Do Not Keep Who You Are Hidden!

“For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet, who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:14

I love the story of Esther. A young orphan girl who had hidden a family secret until the day arrived that she revealed her true identity and became a national heroine. WOW! What a story for us today. I would like to tell you this story in probably a different way then you have ever heard it told. Maybe it will reveal to you something new about yourself and your purpose in God’s Kingdom.
Esther was one of the young ladies brought before the King as he was looking to replace his wife. The King sent out his messengers into the 127 provinces of Persia to find the most beautiful, young women of the land and bring into his palace. One of those drafted into the national search for a queen was a young Jewish woman named Hadassah. Since the death of her parents she had been living with her uncle, Mordecai. At his insistence Hadassah has gone by a Persian name, Esther, so as not to call attention to her true heritage. Esther’s beauty destines her for the national spotlight. The eyes of the empire turn to her when she emerges from obscurity to wear the crown of the Queen of Persia.
The kingdom was holding a beauty pageant. Some might say it is similar to today’s pageants that are held all over the land. Only, this time, the participants had one year to make themselves ready for viewing. . “ They spent 6 months soaking in oil of myrrh, and another six months with perfumes and preparation for beautifying women.” Esther 2:12 Once this preparation was completed they were called in one at a time before the King. “And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her.” Esther 2:15 “The King loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen.” Esther 2:17
As the story unfolds a plot is discovered. Esther is told of the plot and asked to go before the king with the matter. Now, Esther knows that if she goes before the King and he does not reach out his scepter to receive her she will surely die. Esther is in a pickle. If she does not speak out and tell the King of this evil plot, then all of her people will die.
But Esther comes through. She senses her destiny and the risk that is before her. She agrees to use her influence to come to the aid of her people and says “if I perish, I perish.” Esther asks the King and his right hand man to come to a banquet she is to prepare for them. (In the meantime Esther has been on her knees before her God). She needed counsel and guidance from above. This job was too big for her to accomplish on her own.
As the banquet begins Esther reveals to the king the evil plot against the Jews. THIS is the time for her to reveal who she truly was. The king did not know her nationality neither did Haman who started this awful plot to destroy all the Jewish nations. The King, of course, wanted to know who it was that devised this plot to begin with. As the story goes on, Haman is revealed as the culprit. He and all of his sons die. Esther is given the Kings ring to do as she pleases (this is a symbol of the Kings power). She gives the ring to Mordecai who becomes ruler over all of Hamans household. The Jewish nation was allowed to defend themselves against their enemies and won triumphantly.
Such a short version of the 10 chapters in this book of Esther. But tremendous lessons to be learned. The name “God” was never spoken in this book but you see Him behind the scenes guiding the affairs of His chosen people. He took two people, Esther and Mordecai, at a very low spot in their spiritual life, and through spiritual growth allowed them to function as saviors of their people. This reveals to me that God is always at work in our lives. There are no coincidences as we journey through this life, but God uses circumstances to fulfill His purpose within us. God can even take our sin and our mistakes and use them for His glory.
Even though God is not mentioned in these pages of Esther yet in the unfolding drama of the Bible, this chapter of History shows that God doesn’t have to be mentioned to be present. This story is a timeless tribute to the God who doesn’t have to be announced or understood to be present. He is the God of the sleepless nights and the surprise ending. He is the God who works for us in the darkness, confusion, and fears of our lives. What is inspiring about this story is that it is not all about Esther. It is a story about a God who, while being our provider and protector, can use us to bring help to others. Who can say when we, like Esther, may find ourselves looking into the eyes of destiny as we contemplate the needs of a hurting child, a lonely neighbor, a frightened co-worker, or a disillusioned spouse? Who can say that heaven has not brought us to this place – for such a time as this?
Excerpts taken from the Bible and several other commentaries.
I pray that you have enjoyed this version of “Esther” who was truly created for her time in history.
THANKS, Leola

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

In this day of uncertain economics and troubling politics we sometimes wonder what is to happen to us. We think about the past; yesterday, and what “used to be”. We worry about tomorrow; and “what is to come”. Yet, for today; we live as if there is no tomorrow. Let’s think for a minute about this issue.
Yesterday is gone. It won’t come back. You can try and try and try, but you will be unable to have those hours, and days, and years back to “do over”. What has been done, accomplished and completed in the past is just that DONE! FINISHED! Yet, you can learn so much from your yesterdays. The mistakes and failures. The successes. The wonderful impact you have had on other peoples lives. Those things stand for eternity. That is what you need to be remembering and thanking God for. Thanking Him that you were used as His instrument to provide healing and comfort and assurance for someone who was so desperate for a touch from your Lord.
Today! It is today. What are you going to do with your day? Are you going to allow it to fade away as you watch the clock tick each second along? Are you going to waste the minutes doing things that aren’t worthwhile? Are you going to use it as a volunteer for the many ministries out there that need your helping hand? You have so many choices. Choose, today, to make every hour count for good. To spend time in helping to heal our land and its people.
And tomorrow? Well, tomorrow is coming! Isn’t it wonderful to know the scriptures? “You shall not go out with haste. . . for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.” Isaiah 52:12. This is indeed a revelation – that God will send His forces out where we have failed to go. He will keep watch over us so that we will not be tripped up again by the same failures, as would happen if He were not our “rear guard”. Also, God’s hand reaches back to the past, settling all the claims against our consciences as we confess to Him our failures. “If we confess our faults, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
Tomorrow we can use our past to encourage one another. We can use our experiences both good and bad to share with those that need to make decisions and come seeking our advice. Send them to the Word of God. Share with them how you have found your answers through searching the scriptures. Remember that we live in the world to be a light to the nations. We do not live in a vacuum, but live in and around others. Touch their lives. Don’t allow them to infiltrate your “light” but use your light to overcome their darkness. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden nor do they light a lamp and put it in a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5: 14-16
In spite of the economy. In spite of your past failures and concerns. You have today to live! You can make the most of each day as you focus on God’s word and His will in your life. Learn to listen to Him and obey. As you do this, you will begin to change how you see yourself and how you view others. Become an advocate for Jesus Christ.
THANKS FOR LISTENING
Leola

Names of God

You are Elohim. My one and only true God. The I Am that I Am
You are El Shaddai. My God who is more than enough. The Giver. The All Bountiful One.
The All Sufficient One.
You are Jehovah. The self-existing One. The God who keeps covenant with His people.
You are Jehovah-Jireh. The God who sees the need and provides.
You are Jehovah Rapha, the Healer. You give life to every part of my body.
You are Jehovah Shalom, the God of Peace. Your peace makes Your people whole.
You are Jehovah Roi, the Shepherd. There is no lack in You.
You are Jehovah Tsidkenu. You are Righteous.
You are Jehovah Elyon. The Most High God.
You are Jehovah Zeeabaoth. The fighter of my battles.

These are but a few of the names of God. May He be your all sufficient one today.
Leola

Who Are You ?

I am God’s Child (John 1:12)
I am Christ’s friend (John 15:15)
I am united with the Lord (1Cor. 6:17)
I am a Saint (set apart for God) (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt and light of the earth (Matt. 5:13-14)
I am member of the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation (Romans 6:1-2)
I am a citizen of heaven, I am significant (Phil. 3:20)
I am free from any charge against me. (Romans 8:31-34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (11 Cor. 5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the Heavenly realm (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom. 8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (11 Cor. 1:21-21)
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28)
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16)
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3:12)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15:1-5)
I am God’s temple (1 Cor. 3:16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2:10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3) I have been justified (Rom.5:1)
I am God’s co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9, 11 Cor. 6:1) I am God’s workmanship (Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has done in me will be perfected (Phil. 1:5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col. 1:14) I have been adopted as God’s child (Eph. 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
Who you are?

Author Unknown (sent as an email to many)

This Is The Day That The Lord Has Made, Let Us Rejoice And Be Glad In It

WOW. Another wonderful day. Another week ahead of each of us. What are we going to do with this week? Are we going to allow it to just drift by one moment at at time? Are we going to waste the time God has given us on things that have no heavenly good? Or are we going to use each tick of the clock to share what He has done in our lives with those who are hurting out in the world?

We were challenged last night at church by a group of people who had just returned from serving God in a Foreign Land; you would call them Missionaries. One to Burma. One to the Dominican Republic and a group of 5 to Africa. We heard stories. Some sad and depressing. Some stirred the emotions. Some were even funny! But, when we left that place, did we leave behind the urgency we felt as we listened to those sharing? The urgency of children, men and women in this known world who have such great needs; needs for flushing toilets, clean water, not enough food to feed their families; but especially the need to hear of a Risen Savior. Many needs. So few to respond.

What is God calling you to do? Is it to pray? To give? To go? He has called you! You can fulfill the Great Commission that tells us to go out into all the world and preach the gospel. Maybe your mission field is your neighbor, or your boss, or your employee. God knows! And so do you! Let me encourage you to be God to a world that needs him today.
Thanks for listening, Leola

The Rainbow; A Reminder of God's Faithfulness

The year is 1986. I am sitting on a plane on my way to a memorial service for a young niece who had just passed away. She had just turned 18. Had the whole world ahead of her. Not a place that I would say that I would want to be going. Hurting and alone, but unable to express all the pent up emotions. I have to be strong for the family. I have to put on the “mask” that is expected of me. To be the “religious” girl. To bring hope and God’s love to a terrible tragedy that had come to pass. Yet, I don’t feel like I can offer words of comfort to my family. I am still struggling with the “why”?
As I look out the window, I see a rainbow. I am immediately drawn to God’s promise. The rainbow is a reminder of His faithfulness to His Word. I feel His power enveloping me and surrounding me as a warm coat on a cold, cold, wintery day. I begin to receive His peace as I remember the stories of old and how every promise in His book is true and can be claimed for today; for my deep despair. I feel the heavy burdens beginning to lift. He directs me to His Word; “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.” Isaiah 43:2 He had promised to be with me during the difficult times. During the times of despair and grief. I truly was walking through the fire and feeling like I was going under. But, His word is full of promises and hope for those who are hurting. That included me. “Fear not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee, yes, I will help thee; yes, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10
I am once again drawn to the comfort that can only be received when you have Jesus as Lord and King of your life. Yes, I had pain. Yes, I was hurting. But. . . I have a God who cares about me and wants to heal my pain. In the midst of my agony he provided a rainbow; a visual reminder of his faithfulness to me. As I learn to turn my cares over to Him, I then can begin to know that He has it all covered. He will redeem this tragedy for His good. He loved me enough to give me this reminder just when I needed to see it.
It might not seem like that is going to happen for you. You are in such deep despair that you are questioning where God is in the midst of your grief. He is there. He is listening to His children when they call on Him. He so wants to heal your wounds. To set you free of fear, despair and hopelessness. Whatever your situation, He has a way of escape. A way to change your mourning into gladness. Just open His Word and allow Him to heal you. Let Him direct your fingers as they search the Word for the truth He is waiting to show to you.
So, my friend, when you see the rainbow may you be reminded that every promise in His Word is true. Every promise was spoken for you as you yield your will under the skill of our Master and Lord.
Leola Stotts

THERE’S SOMEBODY OUT THERE

Ever wonder what you are to do with all the experiences, trials and troubles that you have had? How to share the victory you have received with others? Each time you were an overcomer? Each time you were granted mercy instead of judgment? Kindness instead of someone being unkind to you? What are you to do with all those experiences?
11 Corinthians 1:3-5 says; “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.”
This scripture tells us that we have received so much comfort and mercy from our Father God and we are to extend that same amount of solace to others who are going through difficulties and problems. Just as we received from Him, we need to give out of ourselves to those around us who are in need. Isaiah says that“. . . He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” We have many scriptures that tell us to care about those around us who are hurting, enslaved in sin, distressed, depressed and the list goes on and on. We do not live as though we are on a deserted island; being the only person there. We live among many hurting and wounded people. Sometimes all they need is a smile, a hug or a reassurance that their life is important to someone. A few years ago I heard a song that meant so much. Here are the words.
There’s somebody out there; hurt and confused: an innocent child being abused.
There’s somebody out there whose heart is breaking into.
There’s somebody out there feeling alone; a husband or wife being done wrong.
Somebody out there shattered from a broken home.
There’s somebody out there who thought it was cool
To keep taking chances thinking they’d never lose.
Now they’re hooked on a feeling that’s left them empty and fooled.
There’s somebody out there who can’t quite decide
Whether to live or whether to die
They’re searching for answers to get through their crisis in life
Chorus:
But there’s somebody out there with arms open wide
He wants to embrace you, wipe the tears from your eyes
He’s hope for the hopeless, He’ll carry the burden you bear
When you don’t have a prayer, there’s somebody out there
His name is Jesus; He’s that somebody out there.

You might be the answer to someone’s prayer today. Someone who is desperate for an answer. One who no longer has any hope. Has given up! Yet, you see this person as you go along your way. In the grocery store. Sitting next to you in church each week. Or maybe, at school. You never mention the grace and mercy that our Lord has granted to you. You never speak about a scripture that brought a special meaning to a circumstance. You were not available to meet the needs of that person because you had not made yourself available to be molded and controlled by the Holy Spirit. You see, the Holy Spirit will urge and nudge you when you need to speak a word, or say a prayer, or offer a hand, if you are open and listening. Again, in Isaiah it tells us that we are to “. . . preach good tidings to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to comfort and console those who mourn, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.”
That sounds to me like we are to take His healing words and touch and mouth out to those in the world who are in desperate need of His healing touch. You are indeed the answer for someone today. Won’t you allow the Holy Spirit to use you to minister to His people? Won’t you, this day, step up to the challenge and live our your life among those who are crying out to you “Is there somebody out there?”
Leola

Broken Pots; Vessels that have been spilled out to be used by God

I remember years ago teaching a flannel graph story (yes, that was a long time ago) about different vessels that had to be broken in order to be used. The story was called “God Uses Broken Things”. It was a Child Evangelism Fellowship tool for adults in order to enlist them into child evangelism. I had always taught Childrens Worship and childrens classes forever and ever it seemed. But, I do remember that this particular story meant so very much to me. It is one that impressed me to get out on the mission field and to put feet and hands to my words. I want to share the premise of this story with you in maybe a new way today.
You might believe that you cannot be used of God because you have no special abilities. You can’t write. You can’t sing. You don’t have money. Maybe you are not physically well. You might lack Bible training. There are many reasons people choose to not serve God. These are but a few. But, our God, is not looking for those who can do His will in their natural abilities. He wants a person (vessel) that can be emptied of self and have his Holy Spirit fill up the vessel to spill to overflowing. When that happens, the smallest of men, the youngest of person, the poorest of souls, can and will be mighty in His kingdom. God is looking for weak and broken people who will allow this to happen in their lives. He wants to pour His power into each of you. When this happens there will be a change of heart and attitude in relationship to your service for God.
We often place high value on natural ability, gifts, training and ability as requisites for working in His work. Scripture tells us that “He gives power to the faint and to them that have no might he increases their strength.” Isaiah 40:29. What an encouragement that should be to each of us. We have so little to offer but He wants us especially for that reason.
Hudson Taylor said, “All God’s giants were weak men who did great things for God because they believed God would work through them.” Mr. Moody said, “When God wants to move a mountain He does not take a bar of iron but a little worm. The fact is we have too much strength. We are not weak enough. It is not our strength God wants. One drop of His strength is worth more than all the world.” “My strength is made perfect in your weakness.” 11 Corinthians 12:9.
I would like to show you a few things from the Word that needed to be broken in order to be used. Take the bread that we use at communion. It is used as a symbol to show the broken body of our Lord Jesus. Because of this broken body – eternal salvation has been offered to each of us. Then there is the broken alabaster box. It was really a vase that was sealed with a wax ring to prevent the evaporation of the costly perfume. Mary broke this seal and the marvelous aroma of the ointment filled the room. How could the odor have come out if the seal had not been broken? We need to be broken so that we can completely yield to His working in or lives. The next broken item was the broken pitchers used by Gideon in battle. Check out Judge 7:16-20 for the full story. He was to break the pitchers and hold the torches up high. Do you see how these pitchers are much like our bodies? We must be broken so we can hold up our light to the world to see Jesus. My favorite story is the one about the broken roof. I know you are familiar with this story. The four friends brought the sick man to see Jesus. The crowd was so large that they could not get near him. They got creative and went up onto the rooftop. They pulled back part of the roof and lowered the man right into the room with Jesus. The man was healed that very day. He broke the hindrances of the crowd that day so that this man could be made whole. What hindrances are we holding onto? What is in our way of being used by him for a specific purpose?
Let’s not forget about the broken walls of Jericho. The people marched around the walls. God told them to do that for seven days. On the 7th day they were to blow the trumpets, blast the rams horn and shout. When they did as God instructed, the walls of the city came tumbling down. God’s methods are not our methods. His ways are not our ways. He is not waiting for someone who is strong. He wants you as you are to go forth and conquer in his name. What about this story? The disciples had worked hard all night but had not caught any fish. Jesus comes along and tells them to move the nets to the other side of the boat. When they did as they were told there were so many fish that the net broke. It could not contain the weight. We need to be like those fishermen. To be out and about in our daily walk and bring in “fish” for his kingdom. The Bible says that we are to be fishers of men. We need to do this so much that our nets break with the yield of His people coming to know him.
If you yield your will under His word you will find that great and mighyt things will happen within you and the people around you. I am not saying that we are all to go overseas as a missionary. That we are all leave our homes and families to go somewhere in this country and work for God. But, I am saying, that as a child of God, we have each been called to do a specific job that only we can do. He will equip those that he has called. If you have been given a job by God, then that means, he will give you what you need to fulfill that job. “Not by might, nor by my power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6
Use this simple story about “brokenness” to check your walk with God. I pray that as you yield to Him, you will grow in your love one to another. The world will know that you are a Christian by your walk and by your behavior to each other. May the world see the real YOU, the one that has been unleashed by the power of His might.
Leola