For such a time as this pt 2

Recap: We examined the situation that Esther faced and examined the times. There are 2 dimensions on how to respond to the times:
1. Deepen your walk with God by checking your
A) Focus – Are you looking at Jesus? Hebrews 12
B) Motives – Is your love for God or something else?
C) Offence level – How easily offended are you?
D) Peace level – How easily disturbed are you?
E) Renew your spiritual habits
F) No one should take your power of choice from you. Choose to do what is right before God.

1 Peter 4:7 – 10 “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

Know who I am. I am a citizen of heaven. We can easily relate to our natural identity –touch, see feel but what about our spiritual identity which is totally different. We have an assignment on earth – Kingdom expansion. Our citizenship is in heaven.

We look at Esther and see that she had a support system. She called a group to prayer and fasting. For us, that group is the local church. The characteristics of this group were:
1. They recognised the need for God to intervene
2. They came in agreement. Whatever the leader said, they would back it. Esther gave a specific instruction – go and fast for me.
3. They poured their hearts into that effort.
4. God moved and Esther was an instrument of deliverance.

The local church isn’t prefect but there is something about corporate anointing. We are aware of our need for God and our need to come together to pray. Esther needed their support. The enemy uses all sorts and forms to disrupt the unity of the church. He wants people to be isolated. Let’s identify God’s programme for our time today – for Kingdom advance. There is blessings through commitment. Commitment breeds commitment. In your day of crisis you’ll have enough people to pray for you. Let’s be committed to God and to one another. Let’s enlarge our capacity with commitment. We cannot grow without commitment.

It’s through our imperfections that we’ll mature. The church is a battleship, not a cruise liner. It’s not a one man show but “all hands on deck”. Let’s major on serving – “The fastest way to the throne room is through the servant’s door.” Be willing to serve and you’ll discover your gift. It’s not so much the operation of the gift that attracts but the heart that attracts.
1 Corinthians 12 – Motive gifts
Romans 12 – Service gifts
Ephesians 4 – Office gifts

Being faithful is crucial. God looks at our hearts – at our faithfulness. Use your gifts and you’ll experience joy.