Worship

Scripture

“Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool.” Ecclesiastes 7:9. Not only is this a heavily convicting verse, it warns us against the behavior of Xerxes in the first five chapters of Esther. The King is slighted by his queen by her refusing to come when he calls. This seems like a silly thing to get angry over, much less to divorce your wife and send a national decree demanding women obey their husbands or else – labeled a fool indeed.

In the second chapter, it states that once the King’s anger subsided, he began to reflect on the decision he made while drunk. I take this to mean that the King, even this prideful selfish tyranny had a feeling of guilt set in. Yet, as we continue along, we see that poor counsel ruins an opportunity for redemption. How often does conviction fall upon us only to be thwarted by the peanut gallery? 

I once had a friend send me a message admitting to a pretty serious offense against me. As I was reading it, an acquaintance sat reading over my shoulder. “Don’t think. Just send back exactly how you feel.” Talk about some of the worst advice I’ve ever gotten! If I would have responded in that exact moment, I would have chosen to clothe myself in anger rather than in empathy. Weather rather than mercy. Although we cannot avoid others treating us poorly, we cannot expect to see change in our world if we are not willing to live like Christ.  

Xerxes shows us that pride quickly snowballs us into a situation we never saw coming; a situation that could have been avoided if only we displayed the humility to admit our faults or swallow our pride. Although there is much to learn from the errors of King Xerxes, let us focus on this one thing: God speaks in a still small voice. It is our choice whether to heed his counsel, or to seek our pound of flesh.

Prayer

HONOR GOD

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Consider it a privilege that we get to be ambassadors for the Lord. The way that we carry ourselves and communicate should be a reflection of who God is. Thank him for bestowing that honor on you 

ASK GOD

Ephesians 6:18-20

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ask God with perseverance. Knowing that when you knock on the door he listens. 

SUBMIT TO GOD

Romans 12:2 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The process of our minds being renewed is one of submission to God. Often we believe we know what is best for us, but let God’s word and His Spirit lead you to a place of transformation. 

CLOSING PRAYER

God, as I surrender to You fully. I don’t want anything to hold me back from the fruit You have available to me. Today I offer each and every area of my life to You, even the ones I’ve held onto in the past. Your ways are higher than mine and I can trust You with everything.  In Jesus Name, Amen.