April 23, 2024

Esther – Chapter 9:4-5

October 29, 2013 by

Esther 9:4-5

For Mordecai was great in the king’s palace, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces; for this man Mordecai became increasingly prominent. Thus the Jews defeated all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, with slaughter and destruction, and did what they pleased with those who hated them.

Life can feel like a battle sometimes.  Well, honestly, life CAN be a battle most of the time. Some days the battles waged are more intense than others, but, they are battles none-the-less. Some days the battle is to get the kids up and out the door on time; some days the battle is the foreclosure notice in the mail.  Sometimes the battle is in the workplace, or in the doctor’s office. Life can be a battle. The story of Esther is a battle in itself—from start to finish.

The days when the battle is intense, it can feel like we don’t have anything to protect us.  We know Christ is there, and we know He is in our corner…but what do we have to defend us is tangible and that we can reach for when temptation, doubt, fear, anger, are staring us in the face and taunting us.

One of the most assuring feelings is knowing that we do have something to reach for…that we have a weapon at our disposal stronger than any battle we may face.  We have Christ and His written Word.

1 John 4:4

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because

He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

 The sword.

“Thus the Jews defeated all their enemies with the stroke of the sword…” (Esther 9:5)

What is this sword?  No, we’re not expected to carry around a huge piece of metal on our waist, but we are expected to carry around a different sword in our heart, the Sword of the Spirit—the Bible—our instruction book.  This is our defense and our protection.

 Ephesians 6:14-17

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

This is a wonderful gift, a wonderful tool, and a wonderful source of protection.  Like Darlene encourages us to do, we should look at the many ways in which the Word of God can protect us.  It protects us not only from the outside world but from ourselves.  For example, when I’m tempted to complain, I know where to go (Philippians 2:14), when I’m tempted to worry, I know where to go (Matthew 6:25-27), and there are so many more verses I know I can go to when I need a sword.  But it takes effort on my part.   It takes study. and it takes me immersing myself in the Scripture so it is on my heart and mind when I need it.

The last question Darlene asks of us is to look inside and examine our study habits: do we read the Bible often?  Do we study it as we’re called to do?  This is not a condemning question but an opportunity for growth.  I know that this is an area than I need to work on, (and am so thankful for how technology can help with this goal).  When you get a chance, think about how you can grow in this area, how you can strengthen the Word inside of you.

*****

Let’s Pray:

Lord, we breathe a sigh of relief when we can reach inside and pull from Your Word, when You bring a Scripture to mind that will help us in the situation we’re in.  Lord, time isn’t something that we have a lot of, but please touch our hearts and remind us how important it is to strengthen our Sword.  And thank You for giving us this tool, for giving us the Sword.  In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen.

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Esther – Chapter 8:7-8

October 23, 2013 by

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

Oh, how I love this scripture, sisters!  We looked at it when discussing our “beauty regimen” in chapter 2 and now, as we revisit it, we see those “fruits” are also the proof of the Holy Spirit living and working in you! (But first, let’s get back to Esther….)

Things are FINALLY looking up for her, Mordecai, and the Jews!  Haman is gone, Mordecai and Esther have been redeemed and in verses 7-8 we see that the estate of Haman has been given to Esther.  Moreover, another decree is now being written in the King’s name on behalf of the Jews which not only allowed the Jews to protect themselves, but also to destroy anyone that attacked them AND plunder the property of their enemies.  This decree we see is sealed with the King’s signet ring and signifies the irrevocable nature of the new decree.  Hooray!

Darlene then compares this seal to the seal, or mark, of the Holy Spirit, which is given to us when we become a child of God.  Let’s look at the Scripture she provides: 2 Corinthians 1:21-22.

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.  He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. (NIV)

My Study Bible gives this further explanation regarding the seal of ownership: “It was both the first installment on a loan and a guarantee of its complete payment” (Quest Study Bible).  So if the Holy Spirit is a deposit and a guarantee of future payment – how amazing will the payoff be??  How exciting!!

The Holy Spirit is vital to your life as a believer!  Darlene provides a sampler of Scriptures to discuss the role He plays in our lives.  We see:

  • that He is a counselor (John 14:16)
  • that He will convict the world in regard to sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:7-11)
  • that He is a guide into all truth (John 16:13)
  • that He glorifies Jesus (John 16:14)
  • and He testifies about Jesus (John15:26)

Think of the Holy Spirit as the ultimate Guide to help you navigate your way in this life and help you enter Heaven with as many rewards as possible!  In fact, different versions of the Bible will translate “Counselor” in John 16:7 as “Advocate” or “Helper.”  (For an incredible, in-depth study of the Holy Spirit and His role in your life, may I recommend “The Helper” by Catherine Marshall.)  But just like Jesus, the Holy Spirit will not work in your life against your will. We must choose to cooperate with the Holy Spirit.  Example: My GPS will give me the correct directions to reach my destination, but if I don’t turn it on, or if I ignore its instructions, it can’t help me!

How do we know if the Holy Spirit is guiding us down the right path?  How do we know that He’s working?  Well, that brings us back to Galatians 5:22-23, the first Scripture mentioned today.  When you see a tree, you know what kind of tree it is because of the fruit that is hanging from it.  Likewise the “fruits of the Spirit” are evidences that can be seen in our lives that we are allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us.  The more we allow the Spirit to shape our lives, change our thinking, and mold our behavior, the greater the evidence – the greater the harvest of fruit!

So…. How are YOU doing??  I’d love to know!  Is there a fruit that is your favorite?  And which one do you need to cultivate more often in order for it to grow in your life?

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father – You are a kind and gracious God!  Thank You for redeeming us from our enemies.  Thank You for sealing us as Your children and giving us the Holy Spirit, not only as a promise for the future, but to help us in the present!  I ask You to help me listen to the guidance that Your Spirit longs to give me and help me to blossom into a beautiful, fruit-filled tree for all to see!  Thank You for Your blessings, Your goodness, Your grace and Your love.  May I be able to show those qualities to someone who needs them today.  In Your Son’s name we pray.

Amen.

 

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Esther – Chapter 8:3-6

October 22, 2013 by

Esther 8:3-6

Esther again pleaded with the king, falling at his feet and weeping.  She begged him to put an end to the evil plan of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews. Then the king extended the gold scepter to Esther and she arose and stood before him. “If it pleases the king,” she said, “and if he regards me with favor and thinks it the right thing to do, and if he is pleased with me, let an order be written overruling the dispatches that Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, devised and wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces. For how can I bear to see disaster fall on my people? How can I bear to see the destruction of my family?

You’re saved; you’re sanctified, and you’re filled with the Holy Ghost. Your friends and family are sitting next to you in church. You’re redeemed and you’re free. Everything seems to be going well for you and yours, and your circle is doing just fine. This may be your story, it may not.  It may look somewhat like your situation, and it may not. Christians in general seem to be more concerned with the going ons of their inner circle; we seem to be more concerned with those closest to us and with their salvation.  This isn’t a bad thing; of course we want to see the ones we love spend eternity with us in heaven, but…

What about the other guys? What about those people? Where does our responsibility lie when it comes to others outside of our group?

Below are some scriptures that refer to praying for others:

 Job 42:10 

If you do a search on BibleGateway.com, you will find several scriptures.  From the amount of scriptures that are available, it looks like this is a subject close to God’s heart. We have a responsibility to God and to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Even after receiving the outcome she was seeking for herself and her cousin, Esther knew her work wasn’t done.  She knew she still had a responsibility to her people to petition on their behalf. What a great example of how to live!

How can Esther’s example impact your life?

How can we model ourselves after her?

 _____

This section reminds me of the song by Casting Crowns, Jesus Friend of Sinners.

 

____________

 

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord

Please open our eyes to see people and situations in need of prayer. Your command to pray without ceasing applies to not only our lives and the lives of those we love, but also to the lives of those we don’t know; to the lives of those we see in the street, those we pass in the workplace. Place on our hearts the desire You placed on the heart of Esther, the desire to see the salvation of our fellow person.

In Jesus’ Name We Pray.

Amen

 

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Esther Chapter 7 (Recap)

October 18, 2013 by

It begins with an intimate dinner.  In a private banquet room where Esther the Queen, King Xerxes, and Haman are gathered…and it ends with a man nailed to the tree until He is dead. Centuries after this supper, another supper was held in a room upstairs in a building in Jerusalem.  The disciples were there, Jesus was there, and Judas the traitor.   Like Haman, he was intent only on fulfilling his own desires.  He was willing and ready to destroy everything and everyone to get his way; and that’s exactly what he did.  That supper ended also with a man nailed to a tree.  Jesus is who you are thinking of, right?  But no, it was Judas.  Scripture tells us that after he betrayed Jesus, Judas went and hanged himself, just as Haman practically hanged himself.

Let’s start this week’s recap with Esther 7:1-6 first.  

I don’t know about you, but I’m proud of Esther.  She is finally breaking the silence and telling her man what is on her mind.  Remember earlier in this study, Esther had asked the Jews to join her in a fast for three days.  I believe it was in preparation for coming before the king and exposing Haman.  Now was her time to speak up.  The stage was set as the king, queen and the wicked Haman sit down together and wham! Esther courageously announces her nationality and exposes Haman.  Can’t you hear his jaw dropping?   And I imagine his heart stopped beating for a moment, he broke into a sweat and lost color in his face!  He learns for the first time that the Queen herself is a Jew—the same race he wants to annihilate!  Remember what Haman’s wife had said to him that day? “Since Mordechai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him~you will surely come to ruin.”  Now he finds out the Queen herself is also Jewish!

I imagine the King was speechless as well.  He didn’t know Esther was a Jew either.  He just thought he was sitting down to hear his wife’s petitions.  Now he realizes that his own wife’s life is at stake and she, herself, could die.  His own wife is not safe in his own kingdom.

Esther 7:5-6 – Recap

King Xerxes asks, “Who is he? Where is the man who has dared to do such a thing?”  Esther replied, “The adversary and enemy is this vile Haman.”  Then Haman was terrified before the king and queen.

The king demands to know who is out to get his wife.  What a turn of events, what a fall from grace!  Wasn’t it just yesterday that Haman thought the king would always honor him?  Now the king wants revenge.  Yesterday Haman had the world in his hands…today his death is imminent. Now Haman is about to beg for his life….

Esther 7:7-10 – Recap

The king got up in a rage, left his wine, and went out into the palace garden.  But Haman, realizing that the king had already decided his fate, stayed behind to beg Queen Esther for his life.  Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining.  The king exclaimed, “Will he even molest the Queen while she is with me in the house?”  As soon as the word left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face.  Then one of them, who was named Harbonah, said “Haman even went so far as to build a gallows at his house so that he could hang Mordecai, who saved Your Majesty’s life, and it’s 75 feet tall.” “Hang Haman on it!” the king commanded. So Haman was hanged on the gallows that he had built for Mordecai.  Then the king’s anger cooled down.”

Haman is a type of what the Bible calls ‘flesh.’  Meaning that he is, and has, the self-centered type of nature that we all have naturally.  We are born this way and it can dominate us just the way it dominated Haman.  Instead of us all coming together as the Body of Christ, we sometimes end up fighting the very ones we should be teaming up with and fighting the real enemy—Satan. Sometimes we say, “Well that’s just who I am, or it won’t ever change;” that’s a lie also. Sometimes, as Christians, we don’t even realize or recognize the “Haman” in us.  Yet the Bible promises us that we no longer have to be ruled by that principle anymore.  Haman doesn’t have to stay on the throne!  Stand on the promise that “in Christ” that old nature has no hold on you and you are sending it to the gallows. The Bible says “walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

Revelation concerning the true nature of Haman had come to the king and he sent Haman to his own gallows and hung him.

Wk7_Spring_Esther

Have you had any revelations as to who is calling the shots in your life?  Jesus promises us an abundant life and that life comes from the joy we have in being saved by Him.  When we live and try to walk the path of righteousness and stay connected to our Lord, we are free and joyful and we walk a little lighter.  Hand over all your problems and things that are holding you captive today. Jesus took the Cross for us so that we don’t have to bear our crosses alone.

 

 

 

 

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, We love You and praise You today.  Lord, keep us humble and bring to light anything that would hinder us from receiving Your full blessing.  Help us to realize who the real enemy is and join together and celebrate each others victories and love each other like Jesus loves us.  Lord, we nail our flesh to a tree, and we walk in Your Spirit always.  Life is so amazing every day with Your fingerprints all over our lives.  In Jesus’ name.

Amen.

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Esther – Chapter 7:3-4

October 15, 2013 by

Wk7_Ellison_Esther

Esther 7:3-4

Then Queen Esther answered and said, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request. For we have been sold, my people and I, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. Had we been sold as male and female slaves, I would have held my tongue, although the enemy could never compensate for the king’s loss.”

Redemption. What is redemption? Well, technically, the following is the definition of the word:

 re·demp·tion

1. an act of redeeming or atoning for a fault or mistake, or the state of being redeemed.

2. deliverance; rescue.

3. Theology. deliverance from sin; salvation.

4. atonement for guilt.

5. repurchase, as of something sold.

What does redemption mean to you? To me, it means being saved or being rescued from something.  We all have times in our lives when we need to be redeemed. Some days I feel like I need to be constantly redeemed, constantly saved—sometimes from big things and sometimes from small things, sometimes from things that are my own doing and sometimes from things out of my control.  Thankfully, not often do we find ourselves in Esther’s shoes, with our lives needing saving from the hand of a tyrant or the lives of our people on the line.

Imagine our lives being sold into the hands of someone who hated us simply for existing.  This man planned to kill us for the price of gold and riches, for power and for bragging rights. Imagine us having to play Esther’s role, having to plead for our safety, having to share a secret that could harm us or help us; imagine how vulnerable she felt at that moment.

Imagine how vulnerable we feel when we have to ask for redemption for whatever reason, when we have to open our heart and mind to Christ when we need saving, when we need redemption. Remember in these times what that vulnerability brings, what this admittance of weakness brings. Remember how close we feel to God, how He wraps His loving arms around us. Remember the price He paid for us.

Yes it was Haman who purchased Esther and her people, but we have to remember who purchased us.  Who paid the ultimate price for our lives?  No matter what or who aims to destroy us, the price that Christ paid can never be matched. The redemption that He offers us can never be replaced or taken away.

 *****

Let’s Pray:

Our Lord and Redeemer,  thank You for the price that You paid for us.  Thank You for the redemption offered and available to us.  Whether it was our doing, or the doing of another, You paid the price with Your life.  Your love reaches further than our pain could ever reach.  Your ultimate price could never be matched by the price paid by the Haman’s in our lives.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.

Amen

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Esther – Chapter 6:10-11

October 9, 2013 by

Be honest.   Don’t you just LOVE it when hateful people get what’s coming to them?  Of COURSE you do!  Me too.  This is the part of the Esther story that almost makes me laugh out loud.   We see in verses 10 and 11 that Haman is utterly humiliated –publicly!  Can you imagine what that must have been like for Haman to dress Mordecai in the King’s robe and crown, and then have to parade him around town proclaiming “This is what is done for the man the King delights to honor!” (verse 11).  Haman (the man who, no doubt, made sure to tell anyone who would listen how much he hated Mordecai ) not only had to do this in front of his peers and subjects, Haman obviously was not the man the King delighted to honor!   In the chapter to come we will see the full extent of his downfall.  Take that, you jerk!

But even as I read the scriptures this morning, the Holy Spirit convicted me of my attitude and asked me a couple questions.  Is this how you really are supposed to think, Robin?  Did I delight in Haman’s punishment?   

Wk6_Caddell_EstherWhoa. I just got checked by the Holy Spirit.  Time to take that thought captive and make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Let’s answer the second question first…just so we’re on the same page.  The answer is NO.  Evil will be punished, because God is a just and holy God, and therefore cannot (and will not) tolerate sin.  He does not, however, delight in it.  2 Peter 3:9 says “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  Do you see what the Scripture says –He wants EVERYONE to come to repentance. Even hateful Haman.  You know those people in your mind that are the worst scum of the Earth, ever?  He wants them, too.  Which brings me back to the first question the Holy Spirit is using to correct me (and perhaps you, too…).

Is this really how I am supposed to think?   Well, sisters, the answer is… no, not really. To know that evil will eventually be no more and that God will even out the score brings a great amount of comfort!  But let’s get back to the focus of this study, shall we?  Submission.  If I want to truly be more like Christ, if I want my will to decrease so that His will can increase in me (John 3:30), then I MUST submit my will, in all things. That includes wanting to get even or to get revenge.

Haven’t we all had a “Haman” in our lives, at some time or another?  Maybe not so drastic that they wanted us dead – but haven’t we all had someone who “got one over on us?”  Perhaps there is someone who makes your life miserable at work.  A “friend” who insists on outdoing everything you do, and rubbing your nose in it. Maybe you have a neighbor that HATES you.  Or maybe someone just cheated you out of something you worked hard for.  It could be something as simple as getting cut off in traffic!  But it could be more heinous – you or your family has been victim of harm or abuse.  The bottom line is, we all have at one time or another wanted to get revenge for an offense made against us.   We definitely haven’t prayed for God’s favor on that person!

But we should.

Romans 12:17-21 presents a challenging passage about love:

Do not repay anyone evil for evil.  Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge, I will repay,” says the Lord.  On the contrary, ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.  In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’   Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Wow – is that some heavy lifting, or what?  Give your enemy a drink if he’s thirsty?  I know sometimes I would rather hit someone upside the head with a full bucket of water than give that person a drink out of love.  But as I am called to be more like Christ, and as God keeps trying to skim out the garbage in my life to make me more pure, then I MUST  think of any offending person as someone that God desperately wants to reach for his Kingdom.  He doesn’t want ANYONE to perish, remember?  All people are created by God – in His image – and He wants all people to come to Him.  This is not going to be an easy one to master.  But forgiving someone an offense and PRAYING for those who persecute us brings us to such an incredible place of submission and humility that God can work miracles – in our hearts AND in our enemies!

 *****

Let’s pray:

God, thank You for being a just AND loving God!  Thank You for Your forgiveness of my offenses and help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me.   Lord, help me when I want to seek revenge for wrongs done to me and when I would rather wish harm on someone than good.  Pour me out so that YOU can increase in me. Help me to rest assured that my life rests in the palm of Your hand and know that You will avenge any wrong done to me – the daughter of the King!  May my words, thoughts and actions reflect Your love in my life – help me to be more like Your beautiful Son every day.  In His name we pray.

Amen.

 

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Esther – Chapter 6:4-9

October 8, 2013 by

Esther 6:4-9

So the king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king’s palace to suggest that the king hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him. The king’s servants said to him, “Haman is there, standing in the court.” And the king said, “Let him come in.” So Haman came in, and the king asked him, “What shall be done for the man whom the king delights to honor?” Now Haman thought in his heart, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?” And Haman answered the king, “For the man whom the king delights to honor, let a royal robe be brought which the king has worn, and a horse on which the king has ridden, which has a royal crest placed on its head. Then let this robe and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king’s most noble princes, that he may array the man whom the king delights to honor. Then parade him on horseback through the city square, and proclaim before him: ‘Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!’”

Oh, pride…that little five letter word that I have truly grown to dislike.  A word that has proven to hurt so many lives, ruined so many relationships, guided so many down paths harder than they should have been. Pride doesn’t discriminate; it touches the work place, the home, the church, it wraps itself around our hearts and makes life a difficult place.

Googling verses on pride, I found many more than the word count of this blog will allow.

  • I will break down your stubborn pride.  Leviticus 26:19
  • He grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God.    2 Chronicles 26:16
  • In his pride the wicked does not seek Him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.  Psalm 10:4
  • When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.  Proverbs 11:2
  • Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Proverbs 13:10
  • Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.  Proverbs 16:18
  • A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.  Proverbs 29:23
  • But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory.  Daniel 5:20
  • Your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God.  Deuteronomy 8:14
  • Though the LORD is on high, He looks upon the lowly, but the proud He knows from afar.  Psalm 138:6
  • The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. Proverbs 16:5
  • Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.  Proverbs 16:19
  • Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.  Proverbs 18:12
  • Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  1 Corinthians 13:4

I would be lying if I tried to say that I haven’t had an issue with pride.  I like being able to do everything myself and I don’t like asking for help and I don’t like admitting that I am wrong.  I had the thought that doing these things made me weak.  They made me less of a woman, less of a wife, less of a mom.  I should be able to handle it all.  I have the skills, the know-how and the desire.  This is pride in a different sense than what Haman showed; but it is pride none-the-less.

Wk6_Ellison_Esther

When these thoughts of pride and inadequacy creep in I remind myself that I have not been doing this without God and that I cannot continue to do this without God.  We are not created to do things alone, to walk our paths alone, we can only do it with God on our side. This is where Haman fell short; he thought that he alone reached the position he was in, he thought that no other man could be held in such high regard as him. His pride was his downfall.  I don’t want to see this in my life and I don’t want to see it in yours.

It’s wrong to be proud of our accomplishments. I don’t think it’s wrong to think that we did a good job at something.  But we need to remember to give honor where honor is due.

_____

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, You bless us daily. You give us skills and talents that allow us to accomplish tasks, to succeed in this life. Lord, please forgive us for the times where we allow pride to take over, for the times when we fail to thank You.  Give us a gentle reminder when our pride starts to get too big, when we look to ourselves, and forget to look towards You.

In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen.

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Esther – Chapter 6:1-3

October 7, 2013 by

During that night the king could not sleep so he gave an order to bring the book of records,  the chronicles, and they were read before the king.   It was found written what Mordecai had reported concerning Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who were doorkeepers,  that they had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus.   The king said, “What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?”  Then the king’s servants who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.”

 Esther 6:1-3

The favor of a man (in this case King Ahasuerus), while a blessing, is always temporary.  As we read this record, we see that the king realized that something should have been done to show honor, or favor, to Mordecai for saving Ahasuerus’ life. (Look back here to see exactly what had happened.)  For some reason…perhaps God’s timing…it did not happen at that time.

We have seen ‘favor’ being given here in Esther’s story before…let’s look back.

…Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her.
And the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the maidens….
Chapter 2, verse 15-17

And when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight, and he held out to [her] the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther drew near and touched the tip of the scepter.
Chapter 5, verse 2

In the first account, Esther was favored not only by everyone she met but…far more importantly…she was favored by the king.  And, in the second record, because of the favor that Esther received from her husband King Ahasuerus, she was allowed to approach his throne and granted her most unusual request.  When favor is given from person to person, there is always the chance it will be withheld, or delayed…as in the instance between Ahasuerus and Mordecai.

However, God’s favor—His grace to us—is never withheld.  We are never left waiting for His blessing.  When we receive favor from the Lord it is always timely…perfectly on time.   There are many records throughout the Bible of people being favored by the Lord.  Here are a few of my personal favorites!

Noah — found favor in God’s eyes; and we know what came from that!

Genesis 6:6-8
And the Lord regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved at heart.
So the Lord said, I will destroy, blot out, and wipe away mankind, whom I have created from the face of the ground—not only man, [but] the beasts and the creeping things and the birds of the air—for it grieves Me and makes Me regretful that I have made them.
But Noah found grace (favor) in the eyes of the Lord.

Moses — also was favored by God and through His life the children of Israel benefitted from that favor and were led to the Promised Land.

Exodus 33:17 and 18
The Lord said to Moses, “I will also do this thing of which you have spoken; for you have found favor in My sight and I have known you by name.”
Then Moses said, “I pray You, show me Your glory!”

David — Psalms 5:12, 30:5 and 7, 69:13 (and others)

Acts 7:45 and 46
So it was until the days of David, who found favor in the sight of God
and asked to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.

Mary — Can you only imagine being told these things!

Luke 1:28-31
The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.
You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call Him Jesus.

As we read through these records and remember the fullness and importance of each account, I think that we recognize the incredible value there is in finding ‘favor with God.’  I have read numerous times that ‘favor’ (Old Testament word) and ‘grace” (New Testament word) are the same thing.  So favor = grace. 

Well, we HAVE found favor, or grace, with God!  And the favor/grace that we have with Him can never be withheld, delayed, or taken away!  (For a beautiful picture of God’s favor, His grace to us, read Romans 5.)

Read through the following verses…I pray that God will enlarge your understanding so that you will see and know of His favor and grace towards you!

I always thank my God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 1:4

Romans 6:14

2 Corinthians 9:8

Ephesians 1:2-6

Ephesians 2:5-8

Ephesians 4:7

Philippians 1:7

Hebrews 4:16

Titus 3:4-7

2 Peter 1:2-3

Wk6_Hayden_Esther

Let’s Pray:

Almighty Father, we thank You…we praise You…for the immensity of Your grace towards us!  Where would we be without it?!!  Truly, still dead in our trespasses and sins!  Your grace, your favor, Your blessing for our lives cannot be earned; we are so thankful!  May we hold the TRUTH regarding Your wonderful grace in our hearts…and rest in that truth.  Thank You, Father; we love and adore You!

Amen.

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Esther – Chapter 5:3-5

October 1, 2013 by

 

Esther 5:3-5

And the king said to her, “What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you—up to half the kingdom!”

So Esther answered, “If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”

Then the king said, “Bring Haman quickly, that he may do as Esther has said.” So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

“We must keep our focus in check.”  I think this of my favorite line from today’s reading.  It is so true, but can be so hard at times.  I can imagine myself in Esther’s shoes, or rather sandals. Sitting on a choice, “Do I seek change for myself? Or do I seek change for my people?”  It would be easy to desire and pray for help for herself in this situation…for some sort of relief from the pressure that weighed on her shoulders. But instead she pushed forward with what God was directing her to do, and put the needs of her people above her own.

Like Darlene beautifully pointed out, this situation mirrors how we should approach our prayer life.  Our pastor told us this little saying yesterday, “Need versus Greed.”

 James 4:3

You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

This made me think.  It’s not as if I’m asking God to help me find 1 million dollars lying on the street, but I may be asking God for a promotion at work.  Why?  To further His Kingdom or to further my own?  I may be asking God for strength to get through the day, and to accomplish all the tasks I have to do.  But why?  So I can look good in front of others or so I can do what He has called me to do that day.

I don’t think we intentionally say greedy prayers, but I do think that we should pay attention to our motives.  About a year or so ago, this topic was brought up in church—the topic of what motivates our prayers.  I continue to pray for my family’s well-being, for financial guidance when money gets tight, for restoration of relationships when they get rough.   I don’t think James 4:3 is addressing this.  But I did add a piece to my prayers, a piece that I try to pray throughout the day.  I ask that God would open my eyes to areas during my day where I could do His work.  I prayed that my family would show others His love, that we would see opportunities in which we could grow His kingdom.

I am a naturally greedy person; I think most people are.  Not in a hording/not sharing kind of way.  But in how it applies to our prayers.  I want to automatically pray for myself—for a good day for me, for peace for me, for wisdom for me.  The question that Darlene asks at the end of this section is not a condemning question.  I see it as a growth question; an opportunity to grow for the better, an opportunity to be more intentional in our words that we lift up to our Father.

*****

Let’s Pray:

Wk5_Ellison_Esther

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Esther – Chapter 4:4-7

September 24, 2013 by

Wk4_Esther_Ellison

Esther 4:4-7

So Esther’s maids and eunuchs came and told her, and the queen was deeply distressed. Then she sent garments to clothe Mordecai and take his sackcloth away from him, but he would not accept them. Then Esther called Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs whom he had appointed to attend her, and she gave him a command concerning Mordecai, to learn what and why this was. So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the city square that was in front of the king’s gate. And Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, and the sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king’s treasuries to destroy the Jews.

Sometimes there is a pull on our heart or, as my pastor says, an “unrest in our spirit.”  I believe that Esther experienced this.  She was told something disturbing and she was “deeply distressed.” Has this ever happened to you?  We find out a piece of information…see or hear something…and then we know something isn’t right.  We may or may not know exactly what is going on, or what all of the details are, but we know that something is wrong.  I think this is what Esther experienced this day.  She didn’t know why Mordecai was acting the way he was acting but she knew that it was serious and wanted to know more.

So what does she do about this unrest?  She asks.  She seeks clarification.  She sends a message to him asking what the situation is.  How does this apply to you and me?  Mordecai symbolizes the Holy Spirit and, like Esther asked questions of Mordecai, we can ask a question of the Holy Spirit.  We need not send someone to ask for us—we can go directly to our Helper ourselves.

 John 14:16

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—

 Sometimes we don’t have to ask; sometimes the Holy Spirit speaks directly to us. “The Holy Spirit is that voice inside of us that convicts us of sin, while encouraging us to do better.”

Last week my pastor said something that stuck with me, he said that “the same Holy Spirit that was in the Bible is in us.”  The same Holy Spirit at work in the heart of Esther is the same Holy Spirit at work in our hearts.  The same Holy Spirit that began to pull on the heart of Esther that day isthe same Holy Spirit who pulls on our hearts to make a change in our lives.

This week I am determined to pray on the question that Darlene asks, “Is there anything in your life that you’ve recently been convicted of or encouraged to improve upon?” Like Esther I want to seek out what change needs to be made; I want to see how I need to improve the situation I’m in.  Like Esther I am going to ask of my Helper what those changes need to be. I’m going to ask what needs to be done.

_______

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the Helper that You have sent to us.  Thank You for the pull on our spirit when things need to change.  So often we feel that something is wrong, or that something can be better.  Lord, give us the courage to seek the answers from the Holy Spirit, to seek the change that needs to be made.  In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen.

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