Bible Study - Matthew 4

Read Matthew 4

I think that sometimes we underestimate the sacrifice that goes in to being a follower of Christ. We see here that the disciples left their jobs, families, and lives, but do we really understand what that means? Today, we don't understand what it means to be separated from someone for pretty much any length of time. With all our technology, a week feels like an eternity to not talk with someone. In the Bible days, they didn't have any of this. The only form of communication was through letters, and sometimes, not even that. It was a big deal to leave home, and follow Jesus. And these men did it with everything to lose. But because our God is good, they didn't lose anything. Instead, they gained everything.

You see following God means completely letting go of your current life, and turning to His ways. Never once looking back to how life once was. Never once being tempted by the Devil. And always conquering through Christ.

"Random" - What Are Your Motives for Posting Social Media?

Found an interesting article that really made me think about my social media motives.

Before you post something on Twitter, Facebook, Flicker, Instagram, Youtube, or any of the other thousands of sites out there, think about what you are expecting to gain. Are you trying to share a simple message, make someone's day? Or are you looking for acceptance? I have some friends who post/share things on Facebook about 20 times everyday, and I know that all they are looking for is something to fill a void, they want to feel accepted in the online world, because they don't feel accepted in the real world. I personally don't post much, and I'm ok with that. I'm ok with not having a bunch of notifications every time I get on Facebook, but do I like it when they are there, I do enjoy them. But if all you seek to accomplish is approval, look to the people around you, who will spend time with you, and listen to what you have to say?

Bible Study - Acts 4

Because of the miracle God worked through Peter and John, the men of the law sought to banish the use of Jesus name. However, the works of God are too great to be stopped, and many had already come to know Him. When the believers prayed, and were reliant upon God, he shone even brighter through their lives, and they became one.

We need to start living as one with the other believers around us. If we are the Bride of Christ, why are we not one?

         

Be Patient - Advice for Everyone (but mostly kids)

"Patients, it's a virtue." This phrase has been said to and by me multiple times. Each time, it has been a reminder of just how important it is that we wait for what we want or need. God has perfect timing, if we are patient, we will have all our heart desires, and more. My Child, when all odds are a against you, and simply want to give up, be patient through the storm.

Bible Study - Esther 4

Mordecai Persuades Esther to Help

4 When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. 2 But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because no one clothed in sackcloth was allowed to enter it. 3 In every province to which the edict and order of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

4 When Esther’s eunuchs and female attendants came and told her about Mordecai, she was in great distress. She sent clothes for him to put on instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. 5 Then Esther summoned Hathak, one of the king’s eunuchs assigned to attend her, and ordered him to find out what was troubling Mordecai and why.

6 So Hathak went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king’s gate. 7 Mordecai told him everything that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews. 8 He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to instruct her to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people.

9 Hathak went back and reported to Esther what Mordecai had said. 10 Then she instructed him to say to Mordecai, 11 “All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.”

12 When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, 13 he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

17 So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions.

We know that God places us where we are, and in certain situations for a reason. In this chapter, Mordecai believes that Esther was placed in her position for a reason, and his reasoning in this lends Esther the strength to do what she has to do.

Discuss:

All → Would you be willing to sacrifice your life for your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, or would you rather stay in your comfort zone for the sake of saving your own life?