For Such a Time as this....

Confession - I love country music. Always have.

Last night, while I folded laundry on the couch, I turned to CMT... the CMAs were on (Country Music Awards). I listened to Reba and Leanne and even Jamie Foxx (when did HE become country? Anyway, that's another story!)

And then.... Martina sang. She has the voice of an angel, and her heart is there too. She sang a song called "For These Times" and it fits with what we are going to start studying tomorrow with Ladies Bible Study. Tomorrow we look at Esther. Her cousin Mordecai said to her, "And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14) And then later in Esther we really see her heart as she cries before the king, "How can I bear to see disaster fall on my people? How can I bear to see the destruction of my family?" (Esther 8:6)

We live in times right now that need action such as Esther's. Just do it. Get to it... don't wait another minute. But we need the compassion and love for people that can only come from God, because he made each of us and no matter where we've been, or what we've done, he loves us most. Esther could have saved herself by staying quiet, but then her people would have all died. By going to the king, she could have died, but she risked her own life to save her people and God protected her and provided a way to save her people.

Martina McBride - For These Times

In these times in which we live
Where the worst of what we live
Is laid out for all the world on the front page
And the sound of someone's heartbreak
Is a soundbite at the news break
With a close shot of the tears rollin' down their face
Blessed be the child who turns a loving eye
And stops to pray
For these times in which we live

In these most uncertain hours
Where the balance of power
Is a fight that is fought every day
And freedom is a word
Some cry out and some whisper
And some are just too quick to give away
Blessed be the one who stands by the one
On the battle line
For these times in which we live

Well give me a heart full of tender mercy
And arms I will open wide

For these times in which we live
Seems like the only answer is
Givin' up on findin' one at all
And we hide behind unsure
Pull the blinds and lock the doors
And hang a pleasant picture on the wall
Blessed is the believer who knows love is our redeemer
And the only breath of life
For these times in which we live

Well give me a heart full of tender mercy
And arms I will open wide
Yeah give me words full of loving kindness
And hands ready to hold up a light
For these times in which we live
For these times in which we live