Devotional – Life in the Palace

Queens Make “No Excuses” a Personal Policy

The Bible is a sacred treasure; the book gives wise instructions, direction, revelation and so much more; this Holy Book bestows much hope, inspiration and comfort to those who indulge in its content. A woman who chooses the path of faith also chooses to accept that the content of the Sacred Book is the Word of God; she believes that the Creator has inspired it, and it provides a path to Eternal Life. Despite this fact, do you sometimes find that just thinking of all that the Bible has to say can be overwhelming; and more so difficult to do what it says? There was a time in my life when I felt that way; I found too that human experiences can be mysterious, and even dangerous; oftentimes, the journey of life is plagued with temptations and distractions; and still there are some undeniable moments of joy and bliss.

I know that as a woman who desired to please God, in your heart of hearts you want to do what is right; you desire to enjoy the more pleasant moments that life offers, and you are prepared to do the work. The Word of God relates His promises to bless His children with peace, and to receive it, we are charged to stay focused, ask for guidance, do right, and be a light. This may seem to be quite a tall order, and an unattainable goal. This goal evaded even some of God’s most faithful servants; their lives were an expression of facing and overcoming challenges.

The reality is that we are made of flesh, and we are prone to make mistakes. The Apostle Paul in making this point shared much wisdom with the Romans to whom he ministered in his day; he said to them:

For I do not do the good I want to do. Instead, I keep on doing the evil I do not want to do.

Romans 7:19-20

Today’s Topic is: Dare to Do Right. As we strive to win the race of faith, we know that it will take more than just wishes, hopes and prayers; it will require a deliberate, and earnest desire, and commitment to gain the prize at all costs. In the very early days after man was created, the first book of the Bible recalls the evidence of the effects of not doing right; that is missing the mark and committing sin. The story is told of how Cain, a son of Adam and Eve was overcome by evil, after being dissatisfied with God’s response to his offering, he committed an act that was devastating for his family. Cain killed his brother Abel; in his encounter with the Creator, this is what God told Cain:

If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

Genesis 4:7

It is true that sin crouches at the door of our hearts, yet, we have been given a mandate; we must rule over it, and how? Having victory over sin begins firstly with having a desire to do what is right. Jesus, our Saviour addresses this matter succinctly, all while acknowledging the frailty of humans, and our need to depend on Him as our Saviour in Whom we can hope. He provides the Way for us to overcome evil and win the race of faith. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to overcome evil when we ask for help. It is written:

If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it. If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.

St. John 14:15-17

In attending to The Heart of the Matter, as Queens who endeavour to be in right relationship with our King, we should have the audacity to Dare To Do Right. After all, our Saviour has made all the provision for us to be able to do right, be right and stay right. As we dwell in His presence, He will lead us aright, and the Word of God confirms it.

But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit Who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.

1 John 4:4

We have all that we need to succeed; we are the recipients of the promised Holy Spirit, we can be empowered and inspired to walk in the Light, which is Christ. While we may stumble, we will not fall because:

He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways…

Psalm 91:11

Dare To Do Right, and the God of Heaven will provide aid to you, and keep you on the path He has set you on. The old paths are still available to you; the Bible never goes out of fashion; everything it teaches is relevant and beneficial to us today. As we pursue this path, let us:

…ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls

St. Luke 10:19

Never doubt your ability by the power of the Holy spirit to be victorious over all that can, and will stand in your way; there is a promise made by God, and it is guaranteed; it is written.

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

St. Luke 10:19

DESIRE TO DO RIGHT, AND GOD WILL ENABLE YOU