A Quiet Yes, A Mighty God: How Esther’s Obedience Revealed God’s Providence.
-Angie Vallejo
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For Such a Time as This: Walking in God’s Favor Like Esther
-Dawn R. Ward
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Identity and Purpose Through Kindness Advocacy – A Case Study of Queen Esther
-Hannah Olapade
Faith and Culture: Navigating Faith in a Rapidly Changing Cultural Landscape
-Team EGM Times
23 27
The Invitation to Linger
-Daya Raja
MEET OUR WRITERS
Angie is the creator of Crafted in His Grace, a blog designed to encourage midlife women as they rediscover creativity, deepen their faith, and embrace purpose in every season. As a law enforcement wife, she understands the value of resilience and grace in everyday life. Through thoughtful reflections and creative inspiration, she invites women to explore what it means to be God's workmanship—created to create. Learn more at angievallejo.com.
Dawn Ward is an author, speaker, Bible teacher, and certified biblical life coach. She founded The Faith to Flourish, a ministry offering support and encouragement to women with addicted loved ones. The ministry also equips all women of faith to live transformed lives through inspiring teachings, mentoring, and biblical resources. She is married to Steve, and she is the mom of three adult children. Her book, From Guilt to Grace: Hope and Healing for Christian Moms of Addicted Children, published in September 2024, is now available.
Website: www.thefaithtoflourish. com
Hannah Olapade also known as Favoured Wunmi a wife, mum, gospel music minister and a kindness advocate. She advocate for kindness, believing in the power of small acts to transform lives. Through her community outreach and gentle encouragement, she promotes compassion as a way of life. In every capacity—be it on stage as a music minister, at home with her children, or out in her community championing kindness—Hannah Olapade shines as a beacon of faith, love, and grace.
Angie Vallejo
Dawn R. Ward
Hannah Olapade
EDITORIAL
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I hope you all are doing well by God’s grace. We are already halfway through 2025, and I hope everything we have prayed for since the beginning of the year has come true.
In this edition, we will feature one of the notable characters in the Bible who shines like a beacon of courage, faith, and purpose—Queen Esther. Also, an editorial on how we navigate our faith in a rapidly changing cultural landscape, as seen in Romans 12:2; Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, often provides every Christian with a sense of purpose, community, and ethical guidance in a rapidly changing world, influenced by different social behaviors, norms, and the advancement of technology.
Today, we live in a rapidly changing cultural landscape – where values shift, truth is often relative, and faith is frequently challenged or misunderstood. How do we stand firm? How do we remain faithful without losing our voice in the noise of modern culture?
One biblical example? – Queen Esther. Esther lived in a time when her identity as a Jew was hidden, her people were threatened, and the cost of speaking out could mean death. Yet, she embraced her faith and influence at the right time, standing courageously before the king to plead for her people.
She navigated the culture of her day with wisdom, humility, and bold conviction. She didn't isolate herself from the world but engaged it, guided by prayer and purpose.
To all of you who are reading this, in today’s rapidly changing culture, we need to be resilient and wise like Esther. We are called not just to survive but to shine, speak, and stand—not with fear but with faith.
May every page ahead challenge and encourage you to live out your calling, for such a time as this.
In His Service, Gideon Pingkihan Associate Editor EGM Times
A QUIET YES, A MIGHTY GOD:
HOW ESTHER’S OBEDIENCE REVEALED GOD’S PROVIDENCE.
-Angie Vallejo
She was lovely in her majestic robes, yet weary from three days of fasting. Every step toward the king’s court was heavy with fear and resolve. Now she waited in the inner court, heart pounding, just within sight of the throne. The king sat in royal authority, occupied with matters of state. She breathed a silent prayer. Would he notice her? Would he extend his scepter with favor—or seal her fate? As she paused, she felt the weight of her calling, knowing at that moment the risk she was taking was not chance, but destiny.
The account of Esther is one of the most compelling in the Bible, full of beauty, bravery, and bold faith. Set in the magnificent but dangerous courts of the Persian Empire, her journey unfolds with high stakes and divine timing. Though God’s name is never mentioned in the book, His presence and purpose are woven in every chapter. Through Esther’s life, we see that even when God appears silent, He is never absent.
This story takes place when the Jewish people were scattered across foreign lands following the Babylonian exile, which began in 597 BCE. In 539 BCE, the Babylonian Empire fell to the Persians, marking the rise of one of the largest empires in history. The empire was vast, from India to Ethiopia, and its culture starkly different from the Hebrew way of life. Susa, a capital city in the Persian Empire, was known for its impressive architecture and served as the king’s royal residence.
Esther, a young Jewish woman, was raised in Susa by her cousin Mordecai, who loved her like a daughter after the death of her parents. Though she had never lived in the land of Judah, Mordecai made sure she was rooted in the faith of her ancestors. He taught her to love God, to honor His ways, and to remember who she was—even while living in a foreign land. Little did she know she would be propelled into a life-changing and unexpected calling, one that would impact an entire nation.
“ESTHER'S COURAGE CERTAINLY WASN’T THE ABSENCE OF FEAR—IT WAS FAITH IN SPITE OF IT.”
After the Persian King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I) dismissed his former queen for defying his orders, Esther was selected from hundreds of women in a nationwide search to become the next queen. But this was no fairy tale—it was a position filled with uncertainty. The king held absolute power, and even the queen could not approach him unless summoned. To do so uninvited could result in death. When a wicked plan to destroy the Jewish people was devised by the king’s top advisor, Haman, Esther found herself in a precarious position. Neither the king nor Haman knew she was Jewish. Meanwhile, Mordecai urged her to go before the king and plead for their people. But Esther hesitated. “All the king's servants…know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called…he is put to death,” she explained (Esther 4:11, ESV). Her fear was both real and understandable.
Then came Mordecai’s famous reply: “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). Esther didn’t respond with confidence but with obedience. She instructed Mordecai to send word to the Jewish people to fast for three days and “Then I will go to the king…If I perish, I perish.” (v. 16) Esther's courage certainly wasn’t the absence of fear—it was faith in spite of it.
What strikes me most about Esther’s story is the contrast between how she had to approach the king in her day and how we are invited to approach our King today. Esther risked her life entering the presence of the formidable Ahasuerus. Today, because of Jesus, we are welcomed into the presence of a loving God with open arms. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” We don’t need to wait for permission or fear rejection. We don’t come based on status, merit, or worthiness. We go because we are children of God. Esther's access was limited and dangerous—ours is constant and secure. What an incredible gift we have through Christ!
Perhaps the most mysterious and comforting part of Esther’s story is this: while God is never mentioned, His fingerprints are everywhere. The incredible timing of every event—from Esther’s appointment as queen to the unraveling of Haman’s evil plan—points to a divine arrangement far beyond coincidence. When you question your purpose, or when God seems far from your circumstances, you can be confident that He is still at work. He is always working.
Esther's story reminds us that God has a purpose for us right where we are—in every season, in every moment. We have a mighty God who works quietly in the background and invites us to play a part in His unfolding story of redemption. You too, were created for such a time as this.
THE LIFE OF ESTHER
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. Esther 4:6-8
17 Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.Esther 2:17
5 When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged. 6 Yet having learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes. Esther 3:5-6
On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. 2 When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. Esther 5:1-2
And he wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed it with the king's signet ring. Then he sent the letters by mounted couriers riding on swift horses that were used in the king's service, bred from the royal stud, 11 saying that the king allowed the Jews who were in every city to gather and defend their lives, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate any armed force of any people or province that might attack them, children and women included, and to plunder their goods, 12 on one day throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. 13 A copy of what was written was to be issued as a decree in every province, being publicly displayed to all peoples, and the Jews were to be ready on that day to take vengeance on their enemies. Esther 8:10-13
29 So Queen Esther, daughter of Abihail, along with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter concerning Purim. 30 And Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of Xerxes’ kingdom—words of goodwill and assurance— 31 to establish these days of Purim at their designated times, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had decreed for them, and as they had established for themselves and their descendants in regard to their times of fasting and lamentation. 32 Esther’s decree confirmed these regulations about Purim, and it was written down in the records. Esther 9:29-32
For Such a Time as This: Walking in God’s Favor Like Esther
-Dawn R. Ward
The book of Esther is a powerful story of courage, calling, and God’s unseen hand at work. Set during the reign of King Xerxes of Persia, it follows a young Jewish woman named Esther who, under the care and guidance of her cousin Mordecai, rises from obscurity to become queen. When a wicked official named Haman plots to destroy the Jewish people, Esther finds herself in a position to intervene on their behalf. Though God’s name is never mentioned in the book, His presence behind the scenes is unmistakable as He gives Esther favor, guiding, protecting, and preparing her for such a time as this.
As we examine Esther's life, we discover she was outwardly gorgeous, winning the favor of “everyone who saw her” (Esther 2:15). While Esther was exquisitely beautiful, she inwardly exuded the beauty of a gentle spirit, displaying humility and respect toward those in authority over her.
As the story unfolds, King Xerxes searches for a new queen after queen Vashti publicly defies and humiliates him. He orders a royal beauty contest to be held, and his attendants gather hundreds of young virgins from across the empire, including Esther, to be brought to the palace. After months of preparation, each woman is presented before the king. Out of all the young women, King Xerxes chooses Esther to be his new queen.
“The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti." Esther 2:17 (ESV)
It might be tempting to read Esther’s story as a fairy tale. To avoid doing so, remember that her life was not without its pain and challenges. She was orphaned as a child and raised by her cousin, Mordecai. Then, Esther was extracted from her family and relocated to the palace for the king to do with as he pleased. We know nothing of her dreams for her future, but most likely, they included marriage and a family among her people. Instead, Esther’s life took a divine detour. If not for God’s favor towards her, the Jews would surely perish.
God’s Divine Favor Revealed
The Hebrew word for “favor” is chen, which is translated as “grace” or “graciousness” and means “to be gracious” or “to show favor.”[ https://biblehub.com/hebrew/2580.htm]
The Bible frequently uses the word chen to describe God’s unmerited favor or kindness towards humanity. So, how was the Lord’s favor displayed in Esther’s life?
●Beauty: It is no coincidence that this stunningly beautiful Jewish girl happened to be living in Persia when the king decided to go wife shopping. While the king and his servants did not know Esther was of Jewish descent, the Lord placed her within the kingdom at just the right time. Her rare beauty, both inside and out, opened doors for the deliverance of God’s people.
●Courage: Upon learning about her people's plight, Esther had a decision to make. Knowing the risk to her life, should she approach the king unsummoned, would she shrink back in fear? Or would she trust in God’s plan and step out in faith, believing He had positioned her in a place of influence for His divine purpose?
Queen Esther courageously responded, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:16 (ESV)
Faced with imminent danger, Esther did not panic. Instead, she called a fast as she considered the best way to approach the king.
●Boldness: When the king asked the queen for her request, she answered him boldly. While Esther could not predict the outcome or her plight, she confidently spoke against Haman and his evil plan.
“Then Queen Esther answered, ‘If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request. For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated.”
Esther 7:3-4 (ESV)
God’s Favor in Our Lives
We can observe much about God’s favor in Esther's life. In our own lives, He has woven a tapestry of beauty, courage, and boldness.
Because of God’s favor, we can possess the inner beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4), which will gain us favor with others.
Because of His favor, we can courageously stand in the face of danger as written in Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Finally, because of the Lord’s favor toward us, we can boldly proclaim the gospel to the lost (Acts 4:29). I close with this blessing.
“May the LORD show you his favor and give you peace.” Numbers 6:26 NLT
https://biblehub.com/hebrew/2580.htm
DID YOU KNOW?
The longest verse in the Bible is Esther 8:9. It has 90 words in most English translations.
Have
I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Identity and Purpose Through Kindness Advocacy: A Case Study of Queen Esther
-Hannah Olapade
that which could be referred to as the still small voice “Kindness Advocate”, my heart was stirred, and as led by the Holy Spirit I understood it was the beginning of an assignment – a call to kindness advocacy.
A kindness advocate is an individual who actively promotes and encourages acts of kindness. As Christians we should extend kindness to those around us in our thoughts, speech and actions. Acts of kindness inspired by God is rooted in love and always produces joy, healing, hope, peace and much more.
Examples of random acts of kindness would range from giving a simple compliment, offering to help someone with a task, giving a listening ear during conversations, smiling at a stranger, praying for people, calling a friend, speaking with grace, forgiving someone who hurt you, donating to a charity, buying coffee for someone, offering to babysit a friend’s child, evangelising the good news of Christ etc.. The list is indeed endless.
In Galatians 2:20, we can see that as believers, Christ lives in us, he is a compassionate God and by extension we are representatives/ambassadors of Christ on earth. In a world full of hate, injustice, violence and wickedness we have been called to stand out as the light of the world and the salt of the earth.
As I actively pursue this call, I can boldly say that there is a purpose in kindness advocacy and in exploring biblical insight I will be using Queen Esther as a case study. Her story is a notable example of how kindness advocacy can transform the lives of people.
Who Are You? The Question of Identity
Fully understanding our identity helps us to work and walk in purpose. The bible in Rev 1:6 establishes the fact that we have been made kings and priests unto God.
Our kingship nature is more about our earthly influence and how we touch lives. God can place a man or a woman in a particular sphere of life where they have the power to control or alter a decision that can affect lives. Queen Esther was divinely positioned to deliver the Jews and in chapter 4, we saw that she was persuaded by her uncle to help her people. I put it to us that if Esther did not have a compassionate heart she would not have carried out that assignment. Please do not get carried away in that position God has placed you – father, mother, pastor, governor, president, entrepreneur, bishop, lawyer, doctor etc. Our identity as a kindness advocate doesn’t come from our title or ability rather it is rooted in God’s love. How do we respond to pain, injustice, wickedness, brokenness? Like Esther we should always be ready to be a voice to the voiceless and act out Romans 12:9-21.
We also have a priestly nature that helps us to exercise our spiritual authority and become heavenly sensitive. In Esther 4:16 we saw how Esther fasted with her people committing the matter into God’s hands before approaching the king in chapter 5. As exemplified by Queen Esther, kindness Advocacy cannot be done outside God’s help, we need to seek God daily in worship, meditations, intercessions, study of the word and fasting. The bible tells us that somethings would not happen but by fasting and prayer which is a very powerful strategy.
What Would You have Me Do? The Question of Purpose
Esther’s purpose was revealed in pain when Haman plotted against the Jews, she was strategically placed in the palace for that time (Esther 4:14).
I put the same statement to you -Who knows why you have been placed here on earth for such a time as this? Why were you not born in 1925 or 1804? Why now? I want you to pause for a while and think deeply, you are not here by chance. You have an assignment. You may not wear a crown like Queen Esther, but you carry kingdom influence, use your position to uplift and encourage others.
kindness advocacy sometimes might be inconvenient and not as easy as it sounds but the state of the current decay in our present world calls for urgency to reach out to souls longing for love, lost souls, the vulnerable, the poor, those that are hurting etc. Our purpose is bigger than momentary comfort, we are called to be a vessel of hope, a voice to the helpless and a light to a dark world.
Queen Esther’s approach in fulfilling her purpose was through strategy and wisdom. She listened to godly advice and was guided by her uncle and was discerning enough to know when to present her cause, she was humble and bold. This made her and her people victorious Esther 8:15-17
In kindness advocacy it is important we develop working strategies back up by godly wisdom and ideas to execute our mission. Kindness is not passive; it is an action word.
Lessons Learned:
1.She was courageous, this was fueled by her love for the people. Kindness is Compassion
2.Esther prioritised the well being of the people. Kindness is Service
3.Esther sought the face of God. Kindness is Rooted in Faith
4.Esther’s kind act led to a transformation for the Jews. Kindness is Impact
THE FATHER OF THE
REFORMATION
Martin Luther was Born in Eisleben, Germany, Luther studied Law but later became a monk after a life-changing storm experience. He then pursued Theology.
As a monk, he struggled with the idea of salvation and later concluded, based on the Bible, that faith alone(not works or indulgences) justifies a person before God.
“I have so much to do that I shall spend the rst three hours in prayer.”
-Martin Luther
The Pope excommunicated him and summoned him to the Diet of Worms, where he refused to recant his beliefs, famously stating, “Here I stand; I can do no other.”
While hiding at Wartburg Castle, he translated the New Testament into German, making the Bible accessible to common people. His teachings led to the formation of protestant churches.
Luther continued preaching and writing until he died in 1546. His teachings laid the foundation for Protestant Christianity and reshaped European History.
WHAT IS HOLDING YOU BACK FROM SAYING YES TO THE CALL OF GOD IN YOUR LIFE? SAY YES TO THE CALL OF GOD BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, AND YOU WON'T REGRET IT.
Faith and Culture:
Young people today face a tidal wave of information and ideologies through platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. These digital spaces, while powerful tools for connection and creativity, also shape worldviews—often at odds with biblical truth. For example, the normalization of relativism—the idea that truth is subjective and personal is rapidly growing. In contrast, the Bible reminds us that truth is not fluid: "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17)
Navigating Faith in a Rapidly Changing Cultural Landscape
We are living in a world that is changing faster than ever. The rise of digital technology, social media, artificial intelligence, and shifting cultural norms has altered the way people live, think, and interact. As society continues to evolve, the relationship between faith and culture becomes more complex and more critical.
Culture is essential to our lives, as it provides a sense of belonging. However, it's crucial to remember that culture can change over time while God's Word remains steadfast. Past culture, rooted in community, tradition, and spiritual beliefs, was passed down through generations. It emphasized honor, discipline, community, respect for elders, and spiritual responsibility and strongly emphasized religious and moral codes. People prioritized deep friendships, family bonds, community, and identity from family, faith, tribe, and responsibilities.
Popular culture today is shaped by the media, celebrities, and social platforms on the Internet and driven by trends rather than long-term values. Individualism and instant gratification are the norm, and the truth is seen as personal, with 'right' and 'wrong' determined by how one feels. Moreover, people build their identity on appearance, popularity, opinions, and online presence.
Which One is Better?
Many of us may find ourselves drawn to past or popular culture, even as believers. It's important to remember that each culture has its strengths and weaknesses, and both are flawed as humans developed them. Whether we lean more toward the traditional or progressive side, when faced with anything that contradicts the Word of God, we must always choose His Word. This choice empowers us and provides a clear guide in navigating the complexities of culture.
Recent global data reflect this cultural shift. According to a 2023 Barna Group study, only 3% of U.S. teens hold a biblical worldview, even among those who identify as Christians. Meanwhile, ideologies such as secular humanism, progressive spirituality, and New Age mysticism are gaining traction among young people worldwide. Church leaders face a growing disconnect between Gen Z and traditional church teachings, driven in part by online content and postmodern attitudes.
As believers, our ultimate guide is the Word of God. Our God is deeply personal. While culture often attempts to provide a one-size-fits-all guide to life, the Holy Spirit can intimately fellowship with and lead each of us individually, as if we were the only ones. This is crucial because each of us is unique and has different needs. The Holy Spirit and the Word of God can lead us in a way that neither past nor popular culture can, understanding our individuality and caring for our unique needs.
And despite the challenges, we are not called to retreat from culture but to engage with it through the lens of the Gospel. Romans 12:2 urges us: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This verse doesn't suggest withdrawal; it calls for discernment and transformation.
Individualism and instant gratification are the norm, and the truth is seen as personal, with 'right' and 'wrong' determined by how one feels. Moreover, people build their identity on appearance, popularity, opinions, and online presence.
How Did Jesus Handle Culture?
In Mark 7, Jesus confronted the Pharisees and the Scribes over their obsession with human tradition. They criticized the disciples for eating without performing the traditional hand-washing ritual. Jesus, however, emphasized that it's not what goes into a person that defines them, but what comes out of their heart. One lesson from this incident is that while many cultures emphasize outward appearance and achievements, God is concerned about our hearts. Jesus also broke tradition when he worked a miracle on the Sabbath day, reminding us that He is Lord over human constructs.
The best defense against deception is not argument but truth. We must anchor ourselves in God's Word. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Daily meditation on Scripture helps us see clearly in the fog of cultural confusion.
What Did Jesus Teach about Culture?
Neither do men put new wine into old wineskins: else the bottles burst, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved. -Mathew 9:17
In this parable, Jesus says that new wine is always poured into a new wine skin to preserve both. In this verse, wine is a picture of the Holy Spirit, and the wineskin the human heart. God desires that we empty ourselves of human customs by studying the Word, becoming vessels that are ready for the Holy Spirit. While God is not limited, our mindset can restrict how we experience Him. When we read the Word of God, our belief system is renewed, and the power of the Holy Spirit is unlocked in our lives.
Jesus prayed not that we be taken out of the world, but that we be protected in it (John 17:15). Whether in classrooms, boardrooms, or comment sections, Christians are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16). That means speaking truth with love, embodying grace in action, and standing firm in a world that rewards compromise.
Instead of merely condemning the culture, why not contribute to it? Imagine more faith-based content creators, Christian app developers, spirit-led artists, and God-honoring businesses. In Daniel's time, he influenced culture from within Babylon without losing his identity (Daniel 6). We, too, are called to lead from within. In addition, the local church must be more than a Sunday experience; it must be a community of truth, love, and accountability. In Acts 2:42–47, the early church thrived not because it conformed to Roman culture but because it offered a radically different, Spirit-filled alternative.
Yes, culture is shifting. But the call remains the same: to be in the world but not of it. Let us move forward with eyes open, hearts rooted in Christ, and a vision that brings heaven's culture to earth.
"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea."– Habakkuk 2:14
Life in Between
The Invitation to Linger
We live in a time where we find ourselves increasingly busy, despite numerous inventions that automate our daily chores. Check-ins, stand-ups, and quick updates have become the rhythm of our lives. In this cultural tide and societal way of functioning, the way of Jesus stands in stark contrast.
When we examine the words of Jesus, there is rarely anything quick about them. There are no rapid updates or swift deliveries. He does not say, “I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will deliver your dinner.” Instead, He says, “If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20) He desires to enter our lives, sit down with us, and share a meal—each a time-consuming endeavor.
Jesus does not merely check in on our lives for a brief moment and then leave us to wander. He is not interested in fleeting life transitions. He is interested in transforming us and helping us produce good fruit. His invitation to those who wish to bear good fruit is to abide in Him and His words. "Abide" translates to reside, make a home, dwell—again, all actions that require time.
God’s heart longs for us to linger with Him. We naturally linger around our favorite people, favorite foods, and even favorite places that hold cherished memories. In those moments, we lose track of time and are free from impatience. Our eyes, ears, and hearts are open to absorb as much as possible. His desire is that we find Him most precious, our ultimate favorite, just as He finds us.
Truly, He is the only one who can satisfy us, and the cry of our souls is for Him alone. Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
When we abide in Him, the promise is that we will bear much fruit. (“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” (John 15:7, 8)) If you have been walking with Jesus for any amount of time, you know that time spent with Him is directly proportional to your ability to bear the fruit of the Spirit.
Somehow, we are more loving, kind, joyful, peaceful, patient, and faithful when we speak to Him and linger in His presence.
Daya thinks it’s absolutely cool to be known by Jesus. She deeply appreciates nature, art and silence. Her dream is to fall in love with Jesus and humanity every day. Daya can be reached at dayaraja95@gmail.com
Daya Raja, Bangalore
PRAY FOR THE WORLD
He is waiting for you!
Thank you for reading this edition. We believe the story of Queen Esther has inspired you.
If you are reading this and have yet to accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, we invite you to surrender your life to him and, in doing so, receive his incredible love. We also encourage you to rededicate your life to God if you feel unsure about your standing with Him. God loves you immeasurably and wants you to join His family.
Say this prayer to accept salvation: “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner, and my sins have separated me from you. Today, I believe that you are the Son of God and that you had me in mind when you were crucified, died, and buried. I believe that you are now resurrected and seated at the Father's right hand. I accept you today as my Lord and Saviour. Thank you for paying the price for my eternal redemption. I am now the righteousness of God in Christ. I ask you to fill me with your Spirit. Amen.
Congratulations on receiving salvation! You are now a brand new creation in Christ. We encourage you to connect with a local church and pray that you grow in faith through studying the word of God.
