On a more serious note than my last two posts...
The President was in Kuwait today. Jonathan told us last night that he was coming. The work on the base had practically stopped in preparation. And of course, they all would be there.
They waited outside for several hours for just a few minutes in his presence. A short speech.Only one television station even covered it. So what I want to know today is...... Did it change any of their lives? Did it make a difference? Not really. Just an experience to talk about. Certainly I am not critizing the President. I was excited that he was there. I wanted Jonathan to get a picture. One with him if he could. But the reality is...nothing is different tonight... Life is just back to normal. (Whatever normal is for our soldiers.)
But in the presence of our King...
Esther knew she would be given the opportunity to come before the King. She had a petition to make.
She needed and wanted to find favor. A couple of years ago, a friend sent me a quote from a book about Esther by Tommy Tenney. It was called "Twelve Protocols of the Palace." (Esther's secrets of finding favor with the King) Read carefully, and see if it speaks to you as it does to me.
- Never underestimate the potential of one encounter
- Seek the heart of the King, not the splendor of His Kingdom
- One day of favor can be worth more than a lifetime of labor
- Worship is the protocol that protects the King and qualifies the visitor
- Influence flows from intimacy, and access comes from relationships
- If you know what the King favors, you become a favorite
- If your enemy is the King's enemy, then your battle is the King's battle
- Favor is what happens when preparation meets opportunity
- The deeper you go into the palace, the fewer the people, but the greater the provision
- When the enemy plots your demise, the King is planning your reward
- Favor can restore in a day what was stolen over a lifetime
- One night with the King changes everything (or A few moments in the presence of the King can change your destiny)
Several points jump out to me... some make me stop and think for awhile.
Today my favorite is # 9 or maybe # 11. Tell me what you think.
Blessings to you all!
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8 comments:
#10 is my favorite - "When the enemy plots your demise, the King is planning your reward." Last year, I went through a lot of spiritual attack from the enemy. I was tempted to make decisions based on my emotions rather than what the Bible says. God strengthened me during this time and brought me closer to Him. I'm excited about serving Him more and more every day.
Shari, you are so right.... when we run to The Word, He will strengthen us. That is how we survive...and excel. Thanks for your comment. Praying for you!
Hey DeeDee
I think my favorite is #11, Favor can restore in a day what was stolen over a lifetime. I feel like that is what God has done for me, since February 22, 1999, almost 10 years ago,that is hard to believe. That is when I totally turned everything over to God and yielded to him, and oh the favor He has poured out on my life, it just brings me to tears. I love my life so much better now than before, it is so much more fulfilling and meaningful.
On another note, thanks for your prayers for my family, we are all on the mend and Paul still shows no signs of sickness, so maybe it is skipping him this go round. Thanks!
Tricia
Tricia,
It is so precious..that He restores...and gives back so much more than we could even imagine. It reminds me of a scripture that we claimed for our Jonathan in the "yuk years" as he calls them.
Joel 2:25 (KJV) says, "And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten"
I think that is why # 11 is one of my favorites. I have seen God restore what was stolen (or eaten by the locusts).
#9 - is personal to me. Just entering my personal quiet time with my King... deep in the palace... is precious.
But tomorrow I may have another favorite :)
#11 my favorite. For obvious reasons. I love you mom.
Jonathan
I have 2...the first is # My enemy is the King's enemy and the battle is the Kings. I need to remember that when I take it to God to leave it with him and let him handle the battle. Instead, I want to pick it back up and try to fix it. Then, it only gets worse. I need to let my King handle the battle. the 2nd is # 11. I can't wait to see what God is going to restore in Andrea. I am going to add the scripture in Joel to my list.
I also like what Shari said. so maybe, I have 3. I can relate to what she said. I really like them all.
#5 is a favorite for me because it reminds me that when I spend time with my heavenly Father in prayer and Bible study it has a direct impact on the influence that I allow Him to have in my life. The more I seek Him the greater influence and yeilding that my fleshly body has toward Him. Thanks for the post DeeDee, they bring food for the soul as well as thought.
Jonathan
I knew that would be your favorite. Restoration is a wonderful thing. Allowing the King to restore you... and now use you.... More than you can even imagine! Keep your eyes on Him my Son, I know He has wonderful plans for your life... for your good and His Glory!
Darlene,
Another Verse that goes with that is the last part of II Chron 20:15 that says "...Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's."
If that is not on your list add it too! and always remember that God cares even more than you (that seems impossible for a mom doesn't it ... but it is so true). He will restore.
and Vicki,
I agree with you about that also. When we have been in His presence, he will open up doors of opportunity to share (influence) others in our lives. It all comes from our time with Him.
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