Topic: Esther’s Glory: Issue 10- Are you on the Lord’s side?
Bible Reading: Esther 5
Memory Verse: Esther 5:3 (NKJV)
And the king said to her, “What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you—up to half the kingdom!”
Good evening ladies and gentlemen! How are you doing? How was your day? By God’s Grace, another wonderful week is coming to an end. Wow! This year has gone by pretty quickly (despite all that has gone on in the year). God has been faithful! Let us continue to pray for His Mercies and Grace; to protect the church, our family, friends, the Christian Faith and ourselves.
On that note, today, the Holy Spirit wants us to be frank with ourselves. He wants us to truthfully ask ourselves and know whose side we are on- God’s side or the enemy’s side. Well, let us get into the message for the day!!
The Hymn writer of the popular hymn, “Who is on the Lord’s side” writes:
Who is on the Lord’s side? Who will serve the King? Who will be His helpers, Other lives to bring? Who will leave the world’s side? Who will face the foe? Who is on the Lord’s side? Who for Him will go?
By Thy grand redemption, By Thy grace divine, We are on the Lord’s side; Savior, we are Thine.
This hymn hits all the major points under this topic! There are many Christians who are quick to say that they are on the Lord’s side! Are they truly on the Lord’s side? Many Christians do not like to face all that comes with the openly being on God’s side! Like the hymn writer says, “Who will face the foe?” To say you are on the Lord’s side, you must be ready to face all that comes with it! Are you ready? Are you ready to give up on your desires and the earthly desires? Are you ready to proclaim God’s name everywhere you go? Are you ready to be at the forefront for God? This is the way to being on God’s side! And for all who are on the Lord’s side, He is faithful and merciful to reward us and protect us from harm!
Let us use the story of Mordecai (and the Jews) to show this! From Esther 4, we learnt that the Jews were going to suffer persecution. But the were on the Lord’s side. God had plan for them. Look at Mordecai, in Esther 5, Haman alluded to the fact that when Mordecai sees him (at the king’s gates), he (Mordecai) does not respect him. This is figurative! This action by Mordecai represents him turning down the ways and pleasures of the world. But Mordecai’s actions, he was publicly proclaiming God, the Father of his people, the Jews. Mordecai’s action was also a symbol for the entire Jewish clan. It symbolized that they (the Jews) were God’s children and served Him first.
Mordecai and the Jews faced persecution because they were God’s people. They were on God’s side. As Christians, when we are on God’s side; we have to suffer for the kingdom, for the Gospel! This suffering may come as persecution- just like what Mordecai and the Jews faced. We serve a Living God who rewards and is faithful! He protects and guides His children from the realms of the enemy. Esther’s role as Queen, played a huge role in God’s scheme to rescue His people- to show the world that He is indeed the King of kings and Lord of lords.
God ensured that once Esther went into the presence of the king, she had found favor in his sight. He was willing to do anything to please his wife, Esther- even to the extent of giving her half of his kingdom (Esther 5:3). That is what God does for the people on His side. You do not have to be scared or worried about what the world may say, think or do. You must be confident in knowing that you are God’s child and He is with you always!
The most important question for you and I to answer is, “Am I on the Lord’s side?” This is a very statement; yet a very powerful one! Honestly, how can we call ourselves Christians when we are not on God’s side. God never promised us that the journey would be easy. However, He promised that He will be with us all the time- this makes us winners and conquerors. But are we willing to be by God’s side no matter what? Are we willing to be persecuted for the kingdom? These are important questions we must ask ourselves. Christianity is being painted by many to be very rosy! Yes, there are rosy parts. But there are very tough and difficult part too- those parts show are resilience and commitment to God.
So, my dear brother/ sister in Christ, what is your answer going to be? Are you on God’s side or are you on the world’s side? Think about it- especially now in the end times! The Christians Faith is suffering a lot! God needs soldiers who are ready (and dedicated) to send the Gospel far and wide. God is looking for people on His side; to take up the mantle and proclaim Christ to the world. God bless you!
Prayer Points:
1. Ask God to reveal Himself to you.
2. Ask for the in-filling of the Holy Spirit.
3. Ask God to help you due subdue your flesh and remain firmly grounded in Him.
4. Ask God for Grace to keep going to the end.
5. Ask the Holy Spirt to equip you and prepare you.
6. Ask God to fill you with divine strength as you proclaim His name
7. Ask God for favor over your life and that of your family
8. Ask God to continue to help and fuel ministers, pastors, prophets, teachers, etc. who are proclaiming God every day
9. Pray for the church and the Christian Faith.
End with a time of praise and worship!
Have a wonderful evening and let God inspire you!
Today’s prayer:
Dear Lord,
I thank you for my life. I thank you for giving me another beautiful day. I ask that you guide me and protect me. I pray that I will choose you in every situation that I face. And that my life will be a testimony and an example to many that I have Christ living in me. Thank you, Lord, for sending your son to die on the cross and wipe my sins away. I lift your name high for you are Alpha and Omega. Amen!
IMPORTANT NOTE!!!
The prayer below is for anyone who does not know God or maybe has been apart from God for a while. God is here to pour His favor over your life. All you have to do is call out to Him. Make that decision today!
Dear Lord,
I come to you today as a sinner. I admit that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus is your Son and He came on to this earth to die for my sins. Dear Lord, let your Son come and fill me. Lord, I ask that He cleanses me off my sins. I am ready to stand for you and profess your Name. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
If you repeated this prayer with all the sincerity of your heart, congratulations!! You are now a part of God’s family. Welcome to the greatest family ever. Heaven is jubilating on your arrival. Your fellow brothers and sisters are also excited to have you on board.
Being a child of God is a wonderful thing. The road might not always be easy, but God is with you each and every step of the way. Guiding you, helping you and encouraging up. You will never regret this decision; I can assure you of that. Two things I would recommend for you to do are;
1. Get yourself a Bible (in a version you understand) and meditate on it day and night. In Joshua 1:8, we are told that when you meditate on the Word day and night, you will be prosperous and successful.
2. Find a Bible- believing church to attend and fellowship with other Christians. This would help you grow spiritually.
I am excited that you made this decision. Welcome! If you would like some help or more understanding into anything, you can leave a message (adding your email address) and I would be willing and happy to help you out!
Comments