Good Triumphs Over Evil

On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them. Esther 9:1

I am writing this as my thoughts continues to flow. It is amazing how much is revealed through the Word of God. God has a timing that surpasses human understanding. God speaks directly to the heart, it pierces and penetrates deep into our soul. I got up this morning with a heavy burden in my heart, feeling a bit discouraged and questioning God about certain things that still are not clear to me.  So, I opened my bible and decided to read the Book of Esther again. As I read on and got to chapter 2v19- through chapter 9, I got chills as I understood clearly how the enemies of God surprisingly falls into the trap they make for God's children.  It is evident that God turns the bad/evil that others try to do to us and turns them into victories.  God is always on top of his game, he doesn't let anything slip away. He will use the least person to come to your rescue; it clearly shows it in the life of Modaecai.  As I continued to read, evil was brewing in the shadows of the kings courts led by Haman who had been appointed to the highest position in the kingdom, Haman – was  full of pride, hate and bitterness and he had foolish people around him, he hated the Jews and was plotting to have them removed from the face of the earth and also wanted to get rid of Modaecai because Modaecai knew that he was evil and would not bow down to him so that made  Haman even more furious and more determined to go on with his evil intentions.  

This is what happens to many of us today, when we refuse to be part of a circle of people that are bitter, angry and unforgiving, they turn on you and plot evil against you by speaking and cursing your life.  This is what God was revealing to me this morning and I felt in my spirit that God was telling me “I, the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you, because I, the LORD your God loves you. {Deuteronomy 23:5} for you have repented and turn to God, so all your sins have been wiped out, and now times of refreshing may come from I, the Lord, YOUR GOD {Acts 3:19} TO GOD BE THE GLORY!! 

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.{Genesis 50:20}

This book of Esther inspires me in so many ways because God is never named or seen but we can see that God is the invisible force behind the many events taking place in this book, that is how he is in our lives today, always behind the scenes directing His purpose and plan  as it tells us in Romans 8:28 - that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  Satan is also behind the scenes using his lies to try to ruin God’s plan for me and my family by continuing to use certain “Hamans” to interfere with what God’s is doing, but I know to be still because I have faith that God will continue to deliver me and my love ones and will use anything or anyone like he did in Chapter 6 on behalf of Modecai ; In God's divine power He wouldn't let the king sleep and directed the specific records of Mordecai's loyal help to expose the conspiracy.  God prepared to honor Mordecai and humiliate Haman.  Now that is deep!!!  I was moved immensely by this, I can’t even put into words how humbled I am feeling to know God speaks loud and clear through his scriptures – LOUD AND CLEAR!!  God exposed the evil intentions of Haman against Mordecai and the Jewish people and that is how God exposes those people whose heart is full of un-forgiveness and bitterness through their words and actions against God’s chosen faithful leaders and children. It is a sure thing that if anyone sets themselves up against God and His people, they will fail. Not only did God ministered to me about myself and my family but also about my spiritual family that “No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me," declares the LORD.  {Isaiah 54:17} It is a continuing battle against the Haman's that are to busy doing more evil and harm, through their words and actions, not realizing that God will turned their evil plans unto their own heads.  I pray God's  mercy and grace will fall upon them and that they will turn away from their wicked ways and repent before it is to late.  So to comfort me, God again reminded me that to be at peace and not allow myself to be distracted with the things that is lurking around me, for “You, dear Maribel, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”{1 John 4:4}

To Conclude: It is a good thing to learn from our mistakes and from the mistakes and bad choices of others.  Let us pray for God to show us the intentions of our hearts and those who we allow into our lives.  Let us not, as Haman, allow pride, anger, and hatred to consume us by being around others who does not align their words and actions with the Word of God.  No matter how high you are or how smart you are, it is wise to surround yourselves not with “yes men or yes women”, but with people who will give you the cold, hard truth even if it hurts. God needs us to always continue to intercede, pray and fast against the Haman’s that are lurking and causing many to fall and rise up against God’s children. Like Esther, prayer  and fasting will cause the fall of the Hamans in our lives and bring victory over the faithful Modecai’s and Esther’s !! 

God Is Our Victory - True Worshippers - Christian Song

Written by Maribel Castillo
April 30, 2013

The Power of Our Words and Actions

The Power of Our Words and Actions

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26

From the beginning of the Book of Genesis, we have read Eve’s story and we know her unwise power of influence convinced Adam to sin against God and cause the fall of all mankind. Also throughout the bible it shows us the difference between Wise Women and Foolish Women.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 

To name a few foolish women from the bible were: 

Lot’s wife:  Mrs. Lot not only moved into Sodom, but Sodom moved into her. As the bible explains it, the city of Sodom was shameless, immoral, and entirely sex-perverted. I imagined she was the type of woman who loved fine things and the social activities fascinated her from the beginning. I imagined her caught up in the excitement of sinful pleasures.  She loved the world more than she loved God so because of her unwise decisions caused her to turn into a pillar of salt. {The book of Genesis }

Vashti:   Many who has read the story of Vashti, has different opinions of how they view her life, many agree with her disobedience of not coming to the king when he asked for her presence to be paraded among drunken men, but there was far more that was hidden within Vashti – Vashti, in my opinion was not a wise woman, because a wise woman would have used her beauty and her influence of words without putting herself in a position of losing her royal crown.  Vashti, misused her beauty and the power and authority that was given to her, she was prideful in all the wrong ways which caused her to loose her royal position and be replaced. {The Book of Esther}

Jezebel: Talk about evil, Jezebel was the wickedest of woman in the bible - Jezebel was  courageous, bold and a very determined woman. She was an outspoken woman in a time when females have little status and few rights.  She was a princess, a daughter of a king before she prostituted herself to become the queen and she became the power behind the throne.  Jezebel used her influence to get whatever she wanted from her husband and he became her puppet.  Apart from idol worship, witchcraft and pure wickedness Jezebel also used the spirit of domination and seduction to get her ways.  She had no respect or fear of God. Her words and actions were perverted and she was the foolish of them all and paid a terrible price. Jezebel lived for quite a while before God's judgment caught up with her. She was thrown from an upper story window, where she was then trampled to bits by horses in the street. Dogs then came and ate her body, leaving only the skull, feet and hands. It was a horrible end for a wicked unwise woman. (The Books of 1 King & 2 King)

*These women had the power and the authority to make a positive difference in their lifetime if they would have chosen wise words and actions, but they chose to be disobedient, prideful  and had no fear of God, so they paid with their lives, as it tells us in Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, although it didn't mention in the book of Esther that Vashti had died but her dreams died along with her unwise decisions.*  Unfortunately an unwise woman is often a tool used by Satan to undermine the wholesomeness of God’s Purpose into today’s world.

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. Proverbs 31v1

To name a few wise woman from the bible are: 

Esther:   Although God was never mentioned in the book of Esther, it clearly shows us that God was in the center of Esther’s life. Esther knew God can not use a prideful woman so she allowed herself to be prepared for what was ahead of her.  She knew that fasting and prayer would bring her closer to God. She was well aware that she needed God's favour in order for her to succeed and be the next Queen, she patiently waited on God and her obedience paid off for Esther finished what Vashti didn’t.  {The Book of Esther}

Ruth:  Ruth understood the importance of obedience and her wish to obey God made her strong. She submitted under the authority of her wise mother in laws advises  She gave up everything from her past to be submissive and obedient to God.  Ruth laid still at the *threshing floor, awaiting for her Redeemer. Because of her obedience and loyalty and trust in God, all through this story we see how God gave Ruth good gifts because she was true to him. {The book of Ruth}

Deborah:  Deborah faced difficult challenges; she served as a judge and also the responsibilities of being a wife and had a spiritual position as a prophetess, which means she was in constant communication with God. Deborah was led by the spirit of God, she was firm and courageous because she knew that her strength came from a Living God and she believed God would fulfill His word regardless of how impossible the situation looked and as a result of her obedience and faithfulness to God, she led others to battle and brought victory to God’s people. Deborah was also a true worshiper. She worshiped God with songs of praise with humbleness and a grateful heart. {The Book of Judges}

*These women and many more women in the bible choose to make a positive difference in their lifetime and left a legacy for all women of all walks of life to follow. They chose to let God be the center of their lives and God's purpose was fulfilled for all mankind to see and live by. *

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25

A Wise woman with a meek and quiet spirit can represent the fruits of God’s Spirit with unquestionably demonstration of the true power of God’s purpose in today’s world.   We have the power to speak life or death, power to heal or destroy over our marriages, our family and others and to every situation. In Proverbs 10:11 tells us: The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.   Also, never underestimate the power of our actions, even with one small gesture, you can truly change a person’s life—for better or for worse or change your circumstances for better or for worse.

It took me a long time to realize how the power of my words and actions affected me, my circumstance and others around me and to be honest for many years  I spoke death with my words and teared down with my actions. But today, I thank God for his grace and mercy that I was given another chance to use my words to speak life and my actions to built up. The idea of being a wise woman through every stage of life challenges me more so to step out of the old and into the new.  At this stage in my life I've learned the power of prayer; I have learned the importance of fasting; I have learned that being submissive doesn't mean to be controlled; I have learned that being under authority, doesn't mean you lose your rights; I have learned to humble myself; I have learned to live by faith; I have learned to wait on God; I have learned to serve God before men. I have learned to take the good from the bad; I have learned to forgive; I have learned to be still and let God work in my favor and still I have much more to learn, I have much more to forgive, I have much more to overcome and I have much more battles to fight but this I know, I refuse to follow in the footsteps of the actions and words of a foolish woman.  I want to use my words and actions to be a strong force in the lives of people that I touch beginning in my home.

To Conclude:  God has called us as wives, mothers, sisters and friends to use our influence of words and actions and to be His witness at home and in our community. Fasting and praying and spending time in the Word of God and submitting ourselves to the obedience of God, can transform us to become World-changers! And whatsoever we do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father. Colossians 3:17

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 30:27

Written by Maribel Castillo

April 23, 2013

A Birthday Prayer for my Husband

Happy Birthday My Love 

My prayer for you that my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

So thankful to the Lord for the gift of my husband.  He has become a man who loves the Lord and desires to do all things to please Him.  May I remind him today how much I love him, honor him and respect him.  May I do him good and not harm all the days of his life and always offer him my best in everything.  I pray that I will always be his faithful helper.

My Heavenly Father, may my husband Juan love you with all his heart, mind and strength.  I pray he would delight in Your law and that You would open his eyes to the truths in Your Word.  Guide Him Lord to walk by the strength of Your spirit and keep Him in constant communion with You. 

Give him the desire to please You in all things and give him the endurance to run the race You have set before him.  May he have wisdom and strength to lead his family in Your ways and continue to help him manage his time well with all the responsibilities he needs to take care of in the day. 

May he always have an eternal perspective on the gifts You have given us to be used to further Your kingdom and that we would not build treasures on earth but in heaven.  Give him a humble spirit and help him to be "quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger". 

May he continue to share your goodness and love with his children and children's children so they will know the love he has for You.

Give him a continuing passion for the lost and keep the truths of the Gospel on the tip of his tongue so he is always ready to give an answer for the hope that is in him.  

Keep his eyes and heart and mind pure Lord and help him to have wise and good biblical discernment.  May You surround him with other men who love You and will be an encouragement to him in his walk with You. 

I thank you Lord for him and pray that I would truly do him good all the days of his life and be a good helper to my husband. 

I ask these things in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…Amen

Happy Birthday To My Love......Negro

I Love You!

happy birthday my love, my HUSBAND 

Written by Maribel Castillo

April 17, 2013

Wise and Courageous

Wise and Courageous 

The Book of Judges

Awake, awake Deborah!   Awake, awake, and utter a song of praise!”        Judges 5:12

It is much easier to stand up against something or some one that we can see or understand, but it is much harder to stand up against something unseen and not understood, but only through the Word of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit can we stand up against those things we can not see and get the understanding of what we are up against.  The Word of God clearly tells us in: 1 Corinthians 2:14- The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.“ That is the Wisdom from the Spirit of God.”  That is why I have learned that is crucial that everyday to ask the Holy Spirit for discernment and understanding and to guide me in my walk through the natural and also through the spiritual.

So understanding the Deborah anointing has been an amazing process for me on this journey into the heart of God. My journey took on a new meaning, as God called me as “deep calls to deep” to learn about His supernatural power and Holy Spirit gifts. Through my personal experience just a few months ago, was as if God took me to a spiritual book camp and he wanted me to learn more about what goes on in the spiritual realm and he needed me to become wise and courageous, just like Deborah was in the Book of Judges.  Nothing in this world could have prepared me for the things that I experienced. Because of certain events that occurred during that time, my life became a constant fear, I feared being alone, I feared the unknown, I feared to be rejected, I feared being at work , I feared to drive and on top of that I trusted no one; it was a time of my life that I lost all control, it was terrifying and unbelievable to say the least.  As I was going through this God ministered to me and said by the time I am done with you:  Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.{ Matthew 18:18}. But in order for God to have my undivided attention, he temporarily had to remove everyone and everything from my life  and some he had to remove permanently, it was from losing my job, separating me from my husband, love ones and also removing from serving in his kingdom. At times it was painful, lonely and scary but because God knew me, he worked it according to his will as he declares in: Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”.

During this time I did a lot of reading; one of the books that I read “which was once recommended by my pastor” was the “Final Quest”.  I had read it before but this time the book was an instrument to help me understand the battle we “Christian” go through as the Word of God tells us in Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms, which means there is raging war against us in the spiritual realm and we need to be prepared to win this battle that is taking place even as I write. Another book was “From Prayer to Warfare”, from this book I learned that God was not looking for people with titles, God was looking for people with willing hearts to enter the battlefield with power and authority to intercede and stand in the gap in boldness and faith that whatever God asks, it will be done in the name of Jesus and in the power of his Blood.  I also studied Deborah’s life.  I saw that God used Deborah first of all in a mighty way on behalf of His people because she was a woman that loved God with all her heart, soul and mind.  She was faithful and obedient to Him. Deborah was a very humble servant of God.  She did not seek to lead, nor did she seek any position. During this time, as I mentioned before, God had stripped me from being part of anything, so my life consisted of reading, praying, fasting, worshiping and seeking God from dawn to night and my constant prayer was for God to give me more wisdom.  And as time went by, I experienced manifestations that revealed it self from past generations to present and through the power of the Holy Spirit, I learned how to bind and loosen, uproot and cast out. Prayer became not only a lifestyle but a necessity. 

In Matthew God tells us: “Seek Me first and My righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” And as I read Judges 5:12 I understood that God needed me to seek him, not a position; I understood that he wanted to raise me up as a mighty warrior to help lead and change. I not only heard God say to me, “AWAKE MARIBEL, AWAKE” But I heard Him say, “ARISE MARIBEL, ARISE!  You are a strong, bold, courageous warrior. ARISE FOR YOUR LIGHT HAS COME!” Claim it in the mighty Name of Jesus!  Claim Victory!  And I stood up and I began to feel greater strength, greater faith and greater wisdom and with courage I claimed Victory over my marriage, over my household, over my children and over my soul.  Like Deborah, God called me to the challenge and I willingly put my own life on the line to fight the enemy and win back what was rightfully mine!! I don't know where God will take me from here on,  but this I know that he has been faithful and as he says in Philippians 1:6- being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until he day of Christ Jesus. 

To Conclude: As we are faithful, God is most faithful to pave the way. I see this played out more and more as I am faithful to minister where God takes me. I say this to all who is reading this; we all have a purpose in God’s kingdom to fulfill, walk on water, answer the call, don’t look down or back, let JESUS be your standard of truth.  I encourage you to spend time in Intimacy with Jesus.  Spend time in God’s Word and Meditate on it both day and night.  Keep His Word in your heart. Spend time in prayer.  God will give you greater strength and endurance, faith and wisdom, confidence and greater courage through the mighty power of His Holy Spirit, to guide you in all your ways.  Listen to His voice.   
  

May God bless you all with GREAT faith! GREAT Wisdom! Great Courage!

 “So may all your enemies perish, Lord!  But may all who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength.” Judges 5:31

Written by Maribel Castillo

April 15, 2013

Heavenly Sisters

                               November 20, 1975 - February 8, 2013           October 30, 1975 - April 5, 2013

         And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” ~ Exodus 33: 14

Lenis and Sixta - Heavenly Sisters 

The Lord saw you both getting tired and a cure was not to be, so He put his arms around you and whispered, "Come with me." With tearful eyes, we watched you suffer and saw you fade away, although we loved you both dearly, we could not make you stay. Two golden hearts stopped beating; two beautiful smiles at rest, God broke our hearts to prove He only takes the best.
It's lonesome here without you both, we miss you so each day. Our lives aren't the same since you both went away. When days are sad and lonely and everything goes wrong, we seem to hear your whispers, "Cheer up and carry on." Each time we see your pictures, You both seem to smile and say, "Don't cry, for we are in God's safekeeping, We’ll meet again someday.”

  

Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.

Cancer did not cripple the love relationship and fellowship that Lenis and Sixta had with the Lord. Though they both went through the deep waters of trails dealing with what cancer was doing on the inside of their bodies, as it invaded and overtook their vital organs and interrupt their normal pattern of living, a new awareness of God’s divine presence flooded into their soul and that kept them closer to the Lord. They both held on to the promise God said in Deuteronomy 31:6: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of (cancer) them, for I go with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Cancer deepened their relationship with God and He continued to shower them with his love by bringing closer to them family and Christian friends to encourage their hearts and pray for them during their battle with cancer. Both Lenis and Sixta saw their struggle with cancer as an open door to witness wherever they saw the opportunity to share Christ with the lost and with those who were suffering from the same disease.  God’s peace was their inner tranquility and stillness that guarded their hearts as they held on to constant prayers and communion with the Lord. God set himself up as a military guard on the outside of the door of their hearts so that the worries and fears did not overtake their souls.

They both left an incredible legacy of Women with Great Courage and Great Faith!  They both learned to have faith and trust in the Lord with all their hearts and did not lean on their own understanding.  {Proverbs 3:5-6}  Cancer did not silence their courage. They learned to be strong and of a good courage by leaning on God’s promises. {Deuteronomy 31:6}  God supplied them daily with renewing of spiritual strength and He provided continual feast of joy, peace and fellowship with himself.  God’s marvelous promise and ever-present reality blossomed within them like a rose and his grace upon their hearts.

Like Paul {Philippians 1:3:},  we are thankful for the memories and the wonderful times that God had gave us with Lenis and Sixta. We can roll back the curtain of memories and praise the Lord for allowing us to cherish those wonderful times we spend with these amazing women. God’s promises are eternal truth; he poured hope, comfort and strength as they fought the battle of cancer. God granted them grace to stand on the unfailing promise of His eternal Word and now they are both in his glorious presence rejoicing with no more pain, no more sorrow but Everlasting Freedom.  

Lenis and Sixta, You both will FOREVER BE IN OUR HEARTS AND MEMORIES.

I'll See You Again Westlife

Written by Maribel Castillo

I Am A Soldier In The Army Of My God

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:3-4

I am a soldier in the army of my God. The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer. 

The Holy Bible is my code of conduct. Faith, Prayer, and the Word are my weapons of Warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity, and tested by fire.  I am a soldier in the army of my God. I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity. I will either retire in this Army or die in this Army; But, I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, or pushed out.  I am a soldier in the army of my God. I am faithful, reliable, capable, and dependable. If my God needs, me, I am there. I am a soldier. I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up, or pepped up.

I am a soldier in the army of my God. No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me, or lure me. I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place, saluting my King,  I am a soldier in the army of my God. Obeying His orders, praising His name, and building His Kingdom!  No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy, or give me handouts. I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for, or catered to. I am committed. I am a soldier in the army of my God. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit. I am a soldier in the army of my God.  When Jesus called me into this Army, I had nothing. If I end up with nothing, I will still come out even. I will win. My God will supply all my needs. I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph. I can do all things through Christ.  I am a soldier in the army of my God.

Devils cannot defeat me..... People cannot disillusion me.....Weather cannot weary me.  Sickness cannot stop me.....Battles cannot beat me.....Money cannot buy me.....Governments cannot silence me, and hell cannot handle me!

I am a soldier in the army of my God.  Even death cannot destroy me. For when my Commander calls me from this battlefield, He will promote me to a captain. I am a soldier in the army of my God.  In the Army, I'm marching, claiming victory. I will not give up. I will not turn around. I am a soldier in the army of my God.  Marching Heaven bound.  Here I stand!

Soldier 4 God

Trustworthy and Obedience

Trustworthy and Obedience
The Book of Esther

If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life - this is my petition - Esther 7:3

When God chooses us for a GREAT work, He always places us in a position for it to be fulfilled. Sometimes the position may seem uncomfortable or painful; however it has purpose behind it. The story may start off like a nightmare, but our God transitions us to the “happily ever after. Like Esther, that’s how my story began…

As I read the Book of Esther, over and over, throughout the entire book, Esther’s obedience was profound to me.  Her life displayed a reverence to God that is undeniable.  Not once did I read of Esther being disobedient. Unlike me and many others who would never admit it, always grumbling, complaining and dwelling on the past and always letting our emotions take over.  Esther showed me that what appears as painful obedience, is God putting you where He wants you for His purpose.  But because of my disobedience, God was showing me all the opportunities I was giving up. So, I had two choices to make, either - trust God or trust myself!

As I imagined the process of Esther before she came to the Royal Palace and being an orphaned, I related in many ways of how she must have felt.  The words lonely, lost, unwanted, worthless, unloved, and insignificant came to mind. But that didn’t stop Esther, her desire, her goals, were simply to please her king.  What better way to please someone than to give them back what they have so graciously offered to you.  Esther's obedience and trustworthy is painted throughout each chapter.  As I meditated on the first two 2 chapters, I understood that God was removing Vashti (Chapter 1) and setting up Esther (Chapter 2) in me. Vashti was known for her disobedient rebellion. Esther was known for her obedient and submission (Esther 2:20).   I had to go through an extreme spiritual make-over. God had to remove what was imperfect and broken and make it into something that is useful, whole and beautiful.  Because of Esther’s obedience, she found favor with the king and he asked in Esther 5:3, “What do you want, Queen Esther? What is your request? I will give it to you, even if it is half the kingdom!”  And now I hear God say, “What is your request Maribel ?”  So my prayer is:

My Heavenly Father,

Just like Esther, I truly desire to be used by You! I desire Your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven! I desire true deliverance from sin, bondage, deep hurts, infirmities, rejection, and the powers of darkness! Father, I ask that You use me even if it places me in positions that are uncomfortable. I will obey because You brought me to Your kingdom for such a time as this. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

To Conclude: Godly submission, obedience and reverence should be our goals in life.  We cannot be submissive without obedience – one cannot be obedient without being submissive. They go hand-in-hand. As we submit unto God, he will give us grace during our trials and will provide for every need we have. He does not forsake us!  That is a promise that God tells us in Hebrew 13:5 - Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. I believe God caused Esther to live such a life in the same circumstances as Vashti found herself, but Vashti was arrogant, stubborn and disobedient  contrary to Esther, who was humble, obedient and submissive. Like Esther, I had to learn how to live a lifestyle of obedience and submissive. I learned and understood the importance of being under authority and be submitted to every authority figure in my life.  Through Esther’s process, she proved herself to be trustworthy and God saw her full potential.  Again, like Esther, I want to have the ability to become what God wants me to become with His strength and wisdom, under His lordship and that I may be trustworthy enough so He can use me as a vessel, weak and lowly in myself, but filled with the fragrance of Christ.

One Night With The King - Beautiful History 

Written by Maribel Castillo
4/1/2013