ESTHER’S WARRIORS MINISTRY

As we begin this week millions are taking steps to ensure their safety in anticipation of hurricane/tropical storm Sandy.  In addition, an earthquake in Canada has resulted in Tsunami warnings for Hawaii and storm patterns up the West coast of America. Let us stand in agreement for safety and mighty hedges of protection for the United States and any affected by these situations.  Pray that Sandy moves out to sea rather than inland.   Pray also for aide for all who have already been affected by the storm in Haiti, Cuba and throughout the Caribbean.

Benghazi-Gate

The Benghazi story continues to unfold as the cover-up most of us knew it was from the beginning.  Repeated requests for help from our embassy were apparently denied and four brave Americans are now dead.  Four families will never see their loved ones again.  Within a very short time after the attack our government spent $70,000 of our tax payer money to air a 30 second public service announcement in Pakistan.  President Obama and Hillary Clinton formally denounced the anti-Islamic film purported to have been the reason for the 9/11/12 attack.  We have yet to have our President formally address this Nation (rather than appearing on talk shows and Comedy Central) concerning the events at our embassy.  He is waiting to get all the facts.   On September 20 he acted as if he had all the facts when he denounced that video.  His comment on Comedy Central that the deaths of our people in Libya were “not optimal” was very telling.

As President he is the the very one charged with protecting our country and each of us called American.The President of the United States is the steward of this country. Therefore, he is ultimately responsible.  We as Americans have the right to know from him what has taken place and why.  It has been a month and a half since our Ambassador and three other brave Americans were killed.  We must continue to seek answers and justice to honor these men, their ultimate sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families and all who serve this Nation.   We must continue to pray that God’s hand will direct open and honest stewardship over our country.

The Physical Facets of Stewardship

We are in a time as never before in our Nation.  As Christians we know what good stewardship means. As good stewards we are called to use wisdom in our financial dealings. To spend wisely, to give to Kingdom pursuits, to share with those less fortunate should be part of the fabric of who we are and how we live.We speak most often about good stewardship pertaining to money but it goes beyond just our wallets.

Stewardship also includes overseeing and taking care of what and whom the Lord has entrusted to us.  This would include our family, our pets, our friends, our job, our home, our car to name a few.  God gives us people and things to enrich our life.  We are to be responsible to care for each and every one of them.

Something we do not always think of concerning stewardship is our health.  Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.  Think about that for a minute.  How are you maintaining your temple?  Are you a good steward?  Are you comfortable opening your temple to the Holy Spirit or does it need some repair? It is easy to think and live as if we can do whatever we want.  We are fearfully and wonderfully made to be sure.  The care and maintenance of this magnificent creation rests with us.  We are responsible to eat what is health-giving for us, stay hydrated, exercise and
get sufficient rest.  That is wise temple stewardship.

Let Us Go Deeper As Stewards

Stewardship also includes monitoring what we allow into our mind and into our heart (it is always a heart issue).  Such oversight includes our speech and actions toward others.  We are called to bring every thought captive that does not line up with God’s way.   If we are faithful to practice this daily it becomes easier to stop negative thinking before it becomes a runaway train.  As we curtail negative thinking our heart begins to shift to line up and beat in sync with the heart of Jesus. As our heart shifts our words and actions are representative of His Kingdom on earth.  We do live in the world and around worldly operating people whether in or outside of church.  Stewardship requires diligent awareness and swift action to ensure staying whole.   If we operate with transparency and integrity our stewardship is solid.

We are also called to be good stewards of the spiritual gifts God has given us.  “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10)   In the times we are in we must be diligent to minister the manifold grace of God to others. God has gifted and blessed us to be a blessing to others.  How are you stewarding the blessings and gifts God has graciously given you?  Now more than ever we must heed the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”  In letting your light shine and ministering your gifts you help others grow and shine in their gifting.  All is for the glory of God to bring His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

The Stewardship of Our Nation

Stewardship requires character and integrity. Honesty and a heartfelt concern for all under one’s area of responsibility are paramount.  The Benghazi murders of our people further raise high the question of the integrity of stewardship over our Nation today. “For there is nothing is covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.” (Jesus, Matthew 10:26)    As Christians we are firm in our conviction that God is in control.  His stewardship is sure and it is faithful to our good.

‘Pray the States’

Join us this week as we ‘pray the states’ toward the 2012 Presidential election.  We are praying for each state in the order of admission to the Union.  Please cover Washington admitted to the Union November 11, 1889, in prayer.  Pray for wisdom and discernment for the political leaders, pastors and church leaders, the people residing in Washington and for all in our Nation.  Each state is important in forming our United States of America.  We commit to pray for a different state each week so we not only provide prayer cover but also to make us aware that our country is bigger than the space we personally occupy in it. These are our United States.  Let us pray that we will arise united ‘for such a time as this!’
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“The history of liberty is the history of resistance. The history of liberty is a history of the limitation of governmental power, not the increase of it.  When we resist the concentration of power, we are resisting the powers of death.  Concentration of power precedes the destruction of human liberties.”  President Woodrow Wilson   Quote taken from In God We Still Trust by Dr. Richard G. Lee

A Prayer Request and Personal Blessing

Thank you for your continued faithfulness to pray. Please keep all who serve our country on foreign soil, our servicemen and women and their families in prayer for salvation and safety.  They are our frontline on the battlefield, let us be their frontline in the spirit. Also, let us cover all who have come home wounded that they and their families will receive the kindness, help and support they need to go forward in their lives.  God bless all our diplomatic and military personnel and their families. May God richly bless the United States of America and keep her safe.

May God richly bless you. May you, with His help, rise to a level of stewardship that clearly reflects Him in your life.   May we share the Father’s heart for the good of His people who are called by His name.   May we may arise united in this auspicious season in our country’s history.