerusalem and this letter is a powerful one in the New Testament.

James begins by encouraging those who are persecuted--telling them that their trials test their faith and develop perseverance, and helps bring us to maturity. During these times, we should also be asking God for wisdom, believing he will give it to us.

Often faith is the most difficult to claim when we are going through trials. But it can be a time of great strength and growth, where we may obtain the wisdom of God--not the knowledge of this world. In our difficulties, let us seek the Father and his power, claiming the promises he gives us to never leave us and to always be faithful.
- posted by Suzi @ 4:27 AM 0 comments

 
2 Corinthians 13
Today's Scripture

As Paul closes his letter to the Corinthians, he gives final warnings and instructions--pointing out that though we are weak, in Christ we can be strong. Paul has been teaching them and exhorting them, answering charges against his apostleship, and now he instructs them not to fail the test of following Christ--and that they will see that he is following in the path of truth. When he comes to see them, he wants to use his authority in Christ to build them up, not to tear them down.

That is a good reminder for teachers and parents--that sometimes we have to use our authority to correct our children, but our goal is to be building them up. As we go about our lives and interact with people who may be under our authority, let us seek to encourage rather than discourage--to have Christ's love and light shining through us.

We should strive to be of one mind and live in peace. And let's remember Paul's benediction in this letter: May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (v 14, NIV)
- posted by Suzi @ 4:27 AM 0 comments

 
2 Corinthians 12:11-21
Today's Scripture

Paul has made his case before the Corinthians, defending his apostleship by stating his hardships for Christ's sake, and now he is preparing them for his return. He wants to find them living according to the Spirit, following him as he follows Christ.

As we go through our day, do we live in expectation of Christ's return? How will he find us? Are we living a life pleasing to him, or are we falling into sin, quarrelling and immorality as the Corinthians were?

Let us seek the forgiveness we can find at the cross and go through our day seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. And, if he returns today, or if we join him in heaven today, we may hear him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
- posted by Suzi @ 5:26 AM 0 comments

 
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Today's Scripture

When I was in college I went on a summer missionary trip to Quito, Ecuador. I worked in the English language department of HCJB Radio--which is broadcast around the world in several languages, including Spanish for the local area. I lived with a missionary family and got to help create broadcasts and even do news programs for ten weeks.

Towards the end of my stay I had a problem with my eye. I woke up at night and couldn't sleep, so I read my Bible, and turned to 2 Corinthians 12. I read about Paul and his "thorn in the flesh." Even though he asked God to remove it, God didn't, but gave Paul the grace to bear up under it.

I prayed that God would give me the strength to endure my pain in this foreign country. Fortunately, I was able to go to the HCJB hospital and get some eye drops--turns out I had an infection from rinsing my contacts in the water. Duh! (On my next trip to Ecuador, 20 years later, I brought solution for rinsing them and stayed clear of the water.)

But I never forgot the lesson of that Scripture. In our pain, God can help us bear up under it. Sometimes he takes the pain away, as in my case with my eye. But other times, he wants us to trust him--so that his glory may be evident in our weakness.
- posted by Suzi @ 6:58 AM 0 comments

 
2 Corinthians 11:16-33
Today's Scripture

In this passage, Paul defends himself against those in Corinth who think that Paul, because of his meekness, does not have the credentials to be an apostle. Although he is reluctant to do so, Paul lists ways we has proved that he is a devoted follower of Christ, and how many times he has suffered for Jesus. We read of some of this in the book of Acts, but several of these are not mentioned there--Paul receiving the forty lashes minus one five times--times he went hungry or naked or faced danger from bandits and rivers. How he suffered for Christ!

Yet in all these things, he boasted in his weakness--and how through his suffering and humility Christ is exalted. How many of us are willing to suffer so much, and turn our difficulties into triumphs for Christ's glory? Let's turn our disappointments and hurts over to God and allow him to use us in our pain. Then Christ is glorified and our faith is strengthened.
- posted by Suzi @ 4:32 AM 0 comments

 
2 Corinthians 11:1-15
Today's Scripture

In this passage Paul was defending himself as a true apostle, not a false apostle who deceives or is the camp of the devil, who masquerades as an angel of light. Paul did not take a salary from his preaching ministry or accept gifts from himself (at least in Corinth), because he wanted the Corinthians to know that he gave himself freely to them, without any intent for making money from his work among them, even though he was entitled to it.

How often do we feel entitled for rewards? I know I grumble when the work I do at home is unnoticed or unappreciated. I often point out the labor of my hands to get a pat on the back or at least a thank you.

As we go about our work, whether at an office, a construction site, or at home or elsewhere, let's seek to please the giver of all things, even our work. There is a satisfaction in knowing we please God, not necessarily men, that we cannot find from pleasing others. And perhaps serving the Master is more motivation than fishing for compliments from friends or family.
- posted by Suzi @ 9:43 AM 0 comments

 
2 Corinthians 10:7-18
Today's Scripture

When I sit down to write these blogs, I don't often think about the years of training I've had as a writer. I don't think about my education, or of how I dreamed of becoming a famous writer one day (well, maybe sometimes I think of that). When I come, I hope that I come in humility, as a willing vessel, knowing that my words and thoughts are not profound, but praying that God may use this little blog somehow, not only to strengthen my faith and knowledge of Him, but to help others who are on the same path, or who are seeking to find the path.

It seemed Paul was rather intimidating in his letters to the Corinthians, but some viewed him in person as a rather meek person. God uses us in our weaknesses and wants to boast of his strength in areas where we are not strong. I pray that those who read these words will see, through my feeble attempts to understand Scripture, the light of Christ shining through them.

Then we can all boast together--not in ourselves or our accomplishments, but in the Lord and what he is doing through his people, not only in spite of their weaknesses, but because of them.
- posted by Suzi @ 4:21 AM 0 comments

 
2 Corinthians 10:1-6
Today's Scripture

As we go through this life as Christians and encounter trials, our temptation may be to combat problems with worldly weapons--intelligence, argument, or even physical force. Although these things may be necessary at times, when we encounter the enemy, we have spiritual weapons at our disposal. Every thought that may come from the prince of darkness, we can take captive and make it obedient to Christ.

As we go through our day, let us take on the mind of Christ. He has already defeated the devil with his death on the cross and his resurrection. We can claim new life in him, including a renewal of our thoughts and actions. Let our prayer be today to be conscious in every moment of his Spirit alive in us.
- posted by Suzi @ 4:12 AM 0 comments

 
2 Corinthians 9
Today's Scripture

Sometimes we need to be reminded of the importance of giving to others. Paul was reminding the Corinthians of the promise of their generosity, and encouraging them to give, not from compulsion, but cheerfully. He reminded them that God supplies all their needs and is gracious to them as they give.

I think that this Scripture has been taken out of context at times, quoted by "prosperity gospel" preachers, who ask for money and promise that God will give them money back in return for their gifts to their cause. But God doesn't promise dollar for dollar in our giving. He looks at the heart--at our willingness to give. He does promise to take care of us, to provide for our needs. What greater gift could we receive from him than the gift of forgiveness through his Son Jesus? Yet he wants to give us even more. As we have an "attitude of gratitude," we will truly know God's greatest blessings.
- posted by Suzi @ 6:50 AM 2 comments

 
2 Corinthians 8:16-24
Today's Scripture

In yesterday's Scripture we read of the importance of giving generously to those in need. Financial gifts are important, but today's passage is about the gift of service. Paul is sending his faithful friend Titus to the Corinthians to encourage them and minister to them.

At church this weekend, we heard that friends of ours will be traveling to Tanzania this summer, where our friend Steve will serve as principal of a Christian school. He and his wife will be taking their three children, preschool and early elementary ages, with them.

We send them as a gift of love to the Tanzanian people and also the ex-patriots they will minister to there. It's hard to see them go, but it is a sacrificial gift--one that I know is pleasing to the Lord.

No matter where we are, we can be a living sacrifice, a fragrant offering to the Lord. We can give the gift of ourselves, our time and talents. We just need to have willing hearts.
- posted by Suzi @ 7:58 AM 0 comments