Instead of Playing Superhero, Fast and Pray.

The way Easter handled the annihilation treat of her people with courage, and faith in God, and not as a superhero is noteworthy for the church today (see Esther 3 & 4). Easter, did not boastfully proclaim: as the favored queen, "I got this."  She did not come close to such overconfidence. Let us look at her words in Easter 4:15-17: 15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai:

16 "Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die."

17 So Mordecai went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him. Easter, the Queen needed God's favor so that when she approached the king, to interced for the Jews, the king would not have her killed for coming into his presence uninvited. Christians, we need God's favor in light of situations like then Sweet Cakes case in Oregan, where a Christian couple refused to bake a cake for a leasbian wedding due to their religious beliefs, and is now facing a possible fine of $135,000.00 (New York Post, 4/26/15). The religious freedom in this country is being challenged and seems to be moving to fierce courtroom battles to see just how free we really are in America. When a country full of God's people continues to legalize what God says is wrong, God becomes angry.   Therefore, Christians as we raise money to fight legal battles to enjoy the same religious rights afforded to Muslims, Budist, Mormons, Jews, and other religious groups in America, we still need to practice II Chron. 7:14. My fellow church leaders, we can  put in place an established time for local congrgations to fast and pray for God's favor and for the courage to do our part in reaching non-Christians with the message about Jesus, and wisdom to reclaim backsliders, and encourage the faithful to continue to grow spiritually. Christian's, although Jesus said not even the forces of hell can stop His church, does not mean that evil people will not try to stop the church (Matt. 16:18).  We see the spirit of anti-Christ working in America desperately trying to silence and stop the church. Saints, be encouraged, we the church have the victory, and we have the eternal love of God, through Jesus, the Christ (Rom 8). God Bless, Pastor Kennedy (MZO) mtzionontario.com