By: Inessa Deshkina

              Servants of the kings always had certain guidelines, mentalities, and expectations. We can trace this back to the Old Testament when king Nebuchadnezzar has specific guidelines for eunuchs who would serve him.

Although God gave His son Jesus for all, as the almighty King, doesn’t He deserve more than all other kings? If He is the highest King, shouldn’t He have servants of highest quality and higher guidelines than King Nebuchadnezzar had?

 Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king’s palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. (Daniel 1:3-4)

By: Liya Abramova

Therefore, thus says the Lord God to them, “Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. Because you push with side and with shoulder, and thrust at all the weak with your horns until you have scattered them abroad, therefore, I will deliver My flock, and they will no longer be a prey; and I will judge between one sheep and another. (Ezekiel 34:20-22)

Our God is a God of justice. He hates oppression. It is easy to see the fault in the actions of others—especially those in power. One country is said to be oppressing another, the rich oppressing the poor, the powerful taking advantage of the weak.

As we point our finger at someone who is clearly misusing their capabilities in a way that leaves others miserable, let’s take a critical look at ourselves. If we don’t value others and treat them with dignity while we have little power and influence, what makes us think we wouldn’t act just as selfishly if we simply had access to more?

Notice how you treat others, especially those weaker than you in some way. Are you making someone miserable? Do you use words and actions to push someone aside, to show them they are not worth your time and presence? Remember that God is the judge, He will judge between the fat sheep and the weak sheep. Don’t be a fat sheep.

By: Mark Alyabyev

When I was younger and wanted to go outside and play with my friends, I would go ask my mom for permission. If she said no, I would then proceed to ask my dad in hopes of getting things my way—one way or another.

While my parents no longer have authority over me, I am still under the authority of God. Often, I catch myself wanting to do things my way, but I realize that God’s way is better.

In the days of Jeremiah, the people came to him and asked if God willed for them to head out to Egypt because they were scared to stay in Judea. God’s answer was that they would be blessed if they stayed and cursed if they went. They disobeyed and headed down to Egypt to their own doom.

Is there something that God may be trying to tell you that you don’t

 want to hear because your understanding seems better?

He said to them, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your petition, says:  ‘If you stay in this land, I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you… “However, if you say, ‘We will not stay in this land,’ and so disobey the Lord your God,  and if you say, ‘No, we will go and live in Egypt….This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you are determined to go to Egypt and you do go to settle there, then the sword you fear will overtake you there, and the famine you dread will follow you into Egypt, and there you will die. (Jeremiah 42:9-16)

Give Me What I Want!

By: Denis Toderashko

I remember bidding on a car I really wanted. My anticipation grew as the day of the auction approached. On the day when the car was supposed to become mine, I got a call from the person that was bidding on it for me—it had been sold at a much higher price. I was enraged—the object of my joy had just slipped away, never to come back again.

 I already dreamed about driving the car to CHURCH and how good it would look in my driveway! Today, after many years, I realize that the particular car that I wanted could have brought me many sleepless nights and possibly, loss of the car itself.

 Is there anything you want or need that seems very important to you? Do you complain or thank God when it seems that it won’t come your way? Let’s examine ourselves—study our most inner motives for our desires and repent if we need to, for God is never too late to supply our needs.

“Who is there who speaks and it comes to pass, Unless the Lord has commanded it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High That both good and ill go forth? Why should any living mortal, or any man, Offer complaint in view of his sins? Let us examine and probe our ways, And let us return to the LORD.”
(Lamentations 3:37-40, NASB)

Quit “God Told Me” Talk

By: Alex Slobodyanik

I have recently begun hearing more and more how lightly Christians use the phrase “God told me.” “God told me to go to the park,” “God told me to give a call to my friend,” “God told me to buy a car,” “God told me to lay hands on someone,” “God told me to eat less chocolate.”

And although there is nothing wrong with hearing the voice of the Lord, we must remember that not all of the thoughts that cross our mind really belong to the Lord. The true Word of God compared to our good intentions, impressions, and feelings is like comparing a sledgehammer to a box of toothpicks.

Which has more power to bust a rock?

The prophet who has a dream may relate his dream, but let him who has My word speak My word in truth. What does straw have in common with grain?” declares the Lord. “Is not My word like fire?” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer which shatters a rock? (Jeremiah 23:28-29)

What Spirit Moves You?

By: Inessa Deshkina

When you go about your day, what moves you? Is it fear, selfishness, love… What is the leading force behind your choices? We are instructed to pray always, to rejoice always, and to teach all nations about Christ’s saving power. As we do this let’s own our beliefs, not fear the challenges this world may throw our way, and move forward with the knowledge that our God is with us.

“Do not me afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 1:8)