Happy Saint Patrick's Day Queen Esther!

I was asked to lead Devotions for our womens group this Sunday. With a Saint Patricks day theme tea, I decided to study up on his ministry. I also will be leading a bible study on Tuesday evening with some materials and subject matter from the book of Esther. This is one of my favorites and I have spoken and taught the text many times. After contemplating the preparations for each, a larger connection seemed to be unfolding to my spirit.

Saint Patrick was taken into captivity by an Irish band of raiders, Esther was also a result of the captivity of Isrealites in Persia. God had placed Patrick in a very rich religious family that practiced and lived out their vocation in the church. Esther was also a reciepient of faith devotion in her own family and jewish practice of faith. Patrick was faithful in his prayer life during his slavery for freedom, Esther fasted and prayed expecting God to move on behalf of His call for His people to be free from a death sentence. Patrick was called to return to Ireland as a missionary on behalf of those who needed to come to the knowledge of God. Esther needed to go before the King and make clear declaration of Her God. Esther needed to be placed in a position to save Gods people from certain death. Patrick needed to be used to lead Gods people to the knowledge of eternal life!

Although from different times, cultures, and geography the thread of Gods heart for the message of salvation is still trumpeting to us today! GO into all the world and make disciples of every nation! This is the great comission to us all.

Are we also in some way captives? Yes held back by political correctness. Are we also called to pray for freedom, our own and others? Yes, for justice and mercy for all whom Christ died. Are we also sent back to the places that once powerfully enslaved us? Yes, when we recieved new life in Christ we were redeemed and empowered by His Holy Spirit to overcome our sin nature and testify to His abounding GRACE! From glory to glory we recognize our victory over sin. We acknowledge we fall short of Gods glory! It is evident to me that we are not the recipients of salvation for ourselves alone. ALL who share air with us are in need of this message. All whose souls cry out in their slavery to addictions and ignorance. Satan has taken captive our minds with lies about who we are intended to be in this world. Make no mistake that daily we march to deaths door without the precious blood of Christ poured out for our sake. Is that door your neighbors? Is it you childrens? Is it your friends who fear and doubt and say" there is no help for me in my circumstance?" Open the door of hope to them! free them from deaths grip! Let them meet the Loving Jesus that once and for ALL rescued you!!!

Our righteousness is the putting on of Christ, so it shall be that the prayers of the righteous will prevail!!!! Christ Jesus, seated in the high place of His authority releases the captives when we pray!

Remember the shamrock, (it's not luck you need) just the Father Son And Holy Spirit!!