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
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for foster kids that you will guide them to wonderful and God-fearing families that will nurture them in your ways. I pray that you shower then with so much love and remove every stigma of being unwanted from their hearts. I pray that you help them know how much you love them and how much you will continue to tbe there for them. IJMN Amen
From JIR - Lord, You nudged me to reach out to someone in my church that was going through struggles that I was familiar with. I pray that the message that was given to her resonates and she receives it in her heart. I pray that You move her spirit to realize that she can count on You to get through what she is experiencing. Please Lord, reveal Yourself to her in a major way. I pray that she completely gives her life to You and lives her life for You. IJMN. Amen.
Dear Father, thank You for being the only one who can help people.
I pray for Your people who are engaged in entrepreneurship. Lord, please help them in their endeavors.
Your word states in Psalm 118:25 - LORD, save us! LORD, grant us success!
Bless the work of their hands. Strengthen them and grant them witty ideas to work well. May their businesses honor You and minister to others about You. IJMN Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for children across the world that you will continue to shield them from abuse, harm and violence. I pray that you will help them fulfil your plans and purpose for their lives. I pray that you will continue to guide and direct their parents, teacher, guardians and caregivers to nourish and nurture them in your ways. IjMN Amen
PRAYER TIME
I have a solitary question for you -
Who are you praying for today?
Once you have the answer, pray fervently.
Great and mighty God. I love You. Thank You for loving more than I could ever love You. Thank you for protection, grace, provision, restoration, Your light, Your kindness and so much more.
As we get closer to the end of the year, I just want to say I am grateful to You for everything I've been through and all that is to come. Lord, You are good and Your mercies are forever. Hallelujah!
From M22 - Thank you Father for this holiday season. Thank you for taking care of us, our loved ones and everything that concerns us. We are grateful for your grace, mercy, love, goodness and protection. We give you all the glory and honour IJMN Amen
God I want to thank You for our Savior Jesus Christ and the privilege of celebrating His birth this week. Thank You for sharing Him with us and letting Him come into this world. Thank You for allowing Him to live and die for us. Thank you that He stands beside You right now as our High Priest, petitioning and interceding on our behalf.
Thank You, Lord!
Psalm 126:3 - The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
Thank You, Heavenly Father.
What our mothers and fathers could not do, You have done, and it is marvelous in our sight.
Hallelujah!
From JIR - Thank You Lord for being the Rock in my life. You shield me when I need to be shielded, You wrap me in Your love when I need to be loved, You provide me help when I need help. Thank You Lord for answering my most recent prayer and teaching me how to draw closer to You. Your love is endless, Your patience is boundless. I need You Lord and depend on You when times are good and when times get tough. Thank You Lord for Your consistency and never changing. You are amazing. IJMN. Amen.
From JIR - “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.”
Psalms 28:7 NLT
From JIR - Lord, a lot of times it is daunting to know that You, the One Who is in control and created this entire universe has time for little me. Thank You Lord for Your humility and giving me the time of day. You always hear me and make time to show me Your love. I want to thank You and am truly grateful that I can rely on You and turn to You for all things. Thank You for never letting me down and being there for me to trust in. Lord I just want to do what is right and please You. Thank You for continuing to show me how to do that. I can’t do life without You. Thank You for always being with me. IJMN. Amen.
“Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.”
Psalms 25:4-5 NLT
Father, there is only one more P&P gathering for this year. Thank You for carrying us through 2024. To You be all the glory, El Shaddai.
Great King, as we close out the year, I thank You in advance for ushering us into 2025. Thank You in advance for the blessings and favors we will experience.
It shall be more than what we experienced this year and our latter days shall surely be better than the former per Your steadfast word.
PRAISE TIME
Glory to God!
Let us praise the God who keeps us from the Vashti Line!!!
He is steadfast and true. If we set our emotions aside, we'll realize the Lord has done so much for us and He is worthy of our gratitude.
Psalm 136:1 - Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.
Please join me in honoring the Ancient of Days.
From JIR -
From JIR - Thank You Lord for breathing life into us this morning. You are the reason we were able to open our eyes and take our first breath for the day. Thank You Lord for stirring our hearts to come back for today’s word. It is You alone who guided us in here and we thank You for the grace and mercy You show us everyday, which we pray to never take for granted. IJMN.
Thanks sis @FFJ for today’s message. Thank you for illustrating the pride of Queen Vashti and bridging it to the pride of man in relation to God. The Vashti line is scary to even think about. I pray that we self check ourselves and are conscious enough to realize that this world does not revolve around us but it revolves around God. We are nothing without Him and need Him like the oxygen He supplies for us to breathe. We need to humble ourselves and fear and revere Him with all of our hearts. We need to be mindful of our actions and realize that although God is full of mercy and grace He is not going to allow us to walk over Him.
He is our Creator, He holds all the power and our fate is in His hands. Knowing all of this I pray that we tread lightly and we honor our Father in heaven and His ways by being as obedient as we can. This life is fleeting but the life after this is everlasting; whether it be heaven or hell. We need to always keep that in our mind and remember who is in control. You can’t abuse privileges here on earth so why would our Father allow us to abuse His privileges in heaven? I pray that we never take advantage of God’s grace and mercy. Humility and obedience is what we need to strive for. IJMN. Amen.
From EC - Amen and good morning ladies!
From M22 - Thank you Heavenly Father for another wonderful fellowship day. I am grateful for this wonderful community of Christ. I bless your name for transforming, strengthening, renewing and pruning us for your purpose and glory. I exalt your name Abba Father. We thank you for giving us rest and abundance in this holiday season. We are grateful to celebrate another year of Jesus's birth. You are worthy of our worship and praise. IJMN Amen.
Thank you for today's word sis @FFJ. You have really expanded my perspective on Queen Vashti. Today's word all goes back to humility. When I look at Queen Vashti's story, I am reminded that Esther accomplished what Vashti couldn't and that was - Humility and this helped save the life of her people. There are times in our lives when pride starts to set in and it's very important for us to be self aware so we can remind ourselves who we belong to and what he doesn't want in our spirit. I pray that God will destroy every stronghold of Pride in our lives and increase us in humility IJMN Amen.