The Bible shares the story of Queen Vashti who was married to King Xerxes, the ruler of the Kingdom of Persia and Media. A proud man, he celebrated his power for 180 days. He invited officials from 127 provinces and made sure they feasted with drinks, food, and entertainment while he showed off his accomplishments.
Toward the end of the festivities, he was "merry with wine" when he summoned Vashti to show her off to his guests (Esther 1:10). After all, his beautiful wife was but one more conquest to be flaunted in the face of all who had gathered. Esther 1:12 - Queen Vashti, however, refused to come at the king’s command brought by his eunuchs. And the king became furious, and his anger burned within him. His advisers counseled him to replace Vashti with someone else and that eventual replacement was Esther, whose story is well known to Christians and Jews alike.
Now back to Vashti. She was married to a proud man, so there should have been no surprise that she would mimic the very pride he displayed, right? She was only doing what he did. Shouldn't that have counted for something? After all, Xerxes spent months celebrating himself. Plus, this couldn't have been the first time she ignored his request. What made this time so different that he reacted as he did? Shouldn't he have been used to her behavior?
The answer to those questions could be yes. Yet, none of that mattered. What mattered was that Vashti didn't realize a day would come when her pride would prove her downfall. She ignored the possibility that she would eventually cross the line with the king and pay the price. Had she known, she might have done things differently.
We Christians have the opportunity to be wise and learn from Vashti's mistakes. We must not replicate the erroneous attitude she had. When dealing with the Lord, we must remember to revere and venerate Him. Just because we got away with repeated disobedience does not mean the Vashti line - a point of no return - isn't a possibility. Thus, we cannot afford to ignore the call to repent and return to a life of righteousness in all areas.
We need to allow God's grace to transform us from the inside out as it is meant to. God is in the business of transforming people. For instance, Saul met Jesus as an arrogant and spiteful man who killed Christians. Today, we know him as Paul "The Humble" who went on to serve God's kingdom with fierce zeal.
Besides, there's no way of knowing where that Vashti line is. Though invisible, it exists. Wisdom would therefore dictate that it is best not to cross it and we can achieve this by not abusing God's grace and mercy.
God is kind and patient. He is intent on saving as many souls as possible so they don't spend eternity in hell with satan. Still, He gives each person a choice - through the way they live, they determine where they will spend eternity. Many think that there will be countless opportunities to get right with God and that is true. But they fail to realize that they do not get to choose when that point of no return will be. Only God does. And when they ignore Him, the risk of crossing the Vashti line increases. When that happens, the chance for eternity in heaven could be too late.
As we inch ever closer to 2025, may the good Lord help us. May our hearts yield to His beckoning and submit to His will, IJMN Amen.
Romans 6:1-2 - What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
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From M22 - Happy Last weekend of 2024 Fam!!! God bless you all.
CLOSING PRAYER
Father, we thank You for bringing us to the end of another week of Praise & Pray.
Lord, we are grateful for the chance to commune with you in this way. Glory be to Your Holy Name.
As we part ways, we know Lord that You will walk with each of us wherever we might go. We know that You will be our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
We shall lift You up in praise, not because of what You do for us but because even if You don't do another thing, You've done more than enough. No, we shall honor You with praise because You are the King of kings, the Lord of lords, and the God above all gods. The One who keeps us from that Vashti Line.
Mighty One, we thank You for letting us spend time with You.
Praise be to Your Holy Name!!!
God thank You for being kind and gracious. Thank You for being forgiving. To You be all the praise.
Heavenly Father, You said You will show mercy to those whom You will show mercy (Romans 9:15).
LORD, I pray for Your people that they will be recipients of Your mercy. You alone know why they need such mercy and I pray that they will receive it from You by Your grace.
IJN Amen.
From M22 - Father Lord as this year goes to an end. I pray that you will continue to shield us from harm IjMN. I pray that you will continue to watch over us and our loved ones. IjMN Amen
From M22 - Father Lord we thank you for sis @FFJ and her loved ones. I pray that she will have every reason to celebrate as the year goes to an end. I pray that you will continue to increase her in supernatural wisdom, favour and strength as she steers this community forward. I pray that you will continually supply all of her beers and the needs of her loved ones IJMN Amen
From M22 - Father Lord I pray that you continue to take care of this community. I pray that we will never grow weary in interceding for others and ourselves as well. I pray that you continue to transform, prune and strengthen us for your purpose and glory. I pray that you will continue to supply all of our needs through your glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Father Lord help us to seek your kingdom in everything we say, think and do IJMN Amen
Lord, thank You for being the giver of every good and perfect gift. Thank you for loving people and caring for their needs.
Heavenly Father, Your word states that You will restore health and heal the wounds of Your people in Jeremiah 30:17.
The enemy wants people to believe that good health is not their portion but Lord, we know that satan is a liar and has been lying since the beginning.
And so, God, it is to You we come seeking restoration of good health for Your people. Send forth Your healing word, Lord. Let there be light that it may disperse the darkness of disease from bodies and minds.
IJMN Amen.
From JIR - I pray for all ministers who are true to You to remain faithful to You and true to Word of God. I pray that they spread the gospel through the Word of God and they remain rooted in You and endure to the end. IJMN. Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I pray that we will continue to maintain a sound mind every day as we walk eith you everyday. I pray that our hearts will continue to be a fertile ground for the the Holy spirit to continually dwell. I decrer that we have the mind of Christ and we will continue to align with your word in Phillipians 4:8 IJMN Amen
From M22 - Father Lord I pray that you destroy every den of kidnapping, trafficking and harvesting across the world. I pray that you expose every single person behind these devious schemes and several them your justice. Father Lord I pray that you will avenge victims and their families and put an end to these schemes IJMN Amen
From M22 - Father Lord I pray for people that have been wrongfully convicted. I pray that you raise great legal teams that will help them secure their freedom. I pray that you restore all that they have lost in the process and help them reintegrate with ease back into society. Father Lord it's not your will for anyone to be kept captive so I pray that you set them free IJMN Amen
From M22 - Father Lord I pray for the sick and recovering I pray that you will use doctors, specialists, science, medicine and technology to perfect your healing in their lives. I pray that you will coordinate the eyes and hands of operating surgeons to carry out successful surgeries. I pray Father that you put an end to schemes that hinder citizens from having access to quality healthcare. I pray that you help them improve their health without unnecessary burdens to bear IjMN Amen
LAST 10 MINUTES
We learned about the Vashti Line and our need to not cross it. We learned that the key to this is to not take God's grace for granted.
Let us take this time to thank God for His mercy and the grace He has shown us. Then pray to the Lord for help and guidance to obey Him and stay on the right side of the line.
Dear God, thank You for Your perfect patience with me. Thank You for persevering for me and my soul. Lord, I have given my life to You and once again, I say I surrender all to You. Take all of me. I pray, IJMN, for grace to walk humbly before You and to obey You all the more. I do not want to abuse the grace You kindly show me and pray for strength to serve and honor You faithfully all my days, Amen.
My Lord, I pray for ministers all over the world. I pray that You would silence their enemies and I condemn every tongue that rises against them. Lord, please connect them with their purpose partners and cause them to fulfill their destiny. Your word says "God will rescue you from every deadly attack and bring you safely into His heavenly kingdom." Father, in keeping to Your word, please help them to walk with You and see Your perfect will come to pass. In Jesus name, amen
Good God, You are the Almighty. Nobody compares to You. Father, thank You for hearing my prayer for people that they come to a knowledge of You as You promised in Jeremiah 24:7. Thank You for giving people a desire for You. Thank You for whetting their appetites for more of You. Thank You for letting hearts clamor for You. Thank You for kindly pouring out Your Spirit on all mankind in accordance with Your word in Joel 2:28. Be glorified, Lord our Redeemer.
Now and forever more, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for people struggling with homelessness and poverty. I pray that you will send them divine help in form of people, communities and organizations that will elevate their standard of life and open them up to opportunities that will align with your will for them. I pray Father that you destroy every stronghold of lack and scarcity in their lives IJMN Amen
Fromo M22 - Abba Father I pray for people grieving in this season. I pray that you will comfort them beyond measure and give them the strength to process their grief. I pray Father that you accept the souls of their departed loved ones in your arms. IJMN
Lord I thank You for Your mercy. The Bible says that men will see our good works and praise our Father in heaven. Father I pray for the poor, homeless, abused, widows, and orphans. I cry out to You to please raise up helpers that will bring them the resources they need. Lord this will glorify You. I pray that You would quicken their divine helpers to quickly help them. In Jesus name, amen
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for couples waiting for the fruit of the womb that you will turn their waiting into fruitfulness. I pray that you will bless them with beautiful healthy babies that they will nourish and nurture in your ways. I pray that you will put an end to miscarriages, failed IVFs and difficult adoption processes IJMN Amen