Sing to the Lord , bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. (Psalms 96:2 ESV) Where would I be without the Lord? Without His grace? Without His guidance? Knowing my disposition and tendencies, I would’ve been in a sad, purposeless life. I would not have all these blessings – my family especially. Sure, I would be able to fake happiness and being a good guy on the outside, but in my heart would reign selfish thoughts. To think that the Creator, the Lord of heaven and earth, would even consider me. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised! (Psalms 96:4a ESV)
Another way of looking at these verses is that it’s not just a list of what love is, but a list of why love is the greatest of all the spiritual gifts.
Again, Esther demonstrated “the humble request”. This is in spite of the fact that she had God’s backing, a whole nation praying for her, being a queen, and she obviously had the king’s favor shown via the death of her enemy and the exaltation of Mordecai. She didn’t get exactly what she asked for – the revoking of the previous decree – but she got something better. She had the power to make any decree she wanted, like a blank check. Her decree? The right to self defense.
God has clear instructions for offerings – it should be the best, and should be done properly. This is a ‘pleasing aroma’ to the Lord. What do I offer to God? When I give my time, tithe, talent (which are, in the first place, all given by God..) do I give Him the best? Or do I give the ‘remains’?
Our God, our Lord, our Maker is great! All other things – things that I become anxious with – are so very small in comparison. And he cares for us. So don’t harden your heart, listen when He speaks.