Requesting nothing but

When the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go in to the king, she asked for nothing except what Hegai the king’s eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised.
-Esther 2:15

What if my approach to life was exactly the same…In this sense: That I would request nothing except what would be pleasing to the Lord. I realize this may seem far too pious, but I may entertain this idea for a time…What would happen?

As seen with this simple act of Esther,
What I choose to do, or not do, effects many.

Fear and Loathing

Scripture)

Has The Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of The Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry.

-1 Samuel 15

Obedience is often found in the things we do not want to sacrifice. These are true sacrifices, for Saul it was the approval of men that he was not willing to give up to obey the words of The Lord. Saul’s image became his idol and fear the operative that he served, causing a nation to serve in the same fashion.

My leadership must not be based on image, fear cannot be an operative or motive. I do not exist to please people. My entire being is to exist in pleasing and serving God in obedience…though it may cost me everything.

Lord, give me a fear for your name alone. Help me to make decisions not to please people but ones that obey you, to please you in the highest capacity. Lord do whatever you will in my heart and life. Give me love and gentleness, strength and resolve to serve your people. Amen

More and more

Scripture)
Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.
-1 Thessalonians 4:1

Observation)
Even when we reach what we have considered as our limits, God calls us to grow more. Just as a plant is required to continue to gather nutrients and grow in order to live, so it is with our spirit. We must continue to live out divine instruction in order to stay healthy and spiritually whole. We need to live a life of pursuing the kingdom more and more.

Application)
So what must be done?
1) That in any place and any spiritual position I must seek out instruction. Even when times are the best, I must not neglect to spend time listening to my Creator.
2) In contentment I must open my heart to growing more. Not taking a position of pride in my current condition but to remain humble and willing to all the work that needs to be done.
3) Live life as an example before others. That in everything I do, it would be considered holy and pure. Set apart for he things of God.

Payer)
Speak Lord, your servant is listening. Amen