Testimony of Jeannie Horton

Jeannie Horton Testimony

Growing up, my parents attended a Methodist church. I never liked going to church because I thought it was boring. I would often pretend that I was sleeping to try and get out of it. But my mother would eventually force me out of bed. My parents made me get baptized when I was 10, along with my two older siblings. At the age of 14 I was a freshman in high school. I was bullied by a group of kids. One girl would not let up. I had so much hatred for her that I lost my peace and joy. I even wanted her dead. I went to sleep one night and God spoke to me in a dream. He said, “It is over!” From then on, I was never bullied again. God was showing me His love. At 15, I started going to a Foursquare Church with my sister and her fiancé and I really enjoyed it. I could feel God’s presence; I felt such peace and joy when I attended church. I was also meeting caring people my age who were passionate about Christ and life.  One evening when getting a ride home, I asked my sister and her fiancé how I could get saved. They led me in the sinner’s prayer in the car. After that I had such a burning passion for God. I started reading the Bible and I got involved in the church's high school group. We would meet weekly and we would head downtown to feed the homeless once a month. I was baptized again at the age of 17. This time it was my choice. After high school, I started going to their college-age group and I was still actively involved in the church, attending at least 2-3 times a week.

Fast forward to 2013; I am now married and have two children with my second husband. I am not actively going to church but would go on occasion. I am a runner, running distances between a marathon up to 50 miles. My husband is a Native American and had been offered a job with his tribe in Crescent City, California. He had accepted the position, so we moved the family from Hillsboro, Oregon (15 minutes from Portland) to the small beach town. I didn’t necessarily want to move six hours away, leaving my family. I didn’t want to leave my father. He had already suffered his first stroke, and was also beginning to suffer from dementia. Because of his condition, he was difficult to speak to.

Depression began to set in after we moved to California, I became almost lifeless. I’d stare at the wall, I was bored, I was angry, I cried often, and I took it out on everyone around me. I was still running and I felt that running was my comfort. I decided to train for my first 100 miler. I was very confident in my running. Because a lot of people on social media were telling me that I was good at running and I was an inspiration, I became prideful. Running had been my comfort to help me through my depression, but now it had become an idol. 
Running was a gift from God and I was putting it above Him.

My husband was let go from his job with his tribe in 2013 and we moved back to Portland. Two weeks after moving back, I had made two arrangements. I was going to take my car over to my friend’s house so her husband could fix a minor repair. Also, my mother agreed to babysit our oldest dog Boogie. Boogie often acted up and Grandma had a way to make him behave. Knowing we were coming over to drop Boogie off, my mom planned for the whole family to get together. When I saw my dad, I gave him a big hug and the family had a wonderful time together that day.

The next day, I called to check up on my dog. My mom answered and is crying very hard. She told me that my dad was not waking up and the paramedics were there. My dad had suffered a second major stroke. He was on life support for three days. On the 3rd day, I watched the doctors take him off life support. As he took his last breath, I held him. God knew that my father was going to suffer this stroke and God arranged for us to move back to Portland just in time, and He arranged for the family time the day before my father’s stroke. God was showing His love.

After the death of my father, I was still depressed but started training for a triathlon. I kept seeing the number 316 and I thought of John 3:16 which was one of the few Bible verses that I knew. I saw 316 so often that I was certain God wanted my attention. I cried out to God and asked Him to help me; I was tired of being so sad. God began showing me what to do. The first thing He showed me was to listen to only Christian music. I obeyed. He then gave me step by step instructions which included what I was watching, reading, listening to, and of course He told me to go to church. I didn’t want to go to church because I didn’t want to dress up or put on makeup. But God said to me, “Come as you are.” I did that. I wore my Oscar the Grouch “scram” t-shirt, I wore running clothes, piled my hair into a bun and barely put any makeup on. God also told me to read the Bible. I tried to read through the churches “read through the Bible list” but, I ended up getting behind and became frustrated. God told me to go at my own pace and just mark off what I finished. Since I liked Joyce Meyer, I decided to trade in my easy to read student Bible from high school to Joyce’s amplified Bible. This Bible was very challenging for me. I asked God to help me understand it. He told me to stop reading other reading material and to read only the Bible. God also told me to attend Theology school at a university. This request took me awhile to obey. It was an expense that I wasn’t sure my family could afford and a little funny since at a recent Bible study through church, I ended up throwing the study material across the room and then into the garbage.  I did obey and school has been a blessing. We have always had the money for classes and in time that I needed the funds.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in me”] (Mathew 16:24). In 2016, during a long training run, God asked me to give up all the training for him. I thought about it for a few miles and then said yes. My pastor spoke on Mathew 16:24 the very next weekend. I’ve tried to enter events since then, but there is always something that stops me from competing in them. I still run, bike, and swim, but the distances are kept short.

In 2017, my friend Steve spoke to my daughter Naomi about going on a mission’s trip to Chacalte, Guatemala. He had already been a few times and was extremely blessed by going. This upcoming trip was 9 days and with our church. I was going to let Naomi go by herself. But it was during a church service that I heard from God. He told me that I needed to go with her. Initially, I absolutely did not want to. But, I was obedient and agreed. I was stretched out of my comfort zone and tested emotionally, physically, and spiritually. God used several moments during the trip that completely touched my spirit. When we were back on the plane, on our way home, I had every intention of not returning to Guatemala, but I heard from God. He said, “You’re going back.” My daughter heard the same thing and will be returning in a few weeks for a ten-day trip. The people of Guatemala have huge hearts. They are hospitable, have so much love for their families, and are very kind. Our church is the only group of people that come back twice a year. The people of Guatemala are like family. My heart has completely opened up to them and to missions. We are now the proud sponsors of two kids in Chacalte and cannot wait to see them again. 

In writing my testimony, I look at it as a love story from God. Looking back, before I was saved, I can see moments where God was reaching out to me, and caring for me. I know how much God loves me. He has never given up on me. I know He has a plan and purpose for my life. I may have gotten a little sidetracked throughout the years, but he gently led me back to Him. And His plan for me is still mine.

PRAYER MOVES MOUNTAINS

PRAYER MOVES MOUNTAINS

By Jeannie Horton Life Christian University student

INTRODUCTION

Meghan, a 16-year-old teenager from Oregon, was born with a displaced kneecap. Through our church Evergreen Christian Center, she went to camp at Mt. Hood this past winter. She was prayed for during a powerful night of prayer and worship. Several gathered around her, laying hands on her and they all prayed together. One person who laid hands on Meghan felt a tingling sensation in her own hand. That night, Meghan was healed. She said that she felt a warm pressure on her knee and her kneecap had shifted back into place. There is power in prayer.

God desires to have a relationship with us and one way that we can do that is through prayer.  Prayer was very important to Jesus; He often sought direction and fellowship with His Father. He desired alone time with His Father and would often take breaks from His disciples and followers to find that time with Him. Prayer is also important and a powerful tool for believers today.  With prayer, we can use our authority against the attacks of the enemy, intercede for the lost, we can change God’s mind, and we can pray for all of our cares and desires. We are not alone; God wants us to come to Him in prayer. There are several different types of prayer and each has its own set of rules. It’s important that we learn each of them and their important details which include forgiving others first and praying with faith.

I. IMPORTANT DETAILS REGARDING PRAYER

In order to be effective in our prayers there are a few things to remember. These items will help us in our prayer walk with the Father:

·        * Forgive others first before we pray or our prayers will be useless. “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop” (Mark 11:25).

·         *Find a bible verse that mentions what you are praying for. If it is in God’s Word then it is His will. Remind God of His Word. “Put Me in remembrance [remind Me of your merits]; let us plead and argue together. Set forth your case, that you may be justified (proved right)” (Isaiah 43:26).

·         *We are to pray to God in the name of Jesus. Jesus instructed His disciples to pray to God in His name after His resurrection. “And when that time comes, you will ask nothing of Me [you will need to ask Me no questions]. I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that My Father will grant you whatever you ask in My Name [as presenting all that I AM]” (John 16:23).

·        * Pray with faith. Faith is important to God, it pleases Him. When we pray, we are to believe that we have received before we have the answer. In the world, people often won’t believe their prayers have been answered until they see their prayers answered. But God wants us to believe first and be thankful to Him. He wants us to have faith that we received that which we prayed for. Every believer needs to study the Word, and meditate on the promises of God for themselves so that they can stand on their own faith. “And Jesus, replying, said to them, Have faith in God [constantly]. Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! And does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him” (Mark 11:22-23).

·        * Depend on the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a gift from God. He is our helper, our advocate, intercessor, comforter, and counselor. The Holy Spirit doesn’t pray for us, but He helps us pray by interceding on our behalf to the Father. When we don’t know what or how to pray, He helps us.

·         *Don’t doubt or speak negatively about something that you are praying for. When we speak negatively, it shows a lack of faith and invalidates our prayers. Instead, pray with thanksgiving to Him. Speak forth God’s Word, and sing songs of praise and worship to Him. God moves on faith and thanksgiving.

II. TYPES OF PRAYER

          The following are the different types of prayers that are found in the New Testament. It is important to note that these prayers are part of the New Covenant. We are now living under a new and better covenant when Christ died and was resurrected. Because He died for the forgiveness of our sins, we now have right standing with God and can boldly go to Him! We too are seated at the right hand of God with Christ. We have authority to pray using these types of prayers:

PRAYER OF PETITION: “For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it]” (Mark 11:24). In the prayer of petition you’re praying for your own needs, desires, and problems. It is God’s will that all of our needs are met. This includes our physical, material, and spiritual. Without faith it’s impossible to please God. So, if we don’t know what we are praying for is God’s will, we are not praying in faith. And so this prayer doesn’t include the words, “if it’s your will.” In order to know the will of God we need to study the Word of God as God’s Word is God’s will. I know that God wants to and will take care of all my needs so I pray to Him in all things and with thanks. I know that if God doesn’t want me to have something, it is because I’m not ready for it yet or the timing isn’t right.

PRAYER OF CONSECRATION: In this prayer we are submitting our will to God’s. We are putting aside our life for His will.  The greatest example of this prayer is Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.  ^“And going a little farther, He threw Himself upon the ground on His face and prayed saying, My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will [not what I desire], but as You will and desire” (Mathew 26:39). Jesus didn’t want to die, but He wanted to do the will of His Father. In my own life I am an experienced ultra-marathon runner having completed races up to 101 miles. I have always quite enjoyed the long training runs of over 20 miles. The runs and events have at times lasted several hours, taking me away from my home and my studies. During a long distance training run a couple of years ago, God asked me if I was willing to give all of this up for Him. I thought about it for a few miles and said yes. My pastor spoke on this subject the very next Sunday. I know God’s will for me is good, and it is more important than my own purposes for myself. I am preparing by studying His Word and striving to be obedient to Him in all things. “And he who does not take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conforming wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also] is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds his [lower] life will lose it [the higher life], and whoever loses his [lower] life on My account will find it [the higher life]” (Mathew 10:38-39).

 PRAYER OF WORSHIP-THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE: God responds to and speaks to us through praise, thanksgiving, and worship. A lot of Christian music is God’s Word. So when you sing, you are speaking out God’s Word back to Him. There is such a peace that comes from listening to Christian music. “In this kind of atmosphere of praise and worship to God that He can move more readily and mightily in our midst” (Hagin 50). There was a time when God called me back to Him, He spoke to me and told me to listen to only Christian music. I did and I never looked back. I have mostly Christian music on my iPod that I listen to when I run or walk. At home, I also play a Christian radio station on my computer or Christian music on YouTube loudly during the day. And to confess, the loud music keeps my sanity. It helps me not hear the little kids screaming in my neighbor’s backyard while they jump on the trampoline all day! J “Let us therefore, receiving a kingdom that is firm and stable and cannot be shaken, offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship, with modesty and pious care and godly fear and awe; For our God [is indeed] a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29).

PRAYER OF AGREEMENT: When at least two are gathered together, praying in agreement according to God’s Word, this is the prayer of agreement. “Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven. For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them” (Mathew 18:19-20).

Binding and Loosing

We have authority as believers to bind and loose anything here on earth, as long as it’s in agreement with the Word. When I pray for the spiritually lost, I bind the works of the enemy over them and loose the knowledge of God’s truth and light into their life. Recently I saw a woman at the pool where I like to swim laps. The side of her face was bruised, and my friend and I felt concern for her. We prayed for her, binding the works of the enemy and we loosed God’s truth and love over her. We asked God to protect her and if she wasn’t a Christian to send laborers to speak the Word to her.

PRAYER OF INTERCESSION:  This prayer is when we pray for someone else.  It may be someone who is spiritually lost, a young child, or a new believer that is not yet able to stand on their own faith, or someone who needs healing. “And I sought a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none” (Ezekiel 22:30). When we intercede for another, we are standing in the gap for them. We are to pray for the spiritually lost with authority, binding the works of the enemy over another’s life. The Holy Spirit helps us intercede for others. We can pray for others with our understanding, or when we don’t know how to pray for someone else we can speak with our spirits in tongues. “We can intercede with our understanding, as Abraham did, or we can intercede with our spirits in tongues or in groaning and travail. But we must keep in mind that intercession can only be accomplished by the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit” (Hagin 90). I often pray for others who are spiritually lost, for those who need healing, friends, and over my family, home, and pets. 

IMPRECATORY PRAYERS: Because we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, imprecatory prayers-prayers of judgment are not vindictive prayers. These prayers are used to pray against the attacks of the enemy and those whose intentions are to destroy the church and the things of God. The book of Psalms has many imprecatory prayers. “Hold them guilty, O God; let them fall by their own designs and counsels; cast them out because of the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against you” (Psalm 5:10). Jesus warned His disciples that we would be hated for His name’s sake. But we are to stand firm in His name, using our authority in prayer against all attacks of the enemy. Our church often has prayer nights. We come together to pray for our nation, leaders, churches, pastors, elders, and loved ones, I think it’s important.

UNITED PRAYER:  In the book of Acts, there are several verses of people lifting their voices in one accord. The power of God shows up when people, who are filled with the Holy Spirit, come together in agreement on God’s Word praying aloud together.  In my Christian walk, I haven’t seen this type of prayer often. However this is how they prayed in Chacalte, Guatemala while we were on a mission’s trip last summer. It was extremely powerful. I would like to experience the united prayer more often. “And when they had prayed, the place in which they were assembled was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they continued to speak the Word of God with freedom and boldness and courage” (Acts 4:31).

PRAYER OF COMMITMENT:  Every day we are faced with opportunities for worry; we have bills to pay, kids to clothe and feed, and relationship issues. God doesn’t want us to worry. He wants us to enjoy our life. He is our Father and He loves us. He wants to take all of our cares and concerns. We are to cast them upon God. Whenever I look back at my worries from the past (if I can even remember them), I’ve realized that it was so useless to get so bent out of shape with worry. They were never as bad as they initially seemed. All of my issues were either blessed by God or God strengthened me to get through them. Having two teenage daughters, with one driving (and at times my new car), it would be easy for me to worry when she drives. I mean anything could happen. What about all of the other drivers who aren’t being careful? My daughter Naomi is a very careful driver, but she occasionally makes mistakes. I have failed many times to not panic. But since taking this course, I have used the principles that I’ve learned and prayed for my daughter’s safety. I know God has heard my prayer. Now, I just thank God for continuously protecting them. When we cast our cares upon God, we need to just leave them there. Don’t start worrying again, trying to figure out how to fix the situation or even telling God what you think He should do. God will take care of all our problems in His way. So cast your care and don’t worry:

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its early lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

CONCLUSION

“As we endeavor to pray according to biblical principles, we will grow closer in fellowship to our Heavenly Father, and we will cause our prayer life to become more and more effective” (Hagin 97). There is power in God’s Word and in prayer. As believer’s, we have power not only to change the circumstances around us, we have authority over the devil. God wants to have a relationship with us and Jesus died so that we can have this relationship. Learning about the different types of prayers and a few details regarding prayer makes us stronger in our Christian walk. Just as we are to go out and make disciples, we need to teach others how to pray. I know that God gives new believers grace in their prayers, but all believers need to study the Word and be able to stand on their own faith. Because with faith, we please God and we can move mountains.

AN UNLIKELY CHOICE

AN UNLIKELY CHOICE...
By Jeannie Horton Life Christian University Theology Student

INTRODUCTION

In the eyes of the world, God often calls those who seem to be the least likely candidate to do His will. The condition of our hearts, not our performance, is what is important to Him. He works through our imperfections and supernaturally intervenes on our behalf. He wants the world to know that the amazing work being done is Him working through us, and they will glorify Him. “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven” Mathew 5:16). Because God is omniscient, He knows all about us: He knows everything we’ve ever done in our past, every word spoken, every sin and He knows what we will do in our future. God knew what He was getting into when He adopted us into His family. He still chose us! God has a unique and individual plan for each of us that can only be fulfilled by the person He calls. He shows us continuous favor and He wants us to be obedient to Him when He calls us to do His will. Even at times when it seems as if God is not moving and working on our behalf, He is. He is always there. God called Esther, a young orphan Jewish girl (possibly a teenager) to bring deliverance to the Jews.

I. ESTHER INTERVENES ON BEHALF OF HER PEOPLE

I can’t imagine what it was like for Esther in the time in which she lived. She lost her parents at a young age and was being raised by her uncle Mordecai. Esther was born during a time of slavery, wars, polygamy, concubines, and women were often treated like property. In the story of Esther, she leaned on God, obtaining His strength in her obedience to Him.  She put aside her own purpose and plan for her life and sought to do God’s will. “We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose” (Romans 8:28).

In the book of Esther, the King of Persia King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) divorces his wife, Queen Vashti. She had refused to show off her beauty to his friends during a party that lasted several months. The king was angry and afraid the queen would set a bad example for the other women in Persia. So not only did he divorce Vashti, he wrote up a letter and had it sent out to everyone in the kingdom. It said that all men were to be masters in their homes.

After some time, the king’s anger subsided. He was beginning to feel lonely and decided he wanted a new wife. After getting advice from his staff, he had many young girls placed into a harem (likely against their will) as a possible replacement to the queen. They would go through a yearlong preparation of beauty treatments to get them ready for one night with the king. He would then pick the girl that he liked the best and she would become the new queen.

I think it would be very easy to judge Esther and the situation she was in. We could call her nothing but a concubine. We could say that she was weak for not fighting back when they took her and placed her in the harem. The Bible doesn’t mention Esther’s thoughts or feelings or what her life was like when she was taken. Maybe she was completely upset and terrified at her new predicament?  The king had to be at least twice her age! Or maybe she saw it as an opportunity? Was it a chance to win the heart of the king and a chance for status and power? She was in a possible bad situation. Yet, having favor already with God, Esther had favor with everyone that she came in contact with. She was picked by the king to be the new queen of Persia.

King Ahasuerus promoted a man named Haman to be second to him. Haman became used to people bowing to him whenever they saw him. However, Esther’s uncle Mordecai refused to bow down to him. This greatly angered Haman who was very prideful and easily angered. Haman sought the rewards of the world. He liked having status, power, and fame. He expected others to accept and respect him. However, Haman was truly never satisfied. The rewards of this world are empty. Our satisfaction, acceptance, and reward truly can only be fulfilled by Jesus. “For He satisfied the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with good” (Psalms 107:9).  

Haman knew Mordecai was a Jew. He decided that having only Mordecai killed wouldn’t be enough to satisfy his wickedness. Haman met with the king to discuss having all the Jews in the empire destroyed. Haman told the king that he would pay 10,000 talents of silver into the king’s treasury. So a decree was written, signed with the king’s signet ring and sent out to all the empire.  People all over the land were in mourning at the news that they would be destroyed in one year, including Mordecai. Mordecai who through one of the king attendants, pleaded with Esther for help, saying: “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?” (Esther 4:14). Esther had already put aside her own interests and plans for her own life when she was placed in the Harem. But now God’s will for her life became apparent when she learned that her people were about to be destroyed.

Esther knew that she needed to use her position to take the chance to save her people.   She had to step out of her comfort zone and step into obedience to God, regardless of the consequences of doing so. She would have to go to the king without being invited, putting her own life in jeopardy. “Then I will go to the King, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). She instructed Mordecai and all the Jews in the empire to fast and pray for three days prior to her going to the king. On the 3^rd day, she put on her royal robes and went to the king. He saw her in his court and he held out the scepter for her.

Esther met with the king and requested that he and Haman have dinner with her. During dinner, she didn’t tell the king that she was a Jew per Mordecai’s advice. Even after the king asked her what she was requesting, even offering her up to half the kingdom. She only requested that he and Haman have a second dinner with her. They both agreed. I believe Esther showed patience, tact, and grace in not just blurting out what she wanted and this impressed the king.

God has a book of remembrance. It is a book of every good deed we ever do, and every good word we ever speak to others or in prayer. “Then those who feared the Lord talked often one to another; and the Lord listened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who reverenced and worshipfully feared the Lord and who thought on His name” (Malachi 3:16). King Ahasuerus wasn’t able to sleep the night that he had dinner with Esther and Haman. Like God’s book of remembrance, the king had one. He ordered the book to be brought and read to him. He learned Mordecai had saved his life, yet nothing was done to reward him. I believe this was an important moment in Mordecai having favor with the king and could likely be a reason the king was so agreeable to Esther when she asked the king for help.

During the second dinner with the king and Haman, Esther told the king all about Haman’s evil decree against her people. The king was very angry and had Haman assassinated using the same device that Haman intended to kill Mordecai with! Esther was then given Haman’s estate and put Mordecai in charge over it. Esther begged the king to help her and her people:

If it pleases the king and if I have found favor in his sight and the thing seems right before the king and I am pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the king’s provinces. For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come upon my people? Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred? (Esther 8:5-6). 

Because the original decree could not be reversed, the king agreed to a second. It was written and signed with the king’s ring. It stated the Jews could defend themselves and fight back. And with God on their side, they did. “What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?]” (Romans 8:31). During the battle, the Jews’ enemies were overpowered and slain, including Haman’s 10 sons.

To celebrate their victory against Haman’s evil plan to destroy them, the Jews celebrated. They had a feast which became a holiday known as the Purim:

To command them to keep the fourteenth day of the month of Adar and also the fifteenth, yearly, as the days on which the Jews got rest from their enemies, and as the month which was turned for them from sorrow to gladness and from mourning into a holiday-that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days of sending choice portions to one another and gifts to the poor (Esther 9:21-22).

Mordecai was promoted, being made the king’s new second to him. He cared for the well-being of others and had favor with his Brethren. He and Esther both refused to quit, putting their lives on the line to see that the Jews were saved. They relied on, trusted in, and were obedient to God.

II. CHRIST IN ESTHER

Even though the book of Esther doesn’t mention God, He is present everywhere. He intervened supernaturally by orchestrating the events that took place. Esther and Mordecai already had favor with God. They were a team, being led by Him the entire time to bring deliverance to the Jews.  God caused Mordecai and Esther to have favor with man so His promise of deliverance would not come back void. The following lists some of the ways that Mordecai and Esther are a type of Christ:

·        * Haman had a book of remembrance that lists the memorable deeds of the people in his empire, and God has one for us.

·       *Christ was obedient to do the will of His Father. Esther put aside her own purpose to do God’s will.

·       * Even when Esther was in danger of losing her life, she was willing to die for her people. Christ was also willing to die for His people.

·      * Esther saved her people from death just as Christ saved mankind when He died on the cross for our sins.

·     *Christ was kind, sympathetic, and faithful to everyone. Mordecai and Esther were faithful, kind and sympathetic not only to each other but to their people.  

·       * Mordecai was paraded on horseback in the city by his enemy. Jesus too was paraded on a donkey by the same people who would a few days later demand his crucifixion. 

·       *Just as Christ was honored and promoted to High Priest, Mordecai and Esther were also honored and promoted. Mordecai was promoted to the king’s new second. Esther was given the house of Haman’s estate.

·        *Mordecai and Esther displayed Christ-like character.

CONCLUSION

God promises to never leave nor forsake us. When bad things happen, God can turn these things into good for His glory. We were created for His glory and to glorify Him. We can see God’s glory in His wondrous hand throughout the story of Esther. Esther displayed a lot of courage in how she displayed herself with the king and her obedience to God. She glorified God in her actions.  The plans that we have for ourselves don’t always go as we like. Sometimes we need to change our plans and help God. We ought to actively seek to do the will of the Lord.  To carry out his plans and purposes, He needs us! True fulfillment, satisfaction, and joy can only be found in Him. Trust in Him and be obedient like Esther, saying “Yes Lord, how can I help?”

Living a life through Christ

Living a life through Christ and serving Him is not boring. Romans 12:11 says never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord.
We are to serve Him hot, not cold or lukewarm. We are to stay on fire for Him. We can do this by continuously speaking out scripture, saying praises and thanks to Him and worshipping Him. We can stay on fire for Him by getting around other believers in our church, and doing good in a world that is desperately needing help, kindness, and love. Ask the Lord each day who He wants you to help, how you can be a blessing to others. Every morning that I wake up I say, "thank you Lord that something great is going to happen to me today and that something great will happen through me today."

Open to change

We are not meant to stay in the same place in life with the same goals, and same dreams. We are to grow and stretch.You may need to let go of the "conveniences" of this world, so that God can get you to the next level of where He wants to take you. It could be a job, a relationship, activity, or even an attitude you have toward someone. These things may or may not be bad for us. They could be things that God doesn't want us to have any more, things that are not producing any fruit in our life. Perhaps you don't have any peace anymore about it? That's God speaking to you. He's done with it and He wants you to be as well. 

Let me give you an example. Years ago when I was living in California, I was lonely and depressed. I heard from God. He wanted me to open up a Facebook page. I named it Dare to be different. It was mainly a fitness and motivational page. It actually grew in just a few years to over 26,000 likes. It was a blessing while I had it and it gave me some a joy, I felt like it was something that I could control. I could be a positive influence to others, be a blessing to others when I was feeling sad. When we move back to Oregon, I felt a strong desire to delete the page. After praying about it for sometime I deleted it and felt that it was what God wanted me to do. A few times after deleting it I tried to open up another page but I really was not having any peace about it nor did I feel like God was blessing me to have a new page. They just didn't work out and I deleted those pages. God was done with it. What I didn't know at the time is that He wanted me to start going to Theology School and spend a lot less time on social media. 

Letting things go that we've grown accustomed to can be uncomfortable for us. But we don't see what God sees and what God knows. And if we were just let them go we would be blessed tremendously by Him. Our eyes would be open and would find out that we really didn't even need the things we didn't want to let go of. Our fleshly desires get in the way. He wants to bless us we just need to trust him. Say yes in obedience to Him today.

THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD

THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD

By Jeannie Horton Life Christian University student

INTRODUCTION

In 2011 my family moved to Crescent City, California. I knew mountain lions and black bears lived in the Redwoods and surrounding forests, and as a distance trail runner the danger frightened me. I started training for a 100-mile foot race, and I liked to run on a very hilly trail and fire road in Gasquet, California which was about 15 minutes away from Crescent City. I knew that there was a big possibility to see a black bear or a mountain lion, so I always came prepared with protection. The trail to the fire road is 3 miles long, and the fire road goes on for many miles and is rarely used. There is only one way back to my car and it is back down the 3-mile long trail. During one run, I’m just about on the trail to head down to my car when I kept hearing a noise in the forest. I thought to myself, “If I hear that noise one more time, I’m going to stop and check it out.” I then notice less than 1/4 mile away there is a black bear and it looks really big. I first pull my body alarm and the bear doesn't even look up. I yell at it and it looks up and starts walking towards me! I keep yelling and pull the alarm again and it doesn't stop walking! I walk away from it, going in the opposite direction that will get me to my car. I then stop and walk forward again to see if it's still there. The bear is now stopped and looking at me. I yell again and it starts walking towards me again! I then prayed, “Help me, Lord!” God tells me to enter the forest where there is no trail or road and go around him. That worked and I see it run away to the opposite side of the forest. I breathe a huge sigh of relief, thanking God from all of my heart. I then run a personal record in speed all the way back to my car. The next week I went right back to the area where I saw the bear because I didn’t want to live in fear. I didn’t want the fear of this bear to prevent me from doing what I loved! It was extremely scary and I fortunately never saw any bear again. We moved back to Portland a few months later. “Then they cry to the Lord in their trouble, And He brings them out of their distresses” (Psalm 107:28). I had cried out to God in my trouble, He heard and He saved me. His word was not void.

Because of God’s great love, He wants to have a relationship with us. He didn’t just create this wonderful home for us to live, to only fend for ourselves. He has always been here for us in love. He is omnipotent which means that He has unlimited power and He can do anything. He has given us the Holy Spirit to comfort, intercede, educate and to guide. God speaks to us and helps us. His word is so powerful and it does not return to Him void. “So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).

I. GOD SPEAKS TO US

God is speaking to us and He is able to do so in any way He desires. He wants to give us messages about His will, encouragement and to teach and guide. So how does He speak to us? Here are a few ways that God speaks to us:

·        The Bible.

God speaks to us through His word, as it is God-breathed. It is a love letter to us from Him, a good news message to all of us. It isn’t just an instruction manual on how to live. People learn about Jesus by reading the Bible, about Salvation, about love, relationships, faith, hope, joy and about our enemy and how we can protect ourselves.  

·         His Son, Jesus Christ.

God sent His Son, Jesus, and during the short time that He was here amongst us, He touched so many peoples’ lives through His teachings and healings. Even today, through His commandment in the book of Mathew, He’s still touching lives through His believers: “Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age” (Mathew 28:19, 20).

·         Holy Spirit.

When Jesus ascended up to heaven He left believers the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us. We need to listen to that still small voice and obey. A Christian friend of mine told me the story of how she was doing some shopping one day. She decided to drive home using a different route. As she was waiting at a rather long light to turn left, she heard in her head “go right.” Unfortunately, she did not obey. Then all of a sudden, someone hits her car and yells at her. She pulled over the best that she could, opened her door and the woman was yelling at her rather mad letting her know that she had almost hit her! She was absolutely horrified and very apologetic. She did not know how she did not see the other woman. She learned two things that day: God spoke to her, trying to get her out of that situation but when she did not obey, He stepped in and saved that woman and her from what could have been a very tragic accident. The Holy Spirit is a gift to us from God.

·         Through prayer.

Pray throughout the day with a spirit of thanksgiving. It’s important to listen to God and what He wants to say; don’t just do all the talking! And make sure it is actually God that you are hearing. His word will always line up with scripture. In the book or Romans, it talks about how the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. It says: “So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groaning too deep for utterance” (Romans 8:26-27).

·         Nature and God’s creation.

There are so many beautiful and wondrous things that He has given us for our enjoyment and for education. For example, we learn from animals about love, life, and death. We learn about transitions, change, and beauty from the sunrises and sunsets. With each new day and season there is potential for change and growth. He created the rainbow to remind us of his promise that He would never flood the earth again.

·         Other believers.

God uses other believers to communicate messages from Him. It is important to check scripture for truth in what the other believer is saying. It needs to line up with God’s word and if God has already confirmed the truth in your heart.

·         Dreams and visions.

“And afterward I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions” (Joel 2:28). I was bullied in high school. I felt so helpless and sad, to the point that I remember thinking that I wanted one of the girls to die. One night God spoke to me in a dream. He said two simple words, “It’s over!” My bullies never bothered me again. He showed me even as a young teenager how much He loved and wanted to help me.  People do need to be careful with dreams and visions as He doesn’t always speak to us this way. It may not be from Him. Check scripture and pray about what you have heard.

·         Music.

A lot of Christian artists are singing the word of God in their music and people are ministered to while worshiping Him. Praise and worship brings peace and allows you to feel close to God; He will speak to you!

II.      STUDYING THE MESSAGE IN ISAIAH 55:11

In Genesis, in the beginning of the creation of the world, God spoke. “And God said, Let there be light; and there was light” (Genesis 1:3). In Ezekiel, He spoke the word to the dead bones to rise and they did. “Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath and spirit to enter you, and you shall live” (Ezekiel 37:5). These are just two examples of the power in God’s word. “His word will not return to Him void, but will accomplish and prosper that which He pleases and purposes” (Isaiah 55:11). As a believer in Christ, that is powerful! We just need to have faith in Him!  

God’s word is a seed and seeds have life! And like the seed that fell upon the good ground in the parable from Luke chapter 8, we need to allow His seed, His word, to take life within us and not let the cares of this world choke it to where it doesn’t produce life. His word needs to abide (remain) in us continuously and deep in our hearts so that it can bring forth fruit in our lives and in the lives of others we come in contact with. When we are born again, God changes us from glory to glory. We are to learn His word, His commandments, and statues and follow them. He wants to bless us. He wants to use us, but we need to do our part. We cannot let our flesh run our lives and do what it wants; we need to do what God’s word says. If we allow Him, He will prune away the thorny parts of our flesh to the point that we are producing good fruit in our lives.

God wants us to accomplish His will; He wants our will to line up with His. He needs us, we are partners with Him. “As Christians, we’re partners with God; this means He has a part and we have a part. And the simple truth is, if we will do what we can do, God will do what we cannot do” (Joyce Meyer). He has a good plan for your life. His plan for each of us is God-ordained, unique and personal and He won't change His mind and give your plan over to someone else. So if you've gone astray with your walk with the Lord, just repent. God loves you and is receiving you with open arms. He never left you and the plan He has for you can only be filled by you! In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed: “Saying Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet not my will, but [always] Yours be done. And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him in spirit” (Luke 22:42-43). Only Jesus could do the will of the Father, being sent to the world as a human to redeem us and restore what was lost.

God’s word spoken in faith from a believer’s mouth can change circumstances. His word and His promises are powerful, and they are full of life! One word from God can change circumstances. It can open doors that you could never imagine being opened. He can change hearts, and people are healed, delivered, and set free!  Don’t let circumstances get you down. Don’t speak negatively about circumstances. We are to speak to our circumstances as we want them to be, not as they are currently! “Who gives life to the dead and speaks of the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they (already) existed” (Romans 4:17). If you are in debt, don’t say “I never have enough money; I’ll never get ahead.” Say “Thank you God that I am a lender and not a borrower.” Believe that God is going to help you because He loves us and is a God that restores! Believe He has more in store for you.

II.      DOING OUR PART

We need to be diligent about making God number 1 in our lives. It is important to let Him into every area of our lives. We need to completely renew our minds and we can do this by not only reading our Bibles but actively studying and meditating on His word throughout the day.  He wants us to be in continuous communication with Him by speaking His word and listening to Him through worship and prayer. Prayer doesn’t have to be for several hours a day, but just as you would talk to your children or spouse. You can say things like, “Thank you God that it is such a beautiful day!” or “thank you God that I slept great last night!” If you notice a friend needs prayer, lift them up in prayer. We also need to go out in love and speak to others about Jesus, sharing our testimony, and teaching them about God’s great love for them and about His word.

CONCLUSION

            We serve an awesome God! He loves us so much and wants a relationship with us! If we believe in His Son Jesus, we will have an eternal and everlasting life. He has clearly demonstrated this to us by sending Jesus to save us and bring us into a right relationship with Him. I believe in the power of God’s word. I believe it is true and it will prosper and not return to Him void, but will indeed prosper what He purposes.  “For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life” (John 3:16). I believe this is the greatest example of Isaiah 55:11. His word has not returned to Him void.