Esther Series - Part 1

 Hello Everyone,

For the next several weeks I will share excerpts from a devotional I’m writing on the Book of Esther. Esther is filled with revelation about God, though the word “God” appears nowhere in the entire book. Its lessons on Christian character, courage, and faith are invaluable, and we do well to heed and apply them. So walk (and blog) with me through this marvelous book – and I’ll give you my thoughts, so give me yours.

Love and peace,

Pastor Eric
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Esther Series – part 1
 Pastor Eric A. Green

"But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command brought by his eunuchs; therefore the king was furious, and his anger burned within him."

~Esther 1:12

Queen Vashti’s refusal to obey the king's command led to her displacement and closed the door on her privilege, position, and prominence, which she had begun taking for granted.  How careful we must be to guard against the temperament Vashti displayed, that wars against the childlike obedience to God and His ordained authority!  Many opportunities to glorify God have been lost because of our unwillingness or reluctance to respond joyfully to the prompting of the Spirit and the leading of His shepherds. (Read Roman 13:1-7)

Perhaps the King’s behavior was boorish and immature, as some have asserted. Obviously, Vashti though so, and her refusal to obey his request was justified in her eyes – but was her response wise? And was it righteous? There are instance in our lives where we are “summoned” by authorities like Vashti, and our natural response could be the same as hers, if we judge those authorities unworthy of obedience. But if we make that judgment, are we being wise? Are we being righteous? Are we being biblical? When is it right to disobey those in authority? Pray about it.

May the Lord give us the simplicity and humility of heart to trust and obey, casting all our cares and the consequences of our obedience upon Him...for HE cares for us.

What say you?

God bless you,

Pastor Eric  

Dream With God

Then He brought him outside and said, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be." And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. (Genesis 15:5, 6)

Abraham was an old man, and Sarah was well past her childbearing prime. It was foolish to think he and his wife would ever have an heir of their own, but God uses foolishness for His own divine purposes (1 Corinthians 1:25). Just when Abraham’s faith was at its lowest point, the Lord challenged him, “Look now toward heaven . . .” Abraham and Sarah needed an attitude adjustment and a change of perspective if they were going to walk any farther with God. They were going to have to give God their hopes and dreams and trust Him with them. So it is with each of us who hope in the Lord.

God wants to free us from the trap of small and limited thinking. We limit God in our minds whenever we elevate our circumstances instead of seeking the opportunities to increase our faith. Our faith is only increased by the determination to cling to God and His Word, and to let Him have the final say in all things. The name of Jesus must truly become the “name above all names” in my thinking - and my best efforts get lost in the possibilities of His sovereign will, His grace and His remarkable kindness. Now is the time for me to look up and believe!

Love and perfect peace,
Pastor Eric

Discipleship: It Is Necessary!

Discipleship has become a hot topic at my church. I consider it a non-negotiable for the growth and maturity of a saint. I define “discipleship” as the personal relationship or network of relationships that makes the wisdom and experience of the more seasoned saints available to others. These relationships may be structured or free-flowing, but they must be intentional, mutually agreed upon, and pursued according to the biblical model and the pastor’s vision. The mentor/disciple relationship is best pursued in the local church and biblical context. The pastor is the final piece of the puzzle, as he or she is God’s agent for equipping His saints for life and ministry (Ephesians 4: 11-16). Thus, all such relationships should be open and submitted to pastoral authority and protection.

There are tremendous benefits for the teacher/mentor and the disciple.
The teacher/mentor receives:

• The opportunity to pour into the lives of others.
• The joy of seeing others gain the wisdom and insights necessary for productivity and maturity.
• Obedience to the Lord’s “Great Commission” (Matthew 28:18-20)
• The assurance of doing what Jesus did.

The disciple receives:

• The benefits of the knowledge of more seasoned saints.
• The benefits of accountability.
• The blessing of having hands laid on and being “sent”.
• The benefits of learning to serve, honor, and follow another.

I can fully understand the fear and reluctance some feel when approached with the subject of discipleship. There have been those who have misused the trust given them, and we all must be careful to whom we submit ourselves. The Lord never asks us turn off our brains and let someone think for us or control us.

Personally, I’ve never encountered a productive and healthy saint who had not been well pastored and discipled – nor do I believe the members of a local congregation will mature without the pastor’s devoted effort to establish the means for individuals to be engaged in healthy discipling relationships. Jesus is the true Disciple-Maker, and those of us who minister in His name will seek to do as He did. So let’s get busy making those disciples!

That’s my piece. What say you?

Suggested reading –
Jesus Christ, Disciple Maker and The Disciple Making Church - Both by Bill Hull.