Daily Devotionals

Devotional: July 3rd

For Reading and Meditation:
     Esther 5:3-8

King Xerxes is so overwhelmed by Esther's stunning beauty that even before she has time to explain why she has come into his presence uninvited, he says: "What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you" (v. 3). Esther, however, makes this proposal: "Will you and Haman attend a banquet later today?" Why this strange delaying tactic? Has she lost her nerve? Is she afraid to talk to the king about the real issue? No. The three days of prayer and fasting have sharpened her spiritual focus and she has come with a clear plan of action. The king agrees to attend the banquet, and there he again asks Esther to state her request so that he may grant it to her. She declines to answer, but asks that the king and Haman attend another banquet the following day. Again, why this strange procedure? We are watching the wisdom of God at work, flowing through a human mind - always a marvelous thing to behold. As Esther waited before God in those three days of fasting, her thoughts were quietly taken over by God's thoughts. Her mind flowed into His mind and His mind flowed into her mind. This illustrates the need to prayerfully soak our minds in the Word of God - daily. Human ingenuity and wisdom are utterly inadequate to meet the demands of daily living. If we are to live every day victoriously then we must spend more time with the Lord in prayer, and meditate on His Word. That is really the only place where we can exchange our thoughts for His.

O Father, forgive me for trying to battle against life in my own strength and with my own thoughts, when You are so willing to give me Your strength and Your thoughts. Help me organize my time so that I might spend more of it with You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

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