Psalm 104:15 And wine that makes glad the heart of man.

Three blessings that are part of God's promises to Israel as part of coming into the promised land.

Psalm 104:15 New King James Version 

Oil to make his face shine,

And bread which strengthens man’s heart.

And wine that makes glad the heart of man,

I would like to focus here on  wine: because it gets the most attention today and not good attention in the Christian world. There is and has been for many years a misconception that drinking wine or alcohol of any kind is sin. The bible is clear that Drunkenness is a sin it leads to Debauchery. But wine is a blessing from the Lord and was meant to be enjoyed. 

Genesis 27:28-29

Of the dew of heaven,

Of the fatness of the earth, And plenty of grain and wine.

Let peoples serve you,And nations bow down to you. Be master over your brethren,And let your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you,And blessed be those who bless you!”

One definition from Websters Dictionary defines Debauchery as "extreme and unreasonable involvement in physical pleasures" I like this one because it does not limit to one act or behavior and it is how people who abuse alcohol today behave. Many of us who have lived in the world before finding the Lord and have indulged in the act of getting drunk can also tell multiple stories of themselves or others getting stupid and just doing off the wall things when drunk. Some can't even remember what they did but were the brunt of jokes by friends after the fact. People also tend to indulge in other pleasures from sex to drugs while drunk. Driving while drunk has been the worst  stupid decision one can make under the influence of strong drink. It is just plain disastrous. Many people have made this awful choice and had really bad results, but at the time they felt perfectly normal to drive. Many women can tell you they have experienced Lewd behavior while men indulged in a drunken escapade. The definition of Lewd is "Sexual in an offensive or rude way." Most women can recall a drunk guy saying some uninvited and unacceptable things to them that were sexual in nature in their lifetime..

Ephesians 5:18 (ESV)18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

Many of the ideas from the scriptures that Christians have against drinking have to do with the Title of Nazirite . Numbers Chapter 6 

Numbers 6:1-4  (NKJV)

The Law of the Nazirite

6:1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When either a man or woman consecrates an offering to take the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the Lord,3 he shall separate himself from wine and similar drink; he shall drink neither vinegar made from wine nor vinegar made from similar drink; neither shall he drink any grape juice, nor eat fresh grapes or raisins.4 All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing that is produced by the grapevine, from seed to skin.(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers+6) 

There are many other ways that a Nazirite has to take part in order to be considered clean and set apart to God. Non of which a Christian would say today is necessary to be set apart to holiness to God. They wouldn't say shave your head which is also a requirement of the Nazarite or don't eat raisins. But they seem to have attracted drinking wine to this as a necessity. They use the fact that we in Christ are all called to be a Holy priesthood. All of the Nazirites vows of consecration are also for a time period. They end with a sacrifice and then it is over.

Then they use the fact that the apostle Paul became a Nazirite and said this in Romans 12:1-2  (NKJV)

Living Sacrifices to God

12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God,which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 

They say this is a perpetual vow. They use that we are supposed to be a holy priesthood to also say this about us yet the High priest of Melchizedek  gave wine to Abraham to drink. Genesis 14:18

In combination the two scriptures have made a very strong case for the don't drink don't touch any alcoholic beverage doctrine. An argument that most people just take at face value, and in a society where alcoholism is such a problem they just agree that all drinking must be all bad. They also use the verse "Wine is a mocker"(Proverbs 20:1) to help make a point. They just overlook all the positive scriptures about wine. 

So let's look at why Paul took the vow of a Nazirite.

Paul too the vow of a Nazirite because he was ordered to do so: In Acts 21:18-26, James the first Christian Bishop of Jerusalem requested that St. Paul, as a sign of good faith and solidarity with his Jewish brethren, sponsor 4 Nazarites who had completed their vow period:  "So the next day Paul took the men along and was purified with them, and he visited the Temple to give notice of the time when the period of purification would  be over and the offering would have to be presented on behalf of each of them."  Paul in obedience to James submitted to a Old Covenant ritual which no longer had any real meaning in the New Covenant of Jesus Christ for every Christian had now been consecrated to accepting a lifetime vow of service in the royal priesthood of believers who received the sacrament of baptism  in the name of Jesus Christ.  The Latin word sacramentum is translated as "oath".  In the Sacraments we swear our oath of consecrated service to the Most Holy Trinity and claim that one perfect sacrifice that is ours for all time and eternity.  In the Book of Hebrews, St. Paul writes: 

Hebrews 10:8-10 (ESV)

8  “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), 9 then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. 10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

We don't need to be a Nazarite to be set apart to Christ we just need to believe in Christ and accept his sacrifice for our salvation. That is more then enough.

I Look at it this way the bible says that "The Love of money is the root of all evil." It does not say that the money itself  is evil. The wine and the drinking of it is not a sin but too much wine leads to drunkenness and that is a sin and that sin leads you to do stupid things, other sinful things and can lead  to alcoholism which is a serious problem. 

http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol-facts-and-statistics

The Nazirite/Nazarite vow is taken by individuals who have voluntarily dedicated themselves to God. The vow is a decision, action and desire on the part of people whose desire is to yield themselves to God completely. By definition, the Hebrew word nazir, simply means “to be separated or consecrated.” The Nazirite vow, which appears in Numbers 6:1-21, has five features. It is voluntary, can be done by either men or women, has a specific time frame, has specific requirements and restrictions, and at its conclusion a sacrifice is offered.

http://www.gotquestions.org/Nazirite-vow.html#ixzz3bH3CDDQD

Paul did do this with four people who did it when ordered by the Bishop but it concluded with a sacrifice and was over for Paul as well as the four others who took the vow. There are some in the bible that took a lifetime vow. 1. Samuel 2. Samson. and 3. John the baptist in the new testament.

So if I want to fast wine for a brief time I see nothing wrong with it. If I want to fast all meat or just drink water eat vegetables  (commonly known as the Daniel fast) as a way of getting closer to God and separating myself to God;while getting healthier I see nothing wrong with that. But if I have a glass of wine occasionally with my dinner or a beer at a BBQ I see nothing wrong with that either. As Long as I don't sin against God by drinking too much and getting drunk then I'm Happy and secure. Paul also said never to let anyone judge you in what you eat or drink, Everyone to his own conviction, and do all to the glory of God.

Colossians 2:16-17 Amplified Bible (AMP)

16 Therefore let no one sit in judgment on you in matters of food and drink, or with regard to a feast day or a New Moon or a Sabbath.

17 Such [things] are only the shadow of things that are to come, and they have only a symbolic value. But the reality (the substance, the solid fact of what is foreshadowed, the body of it) belongs to Christ.

Paul also believed that it was okay to use wine for medicinal purposes.

1 Timothy 5:23 (NKJV)23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.

(Colossians 2:20-2)New King James Version (NKJV)

20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations— 21 “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” 22 which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

Two points can be made here: (1) Christians tend to compile rules and regulations that go beyond what is written; and (2) when such grey zones are considered evil, those who do not abide by such rules are often viewed as ‘the weaker brother.’ In reality, the weaker brother in scripture is the one who has too many scruples, not too few (https://bible.org/article/bible-and-alcohol) 

Paul says that the Christian that does revel in his freedom in Christ is the stronger person. He understands the gift of God's grace more. This understanding is no license to judge a weaker person in their understanding and is not a license to drink so freely that we get drunk and sin. There is a fine line. In the end Love is the most important thing we should consider our weaker brethren and not drink in front of them. We should take this example from the world. Many of them if they have a friend who is in AA will not drink in front of them so not to tempt them.  If the world can understand this we Christians should. As well the person in AA understands that his convictions on alcohol are not universal and applicable to his friends who still drink. Christians can learn from this. You wouldn't eat cake or offer cake to a diabetic would you?

Now let's look at Jesus' view on wine. To see if these rules for Christianity are founded. In (Luke 7:33-34), Jesus said, “For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’” (emphasis added). In verse 33 Jesus is making a contrast between John the Baptist’s “drinking no wine” and His own practice. Jesus goes on to say the religious leaders accused Him (falsely) of being a drunkard. Jesus was never a drunkard, any more than He was a glutton. He lived a completely sinless life (1 Peter 2:); however Luke 7 strongly suggests that Jesus did indeed partake of alcoholic wine

The Passover celebration would also have commonly included fermented wine. The Scriptures use the term “fruit of the vine” (Matt. 26:27-29; Mark 14:23-25; Luke 22:17-18). Of course, Christ participated in drinking from the Passover cup (Mark 14:23).

Some take the words Fruit of the vine to mean ‘grape juice.’ If this were so, then why would there be prohibitions against drunkenness? One cannot get drunk on grape juice. Further, Jesus’ first miracle was changing the water into wine at the wedding of Cana in Galilee. He made between 120 and 180 gallons of wine! Even if this had been grape juice, it would soon turn to wine because the hot weather and the fermentation process would immediately begin. But it most certainly was not grape juice: the head waiter in (John 2:10) said, “Every man sets out the good wine first, then after the guests have drunk freely, the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” The verb translated ‘drunk freely’ is almost always used of getting drunk (and is so translated in the NRSV here). In the least, the people at this wedding feast, if not drunk, would certainly be drinking alcohol fairly freely (if not, this verb means something here that is nowhere else attested ). And this makes perfect sense in the context: The reason why a man brings out the poorer wine later is because the good wine has numbed the senses a bit. Grape juice would hardly mask anything. Note also (Acts 2:13)—”they are full of sweet wine”—an inaccurate comment made about the apostles when they began speaking in tongues, as though this explained their unusual behavior. The point is: If they were full of grape juice would this comment even have made any sense at all? That would be like saying, “Well, they’re all acting strange and silly because they have had too much orange juice this morning!”

https://bible.org/article/bible-and-alcohol

Grape Juice wasn't invented in Jesus' time the way we know it today. It wasn't until Thomas Bramwell Welch invented the pasteurization process for the prevention of the fermentation of grape juice. In Nazareth, bethlehem, or even Jerusalem the Humidity by noon is about 68 percent. The Temperature in May can reach 76 to 89 degrees. Grape juice that was pressed in the morning at sun up can be already fermenting by Lunch.

http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/l/Jerusalem+Israel+ISXX0010

Christians who do not commit to a principle of total abstinence should follow a guideline that would represent both discernment and Christian freedom by allowing limited use, now and then, within the context of family, friendship,  and Etiquette. 

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2000/april3/little-wine-for-soul-is-social-drinking-ok.html?start=2

All Christians would agree drunkenness is sinful, and Christ Himself warns against it (Luke 12:45). However, a biblical view of wine is that it is given as something to delight in (Psalm 104:14-15). There are plenty of warnings against alcohol abuse, in texts like (Proverbs 20:1), because sinful men are more likely to abuse wine than to use it in moderation. Those who try to use Jesus’ probable use of wine to excuse their drunkenness should heed the warning in (Luke 12:45) Christians who want to keep a biblical view of drinking wine should drink in moderation, exercise self control and in right company.http://www.gotquestions.org/did-Jesus-drink-wine.html#ixzz3bHTiTLB8

Conclusion: As I did this study I felt freedom well up in me. I happen to Love wine it is a great compliment to food just like dessert after a meal and a cup of coffee is. I believe it's time to take the scales off the eyes of many who have lived under this condemning doctrine. I get that many people in this world use alcohol as a drug and so people are wary about it's use in Christian circles. We need to be sensitive to people who have suffered with alcoholism. But we can still drink occasionally and socially without the stigma of being a evil sinner. We can enjoy a beer at a BBQ without feeling pressured when we are amongst our close friends and family. We should be able to have that freedom and blessing without guilt. Though in mixed company we should be careful (full of care), walk in love because we may be amongst someone who does have a serious problem with the consumption of alcohol. Because the bible says to walk in Love, Love should come first. I hope this article at the least has shed some light on this subject, most of all I hope it has set some people free Amen! I mostly hope that unsaved people will read this and come to Christ. I hope they no longer feel a weight of judgment hanging over them from the Church because of their enjoyment of wine and like drinks, but will feel as long as they drink responsibly they can be free to worship Christ without guilt. Amen!

I have read many sources for this article and I will site them again even though I did within the context of my post. They were great articles and should be read if your not convinced and need more info.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2000/april3/little-wine-for-soul-is-social-drinking-ok.html

http://www.gotquestions.org/did-Jesus-drink-wine.html

https://bible.org/article/bible-and-alcohol

http://www.gotquestions.org/Nazirite-vow.html

http://www.agapebiblestudy.com/documents/The%20Nazirite%20Vow.htm

and the Bible in NKJV, AMP, and NRSV, .

for those Christians who are strictly KJV readers I have another teaching for you on another day. 

Mother's of adult Children.

John 2:1-11 New King James Version (NKJV)

Water Turned to Wine

2 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”

4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”

5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. 9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10 And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!”

11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

When your babes have left the nest, our role as mother's go through a transformation. We expound upon teacher and rearing to supporting advisor. We will always hold reins pulling in a letting lose the whole journey but as our children become adults we loosen those reigns so loosely that they are hardly felt. We use them with ease and finesse.

Finesse: is a noun That means 

1.

extreme delicacy or subtlety in action,performance, skill, discrimination, taste, etc.

2.

skill in handling a difficult or highly sensitive situation; adroit and artful management:

We are advisors, We are counselors.

Counselor: an official of an embassy or legation who ranks below an ambassador or minister.

Mary knew that she could do what she did because of her position as Jesus' mother. She knew that although the decision was ultimately his she could gently chide him to move forward. She did it with confidence yet humility so not to undermine, humiliate, or come across as bossy. Being a mother of adult children means you can't treat then as children any longer. If you have done the job correctly you shouldn't feel the need too. The gentle push, and motivation of a wise women of God is enough to move someone to greatness. Even in the case of Jesus Christ  his mother Mary's subtle push moved Jesus' Ministry to begin. The power of God moved through him and his disciples believed in him and in the blink of and eye He went from someone under authority to one above it. He became the teacher.

Luke 2:41-52 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Boy Jesus Amazes the Scholars

41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances.45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”



49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart.52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

A young Jesus even though he was wise in the word of God because he is the word incarnate. Became under the authority of his parents in obedience to the  commandments. 

Exodus 20:12 New King James Version (NKJV)

12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you."

Jesus never broke one commandment. Mary' actions at the Wedding was a release a sign of approval to go and be who he was called to be. The authority of his Parents was finally broken and he now was free to be Lord of all. When Mother's know their children are ready they release the reins and cheer their children on  in life, always sitting on the side lines to provide counsel as needed. No one in your life will ever be a bigger fan of you then your mother. Even Jesus' mother knew this wisdom.  Although we all will forever be under the authority of God the Father even Jesus was always under the Fathers authority. He came to do the will of the father. Our mothers are forever our deepest support system. Praise God for mothers. Amen! They are the wind beneath our wings. They are the sauce in our apple and we all are the Apple of our fathers eye. Hallelujah!

Answering the call: Christian Headlines

"A divine calling is first birthed out of conviction. God miraculously does a work—either immediately or progressively—on a person's heart, and that work propels the person into action. Many refer to Paul's Damascus road experience as the immediate heart-change of God. Certainly, this is where the Holy Spirit entered Paul's heart. However, the Father had been progressively and relentlessly pursuing Paul long before then. Paul's heart had always belonged to God; his vision was just a little distorted. Before Paul had an intimate encounter with Jesus on the road, the Father was preparing Paul through his birthright, citizenship, faith tradition, language studies, work, education, and life experiences. God's sovereign hand was at work in Paul's life from the beginning, aligning every piece to build Paul's character so he would be the faithful man God called to preach good news to the Gentiles."

Natasha Sistrunk Robinson, http://www.christianitytoday.com/

      When I first felt a specific call to serve God it was in the area of Children' ministry. It is the place I feel like I am moving in the power of God the most. It does not say that God does not use me in other ways and that I don't have other Gifts. I obviously have a gift to teach and that has grown to all levels in the church. It is just that when I walk into a room full of bright eyed children I get a joy and satisfaction unparalleled to any other ministry. When Trying to find your own call just stick to the word of God. and prayer. A passion for a specific work in your church or life will come up in your heart and spirit that will never leave. It will only get stronger and stronger. Then ask God for guidance and he will take you on the path he has always meant for you. This article from Christianity Today has a great teaching on being called. We recommend it to you for further study.By, Virginia Toussaint

The perfect Marriage

Last night I had the precious opportunity to teach on marriage at church. So I talked about my marriage and what makes it work. There were 7 values I used to make the point of a perfect marriage. Now no marriage is perfect but when you add Jesus to it and the other values it is as close as it gets. So here are the values from the very beginning 1. know each others expectations. When communicating them be realistic. 2. Be completely honest about everything and communication is a vital part of a healthy relationship. 3. Our marriage comes first before any other relationship in our lives including family and friends. 4. Respect if you can't say something nice don't say it. Words have power. Don't go down a road it will be difficult to come back from. Always be considerate of your spouses feelings. Treat your spouse as you wish to be treated. 5 Submission: Not easy but necessary. God commands a wife to submit to her husband and a husband to love his wife as Christ loves the Church and gave his life for it. The Bible says as Christians we are to submit one to another. So first a wife must respect her husbands position as head of household. She must give him that authority. When your kids see mom respect dad they will too. Mom has the most influence on the children. Don't rob your husband of his manhood. Men are to love sacrificially and be forgiving. His submission is to the marriage itself every decision he makes is for the good of the marriage. As Christ laid down his life for the good of the church. 6. Intimacy: It goes beyond sexual intercourse. If your spouse was in a car accident or had an illness that rendered him or her unable to perform the marriage is not over. Intimacy is a sharing of ones soul; it is a deep connection that sex by itself cannot fill. 7. The number of perfection: What makes a marriage perfect is that it is in Christ. You pray together, you pray for each other, you read the word together and lift each other up. 
Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.
 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
But how can one be warm alone?
 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Eccl. 4:9-12
When my husband is struggling in his faith I always take every opportunity to pray for him or with him. I share with him the scriptures God gives me to comfort him. We talk for hours sometimes about God and our circumstances even through the night sometimes. Recently I have been growing tired and finding it hard to get alone with God as I usually do. But my husband has just rose up as if out of no where and started posting prayers on fb that encourage me and giving me words and scriptures to lift me up. He has been my help in a time of trouble by bringing me back to God. So that is what makes it perfect the threefold cord, my husband, myself, and Jesus Christ. When we made our vows to each other we said the usual To honor, obey, in sickness, in health, but we added this "We will never talk about or think about divorce, we will fight the good fight of faith in Christ our Lord Amen." I live out my days to fulfill those vows. God gave me a husband that I love with all my heart but it is because of Christ that we grow ever stronger and closer together with each passing year. He is the foundation on which we stand. I pray that this helps someone out there who needs this type of relationship in their life.

A family that prays together is awesome.

I want to tell you all about something my family and I have been doing. Because Sundays are all about getting ready for church, then we come home to eat Lunch, cook dinner early to get ready for the week ahead; we don't get much rest on that day. We do get an over whelming sense of peace from God that I find comes from being gathered in his name. I don't think I can get through my week as well without it. We don't get much down time though. I mean family movies, outdoor fun, or simply a day you can actually take a nap. I was thinking about it for a long time and praying to God that I could use a day to take a break. I home school and so my schedule is pretty packed with housework, school work, and laundry. I started reading scriptures about the Sabbath. Many Christians know that the true Sabbath is on Saturday. Just do a search on Google and you'll see the facts on that subject. That's what I did. and I said you know If I followed this biblical Law with a gentile Christian twist I could be able to get the real rest I need and Honor God at the same time. So I talked to my husband and he agreed. I had to make some changes in my schedule and the first one was to change Saturday cleaning house blessing day to Fridays. Fridays was a light school day anyway because all unfinished work was done on that day. Sabbath starts on Friday at sundown  so I would have to have dinner done by 5 pm if I wanted to be able to do the beginning Sabbath worship. In the Jewish faith the wife begins the Sabbath with lighting the Sabbath candles and prayer. So I would light three candles representing the trinity just before dark about 6 pm. I would have worship songs and scriptures picked out and anointing oil to bless all my children and pray for my husband. Saturday Morning I sleep in and that is great!!! We do light cleaning on Saturday like bed making and breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes but most of the day is leisure time. Saturday just before Sundown marks the end of the Sabbath it is called "Havdalah" and my husband handles that worship time by entering with worship music and having a family Holy communion, passing around a bowl of spices to remind us that life is full of spice. In other words life is full of variety and to much of any one thing is boring and unhealthy. He also blesses the children and prays for me. Then he recites scriptures and Thanks Jesus for the light of the world. It took a couple of weeks to get it just right. Change is never easy, But God blessed our efforts. What we noticed was just a few weeks after we started to do this blessings started rolling in. We moved to a new home and many of our friends blessed us with gifts for our new home. Many unexpected things kept happening. Last night was the first time I got everything perfect. I got up at seven and the cleaning was all done by Lunch. The kids finished their unfinished school work by 1:30 pm and I started dinner and it was done by 4:30 pm. We all gave thanks and ate together as a family including my husband, who usually watches the news during dinner and I eat with the Kids. After dinner I lit the candles and turned down the lights put on the worship and began to pray. After the worship was over I put on a family inspirational movie which I try to do every Friday night. So far we have seen "The Blind side," Gifted hands,"  "Soul Surfer," "Field of dreams," "Hoosiers," and "The Impossible." These movies help us have open discussions about real family issues, faith,Justice, servitude, humanity, and a bunch of other subjects. I have fallen in love with this new tradition in our home and wanted to share it with you. If you would like to try this with your family here is a Good sight to learn more about Sabbath or Shabbat. http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Shabbat/shabbat.html

Esther

Esther

Means “Star” in Persian

Her real name was “Hadassah” which means Compassion

To be a prayer warrior you must have compassion

Providence: Defined as "The protective care of God"

Synonyms: Fate, Destiny,God's will, divine intervention, predestination.

The story of Esther is one of Providence.

We too are predestined, Romans 8:28-31

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.30 Moreover whom He PREDESTINED, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

God’s Everlasting Love

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

The King Ahasuerus was from a long line of kings many of which gave of their wealth for the  rebuilding of the temple of God. Ezra 6;8, 6:7 and Neh. 2:8. King Ahasuerus lavished in his wealth by throwing banquets for many days and Glorifying himself. He didn't give glory to God. Esther 1:3-4  In his Kingdom he had a very close adviser, Named Haman whom he trusted and listened to. Haman was a descendant of Agag The King of the Amalekites. Esther 3:1.  Now When Saul was King he was commanded by God to completely destroy the Amalekites because of their attack on Israel when he brought them out of Egypt. Exodus 17:8-16.  King Saul did not listen to God and let the King of the Amalekites live {Agag}and 1 Sam. 15:13,1;7-9. Disobedience and lies and pride were Saul's downfall.  Obedience, humility, and Character were Esther's rising up.

God Knew that the war between the Amalekites was a spiritual battle between devils and angels and being worked out in the natural. Don't be deceived the things of the spirit are more real then the things of this world.  God wanted to remove them from the earth because the devil was using them to stop the work of God in his people Israel. He wanted to stop attacks on his children. King Saul didn't obey and God's enemies the Amalekites rose up again against his Children in The story of Esther.  God also chose a person with a warriors spirit to do this. He first chose Saul but he failed. So he then Chose Esther. Both Saul and Esther were from the tribe of Benjamin. let's see what God says Of the tribe of Benjamin. Genesis 49:27

We all have a spirit within us that directly has to do with our call. Only God knows what that is but as long as we obey him and seek his will he will unfold our calling and purpose in our lives. Esther was very obedient.

In Esther 1 we see how God plans to bring Esther and Hamon face to face begins. Esther 1:10-12

so the King get's rid of Queen Vashti. 

Pride comes before the fall and Humility before exaltation. Vashti was full of pride but Esther was humble and lowly. God wants us to have this type of character. She was an orphan and a captive in the Persian Empire.  Esther was not a natural warrior. She didn't walk into that spirit of a warrior until she prayed.  prayer and fasting will initiate providence it will prepare the way. Just like Jesus did in the desert 40 days and nights. Esther knew that she had to seek God.  

Haman and Mordecai Esther's uncle. Mordecai knew who Haman was and although Haman was a high official of the king Haman refused to pay him honor or bow to him. You should know the Character of the people around you. Mordecai felt Haman was evil and did not deserve honor so in accordance with God's law Mordecai only payed respect to God and the anointed King. This angered Haman. He wanted to kill Mordecai. Then his anger turned to rage and he sought to rid the earth of all the Jews. The devils Plan. But God has a plan and it never fails.  Esther 3:1-2, 5-6, 3:8-11

Esther 4:1-17

See How prayer made her brave. Apart from God we can do nothing!!!!!

Esther learns that obedience is key to success in God. She also learns that God's will be done whether through her or someone else but God will have his way. Just as God rose her up because King Saul disobeyed. Esther 4:13-14 

Esther risks her life for her people 

after she prayed three days she got up and got dressed and went and stood before the king. Esther 5:1-2

Finding favor in the sight of the king. We have already found favor in Christ when we obey his commands. Even Christ says ask and you shall receive. Esther was  very obedient to her uncle and she sought counsel whenever she needed to. There is safety in a multitude of counselors. 

Here the King says to Esther Ask and you shall receive. Esther 5:3

Esther did not act right away she invited the King to a dinner with Haman as guest. Most people like to speculate on why she waited. I simply say it is because everything happens in Gods timing. God simply wasn't ready he wanted certain things to happen first. Everything had to be rightly aligned. 

God wanted Haman's plan for the Jews to be fully visioned by Hamon and begin to be put into action. Esther 5:13-14  Then God wanted the king to remember that Mordecai saved his life and honor him. But not just honor him, but use Haman to do it. So this could cause Haman humiliation. Esther 6:1-3, 4-12 

Now God was ready! Esther reveals herself and pleads for her life and the life of her people. Esther 7:3-4

Esther names Haman as her enemy Esther 7:6

God turns all things around for the Good of the Jews. Esther 7:10

The house of Haman given to Esther. Mordecai gets Haman's job. The Jews are allowed to protect themselves against their enemies. Then many become Jews because fear of the Jews fell upon them. Mordecai becomes very great in the Kingdom. Their mourning turned to Joy and they rejoiced. All Haman' sons hanged. A feast day instituted “Purim” Esther 8,9,10

Jesus came to turn our mourning to Joy.

Isaiah 61:1-3New King James Version (NKJV)

The Good News of Salvation

61 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
3 To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

So God avenged his enemies through Esther and blessed his people whom Haman the Devils tool sought to destroy. 

Naomi a Mother's day message.

“My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you?

Ruth 3

New King James Version (NKJV)

Ruth’s Redemption Assured

3 Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you? 2 Now Boaz, whose young women you were with, is he not our relative? In fact, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. 3 Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 Then it shall be, when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies; and you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lie down; and he will tell you what you should do.”

5 And she said to her, “All that you say to me I will do.”

6 So she went down to the threshing floor and did according to all that her mother-in-law instructed her. 7 And after Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was cheerful, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain; and she came softly, uncovered his feet, and lay down.

8 Now it happened at midnight that the man was startled, and turned himself; and there, a woman was lying at his feet. 9 And he said, “Who are you?”

So she answered, “I am Ruth, your maidservant. Take your maidservant under your wing, for you are a close relative.”

10 Then he said, “Blessed are you of the Lord, my daughter! For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning, in that you did not go after young men, whether poor or rich. 11 And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.12 Now it is true that I am a close relative; however, there is a relative closer than I. 13 Stay this night, and in the morning it shall be that if he will perform the duty of a close relative for you—good; let him do it. But if he does not want to perform the duty for you, then I will perform the duty for you, as the Lord lives! Lie down until morning.”

14 So she lay at his feet until morning, and she arose before one could recognize another. Then he said, “Do not let it be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.” 15 Also he said, “Bring the shawl that is on you and hold it.” And when she held it, he measured six ephahs of barley, and laid it on her. Then she went into the city.

16 When she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “Is that you, my daughter?”

Then she told her all that the man had done for her. 17 And she said, “These six ephahs of barley he gave me; for he said to me, ‘Do not go empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’”

18 Then she said, “Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day.”

Naomi took in her daughter in Law Ruth even while going through a time of much pain. She found comfort in this young woman's loyalty and the mother in her just rose up in her. She had to do what came naturally to her. To nurture, to secure, to protect, to advise, to take such care in her relationship with Ruth. She was older, wiser, and she knew the way to get Ruth exactly what she needed. She shared all she knew to do and Ruth obeyed. This was a selfless act on Naomi's part but because she chose to do it she furthered her bloodline and Naomi revived her own soul. Mother's give of themselves without measure. We tire, our bones ache, we get frustrated and even depressed but when things happen to the young ones around us we can't help it. Something just rises up in us and we must act. We must nurture. and care for others. In the end it is what revives us, it blesses us, and we are fully satisfied. Thank God for the heart and spirit of a Mother.

Ruth 4:14-17

14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! 15 And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him.” 16 Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her bosom, and became a nurse to him. 17 Also the neighbor women gave him a name, saying, “There is a son born to Naomi.” And they called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David.