GATEWAY TO YOUR NEW YEAR

PART TWO

Last month we began discussing “gates”. Remember that a gate is an opening, an entrance or a way to get inside, and we have personal gates. Our personal gates are the entrances to our spirit which are our eye-gate and ear-gate. These in turn affect our thinking and perspective, which then affect our mouth-gate – the things we say, and ultimately, how we live our lives. Matthew 12:34 says, “…For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.”

We were also discussing leprosy and said that spiritual leprosy happens when a person has repeated emotional and/or physical damage. The problem with physical leprosy is that it appears to be on a persons flesh, eating away limbs, but actually, leprosy is an internal disease with outward evidence. Spiritual leprosy is internal damage with outward evidence.

Let's look at a man who easily could have fallen into spiritual leprosy, but instead became an instrument of strength and salvation.

The book of Esther records the remarkable story of an unknown Jewish woman's rise to nobility and fame. Hadassah, renamed Esther, was orphaned at a young age. Her cousin, Mordecai took her in to raise her as his own daughter. Mordecai was a royal officer at the Kings Gate and had proven his loyalty by exposing a plot to have the king murdered. A fellow officer, Haman, was promoted to a seat of honor above the other nobles. It was customary in the land of Persia to kneel and bow to men, but this custom was juxtaposed to the spiritual belief of the Jews. Mordecai chose to not kneel and bow to Haman, but to God alone. He did not harbor ill feelings toward Haman; he rather had strong feelings about his faith. Haman being extremely prideful scorned Mordecai because of his dedication to his belief system. Haman was so full of himself that he became bitter and hated Mordecai so much that he conspired to kill not just Mordecai, but the entire Jewish race in revenge.

Have you ever met a ‘Haman'? Have you ever had a ‘Haman' come against you? Never bow to a Haman, but keep your attitude right while you're not bowing!

Suddenly this noble, loyal man is out the graces of his comrades and Haman is sending waves of discord through the palace.

Gate-key: During this time of personal conflict it would have been very, very easy for Mordecai to have his eyes on his problems, be lifted up in self-righteousness and consumed with himself . Instead, Mordecai kept his integrity, stayed steady in the face of opposition, and was able to “hear” what was going on behind his back .

When he learned of the plot, and eminent danger of being murdered along with innocent people, chapter 4 says that he warned his people and “he put on sackcloth and ashes”, therefore he was forbidden to enter the Kings Gate. He went from “inside the gate” to “outside the gate” quickly.

Because Mordecai kept his thinking straight, he was able to “hear” something so important - it would affect an entire race of people. And in the end, Mordecai got a message to his cousin the queen who courageously exposed the plot to the king. The king commanded that Haman be hung on a gallows that he had erected on his own property for Mordecai.

Haman had been there all along, but when he was in a position to be used by the enemy, all of the pride and hate he already harbored became a sword in the enemy's hands. There will always be “Hamans” in our world to deal with.

In Mark chapter 10 is the story of Bartemaeus who was born blind. He sat on the wayside, begging. Was it his fault that he was born blind? Did he choose this for himself? No. Sometimes things happen to us and we had no choice ; we did not decide for ourselves.

But even so, through fault, or no fault of our own, we find ourselves on the wayside, begging. What happens when we have leprosy is that we get off the path to life, and sit on the wayside. We become a beggar…waiting for someone to come along and help us, looking to man, and not to God for help. Beggars are not exactly the most polished of people; they are usually unkempt, smelly and slumped over. People usually avoid beggars.

Gate-key: But when Bartemaeus heard that Jesus was coming his way, he began to cry out loud. He shouted, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!” The crowd tried to make him be quiet and stop his calling out. You may have people in your life who do not believe you should seek Jesus or put any effort into your belief. Jesus heard his voice above the crowd, and sought him out. Bartemaeus threw off his beggars cloak and asked Jesus to give him sight…and he did!

When you know that God is listening to you, you will take off your beggar's clothes, stand straight and get the help you need .

Bartemaeus was able to see for the rest of his life.

Mordecai was honored by the king with royal robes and a gold crown. He was given honor, authority and power in the land, including all of Haman's possessions. So if you are ever “Mordecai”, you too will be remembered and rewarded.

You can wear your royal robes of righteousness – beautiful, shining and polished. You will be someone, going somewhere, on your path of life, able to hear…someone that others want to accompany.

Jesus is coming your way today. He is on the road right next to your wayside seat.

Will you call out and receive? Will you throw off those old ugly beggar's clothes and put on your rightful royal robes? It isn't how you started, your past, or where you are right now…it is how you finish. It doesn't matter what has happened to you or how – you can be whole. So begin anew, change your way of thinking and change your posture.

When you are wearing your royal robes people will gravitate to you with joy. Jesus is listening and will give you what you need. Believe it. Allow your mind to receive it.

There is a fulfilling divine assignment for your life, and it is “inside the gate”, on “your road to life”. But you will never know unless you change your way of thinking. Decide right now and begin to look for opportunities to come your way.

I wish you wholeness and happiness in 2009!

Sher's Bio

Sher Walker is a Master Artist for the media arts. She began her career in 1984 as a production assistant in television. In 1985 she attended The Research Council of Makeup Artistry School for Film, and established her career in Dallas , Texas as a freelance makeup artist.

Her 20+ year career has taken her around the globe designing camera-ready-image for movie stars, rock stars, politicians, religious leaders, athletes and CEO's. Her work is seen on nationally broadcast programs, magazine and book covers.

Sher is an author and speaker, sharing inspiration for sound living, the importance of servant hood, and of course, makeup tips! She is also a guest speaker/instructor for major universities.

Divorced with one son and remarried with three step children, Sher resides in the Dallas , TX area balancing family and career.

**If what you have read here has impacted your life, I would be glad to hear from you! Please send me a quick email at Sher@DesignBySher.com .