Yesterday I was part of a conference called "Bridges out of Poverty." What I come away with from this first day of the conference is a better understanding of the social classes experienced in the United States (poverty, middle class, and wealth). Having grown up in poverty I could identify with much of what was being presented. I am reminded from the Bible that these social classes (or status) have been around a long, long time. The book of James in the Bible describes the attitude and behavior a Christian should have toward anyone... regardless of social status and appearances.
The question that I came away with asking deals with poverty... but poverty of soul rather than financially: What kind of poverty do I see the most? Jesus said what does it profit a man to gain the entire world and lose his soul. The poverty of a person's soul and the damnation of their spirit for eternity is of great concern. How am I serving to bring people out of poverty... of all kinds?
Today I will attend the second day of this conference. I pray that God may direct my thoughts to help answer this question.
Today's reading took me to Esther chapter 4. I am struck by the end of the chapter... a challenge is issued to Esther, she replies to the challenge, then she utilizes her faith and the support of those around her to face the challenge.

May already?! It just occurred to me that there are just over 7 months remaining until Christmas. As I was visiting with our state pastor yesterday I made notice that I am approaching the two year mark as pastor of Crossroads (end of July).
The older I become the more important (or the more I recognize) the milestones... the markers in life that hold significance. As you read the Old Testament you will find there were many times that God's people erected a monument in remembrance of what God had done for them. I believe there is a need to recall the good, the bad, and the ugly of life at times... I didn't say to dwell on them (especially the bad and ugly). God has blessed my life through some wonderful times, and spared my life through other times. Whenever I come across one of my markers in life I can remember what the Lord has done for me.
Yesterday when I was visiting with our state pastor I had forgotten my cell phone and I made the comment to him that he had 'my undivided attention.' This brought to remembrance the Scripture I read yesterday morning of Queen Esther and God's promises. Esther seemed to gain undivided attention (or at least special attention) from many different people as she prepared to go before the king of that land. The king was pleased to make her his queen. Later Esther would risk her own life to save the lives of many of God's people. In that moment she gained the king's undivided attention.
This just made me think... how difficult it is sometimes for God to gain my undivided attention... or my wife... or my kids.
Esther's bravery became a marker in history for God's people to remember how God will work in a person's life to bring about His will and to fulfill His promises. Wow!... I could be the person God will use to fulfill His promises to someone else.