Your Words Are Your Footprints

God Will Take Care of You

2017-08-25T13:40:00.001-07:00

Effective immediately............

begin to eliminate the words

"what if" from your vocabulary!

Why?

Because - God will take care of you!

God will always be one step ahead of you.

Deuteronomy 31:8

"And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed."

God has arranged every step of your journey

according to His will.

Jeremiah 29:11-14

If you are fearful of the future,

then you might want to check with the past.

Not one single word of all

His good promises have ever failed!

Have faith in God.

Wait.

Time is an integral part of God's plan for your life.

Although it may seem He is

lingering long,

He NEVER comes too late.!

The Hammer, The File, and The Furnace

2017-08-15T13:41:00.005-07:00

"It was the enraptured Rutherford who said in the midst of some very painful trials and heartaches:

Praise God for the

hammer, the file, and the furnace!

"Let's think about that for a bit......

The hammer is a useful and handy instrument. It is an essential and helpful tool, if nails are ever to be driven into place. Each blow forces them to bite deeper as the hammer's head pounds and pounds.

But, if the nail had feelings and intelligence, it would give us another side of the story. To the nail, it only knows the hammer as an opponent. To the nail, the hammer is a brutal, relentless master - an enemy who loves to beat it into submission, to beat it down and out of sight and clinch it into place. That is the nail's view of the hammer. It is correct. Except for one thing. The nail tends to forget that both it and the hammer are held by the same workman. The workman decides whose "head" will be pounded out of sight.....and which hammer will be used to do the job.

This decision is the sovereign right of the carpenter. When the nail has surrendered to the will of the workman and has gotten a little glimpse of his benign plans for its future it will yield to the hammer and its resentment will fade as it also yields to the carpenter without complaint.

The file is more painful still, for its business is to bite into the soft metal, scraping and eating away the edges till it has shaped the metal to its will. Yet the file has, in truth, no real will in the matter, but serves another master, as the metal also does. It is the master and not the file that decides how much shall be eaten away, what shape the metal shall take, and how long the painful file shall continue. Let the metal accept the will of the master and it will not try to dictate when or how it shall be filed.

The metal endures the rasp of the file and the blast of the furnace. If the metal forgets that it and the tools are objects of the same craftsman's care, it will build up hatred and resentment.

The metal must keep in mind that the craftsman knows what he is doing.............and he is doing his best.

As for the furnace, it is the worst of all. The furnace is ruthless and savage, it leaps at every combustible thing that enter it. It never relaxes its fury until it has reduced it all to shapeless ashes. All that refuses to burn is melted to a mass of helpless matter without will or purpose of its own. When everything is melted that will melt and all is burned that will burn, then and not until then the furnace calms down and rest from its destructive fury.

Heartaches and disappointments are like the hammer, the file, and the furnace. They come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they come on the scene suddenly and other times they appear over the passings of many months. Sometimes God uses a hammer (at least it feels that way) and sometimes he uses a painful file. Although not quite so often, yes, God may even allow the use of a furnace.

As drawn out as suffering, heartaches and disappointments can be at time, one thing we must always remember......the Master, our Heavenly Father knows what He is doing. He knows your breaking point. Though at times it may seem like He has abandoned you, He will never leave your side. The bruising, crushing and melting process is designed and being allowed to reshape you, not to ruin you.

Stand fast!

Has God brought a hammer into your life lately? Is He working away with a file? Do you feel like you are in the furnace right now? God's hand is in your heartache! Yes it is! If you weren't important, do you think He would take this long and work this hard on your life? Know that it is Christ Himself who is working out His great plan in your life so that you might be mature and complete, and that you in turn might enjoy a greater relationship with Him. Remember - nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38-39). "

My Children Taught Me........

2017-08-10T10:20:00.002-07:00

Some things my children taught me...........

If you want a kitten, start out by asking for a horse.

It is definitely more fun to color outside of the lines.

Keep asking "why" until you completely understand.

Don't pop other people's bubble!

Toads aren't ugly.....they are just toads.

Flexibility is important! Sure - go ahead - cake for breakfast.

Save a place in line for your friends.

Don't ask to start over just because you're losing the game.

We all have the potential to do amazing things.

Smile!

Be excited about life!

Life is a process....today's failures = tomorrow's growth.

Don't forget to tell your children..........

God loves you!

God is your Creator and your Heavenly Father.

God wants you to learn and to be happy.

God has an open door policy. You are always welcome.

Life isn't always easy - but God will never leave you.

A Lesson From A Pebble

2017-08-08T12:38:00.004-07:00

Drop a pebble in the water and with just a splash it is gone;

But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,

Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea.

And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.

Drop a pebble in the water and in a minute you forget,

But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,

And those little waves a-flowing to a great big wave have grown;

You've disturbed a mighty river just by dropping in a stone.

Drop an unkind or careless word and in a minute it is gone;

But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on.

They keep spreading, spreading, spreading from the center as they go,

And there is no way to stop them, once you've started them to flow.

Drop an unkind or careless word and in a minute you forget;

But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,

And perhaps in some sad heart a might wave of tears you've stirred,

And disturbed a life that was happy ere you dropped that unkind word.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness and in just a flash it is gone;

But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,

Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave

Till you wouldn't believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness and in a minute you forget;

But there's gladness still a-swelling, and there's you circling yet,

And you've rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard

Over miles and miles of water just by dropping one kind word.

Author Unknown

General Douglas MacArthur's Prayer For His Only Son

2017-06-18T18:27:00.002-07:00

Editor’s note: While General Douglas MacArthur was stationed in Australia and acting as Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area, he penned this prayer for his only son, Arthur.

Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.

Build me a son whose wishes will not take the place of deeds; a son who will know Thee—and that to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge.

Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge. Here let him learn to stand up in the storm; here let him learn compassion for those who fail.

Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goal will be high; a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men; one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.

And after all these things are his, add, I pray, enough of a sense of humor, so that he may always be serious, yet never take himself too seriously. Give him humility, so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, and the weakness of true strength.

Then I, his father will dare to whisper, “I have not lived in vain. ”

The Story Of Esther - The Conclusion

2017-06-10T14:06:00.001-07:00

Esther 9-10New International Version (NIV)

9 On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the edict commanded by the king was to be carried out. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them. 2 The Jews assembled in their cities in all the provinces of King Xerxes to attack those determined to destroy them. No one could stand against them, because the people of all the other nationalities were afraid of them. 3 And all the nobles of the provinces, the satraps, the governors and the king’s administrators helped the Jews, because fear of Mordecai had seized them.4 Mordecai was prominent in the palace; his reputation spread throughout the provinces, and he became more and more powerful.

5 The Jews struck down all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them, and they did what they pleased to those who hated them. 6 In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men. 7 They also killed Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, 8 Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, 9 Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai and Vaizatha, 10 the ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews. But they did not lay their hands on the plunder.

11 The number of those killed in the citadel of Susa was reported to the king that same day. 12 The king said to Queen Esther, “The Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men and the ten sons of Haman in the citadel of Susa. What have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces? Now what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? It will also be granted.”

13 “If it pleases the king,” Esther answered, “give the Jews in Susa permission to carry out this day’s edict tomorrow also, and let Haman’s ten sons be impaled on poles.”

14 So the king commanded that this be done. An edict was issued in Susa, and they impaled the ten sons of Haman. 15 The Jews in Susa came together on the fourteenth day of the month of Adar, and they put to death in Susa three hundred men, but they did not lay their hands on the plunder.

16 Meanwhile, the remainder of the Jews who were in the king’s provinces also assembled to protect themselves and get relief from their enemies. They killed seventy-five thousand of them but did not lay their hands on the plunder. 17 This happened on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar, and on the fourteenth they rested and made it a day of feasting and joy.

18 The Jews in Susa, however, had assembled on the thirteenth and fourteenth, and then on the fifteenth they rested and made it a day of feasting and joy.

19 That is why rural Jews—those living in villages—observe the fourteenth of the month of Adar as a day of joy and feasting, a day for giving presents to each other.

20 Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Xerxes, near and far, 21 to have them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar 22 as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor.

23 So the Jews agreed to continue the celebration they had begun, doing what Mordecai had written to them. 24 For Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had cast the pur (that is, the lot) for their ruin and destruction. 25 But when the plot came to the king’s attention,[a] he issued written orders that the evil scheme Haman had devised against the Jews should come back onto his own head, and that he and his sons should be impaled on poles.26 (Therefore these days were called Purim, from the word pur.) Because of everything written in this letter and because of what they had seen and what had happened to them, 27 the Jews took it on themselves to establish the custom that they and their descendants and all who join them should without fail observe these two days every year, in the way prescribed and at the time appointed.28 These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never fail to be celebrated by the Jews—nor should the memory of these days die out among their descendants.

29 So Queen Esther, daughter of Abihail, along with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter concerning Purim. 30 And Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of Xerxes’ kingdom—words of goodwill and assurance— 31 to establish these days of Purim at their designated times, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had decreed for them, and as they had established for themselves and their descendants in regard to their times of fasting and lamentation.32 Esther’s decree confirmed these regulations about Purim, and it was written down in the records.

10 King Xerxes imposed tribute throughout the empire, to its distant shores. ²And all his acts of power and might, together with a full account of the greatness of Mordecai, whom the king had promoted, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Media and Persia? ³Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.

Remembering and Celebrating

While the Jews carried out the task of defending themselves and killing their enemies, we must remember that behind the scenes is God Who the Avenger. Through a series of coincidences He had orchestrated this final lethal blow at Haman's evil plan of extermination. And yet we must always remember Paul's words of warning and not seek revenge for wrongs committed against us...

Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. (Romans 12:19)

God is the Avenger and unless extraordinary circumstances occur in our lives as did in the Book of Esther, we are to leave it to God to extract the appropriate retribution at the perfect time. In the meantime we must pray for those who persecute us.

A side note......don't try to obey this command from Jesus in your own strength! You cannot do it!

After the battle, came the rest.

After the victory came the celebration!

Finally, after all the anguish, fear and battle that had gone on in the land, we see that God’s people could finally celebrate. The enemy had been defeated and there was freedom at last.

The sentence of death that hung over their necks had been replaced with unrelenting joy and the spirit of heaviness had been replaced by the garments of praise!

Yes, it was a day to be remembered, that is for sure... and a day to be celebrated.

It was also a day to give presents to another in thanksgiving of the wonderful victory and deliverance by God. So Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews instructing them to celebrate this victory each year on the 14^th and 15^th of Adar.

To this day, even 2500 years later, this celebration and feast is still kept every year by the Jews.

It is called the feast of Purim and is celebrated in the month of March.

So what can we, as God’s people today, take from this for our lives?

Well, this celebration is a reminder of the hope, joy and thanksgiving that should be ours due to the ultimate victory that was achieved for us on the cross.

We can look back on that day when God ‘turned the tables’ on the enemy and purchased life out of death. It is also a reminder of the day coming when all of our battles will be over and the fullness of joy shall be our lot.

We should also experience God’s ‘rest’ that is ours as we walk in faith.

And this rest is not one that only occurs once the battle is over. God’s rest is available in the midst of the difficulty and He commands us to take hold of that peace and rest ‘today’.

Finally, in this last chapter in The Book of Esther we are given a quick recap on the whole story.

What a story it has been!

A nasty villain and a wicked plan... a beautiful queen and position of power... a decree of death and a city perplexed... a sleepless night and an enemy exposed... an annihilation averted and a victory gained. In it all we have seen the hand of the invisible God moving providentially on behalf of His people.

Queen Esther sent a second letter out to the Jews in all 127 provinces of the Medo-Perisan kingdom reconfirming the importance to always remember the days of Purim for all generations to come.

Do you remember what the Lord has done for you..... the many different areas in which the Lord helps you and I?

As the Psalmist said:

"Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalms 103:2-5)

The Book of Esther finishes with a tiny little chapter of three verses.

In it we read of the ongoing fame of Mordecai, for he was held in high esteem throughout the kingdom and was second in rank to King Xerxes only. He worked on behalf of his people and not for his own gain. He spoke ‘peace to all his countrymen’.

In his fame and his actions, in his words and establishment of peace, we see that Mordecai is a picture of the Lord Jesus who shall one day rule over the entire world. His fame will be great, His work selfless and His peace never-ending!

Final thought.......

"Life can be hard!

Difficult times happen, and pain cannot be avoided!

When life doesn’t make sense, do you turn to God or away from Him?

Let the book of Esther encourage you that God is always present. Jesus called us “friends” ( John 15:15), and the Spirit is our “Helper” (14:26).

Trust and obey, as Esther did.

Then, watch God silently weave all events for His glory . . . and for our good."

Chuck Swindoll

The Story of Esther - Chapter 8

2017-06-10T12:22:00.002-07:00

Esther 8New International Version (NIV)

8 That same day King Xerxes gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came into the presence of the king, for Esther had told how he was related to her. 2 The king took off his signet ring, which he had reclaimed from Haman, and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed him over Haman’s estate.

3 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. 4 Then the king extended the gold scepter to Esther and she arose and stood before him.

5 “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. 6 For how can I bear to see disaster fall on my people? How can I bear to see the destruction of my family?”

7 King Xerxes replied to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, “Because Haman attacked the Jews, I have given his estate to Esther, and they have impaled him on the pole he set up. 8 Now write another decree in the king’s name in behalf of the Jews as seems best to you, and seal it with the king’s signet ring—for no document written in the king’s name and sealed with his ring can be revoked.”

9 At once the royal secretaries were summoned—on the twenty-third day of the third month, the month of Sivan. They wrote out all Mordecai’s orders to the Jews, and to the satraps, governors and nobles of the 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush.[a] These orders were written in the script of each province and the language of each people and also to the Jews in their own script and language. 10 Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes, sealed the dispatches with the king’s signet ring, and sent them by mounted couriers, who rode fast horses especially bred for the king.

11 The king’s edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves; to destroy, kill and annihilate the armed men of any nationality or province who might attack them and their women and children,[b] and to plunder the property of their enemies. 12 The day appointed for the Jews to do this in all the provinces of King Xerxes was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar. 13 A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued as law in every province and made known to the people of every nationality so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.

14 The couriers, riding the royal horses, went out, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa.

The Triumph of the Jews

15 When Mordecai left the king’s presence, he was wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration. 16 For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor.17 In every province and in every city to which the edict of the king came, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them.

One thing is certain in life...

God is faithful.

In chapter 8 of Esther, God provides not only for Esther and Mordecai, but for all of His people, and they respond with rejoicing and celebrating. According to the constitution of the Persian government, no law or decree could be repealed or recalled, so the king had them write a new decree that would allow the Jews to defend themselves, instead of being slaughtered. The result of the new decree was that Shushan (Susa) and all the people rejoiced. The Jews had light and joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday.

(Verses 1-2): "According to the historians Herodotus and Josephus, the property of a traitor in Persia was confiscated by the state. In this case, Xerxes gave it) “(the house of Haman”) to the queen, and passed on his royal “signet ring” to Mordecai as a gesture of favor and trust. Xerxes’ gift officially signaled that Mordecai had replaced Haman’s position in the kingdom.

Now that she had revealed her nationally to Xerxes (7:4), Esther was happy to present Mordecai to the king as her guardian and cousin. The word “house” refers to “all that he had” as in Genesis 39:4, thus his total estate. Mordecai was given his “ring” (3:10; 8:8) and was appointed chief minister of the empire (as was Joseph in Genesis 41:42)."

**God's justice results in a transfer of wealth from those who deny justice to those who work for it (see Esther 8:1-2 and 3:9).
** God's justice results in faith even when a death order is in effect. Between the time the king gave his original order to kill all the Jews but before his second decree went into effect that Jews could defend themselves, here is what happened: "The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor. And in every province and city, wherever the king's command and decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday" (Esther 8:16, NKJ). Remember, the day still had not come for the Jews to fight; in the natural they did not know how it would turn out, but they knew by the Spirit.

(Chapter 8 highlights......Mordecai is honored and placed over the house of Haman—Ahasuerus issues a decree to preserve the Jews.)
Notice verse 14......There was an urgency to get the word out about this important decree of the king. Christians should show a similar urgency when it comes to being heralds of the decree that the justice of God has been satisfied for us in Jesus ChristIn Also.....verse 16....The Jews were no longer sad and living in the shadow of the death that Haman intended to bring. They had the light, and life of God renewed within them. This would bring joy unspeakable. In the same way, our course in life is not yet run; our salvation is not yet complete – yet we can rejoice, because of our confidence in our king – being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.(Philippians 1:6)


In conclusion........
"And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them."

Wow! What a testimony!
The gentiles turned to the God of the Jews because of what they had seen.
God’s work on their behalf, and their resulting joy, proved to be an infectious mix!
A reminder for all of us....Be thankful.
It won’t just affect your own life but could well influence those around you.
Non-Christians watch you and they watch me.
They want to see whether we have something that is real and worthwhile.
Joy is contagious!
Now, step into each new situation in your life with a grateful heart. God is adequate for whatever situations, difficulties or opportunities may come your way.

The Story Of Esther - Chapter 7

2017-04-02T16:27:00.004-07:00

Esther 7 New International Version (NIV)

"So the king and Haman went to Queen Esther’s banquet, and as they were drinking wine on the second day, the king again asked, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.”

Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request. For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king.”

King Xerxes asked Queen Esther, “Who is he? Where is he—the man who has dared to do such a thing?”

Esther said, “An adversary and enemy! This vile Haman!”

Then Haman was terrified before the king and queen. 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 Harbona, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said, “A pole reaching to a height of fifty cubits stands by Haman’s house. He had it set up for Mordecai, who spoke up to help the king.”

The king said, “Impale him on it!” So they impaled Haman on the pole he had set up for Mordecai. Then the king’s fury subsided."

This is a good reminder that the Lord sees all

and will one day make everything right.

Chapter 7 recounts the events of the second banquet that Esther had requested, where she would make known what she wanted from the king. The prospect of speaking to the king must have weighed heavily on Esther as she prepared for the second banquet. She must frame her thoughts carefully and choose her words wisely. If Haman’s treachery was to be exposed, Esther must confront him to his face. Without openly accusing the king, she must plead for her life and the lives of her people. she determined to obey the Lord, do or die. Then she spent time on her knees before God. Here, she found courage to overcome her fears and wisdom to navigate through her perilous situation. God was with her every step of the way! For nearly a week, Esther had waited to plead her case with the king. Now, at the moment of truth, she does not hesitate to confront the enemy of her people. Though the Bible doesn’t record it, Esther’s revelation must have been met by stunned silence. She revealed the plot to destroy her and her people, then dramatically named the mastermind: “This wicked Haman!”

The king was astonished that anyone would threaten his queen. As Xerxes begins putting the pieces together, his fury rises and Haman’s shock turns to terror. He is exposed and powerless, caught in a trap of his own making.

Esther adds a second term of reproach—"enemy"—stronger than the one which she had used before (verse 4), to stir up the king to greater anger. The king is horror-struck. He doesn't know for a moment what to doThe king was so shocked and incensed by this turn of events that he had to leave the room to calm down. He goes out in the garden and paces up and down. When he returned, he saw "Haman had fallen across the couch where Esther was, "pleading with her" to spare his life.

The king accused Haman of trying to assault his wife, the queen, and he ordered Haman to be hanged on the very gallows that Haman had built to kill Mordecai Mordecai, who is the hero now -who saved the kings life.

The evil that Haman planned for his enemy fell on him. It was the ultimate expression of justice.

The lesson here is that if your intent is to build gallows for someone else, you might be the one to hang on them or in other words, as Proverbs 26:27 says:

“Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.”

Now, here's where Esther and Mordecai see "justice" taking place. In the midst of all this confusion, chaos and craziness, a lowly eunuch (a servant of the king) speaks up and says, "a pole reaching to a height of fifty cubits (about 75 feet) stands by Haman's house. He had it set up for Mordecai, who spoke up to help the king" to which the king replies, "then impale Haman on it!".

***Side-note.... in our lives we do not always see justice when we choose to do what is right. But, maintain a consistent character whether or not justice prevails in this life.

As we read The Book of Esther over and over again, let God teach you about justice. One of the great ideological and spiritual battles of our time is who gets to define justice. That's why it's critical to understand how the God of justice Himself defines it. Whatever injustice is on your heart, no matter how overwhelming it seems, we want to encourage you that God is still looking for Esther’s to partner with—ordinary people who will reverse extraordinary injustices, ordinary people such as Esther, you and me. He is looking for one person to partner with against all odds, against all injustice, to make a difference, to right a wrong? Yes. He is looking for you!

"Little did Esther think, when she was first accepted as queen, that she would do a good work for her race which should never be forgotten. But the hour came for her to make a great attempt; she made it, and succeeded. Her success was due to her courage and her charms. But these were the outcome of a life of virtue. By the exercise of these she had "bought up the opportunity" (redeemed the time), and "when the occasion came she was equal to the occasion." Wisely use the present, and when the hour of opportunity comes you will be ready to speak, to strike, to suffer, or to save."

Justice begins with prayer.!

Ask God to show you how he would like to use you in the pursuit of justice.

Where is justicetruly established and served?

In God's providence and power alone! Justice is served against Haman, not because Esther was good or nice, but because God is over all things and uses all things for His purpose and glory!

Romans 12:19 tells us, "do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written, 'it is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord".

Not everyone gets justice in such dramatic fashion as the story in the story of Esther but Scripture does promise that God will one day avenge all injustice. (Rom. 12:19 - see above). While we wait, we are to do what we can to work for justice and leave the results in God’s hands.

Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the LORD that a man getsjustice. Proverbs 29:26

***Final note...be reminded that God does not allow wickedness to go unpunished.
At times, it seems the enemy has the upper hand, but we can be certain that God
will not allow His people to be overcome or destroyed.!

The Story of Esther - Chapters 5-6

2017-03-26T18:25:00.000-07:00

The Book of Esther

Chapter 5

"On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.

Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.”

“If it pleases the king,” replied Esther, “let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him.”

“Bring Haman at once,” the king said, “so that we may do what Esther asks.”

So the king and Haman went to the banquet Esther had prepared. As they were drinking wine, the king again asked Esther, “Now what is your petition? It will be given you. And what is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.”

Haman went out that day happy and in high spirits. But when he saw Mordecai at the king’s gate and observed that he neither rose nor showed fear in his presence, he was filled with rage against Mordecai. Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home.

Calling together his friends and Zeresh, his wife, Haman boasted to them about his vast wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored him and how he had elevated him above the other nobles and officials. “And that’s not all,” Haman added. “I’m the only person Queen Esther invited to accompany the king to the banquet she gave. And she has invited me along with the king tomorrow. But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate.”

His wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Have a pole set up, reaching to a height of fifty cubits, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai impaled on it. Then go with the king to the banquet and enjoy yourself.” This suggestion delighted Haman, and he had the pole set up."

Discussion......After three days, Queen Esther approached the king and the king put out his scepter but only because she had found favor in the king’s eyes (Esther 5:1-2). When the king asked what Esther wanted and could have up to half the kingdom if that’s what she wanted, she used tact and said that she wanted to have a banquet or feast for the king and for Haman (Esther 5:7-8). Esther clearly showed great skill! The king, by coming to her banquet and acknowledging his favor of her, has already almost agreed to her request. She is outmaneuvering everybody. When the deceitful Haman heard this, he was sure that this was all meant for him and he was partially right but not (Esther 5:7-8). in the way that he thought (Esther 5:9-13) and his friends were so excited that they suggested he build some gallows which he did and which were intended for Mordecai (Esther 5:14).

NOTE: God demands obedience!

Esther’s obedience saved God’s people from genocide. The reality is that Esther didn’t know what would happen when she approached the king. She acted in obedience and by doing so she saved a nation and received the best.

Obedience is better than sacrifice!

1 Samuel 15:22

Chapter 6

"That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him. It was found recorded there that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s officers who guarded the doorway, who had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes.

“What honor and recognition has Mordecai received for this?” the king asked.

“Nothing has been done for him,” his attendants answered.

The king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to speak to the king about impaling Mordecai on the pole he had set up for him.

His attendants answered, “Haman is standing in the court.”

“Bring him in,” the king ordered.

When Haman entered, the king asked him, “What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?”

Now Haman thought to himself, “Who is there that the king would rather honor than me?” So he answered the king, “For the man the king delights to honor, 8 have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king’s most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor, and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!’”

“Go at once,” the king commanded Haman. “Get the robe

and the horse and do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king’s gate. Do not neglect anything you have recommended.”

So Haman got the robe and the horse. He robed Mordecai, and led him on horseback through the city streets, proclaiming before him, “This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!”

Afterward Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman rushed home, with his head covered in grief, 13 and told Zeresh his wife and all his friends everything that had happened to him.

His advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him, “Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him—you will surely come to ruin!” While they were still talking with him, the king’s eunuchs arrived and hurried Haman away to the banquet Esther had prepared."

Discussion......By God’s providence, the king couldn’t sleep and so just to occupy himself he went to the chronicles and read about the plot to take his life and discovered that it was Mordecai that had saved his life (Esther 6:1-3) He asked what had been done to reward Mordecai. His servants replied that nothing had been done.

Who should be outside waiting to see the king that morning but evil Haman, who was plotting to kill Mordecai! So when the king called Haman to come in, the two men had totally opposite plans in mind.

The king asked Haman what should be done to someone the king wanted to honor. Of course, in his pride, Haman thought the king was talking about him. So he said that such a person should be treated like royalty and honored by a high official announcing, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!” (verse 9).

Imagine Haman’s surprise when the king assigned him to honor his archenemy Mordecai (verse 10-12)!

Let’s take just a quick moment and learn/discuss the literary term, “irony.” It is beautifully exemplied in Chapter 6. The word “irony” is derived from the Latin word ironia, meaning “feigned ignorance.”

The key to understanding ironyis that it is a discrepancy between:

• what is expected or intended and what happens, or  

• what is said and what others understand, or  

• what is said and what is done, or  

• what is said and what is meant. 

However, this discrepancy must also be in some way absurd or laughable. If there is no humor to be found in it, it is not ironic.

(It might be tragic, but it is not ironic.)

 Irony is:

incongruous  

subtly funny or absurd

 Irony is not:  

bad luck  

just an unrelated coincidence  

random  

sarcasm (although many confuse the two!)  

More about irony......Do you remember reading in Chapter 2:21–23 about a plot against the king that was exposed by Mordecai? Well, in Chapter 6, this plot was revisited. As mentioned above, one night when the king cannot sleep he has his book of records read to him. Imagine the king hearing that his loyal subject Mordecai had not been royally thanked for helping to save his life. Just as he is pondering how he should honor Mordecai, in comes Haman, anxious to get the king’s approval for setting Mordecai on the gallows he just had built! But before he can ask permission, the king asks him what he should do for a man he wishes to honor?

Can’t you just picture Haman? He thinks the king is desiring to honor him? Haman quickly lists all the things he would like as one so honored and then— to his utter horror— the king tells him to go and do all these things . . . to none other than Mordecai!

Now THAT is irony!

After Haman does all that he had suggested to the king, Mordecai quietly returns to his job at the palace gates while Haman rushes home absolutely beside himself with this completely unexpected turn of events. He fusses and fumes about this indignity to his wife and friends for a short while before being summoned by the king to attend Queen Esther’s second banquet.

Until next time.......

God's justice gives you miraculous favor in high places or wherever you need it and in the sight of those in power. (Esther 5:1-2). 

The Story of Esther - Chapter 4

2017-03-19T18:29:00.000-07:00

Esther 4 New International Version (NIV)

"When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because no one clothed in sackcloth was allowed to enter it. In every province to which the edict and order of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

When Esther’s eunuchs and female attendants came and told her about Mordecai, she was in great distress. She sent clothes for him to put on instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. Then Esther summoned Hathak, one of the king’s eunuchs assigned to attend her, and ordered him to find out what was troubling Mordecai and why.

So Hathak went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king’s gate. Mordecai told him everything that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews. He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to instruct her to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people.

Hathak went back and reported to Esther what Mordecai had said. Then she instructed him to say to Mordecai, “All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.”

When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions."

****Sackcloth was a very rough cloth often made of goat or camel hair. Tearing one’s clothes, then putting on scratchy, uncomfortable clothing was a sign of deep remorse, repentance, and sorrow.

Of all the Jews, only Esther had access to the king. Mordecai persuaded Esther to speak to the king on behalf of the Jewish people reminding her of her unique place in history and that silence is not an option. In one of the most poetic Biblical passages, Mordecai speaks of God’s purposeful timing: “Who knows but that you have come to a royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). (Esther 4:14 is a wonderful verse to memorize!) In other words, Mordecai lets Queen Esther know that even her outer beauty was for a reason and would not go to waste! Esther was/is a remarkable woman who was willing to risk her life to save her people. She was/is a woman of principle who was willing to put the lives of others ahead of even her own life. She was/is an outstanding example of serving others even under the most stressful circumstances. Remember in John 15:13, Jesus Christ said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” 

What could Queen Esther do for her people? The king had not requested her presence in a month. Esther knew, of course, that going to the king unsolicited could be her death sentence. Anyone who came into the king’s presence without being summoned could be executed. Esther agreed to risk her life for her people. So what does she do? Before making a life or death decision, she calls for the Jewish people to join her on a 3-day fast.

LESSON - God’s timing is always immaculate!

Esther’s place on the throne at this exact time would save the Jews from extermination.

Following the fast she put on her best royal robes, approached the king, and told him of Haman's plot against her people. The Jewish people were saved, Haman was hanged on the same gallows that had been prepared for Mordecai, and Esther received Haman’s estate.

"This dramatic unfolding of events

moves like a novel and

played like a great chess game with several life lessons."

Most of the time our lives may be pretty routine, but all of us have a few defining moments when we may be called on to put godly principle above personal benefit.

What will you do when you encounter those defining moments in your life?

What will you do when you face “such a time as this”?

Will you choose to do the right thing as opposed to what might give you some personal benefit?

 Esther shows all of us the way, and we can be inspired by her example.

Whether the stakes are large or small, it takes the same character qualities of courage and moral strength to choose what is right.

Doing the right thing should be more than a slogan for you—

it should be a way of life!

The Story of Esther - Chapter 3

2017-03-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

The Story of Esther – Chapter 3

Esther’s world is about to be

turned upside-down.

In chapter three we are introduced to Haman, a man whose hatred and abusive use of power throws the empire into confusion and brings the Jewish people to the brink of disaster. Mordecai’s daily refusal to bow down sent Haman into a rage, but why did he turn his wrath on all the Jewish people in the empire?

Some history……..remember the story from Exodus chapter 17 of Moses, Aaron, and Hur who went up to the top of the hill while the Israelites were in battle with the Amalekites below? When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, they lost strength. We are told that when his hands got heavy, Aaron and Hur held them up.

In verse 16 of that chapter it says, “The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” In Deuteronomy 25:17-19 God declared the Amalekites would be blotted out."

So how does this relate to Haman?

Haman was a descendant of Agag, who we see from 1 Samuel 15:8 was king of the Amalekites who fought against the Jews during the time of King Saul. (Keep in mind that Saul was Mordecai’s ancestor Esther 2:5) When Saul became king, God commanded him to strike the Amalekites and totally destroy everything belonging to them. (1 Samuel 15). Saul did attack and God gave him victory, but Saul spared Agag’s life and kept the best of his cattle for himself. For his disobedience, Saul lost the Lord’s anointing as king of Israel. Samuel put King Agag to death but because Saul failed to obey the Lord, some Amalekites lived.

So, why did Mordecai refuse to bow to Haman? In Esther chapter 2:21-23 we learned how Mordecai saved the king’s life. He was loyal to the king, but he wasn’t loyal to the Amalekites which fueled Haman’s anger toward all Jewish people. The strongest hint we are given by Scripture for Mordecai not bowing is found in verse 4 - chapter 3, where it says that Mordecai told them he was a Jew.

As a Jew, why would Mordecai object to honoring Haman?

Bowing was not a religious act; it was social protocol for that time, much like a curtsy or bow to the Queen of England is today. With that in mind, we can be sure it wasn’t “bowing down” that Mordecai objected to—it was bowing down “to Haman.”

*****By refusing to bow down to a sworn enemy of God’s people, Mordecai was courageously standing up in loyalty to God.

Mordecai stood on his principles in spite of pressure!

He would honor God no matter what the consequences to himself.

Also, Mordecai experienced pressure from his peers to compromise.

When he would not bow (to Haman or their pressure) they stirred up trouble by calling attention to Mordecai.

In the same way, a believer today might be singled out for making a Godly stand on principle.

Take a closer look and consider what it means to take a stand for God.

Further study:

Read and carefully consider all that 1 Peter 3:15-16 says about

preparing for—and responding to—pressure to compromise.

What does God promise to those

who stand up for godly principles?

Ecclesiastes 8:12 ________________________________________________________

Psalm 97:10-11 _________________________________________________________

Isaiah 3:10 _________________________________________________________

Luke 2: 8, 11-12 ________________________________________________________

Hebrews 13:6 ________________________________________________________

1 Peter 2:19-20 ________________________________________________________

The Book of Esther - Chapters 3-10

2017-03-11T09:35:00.001-08:00

In preparation for Purim, we have posted the remaining Book of Esther. (Chapters 3-10)

In our next blog, we will further study and discuss our thoughts and insights.

Why Purim?

(portions of Chapter 9)

“Meanwhile, the remainder of the Jews who were in the king’s provinces also assembled to protect themselves and get relief from their enemies. …..This happened on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar, and on the fourteenth they rested and made it a day of feasting and joy.

That is why rural Jews—those living in villages—observe the fourteenth of the month of Adar as a day of joy and feasting, a day for giving presents to each other.

Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Xerxes, near and far, to have them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration.He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor.

So the Jews agreed to continue the celebration they had begun, doing what Mordecai had written to them. For Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had cast the pur (that is, the lot) for their ruin and destruction. But when the plot came to the king’s attention,[f] he issued written orders that the evil scheme Haman had devised against the Jews should come back onto his own head, and that he and his sons should be impaled on poles. (Therefore these days were called Purim, from the word pur.) Because of everything written in this letter and because of what they had seen and what had happened to them, the Jews took it on themselves to establish the custom that they and their descendants and all who join them should without fail observe these two days every year, in the way prescribed and at the time appointed. These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never fail to be celebrated by the Jews—nor should the memory of these days die out among their descendants.

…... Esther’s decree confirmed these regulations about Purim, and it was written down in the records.”

Esther 3-10 New International Version (NIV)

3 After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles. All the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor.

Then the royal officials at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why do you disobey the king’s command?” Day after day they spoke to him but he refused to comply. Therefore they told Haman about it to see whether Mordecai’s behavior would be tolerated, for he had told them he was a Jew.

When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged. Yet having learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes. In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan, the pur(that is, the lot) was cast in the presence of Haman to select a day and month. And the lot fell on[a]the twelfth month, the month of Adar.

Then Haman said to King Xerxes, “There is a certain people dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom who keep themselves separate. Their customs are different from those of all other people, and they do not obey the king’s laws; it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will give ten thousand talents[b] of silver to the king’s administrators for the royal treasury.”

So the king took his signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. “Keep the money,” the king said to Haman, “and do with the people as you please.”

Then on the thirteenth day of the first month the royal secretaries were summoned. They wrote out in the script of each province and in the language of each people all Haman’s orders to the king’s satraps, the governors of the various provinces and the nobles of the various peoples. These were written in the name of King Xerxes himself and sealed with his own ring. Dispatches were sent by couriers to all the king’s provinces with the order to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—on a single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods. A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued as law in every province and made known to the people of every nationality so they would be ready for that day.

The couriers went out, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was bewildered.

4 When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because no one clothed in sackcloth was allowed to enter it. In every province to which the edict and order of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

When Esther’s eunuchs and female attendants came and told her about Mordecai, she was in great distress. She sent clothes for him to put on instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. Then Esther summoned Hathak, one of the king’s eunuchs assigned to attend her, and ordered him to find out what was troubling Mordecai and why.

5 On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.”

“If it pleases the king,” replied Esther, “let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him.”

“Bring Haman at once,” the king said, “so that we may do what Esther asks.”

Esther replied, “My petition and my request is this: If the king regards me with favor and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question.” Haman went out that day happy and in high spirits. But when he saw Mordecai at the king’s gate and observed that he neither rose nor showed fear in his presence, he was filled with rage against Mordecai. Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home.

His wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Have a pole set up, reaching to a height of fifty cubits,[a] and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai impaled on it. Then go with the king to the banquet and enjoy yourself.” This suggestion delighted Haman, and he had the pole set up.

6 That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him. It was found recorded there that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s officers who guarded the doorway, who had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes.

“What honor and recognition has Mordecai received for this?” the king asked.

“Nothing has been done for him,” his attendants answered.

The king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to speak to the king about impaling Mordecai on the pole he had set up for him.

His attendants answered, “Haman is standing in the court.”

“Bring him in,” the king ordered.

When Haman entered, the king asked him, “What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?”

Now Haman thought to himself, “Who is there that the king would rather honor than me?” So he answered the king, “For the man the king delights to honor, have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king’s most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor, and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!’” “Go at once,” the king commanded Haman. “Get the robe and the horse and do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king’s gate. Do not neglect anything you have recommended.”

So Haman got the robe and the horse. He robed Mordecai, and led him on horseback through the city streets, proclaiming before him, “This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!”

Afterward Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman rushed home, with his head covered in grief, and told Zeresh his wife and all his friends everything that had happened to him.

7 So the king and Haman went to Queen Esther’s banquet, and as they were drinking wine on the second day, the king again asked, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.”

Esther said, “An adversary and enemy! This vile Haman!”

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 Harbona, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said, “A pole reaching to a height of fifty cubits[c] stands by Haman’s house. He had it set up for Mordecai, who spoke up to help the king.”

The king said, “Impale him on it!” So they impaled Haman on the pole he had set up for Mordecai. Then the king’s fury subsided.

8 That same day King Xerxes gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came into the presence of the king, for Esther had told how he was related to her. The king took off his signet ring, which he had reclaimed from Haman, and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed him over Haman’s estate.

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?”

King Xerxes replied to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, “Because Haman attacked the Jews, I have given his estate to Esther, and they have impaled him on the pole he set up. Now write another decree in the king’s name in behalf of the Jews as seems best to you, and seal it with the king’s signet ring—for no document written in the king’s name and sealed with his ring can be revoked.”

At once the royal secretaries were summoned—on the twenty-third day of the third month, the month of Sivan. They wrote out all Mordecai’s orders to the Jews, and to the satraps, governors and nobles of the 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush.[These orders were written in the script of each province and the language of each people and also to the Jews in their own script and language. Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes, sealed the dispatches with the king’s signet ring, and sent them by mounted couriers, who rode fast horses especially bred for the king.

The king’s edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves; to destroy, kill and annihilate the armed men of any nationality or province who might attack them and their women and children,[e]and to plunder the property of their enemies. The day appointed for the Jews to do this in all the provinces of King Xerxes was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar. A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued as law in every province and made known to the people of every nationality so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.

The couriers, riding the royal horses, went out, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa.

When Mordecai left the king’s presence, he was wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration. For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor. In every province and in every city to which the edict of the king came, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them.

9 On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the edict commanded by the king was to be carried out. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them. The Jews assembled in their cities in all the provinces of King Xerxes to attack those determined to destroy them. No one could stand against them, because the people of all the other nationalities were afraid of them. And all the nobles of the provinces, the satraps, the governors and the king’s administrators helped the Jews, because fear of Mordecai had seized them. Mordecai was prominent in the palace; his reputation spread throughout the provinces, and he became more and more powerful.

The Jews struck down all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them, and they did what they pleased to those who hated them. In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men. They also killed Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, 8 Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, 9 Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai and Vaizatha, the ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews. But they did not lay their hands on the plunder.

The number of those killed in the citadel of Susa was reported to the king that same day. The king said to Queen Esther, “The Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men and the ten sons of Haman in the citadel of Susa. What have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces? Now what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? It will also be granted.”

“If it pleases the king,” Esther answered, “give the Jews in Susa permission to carry out this day’s edict tomorrow also, and let Haman’s ten sons be impaled on poles.”

So the king commanded that this be done. An edict was issued in Susa, and they impaled the ten sons of Haman. The Jews in Susa came together on the fourteenth day of the month of Adar, and they put to death in Susa three hundred men, but they did not lay their hands on the plunder.

Meanwhile, the remainder of the Jews who were in the king’s provinces also assembled to protect themselves and get relief from their enemies. They killed seventy-five thousand of them but did not lay their hands on the plunder. This happened on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar, and on the fourteenth they rested and made it a day of feasting and joy.

The Jews in Susa, however, had assembled on the thirteenth and fourteenth, and then on the fifteenth they rested and made it a day of feasting and joy.

That is why rural Jews—those living in villages—observe the fourteenth of the month of Adar as a day of joy and feasting, a day for giving presents to each other.

Purim Established

Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Xerxes, near and far, to have them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor.

So the Jews agreed to continue the celebration they had begun, doing what Mordecai had written to them. For Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had cast the pur (that is, the lot) for their ruin and destruction. But when the plot came to the king’s attention,[f] he issued written orders that the evil scheme Haman had devised against the Jews should come back onto his own head, and that he and his sons should be impaled on poles. (Therefore these days were called Purim, from the word pur.) Because of everything written in this letter and because of what they had seen and what had happened to them, the Jews took it on themselves to establish the custom that they and their descendants and all who join them should without fail observe these two days every year, in the way prescribed and at the time appointed. These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never fail to be celebrated by the Jews—nor should the memory of these days die out among their descendants.

So Queen Esther, daughter of Abihail, along with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter concerning Purim. And Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of Xerxes’ kingdom—words of goodwill and assurance— to establish these days of Purim at their designated times, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had decreed for them, and as they had established for themselves and their descendants in regard to their times of fasting and lamentation. Esther’s decree confirmed these regulations about Purim, and it was written down in the records.

10 King Xerxes imposed tribute throughout the empire, to its distant shores. And all his acts of power and might, together with a full account of the greatness of Mordecai, whom the king had promoted, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Media and Persia? Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.

The Story Of Esther - Chapter 2

2017-03-05T13:54:00.001-08:00

In Chapter 2 - Esther is made Queen and Mordecai Uncovers a Conspiracy
** Esther 2:16 indicates that there was a four-year span between chapters one and two. During that time King Ahasuerus made his great, unsuccessful invasion of Greece and he came home a defeated man, wanting to cheer his heart through sensual diversions.

"Esther 2 
New International Version (NIV)

2 Later when King Xerxes’ fury had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what he had decreed about her. 2 Then the king’s personal attendants proposed, “Let a search be made for beautiful young virgins for the king. 3 Let the king appoint commissioners in every province of his realm to bring all these beautiful young women into the harem at the citadel of Susa. Let them be placed under the care of Hegai, the king’s eunuch, who is in charge of the women; and let beauty treatments be given to them. 4 Then let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti.” This advice appealed to the king, and he followed it.        5 Now there was in the citadel of Susa a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, named Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, 6 who had been carried into exile from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, among those taken captive with Jehoiachin[a] king of Judah. 7 Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.  8 When the king’s order and edict had been proclaimed, many young women were brought to the citadel of Susa and put under the care of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the king’s palace and entrusted to Hegai, who had charge of the harem. 9 She pleased him and won his favor. Immediately he provided her with her beauty treatments and special food. He assigned to her seven female attendants selected from the king’s palace and moved her and her attendants into the best place in the harem.  10 Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so. 11 Every day he walked back and forth near the courtyard of the harem to find out how Esther was and what was happening to her.  12 Before a young woman’s turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics. 13 And this is how she would go to the king: Anything she wanted was given her to take with her from the harem to the king’s palace. 14 In the evening she would go there and in the morning return to another part of the harem to the care of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the concubines. She would not return to the king unless he was pleased with her and summoned her by name.  15 When the turn came for Esther (the young woman Mordecai had adopted, the daughter of his uncle Abihail) to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her. 16 She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal residence in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.  17 Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. 18 And the king gave a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his nobles and officials. He proclaimed a holiday throughout the provinces and distributed gifts with royal liberality.  19 When the virgins were assembled a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate. 20 But Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to follow Mordecai’s instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up.  21 During the time Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthana[b] and Teresh, two of the king’s officers who guarded the doorway, became angry and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. 22 But Mordecai found out about the plot and told Queen Esther, who in turn reported it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai. 23 And when the report was investigated and found to be true, the two officials were impaled on poles. All this was recorded in the book of the annals in the presence of the king."

Question...  What are some things we learned about Esther from this passage of scripture?   
She was the child of Jewish exiles, who both died...
Her Hebrew name is Hadassah...
She was the  cousin of Mordecai who raised her as his own - she was an orphan.
Esther was beautiful!  And, not only is she beautiful, but we see that she is also wise. She does only what Hagai suggests since he probably knows the kings likes and dislikes better than anyone else.  
She is able to win over people easily - she finds favor.  
(Esther, remember, is her Persian name, and it means “something hidden” or "star.") 

 **Mordecai, however, didn’t tell the king about a major detail—
He counseled Esther to not reveal the fact that she was a Jew, because Jews were still held in some suspicion throughout the Persian Empire.
...Esther’s Jewish heritage...
**Esther is ordered to hide something very core to her identity—her ethnicity. 

Something to ponder.....
When have you been expected or inclined to hide something about yourself? 
How did this impact you?

****I read this interesting commentary and just had to share it........

Once the party is over and the lights are out...

Esther 2:1-4 After these things when the anger of King Ahasuerus had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decreed against her. (2) Then the king's attendants, who served him, said, "Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king. (3) "Let the king appoint overseers in all the provinces of his kingdom that they may gather every beautiful young virgin to the citadel of Susa, to the harem, into the custody of Hegai, the king's eunuch, who is in charge of the women; and let their cosmetics be given them. (4) "Then let the young lady who pleases the king be queen in place of Vashti." And the matter pleased the king, and he did accordingly.

The passage starts off ‘after these things..’ and from Esther 2:16 we find out that it is about 4 years on from the events of chapter one. So the extravagant party-banquet of chapter one is well in the past and the king is feeling sad. You see, things aren’t going well for the king. History records for us that the king had recently returned from a failed military mission against Greece. On top of that, He misses queen Vashti. Nothing is going well and nothing can cheer him up. There is no joy at home and he can’t even get some pleasure from beating up on the Greeks. What can you do for such a man? Clearly there is nothing that can please a man in such a state. Well, apparently almost nothing. The wise men of Persia have one little suggestion. How about a ‘Miss Persia’ contest they ask with smiles on the faces. There is of course a small twist. The winner of this contest becomes the new queen! To this our once-sad king agrees and the contest begins!"

Pleasing God brings God’s Favor

When the king started looking for another queen to replace Vashti, he loved Esther above all other women and she obtained favor before him and she became Queen Esther (Esther 2:9-17). Her godliness ensured a fulfillment of Proverbs 3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.

In Esther 2:21-23 another incident is recorded. Mordecai learned of a
plot to kill King Ahasuerus and so he made it known to the king

through Esther and the two men were hanged.
(This will become a very important fact later ) but for now, 
the lesson is that when God’s hand is on
someone because their ways are pleasing to Him, He gives them favor
in the sight of all, whether it’s a pagan king and his court or not! 




Proverbs 16:7 
“When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” 

Side Note...........The scripture tells us that ‘exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.’ (Psalm 75:6-7) 

This remarkable course of events in Esther life wasn’t an accident. It wasn’t just because of luck or Esther’s beautiful looks or sparkling personality.

God had a plan - and Esther was part of it!

Esther found grace and favour with the king because God was working behind the scenes to move the chess pieces into place for the challenging events that were still to come in this story.

Esther, though a foreigner to the kingdom, rose from complete obscurity to be queen alongside her king. Behind all the preparation and events occurring on the natural level was a God working in providence to arrange all the actors and participants that would grace the stage for the unfolding of a truly historic story.

In exactly the same way, we have a place in God’s plan.

 Wherever you are at right now, God has a purpose for it – 

maybe a short purpose,

 or a long one;

 perhaps a large purpose 

or a small purpose,

 but God has a reason.!

Lastly, for now, the story of Esther also shows us that in the outworking of His plan, God can use the evil of man.  God may allow wicked actions of man to fulfill a purpose in His greater plan. Therefore, we can find assurance in the truth that  - no other person, no matter how evil they are, can defeat God’s plan for our life, no matter what they have done to you or will do to you.

The Story Of Esther

2017-02-25T12:50:00.001-08:00

Esther 1New International Version (NIV)

Queen Vashti Deposed

1 This is what happened during the time of Xerxes, the Xerxes who ruled over 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush: 2 At that time King Xerxes reigned from his royal throne in the citadel of Susa, 3 and in the third year of his reign he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. The military leaders of Persia and Media, the princes, and the nobles of the provinces were present. 4 For a full 180 days he displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendor and glory of his majesty. 5 When these days were over, the king gave a banquet, lasting seven days, in the enclosed garden of the king’s palace, for all the people from the least to the greatest who were in the citadel of Susa. 6 The garden had hangings of white and blue linen, fastened with cords of white linen and purple material to silver rings on marble pillars. There were couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl and other costly stones. 7 Wine was served in goblets of gold, each one different from the other, and the royal wine was abundant, in keeping with the king’s liberality. 8 By the king’s command each guest was allowed to drink with no restrictions, for the king instructed all the wine stewards to serve each man what he wished. 9 Queen Vashti also gave a banquet for the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes. 10 On the seventh day, when King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar and Karkas— 11 to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at. 12 But when the attendants delivered the king’s command, Queen Vashti refused to come. Then the king became furious and burned with anger. 13 Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times 14 and were closest to the king—Karshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memukan, the seven nobles of Persia and Media who had special access to the king and were highest in the kingdom. 15 “According to law, what must be done to Queen Vashti?” he asked. “She has not obeyed the command of King Xerxes that the eunuchs have taken to her.” 16 Then Memukan replied in the presence of the king and the nobles, “Queen Vashti has done wrong, not only against the king but also against all the nobles and the peoples of all the provinces of King Xerxes. 17 For the queen’s conduct will become known to all the women, and so they will despise their husbands and say, ‘King Xerxes commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she would not come.’ 18 This very day the Persian and Median women of the nobility who have heard about the queen’s conduct will respond to all the king’s nobles in the same way. There will be no end of disrespect and discord. 19 “Therefore, if it pleases the king, let him issue a royal decree and let it be written in the laws of Persia and Media, which cannot be repealed, that Vashti is never again to enter the presence of King Xerxes. Also let the king give her royal position to someone else who is better than she. 20 Then when the king’s edict is proclaimed throughout all his vast realm, all the women will respect their husbands, from the least to the greatest.” 21 The king and his nobles were pleased with this advice, so the king did as Memukan proposed. 22 He sent dispatches to all parts of the kingdom, to each province in its own script and to each people in their own language,proclaiming that every man should be ruler over his own household, using his native tongue.

Why read this book? Have you ever wondered if God is really involved in the circumstances of your life? Do you sometimes question why life is such a struggle? The Book of Esther more than any other book in the Bible reminds us of our world. It tells the story of God’s involvement with His people, then and now. It is a compelling, dramatic, and exciting story. It has clearly defined heroes and villains. It also reveals deep spiritual truths about God’s power to deliver us from danger and oppression, even when rulers plan to do evil to God’s people.

The story of Esther takes place in the Persian Empire during the reign of Ahasuerus, ( Greek form of his name, Xerxes I.) He was the son of Darius the Great and reigned from 486-465 B.C. His vast empire extended from India to Ethiopia (Esther 1:1).

Esther was a descendant of the tribe of Benjamin, which had been part of the kingdom of Judah. Her ancestors, Jews who had been carried captive to Babylon nearly 100 years earlier.

Main Characters  

King Ahasuerus (or Xerxes): powerful king who ruled the vast Persian Empire from India to Ethiopia  

Queen Vashti: His wife at the beginning of the Book of Esther  

Haman: a favorite of the king; wealthy, in uential, evil  

Mordecai: a godly Jew living in Shushan (or Susa)  

Esther (or Hadassah): an orphaned Jew, protected by her kinsman, Mordecai  

"Esther 1New International Version (NIV)

Chapter 1 sets the scene in the Persian court. The king was offended when his wife Vashti refused to appear before him when he ordered her to do so. There was a great feast taking place at the time, and they were all merry with wine (Esther 1:10-11).

When the queen didn’t appear, the king, egged on by his advisers, removed her as his queen. They then advised him to seek out a new queen by searching for the most beautiful virgins in the land. Then the king would select one to become his queen.

Do you think Queen Vashti was right in disobeying her king and husband? Why or why not?  

The wise men mention RESPECT several times in this chapter. Why did the wise men perceive Queen Vashti's refusal to be so dangerous to the kingdom?

So - what is your take on the 1st chapter of Esther?

My take..........

1 - Whether you realize it or not, we are all influential. We may not have an entire kingdom watching us and copying our behaviors, but we all have a sphere of influence and the impact of our actions is felt by others. Our display of respect for our husbands can encourage other women we know to behave in the same manner toward their own husbands, as contempt toward our husbands can influence them to disregard their husbands as well. This is particularly true of those of us who have been married longer. We are called to be good examples and good mentors to young wives and mothers (Titus 2:2-5).

2 - Also, the text does not say why Queen Vashti refused to come when summoned by her husband and king. Queen Vashti is described as possessing astonishing beauty, enough that it pleased her husband and king to show her off to his nobles and gathered guests. However considering the power that her husband had, the importance that he attached to the elaborate feast, and the regard that he had for her (or at least for her beauty) it is plausible to say that out of her reverence, fear, respect or mutual affection a more humble queen would have responded by obliging her husband’s request.
It’s worth noting that Queen Vashti’s beauty did not prevent her from being deposed! Her character did not prevent her from disregarding her husband.

Some of us have no problem respecting any other man, but respect ends at our own husbands. Sad!

No man is as worthy of our respect than the one we are married to!

Always remember that the fate of a person lies in their attitude and their character!

***No worries single friends, we'll introduce Esther on the next blog. She shall arise from humble surroundings and, under the direction of her cousin Mordecai, shall make a bid to be the new queen.

Ambassadors For Christ

2017-02-08T11:43:00.003-08:00

Are you a Ambassador -
                                       a co-worker - 
                                                             a laborer for Christ? 

(Corinthians 3:9 (NIV)

"For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building."

( Matthew 9:37 )
Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers (laborers) are few.”   

(Mark 16:15 )  
He (Jesus) said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."

Did you know that going to church, coming together with those of like faith in a church building is to encourage us to "go into all the world and preach the gospel"?   
                                          Notice - action word - "go"

Our meetings/gathering are for teaching, instruction, motivation, worshiping Christ, etc.


(1 Corinthians 14:26)
"What then shall we say, brothers and sisters"  When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation.  Everything must be done that the church may be built up."

(Hebrews 10:24)
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,...."
 
                                 Then........we are to go outside of the 4 walls.

Generally speaking, an ambassador is a respected official acting as a representative of a nation.   Christians are God’s ambassadors in that they have been “approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel” (1 Thessalonians 2:4).
As we go through this world, we represent another Kingdom (John 18:36), and it is our responsibility to reflect the “official position” of Heaven.   
God’s ambassadors are to be empowered by the Holy Spirit and take the message of our King to the “ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). 

Christians are to be laborers, engaged in the Lord's vineyard.  (Matthew 20: 1-16) 

        We are the hands and hearts needed to accomplish God’s plan for His Kingdom!

Now that you know....... failing to do what we know is called that the sin of omission. Jesus said, "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them." (James 4:17).

Turning A Negative Situation Into A Positive One

2017-01-30T10:23:00.002-08:00

Do you sometimes feel resentment toward God when you are intentionally hurt by others?
Do you find it hard to "trust" God when someone intentionally lies in order to benefit themselves?
When these events of betrayal occur, it seems like our relationship with God becomes covered with a thick wall of frustration clouds. Often times this frustration leads to us losing confidence in our God. We find ourselves doubting His concern and His love for us.

So - what are we to do?

Just as God is always faithful -

we too, are to remain faithful

in - and through - the process!

Focus on this principle...

.."You intended to harm me, BUT God intended it for good."

Do you remember the story of Joseph and his brothers in the book of Genesis? In the finally chapter, Genesis 50:15-21 we find encouraging words that can help us in this situation.

"When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.” So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.”’ Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.” Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them."

Now, just imagine what would have happened if Joseph had allowed himself to grow bitter and angry at God and his family? This particular story would not have ended well. Instead, Joseph remained faithful through the process. Would you say Joseph turned a negative situation into a positive one? Absolutely!

Be encouraged today and know that....

Romans 8:28-39 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

God has not abandoned you!

Quite the opposite........

God is working to accomplish His divine plan!

Praying Together

2016-10-24T11:37:00.005-07:00

When people begin praying together, to our Father in heaven, in the name of Jesus, things do happen, things begin to change.
Changes take place not when we talk about it or memorize Scripture verses or even have Bible studies on prayer. But, when we actually PRAY things begin to happen.

Matthew 18:20New King James Version (NKJV) "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

A person does not have to pray aloud. You may wish to pray silently. The sincerity of your heart is what God hears. God speaks to you during silent times as well. Focus on Almighty God and not yourself. He will give you the words to say.

Some benefits from praying together are:

1. Praying together, collectively more prayers are prayed. Each of us has a unique way of praying and praying together brings a new voice to the need presented.

2. Praying together gives a deep feeling of belonging. As part of a group, you may feel that you are a necessary part of a greater purpose......and you are!

3. Praying together improves your mood. Looking out among others and feeling their love and care regardless of how you feel when you began, leaves you feeling comforted.

4. Praying together opens your heart to the needs of the people around you.

God is always with us, whether we pray together or pray alone. Some say they feel His presence most strongly when praying with others.

Lifting one another in prayer is one of the richest experiences we can share.

Together, we are strengthened and blessed!

2016-05-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

Tending Life's Garden

Our life is like a garden,

That needs constant, loving care,

There are woes that doth beset us,

Things that make life seem unfair.

We need so much cultivation,

To produce a steady start,

With a vast supply of sunshine,

That will warm the coldest heart.

When wind and rain approach us,

We should grip with all our might,

The water is greatly needed,

For our growth and study height.

Our deeds are bright as flowers,

And our prayers help clear the way,

Every kindness that is rendered,

Will help make a brighter day.

So tend your garden daily,

Remove all the useless weeds,

Then look for God's assistance,

To bless and meet your needs.

Frances Culp Wolfe

A Peaceful Mind

2015-01-14T15:22:00.000-08:00

So the story goes……
"At breakfast in a hotel dining room, one man complained of a sleepless night. He was about as exhausted as when he retired for the night. "Guess I'd better stop listening to the news before going to bed," he observed. "I turned in last night and got an ear full of trouble."
Another man spoke up, "I had a grand night. I used a go-to-sleep plan that never fails to work." I prodded him for his plan, which he explained as follows; "When I was a boy, my father, a farmer, had the habit of gathering the family in the parlor at bedtime and he read to us out of the Bible. After prayers I would to up to my room and sleep like a top. But when I left home I got away from the Bible reading and prayer habit."
"For years practically the only time I ever prayed was when I got into a jam. But some months ago my wife and I, having difficult problems, decided we would try it again. We found it a helpful practice, so now every night before going to bed she and I together read the Bible and pray. I don't know what there is about it, but I have been sleeping better and things have improved. In fact, even on the road, as I am now, I still read the Bible and pray. Last night I read Psalm 23 out loud."

He turned to the other man and said, "I didn't go to bed with an ear full of trouble. I went to sleep with a mind full of peace."

Well, there are two cryptic phrase for you…….
"an ear full of trouble" and "a mind full of peace."

Which do you choose?

This is an excerpt from "The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale

The Heart Of The Matter

2014-10-13T19:02:00.003-07:00

Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of women? The good news is that 80 percent of heart disease is preventable. So, why is it so hard for some of us to do the lifestyle changes needed to significantly reduce our risk?

I've had both of my parents die from heart disease. My father was only 59 years of age. Hello???
There is no one who wishes to learn a hard lesson via a "wake-up" call, including me. So, how do I
make some changes to insure that I become a healthier person and inspire others to join the challenge of
taking care of our health - our heart? Developing healthier habits and making serious lifestyle changes sounds easy enough but it is hard. However, most everyone is aware that it is NOT impossible.

Small steps.
Let's start with small changes.

Small changes such as.…just moving.

Moving - more.
Here are a few suggestions….
#1 Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
#2 Park farther away from the front door.
#3 Stand instead of sitting. (this burns more calories)
#4 Take your dog for a walk. (if you already do this, try making the walk longer or faster)
#5 Instead of making piles around the house, put things back in their place right away - who would of thought this would actually burn some calories?
#6 Get up and walk around after sitting for 30 minutes.
#7 During television commercial breaks simply get up and walk around.
#8 Do squats, leg lifts (or whatever) while waiting for your food to cook in the microwave.
#9 Wash the car by hand instead of the drive-through car wash.
#10 Rake leaves instead of using a leaf blower. (It's that time of year!)

I challenge everyone reading this………let's all start moving a bit more. If you are already an individual who exercises and are healthy from eating right as well, then encourage someone else. Become a mentor, be a partner.
Sometimes that's all people need to jumpstart change.

Make Your Time Count

2014-05-31T12:20:00.000-07:00

"The "NOW" that existed when you began to read this sentence has gone forever!"

"Whew! That moment sure flew by! As they all do as the clock ticks on. But counting time is not nearly as important as making time count.

The important thing in life is not how old you are, but how you are old; not how much time has passed in your life, but how you have passed your time!

So what is the best use of your time? I like what Oliver Wendell Holmes said: "The great purpose of life is to live it." So while you are making a living, don't forget to make a life.

Here are five ways to make your time count:
**1 - Enjoy your life by enjoying the present moment. Although small children know how to make life fun, adults often forget. Many people pursue happiness in the future and miss the abundant, simple pleasures in the now.

Josh Billings had the right idea. He said: "Laugh every time you feel tickled, and laugh once and awhile anyhow."

Thackeray said: "A good laugh is sunshine in a house."

**2 - Find a dream and pursue it. Discover what you really want out of life and go after it! But avoid the path of least persistence!

As Walter Bagehot said: "The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do." So go for it, no matter what "they" say.

**3 - Sincerely love people and treat them well. Give people all the love and kindness that you have. Love and kindness will come back to you.

**4 - Drop your regrets. Live in the present, not in the past. Avoid self-tormenting language. "I should have…" "I could have…" "I wish I had…" "If only…"

**5 - Learn to like yourself. People who feel good about themselves are the most positive and productive people in the world. They never waste time feeling sorry for themselves. So learn to get along well with yourself, and it will be much easier to make your time here count.

Time is flying by!
Are you using it or abusing it?

(I cut this article out of a magazine many years ago. Author Unknown)

You Are The Winner

2014-05-31T11:46:00.005-07:00

"Winning is more than wearing a crown for one day.
It is a lifelong dedication to doing your best!"

"When you hear the expression "For Winners Only," you might be prompted to think of champions who win gold medals at the Olympic Game, receive the checkered flag at Indianapolis, enter baseball's Hall of Fame or are awarded a Pulitzer Prize.

The word winner doesn't refer only to those special few who bask in glory for a fleeting moment. Never make the mistake of thinking that, just because this select few are undeniably winners, by implication the rest of us are losers. Winners are only few in number if you think of them in terms of being number one or beating the other buy.

Whether your achievement at the time was great or small, you've been a winner every time you've tried your best in some field that's important to you.

You were a winner when you did you best to make someone happy, to clean the house, to make a sale, to complete a report, to wash the car, to care for a child, to prepare a meal, to make a speech, to raise an issue, to stand up for your rights, or to stand up for the rights of others.

You're a winner any time and every time you look, think, act, and talk your best…your very best, regardless of the situation. You're a winner when you think well of yourself for the things that you do well and when you forgive yourself for whatever your imperfections might be.

It's a fact, isn't it, that you can't possibly do better than your best?

And isn't that also true of the more spectacular winners we read about in the news and the Guinness Book of Records?

Comparing yourself to others is useful, sometimes, if it inspires you to be better than you were in some aspect of your life that's important to you.

But when someone else's success or superiority becomes a putdown to you personally, remind yourself that when you do your best, no winner in all of history has ever done more.

So, whenever you hear the words "For Winners Only, sit up and pay attention; this means you."

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What Happens When You Ask For Strength?

2014-04-24T07:23:00.001-07:00

"I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;

I was made weak, that I might learn to humbly obey.

I asked for health, that I might do greater things;

I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy;

I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;

I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;

I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for,

But everything I had hoped for.

I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

Looking In The Mirror

2014-02-11T10:56:00.000-08:00

When you get what you want in your struggle for self

And the world makes you king for a day,

Just go to a mirror and look at yourself

And see what THAT man has to say.

For it isn't your father or mother or wife

Whose judgment upon you must pass;

The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life

Is the one staring back from the glass.

Some people may think you a straight-shooting' chum

And call you a wonderful guy,

But the man in the glass says you're only a bum

If you can't look him straight in the eye.

He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest,

For he's with you clear up to the end.

And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test

If the man in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of life

And get pats on your back as you pass.

But your final reward will be heartaches and tears

If you've cheated the man in the glass.

Author Unknown

Rules For Success

2014-01-21T14:09:00.000-08:00

#1 - Think Positively!

You must think positively about ALL of your accomplishments, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem to you or to others. They are your building blocks.

#2 - Make Mistakes!

Yes, it is important for you to allow yourself to make mistakes. Making mistakes is an essential growth component.

#3 - Believe!

Before you can even begin the task of being successful, you have to BELIEVE that you have already succeeded. You must speak - act - and even dress….not for who you are right now but for who you want to become.

#4 - Eliminate The Negative!

To be successful you must REPLACE all of your negative words and thoughts with POSITIVE phrases, thoughts and words. Tell yourself - "I am a success." "I am a wonderful, kind and good person." If you practice this every night before going to bed and every morning when you awaken, you will begin to reap success.

#5 - Take Responsibility!

Always take full responsibility for your life - and for your actions. Do not blame others for your lack of success. Sometimes situations or events are out of your control and may very well be caused by someone else…NEVER allow yourself to blame others! Control your reaction!