#ScriptureReflection - Esther D:7-11 (8.31.22)

⁷  As he looked up in extreme anger, his features fiery and majestic, the queen staggered, turned pale and fainted, collapsing against the maid in front of her. ⁸  But God changed the king’s anger to gentleness. In great anxiety he sprang from his throne, held her in his arms until she recovered, and comforted her with reassuring words.

⁹  “What is it, Esther?” he said to her. “I am your brother. Take courage! ¹⁰  You shall not die; this order of ours applies only to our subjects. ¹¹  Come near!”

Source: NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)

#ScriptureReflection - Esther D:1-6 (8.30.22)

Esther Goes to Ahasuerus.

¹  On the third day, ending her prayers, she took off her prayer garments and arrayed herself in her splendid attire. ²  In making her appearance, after invoking the all-seeing God and savior, she took with her two maids; ³  on the one she leaned gently for support, ⁴  while the other followed her, bearing her train. ⁵  She glowed with perfect beauty and her face was as joyous as it was lovely, though her heart was pounding with fear. ⁶  She passed through all the portals till she stood before the king, who was seated on his royal throne, clothed in full robes of state, and covered with gold and precious stones, so that he inspired great awe. 

Source: NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)     

Praise and Thank Him for the Things He is Doing (and has Done) in Your Life! (8.29.22)

Faith Believers,

One of our greatest weapons in warfare is praise and worship. 

Maintain an attitude of praise and worship; and seek a deeper personal intimate relationship with the Lord. 

Praise and thank Him for the things He Is doing, has done and is doing right now.  Spend more time with the Lord and "delight" yourself in the things of the Lord.

During these sacred times with the Lord, let Him reveal His Secrets unto you, empower you,  strengthen you, heal you, bring increase unto you and release you into greater fulfillment of destiny and purpose.   (Reflect on Isaiah 61 ;  Psalm 92 ; Psalm 30)

****************

Jeremiah 33:11 - "the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of those who will say: 'Praise the LORD of hosts, for the LORD is good, for His mercy endures forever'-- and of those who will bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause the captives of the land to return as at the first," says the LORD.

Psalm 9:1-3 - (1) I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works.  (2)  I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.  (3) When my enemies turn back, they shall fall and perish at Your presence.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - (16) Rejoice always, (17) pray without ceasing, (18) in everything give thanks; for this is the will of GOD in Christ Jesus for you. 

Matthew 6:33 - But seek first the kingdom of GOD and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Nehemiah 8:10 -  ... ...Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Be still, Believe and Praise Him
for the many wonderful things that
He is doing, and has done, in your life!


Thank God for what you have,

Trust God for what you need.
~ Marilyn Chaney

#ScriptureReflection - Esther 4:15-17 (8.28.22)

¹⁵  Esther sent back to Mordecai the response: ¹⁶  “Go and assemble all the Jews who are in Susa; fast on my behalf, all of you, not eating or drinking night or day for three days. I and my maids will also fast in the same way. Thus prepared, I will go to the king, contrary to the law. If I perish, I perish!” ¹⁷  Mordecai went away and did exactly as Esther had commanded.

Source: NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)     

Open vs. Closed Doors. God's Plan & Our Path to Perfect Peace - Version 2.0 (8.27.22)

Family,
This was sent out before (Open Doors. Closed Doors. God's Plan. Our Path. Perfect Peace. (6.30.21)) in a somewhat longer version; but here it is again, because all of us (including me & my team) need to be reminded and reassured that GOD is a loving Master Planner of our life.

Our ways are not His Ways and our thoughts are not His Thoughts; so when He opens (or closes) a door, we must trust His Actions.

We need to learn to thank the Lord for closed doors; in the same way that we thank Him for an open door. The reason GOD closes doors is because He has not prepared anything over there for us. If He didn't close the wrong door we would never find our way to the right door. Even when we don't realize it, GOD directs our paths through the closing and opening of doors.

When one door closes, it forces us to change course.  Then another door closes, and it forces many of us to change course, yet again. Then finally, we find the open door and walk right into our blessings.  But instead of praising GOD for the closed doors (which kept us out of trouble), too often, many of us get upset because we "judged by appearances." And for too many of us, especially lukewarm believers, in our own arrogance - or ignorance - we insist that we know what is right; or we fail to recognize God "at work," understanding that all things work together for those who love the Lord - Romans 8:28.

We MUST always remember that we have 'a Very Present Help' in our times of need, Who Is always standing guard. Because He Walks ahead of us, He Can See trouble 'down the road ,' and He sets up protection, provision, roadblocks and detours accordingly.

But for some of us, through our lack of wisdom (vision and trust);, we try to tear down the roadblocks or push aside the detour signs. Then the minute we get into trouble, we start crying out, "Lord, how could this happen to me?"  We must realize and recognize that the closed door was a blessing. Didn't He Say, No good thing will He withhold from them that love him? - Romans 8:28

If you get terminated from your job - don't be down.  Instead thank GOD for the new opportunities that will manifest themselves - it might be a better job, or an opportunity that will bless the next 20 years of your life.

If that man or woman won't return your call - it might not be them.  It might be the Lord setting up a roadblock (just let it go).  I am so grateful, for the many times GOD has closed doors to me, just to open new doors in the most unexpected places.  The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way." - Psalm 37:23.

The Mountain top is glorious, but it is in the Valley that I will grow!

Thank GOD for what you have,
Trust GOD for what you need.

  ~  Marilyn

Dwell with God, Let Him Break Every Chain, Pray, Stand, Ask & Knock - for He has Opened #RightNOW Doors for You (8.26.22)

My Child,
Don’t you dare allow yourself to give in to discouragement, heaviness, or to be overcome by evil.

Come dwell with Me, let Me Break every chain that has bound you; in order to overcome evil with My Good. Stand and pray - with confidence in My Ability to answer your every prayer.

Put away all complaints.  Pray.   Speak to Me.  Let My Wisdom guide you.  Pray.  Expecting that I Will answer your prayers.  For I Am not man, that I should lie; nor a son of man, that I Would change My Mind.

For some of you, the enemy is seeking ways to distract you by clouding your mind with doubt and confusion. Rest assured, I Know his tricks, and so do you.  his tricks have not changed.

Therefore, you have nothing to fear.
Therefore, you have nothing to fear.
Therefore, you have nothing to fear.

You.  Have.  Nothing.  To.  Fear.....

Come boldly before the throne of grace and mercy; seek My Face and stand on My Word.

Start claiming "God's Will - Abba, My Father - be done on earth, as it is in Heaven;" and watch Me Move.  According to My Word.

It is time My Child.
It is time My Child.
It is time My Child.

It is time to break away from all that has held you captive for so long.

Come now.  Take your rightful place beside Me. Stand on My Word; and Be Blessed, according to My Riches in Glory. Stand now.  And ask.  So that you can receive, all that you need.

No longer shall you be on the outside, looking in.  

Knock and I Will open the doors for you.

And not just any doors.
But the doors which lead
     to your blessings.

Read and Meditate on God's Word

Numbers 23:19 - GOD is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Romans 12:21 - Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Hebrews 4:16 - Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Deuteronomy 28:2 - And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee  if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy GOD. 

Ephesians 6:13 - Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of GOD, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

Giving Up Accomplishes Nothing - Do Not Stop Standing on God's Word (8.25.22)

My Child,
There comes a time in all of My Children's lives, when they have done all that they can do and fought as hard as they could, and now stand "helpless" in the sight of a situation that it may feel like you cannot change. It is at this point in your walk that you must not allow the enemy to make you believe that your prayers have fallen on deaf ears. Do not stop standing on My Word; do not say, “What’s the use of praying?” and give up.

Giving up won’t accomplish anything.
Except push you further into despair.

And increase the challenges, issues and mess.

The first thing I Want you to remember is this - when the opposition comes on strong, it is because the enemy is trying your faith. Point blank.  Period.  he is attempting to 'permanently plant and root' thoughts of despair into your mind; so that you will give up because he knows that you are so close to your blessing.   You must - My Child, you must - close your mind to his tricks of intimidation and hold on to your profession of faith.  You must persevere in prayer, and not allow the enemy to steal the word I Have planted in your heart.

The second thing I Want you to remember, is to say My Name, claim the victory, simply say - BUT GOD… Say My Name.  For I, GOD and GOD alone, will bring you out of this trial. Beloved, you must continue to stand on and believe in My Word, regardless of what's happening around you.

I Want you to come boldly to the throne of grace, to seek mercy and find grace to help you, during your time of need.  And having done all that you can, stand and do not stop praying for the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much.  Be strong and of good courage, knowing that I, Your Father, always hear you when you pray. Never forget that I Can do great things in your life, when you have complete trust and faith in Me.
 
Do not allow the enemy of your soul to tempt you to give up.

You must live by faith, for it does not bring pleasure to Me, when you lack faith in My Word. Have faith in Me, to bring to pass all that I Have promised. 

You’ve battled storms before and 'loss' - or, at first it may have felt like a 'loss.'  But you know that it worked out for your good.  You came through it.  You turned it into a testimony.  There was only a 'true loss' when you lost trust in Me.  When you turned away from Me.  

However, more often than not....
You’ve battled storms before and won.
Why is this one so different? 
Is it because it’s lasting longer than expected? 

Well, let Me tell you this - when you see your blessing, you will understand why everything lasted so long.

So, pray on My Child.
Trust Me.
Live by Faith.
And pray on.

Pray on.
Pray on.
Pray on.

NEVER stop.
Praying.

 

 

 

READ AND MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD 

Luke 18:1 - And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 

Corinthians 3:6-7 - I have planted, Apollos watered; but GOD gave the increase.  So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth, but GOD that giveth the increase. 

Hebrews 10:23 - Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;) 

Hebrews 10:38 - Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 

1 Peter 1:7 - That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Keep Your Spiritual Eyes Open, Worry Not, Stand Strong, Trust God & Watch Our Father's Plans Unfold (8.24.22)

Beloved, 

I Implore you to look 'beyond the discouragement' that some of you are facing and do not worry, because there is nothing the enemy can do to you.   he may try to threaten you.  he may try to disturb your peace, but all his efforts will be (and are) in vain.

For YOU, are a Child of the King; and no weapon formed against you shall prosper. Spiritually, keep your eyes open; and you will be able to 'see' beyond what is happening. What you are going through is only a temporary condition; and it will serve to make you stronger, wiser, and better.

 

It is only with the 'eyes of faith' that you will be able to move past your 'challenging' circumstances and temporary conditions; to obtain victory. the enemy will attempt do all he can, to put stumbling blocks in your way, thinking you will give up.  But remember, My Child, that My Son died on the Cross in order to defeat the enemy for you.  For you.  FOR YOU....   My Son did not go to the Cross in vain. 

Refuse to allow anything to stop your forward momentum.
You must believe that I Am with you; and that there is nothing the enemy can do to you, and succeed. I Have all Power and Authority over everything, including the enemy, but not man.  Man, you Child, I created to have free will.  And so you must choose to believe in Me; in what I Say I can and will do; and in My Almighty Power.  That is a choice that every human being must make.  Just know that I Will strike the enemy down, and destroy him, in due time.

 

Stand strong.
Stand strong.
Stand strong, My Child.

Stand strong and you will experience many great and wondrous things.

Soon and very soon, My plans will unfold, right before your eyes. For some of you, you have seen My Plans unfold before your very eyes before.  So it will not be new to you.  For some of you, this would be your first time bearing witness to seeing My Plans unfold.  Either way, whether it would be your first time, or not; it is a glorious witness for the Children, My Children, of God to see Me at work in the world. 

Therefore, continue to look beyond your circumstances and trust Me to bring to completion every blessing that I Have planned for you.

Read and Meditate on God's Word

Psalm 71:16 - I will go in the strength of the Lord Jehovah; I will speak of Your righteousness, of Yours alone. 

Isaiah 54:17 - No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

Romans 8:18 - For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 

2 Corinthians 4:18 - While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 

2 Corinthians 5:7 - (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 

Hebrews 10:23 - Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

#ScriptureReflection - Acts of the Apostles 1:18-26 (8.23.22)

18  (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. ¹⁹  Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

²⁰  “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms:

“‘May his place be deserted;
    let there be no one to dwell in it,’

and,

“‘May another take his place of leadership.’

21  Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, ²²  beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

²³  So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. ²⁴  Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen ²⁵  to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” ²⁶  Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Source: NIV (New International Version)     

#ScriptureReflection - Esther 4:1-11 (8.22.22)

IV. ESTHER AND MORDECAI PLEAD FOR HELP

Mordecai Exhorts Esther.

¹  When Mordecai learned all that was happening, he tore his garments, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went through the city crying out loudly and bitterly, ²  till he came before the royal gate, which no one clothed in sackcloth might enter. ³  Likewise in each of the provinces, wherever the king’s decree and law reached, the Jews went into deep mourning, with fasting, weeping, and lament; most of them lay on sackcloth and ashes.

⁴  Esther’s maids and eunuchs came and told her. Overwhelmed with anguish, the queen sent garments for Mordecai to put on, so that he might take off his sackcloth; but he refused. ⁵  Esther then summoned Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs whom he had placed at her service, and commanded him to find out what this action of Mordecai meant and the reason for it. ⁶  So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the public square in front of the royal gate, ⁷  and Mordecai recounted all that had happened to him, as well as the exact amount of silver Haman had promised to pay to the royal treasury for the slaughter of the Jews. ⁸  He also gave him a copy of the written decree for their destruction that had been promulgated in Susa, to show and explain to Esther. Hathach was to instruct her to go to the king and to plead and intercede with him on behalf of her people.

⁹  Hathach returned to Esther and told her what Mordecai had said. ¹⁰  Then Esther replied to Hathach and gave him this message for Mordecai: ¹¹  “All the servants of the king and the people of his provinces know that any man or woman who goes to the king in the inner court without being summoned is subject to the same law—death. Only if the king extends the golden scepter will such a person live. Now as for me, I have not been summoned to the king for thirty days.”

Source: NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)