References: -->Psalm 84:7 They go from strength to strength.
They go from strength to strength. There are various renderings of these words, but all of them contain the idea of progress. Our own good translation of the authorized version is enough for us this morning. "They go from strength to strength." That is, they grow stronger and stronger. Usually, if we are walking, we go from strength to weakness; we start fresh and in good order for our journey, but by-and-by the road is rough, and the sun is hot, we sit down by the wayside, and then again painfully pursue our weary way. But the Christian pilgrim having obtained fresh supplies of grace, is as vigorous after years of toilsome travel and struggle as when he first set out. He may not be quite so elate and buoyant, nor perhaps quite so hot and hasty in his zeal as he once was, but he is much stronger in all that constitutes real power, and travels, if more slowly, far more surely. Some gray-haired veterans have been as firm in their grasp of truth, and as zealous in diffusing it, as they were in their younger days; but, alas, it must be confessed it is often otherwise, for the love of many waxes cold and iniquity abounds, but this is their own sin and not the fault of the promise which still holds good: "The youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint." Fretful spirits sit down and trouble themselves about the future. "Alas!" say they, "we go from affliction to affliction." Very true, O thou of little faith, but then thou goest from strength to strength also. Thou shalt never find a bundle of affliction which has not bound up in the midst of it sufficient grace. God will give the strength of ripe manhood with the burden allotted to full-grown shoulders.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Hot Water
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.
James 1:2
Have you ever had the bottom drop out of your life? Things had been going reasonably well. The birds were singing. The sun was shining. Then without warning, the storm clouds began to gather. It started to rain on your parade. A calamity hit. A tragedy struck, and suddenly you felt lower than you had ever felt before. What was it all about?
Or, have you ever had one of those times where you were walking with God, trying to do all the things that should build you up in your Christian faith, when, out of nowhere, you were hit with a heavy-duty, intense temptation? It often happened at the worst conceivable time, like when you were in prayer or in church. You wondered, Why is this happening to me?
What is the purpose of trials and temptations in the life of the Christian? Is there anything we can do to move them along a little more quickly?
Without a doubt, none of us enjoy trials. None of us enjoy being tempted, but there are some valuable lessons that come through these times God allows in our lives. In fact, the Bible tells us, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2–4).
I have heard people say, “Christians are a lot like tea bags: you don’t know what they are made of until you put them into hot water.” Sometimes we think we are doing pretty well spiritually when all of a sudden, God puts us in some hot water. He lets us go through a trial. He allows temptation in our lives. Yet it is those difficult times that help to strengthen us spiritually.
James 1:2
Have you ever had the bottom drop out of your life? Things had been going reasonably well. The birds were singing. The sun was shining. Then without warning, the storm clouds began to gather. It started to rain on your parade. A calamity hit. A tragedy struck, and suddenly you felt lower than you had ever felt before. What was it all about?
Or, have you ever had one of those times where you were walking with God, trying to do all the things that should build you up in your Christian faith, when, out of nowhere, you were hit with a heavy-duty, intense temptation? It often happened at the worst conceivable time, like when you were in prayer or in church. You wondered, Why is this happening to me?
What is the purpose of trials and temptations in the life of the Christian? Is there anything we can do to move them along a little more quickly?
Without a doubt, none of us enjoy trials. None of us enjoy being tempted, but there are some valuable lessons that come through these times God allows in our lives. In fact, the Bible tells us, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2–4).
I have heard people say, “Christians are a lot like tea bags: you don’t know what they are made of until you put them into hot water.” Sometimes we think we are doing pretty well spiritually when all of a sudden, God puts us in some hot water. He lets us go through a trial. He allows temptation in our lives. Yet it is those difficult times that help to strengthen us spiritually.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Sweet, Sweet Summertime!
Today’s truth“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
Friend to Friend
The dog days of summer are here! I love summertime. Just writing the word makes me think of some of my favorite, God-given, healthy pleasures, like juicy watermelon, fresh strawberries, tomato sandwiches, corn on the cob, and sweet peaches. Then there are some not-so-healthy family favorites, like popsicles, ice cream, snow cones, and cotton candy. (Are you seeing a trend here? I tend to relate seasons with foods!) Our calendars are jam packed with fun, food-filled events like parades, picnics, play dates and parties. Good stuff. Good times. Summer rocks!
All my friends know this about me - I believe in eating healthy. I feel that it is clearly a spiritual discipline to care for my body responsibly. Now, does that mean that I don’t eat any junk? Heavens, no! I’m a big fan of dark chocolate, hot cheesy dips, and tortilla chips. I actually feel very strongly that chocolate should be one of the food groups! (Let’s all write the FDA about that one…just kidding…don’t write the FDA.)
One thing I do to maintain optimal physical health is keep a large stash of fruit in the house. Fruit refreshes, replenishes and restores our bodies. Fruit is sweet like a treat and nourishing at the same time! It benefits our bodies and contributes to our physical wellness.
The “fruits of the Spirit” listed in the Bible nourish our spiritual wellness. And while the produce we buy at the grocery store has a tendency to be quite pricy, the fruits of the Spirit are free for the asking!
The fruits spoken of in Galatians 5 are our spiritual grocery list. Let’s take an expository look at how the Bible calls us to live concerning these fruits. We’ll consume God’s Word…kind of like a fruit of the Spirit smoothie! :) Today we taste the first four, and tomorrow we will savor the final five:
LOVE
Luke 10:27 “He answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself."
1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Peter 4:8 “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
1 John 4:16 “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.”
JOY
Psalm 126:3 “The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”
Psalm 71:23 “My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you - I, whom you have redeemed.”
Psalm 28:7 “The LORD is my strength and my shield: my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.”
Isaiah 51:11 “The ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”
PEACE
Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.”
Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”
Romans 8:6 “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.”
PATIENCE
Proverbs 15:18 “A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.”
Ecclesiastes 7:8 “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.”
Ecclesiastes 7:9 “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”
Psalm 37:7-8 “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret?it leads only to evil.”
God is waiting for us to come to Him for spiritual nourishment. He alone can equip us to share love, joy, peace, and patience today.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, Thank you for demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit perfectly through Your Son, Jesus. Please forgive me for all of the times I have failed to show love, joy, peace, and patience in my life. I want to exemplify these attributes in my life. Pour Your Spirit on me so I can be fueled by Your perfect love.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now it’s Your Turn
Which of these fruits do you need the most help with today? Spend a few minutes with the Lord in prayer about this.
Memorize the fruits of the Spirit – be able to list all nine!!
Pick out one favorite verse listed from each fruit of the Spirit. Write each of them down…then tuck them away in your heart.
Friend to Friend
The dog days of summer are here! I love summertime. Just writing the word makes me think of some of my favorite, God-given, healthy pleasures, like juicy watermelon, fresh strawberries, tomato sandwiches, corn on the cob, and sweet peaches. Then there are some not-so-healthy family favorites, like popsicles, ice cream, snow cones, and cotton candy. (Are you seeing a trend here? I tend to relate seasons with foods!) Our calendars are jam packed with fun, food-filled events like parades, picnics, play dates and parties. Good stuff. Good times. Summer rocks!
All my friends know this about me - I believe in eating healthy. I feel that it is clearly a spiritual discipline to care for my body responsibly. Now, does that mean that I don’t eat any junk? Heavens, no! I’m a big fan of dark chocolate, hot cheesy dips, and tortilla chips. I actually feel very strongly that chocolate should be one of the food groups! (Let’s all write the FDA about that one…just kidding…don’t write the FDA.)
One thing I do to maintain optimal physical health is keep a large stash of fruit in the house. Fruit refreshes, replenishes and restores our bodies. Fruit is sweet like a treat and nourishing at the same time! It benefits our bodies and contributes to our physical wellness.
The “fruits of the Spirit” listed in the Bible nourish our spiritual wellness. And while the produce we buy at the grocery store has a tendency to be quite pricy, the fruits of the Spirit are free for the asking!
The fruits spoken of in Galatians 5 are our spiritual grocery list. Let’s take an expository look at how the Bible calls us to live concerning these fruits. We’ll consume God’s Word…kind of like a fruit of the Spirit smoothie! :) Today we taste the first four, and tomorrow we will savor the final five:
LOVE
Luke 10:27 “He answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself."
1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Peter 4:8 “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
1 John 4:16 “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.”
JOY
Psalm 126:3 “The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”
Psalm 71:23 “My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you - I, whom you have redeemed.”
Psalm 28:7 “The LORD is my strength and my shield: my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.”
Isaiah 51:11 “The ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”
PEACE
Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.”
Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”
Romans 8:6 “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.”
PATIENCE
Proverbs 15:18 “A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.”
Ecclesiastes 7:8 “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.”
Ecclesiastes 7:9 “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”
Psalm 37:7-8 “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret?it leads only to evil.”
God is waiting for us to come to Him for spiritual nourishment. He alone can equip us to share love, joy, peace, and patience today.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, Thank you for demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit perfectly through Your Son, Jesus. Please forgive me for all of the times I have failed to show love, joy, peace, and patience in my life. I want to exemplify these attributes in my life. Pour Your Spirit on me so I can be fueled by Your perfect love.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now it’s Your Turn
Which of these fruits do you need the most help with today? Spend a few minutes with the Lord in prayer about this.
Memorize the fruits of the Spirit – be able to list all nine!!
Pick out one favorite verse listed from each fruit of the Spirit. Write each of them down…then tuck them away in your heart.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Father's Day
Father's Day
Dad is not perfect; he would be the first to admit it. Nor is he infallible, much to his own disappointment. Nor altogether fair … nor always right. But there's one thing he is-always-he is your dad … the only one you'll ever have. Take it from me, there's only one thing he needs on Father's Day. Plain and simple, he needs to hear you say, "Dad, I love you."
"That's the best gift you can give. Nothing you can buy will bring him anywhere near the satisfaction that four-word gift will provide. 'Dad, I love you.'"
Dad is not perfect; he would be the first to admit it. Nor is he infallible, much to his own disappointment. Nor altogether fair … nor always right. But there's one thing he is-always-he is your dad … the only one you'll ever have. Take it from me, there's only one thing he needs on Father's Day. Plain and simple, he needs to hear you say, "Dad, I love you."
"That's the best gift you can give. Nothing you can buy will bring him anywhere near the satisfaction that four-word gift will provide. 'Dad, I love you.'"
Fathers and Time
Fathers And Time
Charles Francis Adams was the United States ambassador to Great Britain during the Lincoln administration. He had the habit of keeping a daily diary. He also taught his son, Brooks, the value of journaling his activities in a diary.
One memorable day, eight-year-old Brooks recorded, "Went fishing with my father, the most glorious day of my life." It must have been, for the next forty years Brooks repeatedly mentioned it in his diary.
His father also wrote about the fishing trip. His own diary on that pivotal day for his son reads, "Went fishing with my son; a day wasted."
Did he ever know that a single day spent with Brooks may have been the most well spent day of his life? He may have felt that, as a United States ambassador, his time was extremely valuable. But history seems to show that some individual time spent with his son may have turned out to be one of his most valuable investments. Which raises the question: is there an important way you can spend some time today?
Charles Francis Adams was the United States ambassador to Great Britain during the Lincoln administration. He had the habit of keeping a daily diary. He also taught his son, Brooks, the value of journaling his activities in a diary.
One memorable day, eight-year-old Brooks recorded, "Went fishing with my father, the most glorious day of my life." It must have been, for the next forty years Brooks repeatedly mentioned it in his diary.
His father also wrote about the fishing trip. His own diary on that pivotal day for his son reads, "Went fishing with my son; a day wasted."
Did he ever know that a single day spent with Brooks may have been the most well spent day of his life? He may have felt that, as a United States ambassador, his time was extremely valuable. But history seems to show that some individual time spent with his son may have turned out to be one of his most valuable investments. Which raises the question: is there an important way you can spend some time today?
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
The Story of Esther: A Lesson in God's Sovereignty
References: -->Esther 1-2; Psalm 92:1-4; Proverbs 17:2
Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus (this was the Ahasuerus who reigned over one hundred and twenty-seven provinces, from India to Ethiopia), in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the citadel, that in the third year of his reign he made a feast for all his officials and servants-the powers of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the princes of the provinces being before him-when he showed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the splendor of his excellent majesty for many days, one hundred and eighty days in all.
And when these days were completed, the king made a feast lasting seven days for all the people who were present in Shushan the citadel, from great to small, in the court of the garden of the king's palace. There were white and blue linen curtains fastened with cords of fine linen and purple on silver rods and marble pillars; and the couches were of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of alabaster, turquoise, and white and black marble. And they served drinks in golden vessels, each vessel being different from the other, with royal wine in abundance, according to the generosity of the king. In accordance with the law, the drinking was not compulsory; for so the king had ordered all the officers of his household, that they should do according to each man's pleasure.
Queen Vashti also made a feast for the women in the royal palace which belonged to King Ahasuerus.
On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, to bring Queen Vashti before the king, wearing her royal crown, in order to show her beauty to the people and the officials, for she was beautiful to behold. But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command brought by his eunuchs; therefore the king was furious, and his anger burned within him.
Then the king said to the wise men who understood the times (for this was the king's manner toward all who knew law and justice, those closest to him being Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who had access to the king's presence, and who ranked highest in the kingdom): "What shall we do to Queen Vashti, according to law, because she did not obey the command of King Ahasuerus brought to her by the eunuchs?"
And Memucan answered before the king and the princes: "Queen Vashti has not only wronged the king, but also all the princes, and all the people who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus. For the queen's behavior will become known to all women, so that they will despise their husbands in their eyes, when they report, 'King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought in before him, but she did not come.' This very day the noble ladies of Persia and Media will say to all the king's officials that they have heard of the behavior of the queen. Thus there will be excessive contempt and wrath. If it pleases the king, let a royal decree go out from him, and let it be recorded in the laws of the Persians and the Medes, so that it will not be altered, that Vashti shall come no more before King Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she. When the king's decree which he will make is proclaimed throughout all his empire (for it is great), all wives will honor their husbands, both great and small."
And the reply pleased the king and the princes, and the king did according to the word of Memucan. Then he sent letters to all the king's provinces, to each province in its own script, and to every people in their own language, that each man should be master in his own house, and speak in the language of his own people.
After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus subsided, he remembered Vashti, what she had done, and what had been decreed against her. Then the king's servants who attended him said: "Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king; and let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather all the beautiful young virgins to Shushan the citadel, into the women's quarters, under the custody of Hegai the king's eunuch, custodian of the women. And let beauty preparations be given them. Then let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti."
This thing pleased the king, and he did so. In Shushan the citadel there was a certain Jew whose name was Mordecai the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite. Kish had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been captured with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely and beautiful. When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.
So it was, when the king's command and decree were heard, and when many young women were gathered at Shushan the citadel, under the custody of Hegai, that Esther also was taken to the king's palace, into the care of Hegai the custodian of the women. Now the young woman pleased him, and she obtained his favor; so he readily gave beauty preparations to her, besides her allowance. Then seven choice maidservants were provided for her from the king's palace, and he moved her and her maidservants to the best place in the house of the women.
Esther had not revealed her people or family, for Mordecai had charged her not to reveal it. And every day Mordecai paced in front of the court of the women's quarters, to learn of Esther's welfare and what was happening to her.
Each young woman's turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after she had completed twelve months' preparation, according to the regulations for the women, for thus were the days of their preparation apportioned: six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes and preparations for beautifying women. Thus prepared, each young woman went to the king, and she was given whatever she desired to take with her from the women's quarters to the king's palace. In the evening she went, and in the morning she returned to the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch who kept the concubines. She would not go in to the king again unless the king delighted in her and called for her by name.
Now when the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his daughter, to go in to the king, she requested nothing but what Hegai the king's eunuch, the custodian of the women, advised. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her. So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. Then the king made a great feast, the Feast of Esther, for all his officials and servants; and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces and gave gifts according to the generosity of a king.
When virgins were gathered together a second time, Mordecai sat within the king's gate. Now Esther had not revealed her family and her people, just as Mordecai had charged her, for Esther obeyed the command of Mordecai as when she was brought up by him.
In those days, while Mordecai sat within the king's gate, two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, doorkeepers, became furious and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. So the matter became known to Mordecai, who told Queen Esther, and Esther informed the king in Mordecai's name. And when an inquiry was made into the matter, it was confirmed, and both were hanged on a gallows; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king.
Esther 1-2
WORSHIP
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night, On an instrument of ten strings, On the lute, And on the harp, With harmonious sound. For You, LORD, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands. Psalm 92:1-4
Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus (this was the Ahasuerus who reigned over one hundred and twenty-seven provinces, from India to Ethiopia), in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the citadel, that in the third year of his reign he made a feast for all his officials and servants-the powers of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the princes of the provinces being before him-when he showed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the splendor of his excellent majesty for many days, one hundred and eighty days in all.
And when these days were completed, the king made a feast lasting seven days for all the people who were present in Shushan the citadel, from great to small, in the court of the garden of the king's palace. There were white and blue linen curtains fastened with cords of fine linen and purple on silver rods and marble pillars; and the couches were of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of alabaster, turquoise, and white and black marble. And they served drinks in golden vessels, each vessel being different from the other, with royal wine in abundance, according to the generosity of the king. In accordance with the law, the drinking was not compulsory; for so the king had ordered all the officers of his household, that they should do according to each man's pleasure.
Queen Vashti also made a feast for the women in the royal palace which belonged to King Ahasuerus.
On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, to bring Queen Vashti before the king, wearing her royal crown, in order to show her beauty to the people and the officials, for she was beautiful to behold. But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command brought by his eunuchs; therefore the king was furious, and his anger burned within him.
Then the king said to the wise men who understood the times (for this was the king's manner toward all who knew law and justice, those closest to him being Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who had access to the king's presence, and who ranked highest in the kingdom): "What shall we do to Queen Vashti, according to law, because she did not obey the command of King Ahasuerus brought to her by the eunuchs?"
And Memucan answered before the king and the princes: "Queen Vashti has not only wronged the king, but also all the princes, and all the people who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus. For the queen's behavior will become known to all women, so that they will despise their husbands in their eyes, when they report, 'King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought in before him, but she did not come.' This very day the noble ladies of Persia and Media will say to all the king's officials that they have heard of the behavior of the queen. Thus there will be excessive contempt and wrath. If it pleases the king, let a royal decree go out from him, and let it be recorded in the laws of the Persians and the Medes, so that it will not be altered, that Vashti shall come no more before King Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she. When the king's decree which he will make is proclaimed throughout all his empire (for it is great), all wives will honor their husbands, both great and small."
And the reply pleased the king and the princes, and the king did according to the word of Memucan. Then he sent letters to all the king's provinces, to each province in its own script, and to every people in their own language, that each man should be master in his own house, and speak in the language of his own people.
After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus subsided, he remembered Vashti, what she had done, and what had been decreed against her. Then the king's servants who attended him said: "Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king; and let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather all the beautiful young virgins to Shushan the citadel, into the women's quarters, under the custody of Hegai the king's eunuch, custodian of the women. And let beauty preparations be given them. Then let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti."
This thing pleased the king, and he did so. In Shushan the citadel there was a certain Jew whose name was Mordecai the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite. Kish had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been captured with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely and beautiful. When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.
So it was, when the king's command and decree were heard, and when many young women were gathered at Shushan the citadel, under the custody of Hegai, that Esther also was taken to the king's palace, into the care of Hegai the custodian of the women. Now the young woman pleased him, and she obtained his favor; so he readily gave beauty preparations to her, besides her allowance. Then seven choice maidservants were provided for her from the king's palace, and he moved her and her maidservants to the best place in the house of the women.
Esther had not revealed her people or family, for Mordecai had charged her not to reveal it. And every day Mordecai paced in front of the court of the women's quarters, to learn of Esther's welfare and what was happening to her.
Each young woman's turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after she had completed twelve months' preparation, according to the regulations for the women, for thus were the days of their preparation apportioned: six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes and preparations for beautifying women. Thus prepared, each young woman went to the king, and she was given whatever she desired to take with her from the women's quarters to the king's palace. In the evening she went, and in the morning she returned to the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch who kept the concubines. She would not go in to the king again unless the king delighted in her and called for her by name.
Now when the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his daughter, to go in to the king, she requested nothing but what Hegai the king's eunuch, the custodian of the women, advised. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her. So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. Then the king made a great feast, the Feast of Esther, for all his officials and servants; and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces and gave gifts according to the generosity of a king.
When virgins were gathered together a second time, Mordecai sat within the king's gate. Now Esther had not revealed her family and her people, just as Mordecai had charged her, for Esther obeyed the command of Mordecai as when she was brought up by him.
In those days, while Mordecai sat within the king's gate, two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, doorkeepers, became furious and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. So the matter became known to Mordecai, who told Queen Esther, and Esther informed the king in Mordecai's name. And when an inquiry was made into the matter, it was confirmed, and both were hanged on a gallows; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king.
Esther 1-2
WORSHIP
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night, On an instrument of ten strings, On the lute, And on the harp, With harmonious sound. For You, LORD, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands. Psalm 92:1-4
Monday, June 2, 2008
God uses faithful servants to change world affairs
Esther's plea to reverse Haman's decree; enemies of the Jews destroyed; Festival of Purim instituted; Mordecai promoted to great honor
Haman's "wise counselors" had cast lots that were called purim to determine the most favorable day for the execution of all Jews. Haman's "lucky day" fell on the 13th day of the twelfth month (Esther 3:7-13; 9:1,24). Undoubtedly Haman felt fortunate that the lot had fallen on the last month of the year so that he would have plenty of time to make his evil plans to murder every Jew in the kingdom.
The fixed day of execution, which came to be known as Purim (Lots), was turned from death to deliverance by the intervening providence of God. Haman did not realize that Mordecai's God was in control of the affairs of earth. Even though man may cast the lot, it is the Lord Who determines the outcome (Proverbs 16:33).
Because even the king could not retract a decree made in his name, following Haman's execution, the king allowed Mordecai to write a new decree giving the Jews the right to defend themselves. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had planned to destroy them, the opposite happened and the Jews overpowered their enemies (Esther 9:1).
Esther is a testimony to the fact that, even in a secular society dominated by a heathen power, our God can and will protect His people. However, He expects us, like Esther, to respond courageously in faith to the threats of the Hamans of our world. When our situation seems critical, we too can seek His provision and protection, and when He wonderfully intervenes, we need to praise Him for it.
The peace and satisfaction enjoyed by Mordecai and Esther can be experienced by all who share our Lord's compassion for a lost world. The Book of Esther demonstrates how God uses faithful servants to even change world affairs in order to fulfill His Word. Everyone has a right to know they are lost sinners and need to know how to be saved from eternal hell (Romans 3:23; 5:8; John 14:6).
Christ Revealed:
By Mordecai's exaltation from servanthood to a position of honor and glory next to the king (Esther 8:2,15; 10:3). Christ came to earth as a servant and was exalted to the right hand of God (Philippians 2:7-9; Mark 16:19).
Optional Reading: Galatians 3
Haman's "wise counselors" had cast lots that were called purim to determine the most favorable day for the execution of all Jews. Haman's "lucky day" fell on the 13th day of the twelfth month (Esther 3:7-13; 9:1,24). Undoubtedly Haman felt fortunate that the lot had fallen on the last month of the year so that he would have plenty of time to make his evil plans to murder every Jew in the kingdom.
The fixed day of execution, which came to be known as Purim (Lots), was turned from death to deliverance by the intervening providence of God. Haman did not realize that Mordecai's God was in control of the affairs of earth. Even though man may cast the lot, it is the Lord Who determines the outcome (Proverbs 16:33).
Because even the king could not retract a decree made in his name, following Haman's execution, the king allowed Mordecai to write a new decree giving the Jews the right to defend themselves. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had planned to destroy them, the opposite happened and the Jews overpowered their enemies (Esther 9:1).
Esther is a testimony to the fact that, even in a secular society dominated by a heathen power, our God can and will protect His people. However, He expects us, like Esther, to respond courageously in faith to the threats of the Hamans of our world. When our situation seems critical, we too can seek His provision and protection, and when He wonderfully intervenes, we need to praise Him for it.
The peace and satisfaction enjoyed by Mordecai and Esther can be experienced by all who share our Lord's compassion for a lost world. The Book of Esther demonstrates how God uses faithful servants to even change world affairs in order to fulfill His Word. Everyone has a right to know they are lost sinners and need to know how to be saved from eternal hell (Romans 3:23; 5:8; John 14:6).
Christ Revealed:
By Mordecai's exaltation from servanthood to a position of honor and glory next to the king (Esther 8:2,15; 10:3). Christ came to earth as a servant and was exalted to the right hand of God (Philippians 2:7-9; Mark 16:19).
Optional Reading: Galatians 3
Sunday, June 1, 2008
God Protecting
Read Esther 1 -- 3
Vashti removed as queen; Esther made queen; Mordecai saves the king's life; Haman's plan to destroy all the Jews
Hadassah was the Hebrew name of the beautiful, young Jewish orphan whose Persian name was Esther (Star). She was taken to the king's palace along with other maidens, either to be made queen or to become a part of the king's harem. Esther found herself in a situation over which she had no control. She and her faithful, older cousin Mordecai, who had adopted her (Esther 2:7,15), could only trust God for direction and protection. To complicate their situation, the king appointed the evil, self-serving Haman with authority to carry out his commands (3:10,15; 6:6-10; 7:9). Haman was an Amalekite, a descendant of Esau (Esther 3:1), who hated all Jews (Deuteronomy 25:17-19). When Mordecai refused to bow down in "homage" to him (Esther 3:2), Haman determined to use his authority to destroy Mordecai and all Jews in the kingdom. Haman's plan was declared law with the king's unwitting approval and Haman cast the lot (pur) to determine the best day to execute all Jews (3:7-13). Mordecai and Esther would have to use every legal means to defend the interests of the people of God, even risking their own lives to do so.
God expects us to do all we can to resolve our own health, job, personal, and financial problems. However, we should never doubt that God is in ultimate control to protect us and provide what we can't do. God never makes a mistake and never overlooks one of His children. We should not give in to self-pity and defeat, but remain faithful and look to the Lord and His Word for guidance and strength. Like Mordecai, we must not be intimidated by the Hamans of this world who would seek to destroy our loyalty to Christ. Instead, we should be in submission to God, Who is the only One anyone needs to fear, for He alone has the power to eternally destroy or give life (Luke 12:5).
Christ Portrayed:
By Mordecai, who adopted Esther (Esther 2:15). We are adopted into the family of God by Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5), and we are now called children of God (I John 3:1).
Vashti removed as queen; Esther made queen; Mordecai saves the king's life; Haman's plan to destroy all the Jews
Hadassah was the Hebrew name of the beautiful, young Jewish orphan whose Persian name was Esther (Star). She was taken to the king's palace along with other maidens, either to be made queen or to become a part of the king's harem. Esther found herself in a situation over which she had no control. She and her faithful, older cousin Mordecai, who had adopted her (Esther 2:7,15), could only trust God for direction and protection. To complicate their situation, the king appointed the evil, self-serving Haman with authority to carry out his commands (3:10,15; 6:6-10; 7:9). Haman was an Amalekite, a descendant of Esau (Esther 3:1), who hated all Jews (Deuteronomy 25:17-19). When Mordecai refused to bow down in "homage" to him (Esther 3:2), Haman determined to use his authority to destroy Mordecai and all Jews in the kingdom. Haman's plan was declared law with the king's unwitting approval and Haman cast the lot (pur) to determine the best day to execute all Jews (3:7-13). Mordecai and Esther would have to use every legal means to defend the interests of the people of God, even risking their own lives to do so.
God expects us to do all we can to resolve our own health, job, personal, and financial problems. However, we should never doubt that God is in ultimate control to protect us and provide what we can't do. God never makes a mistake and never overlooks one of His children. We should not give in to self-pity and defeat, but remain faithful and look to the Lord and His Word for guidance and strength. Like Mordecai, we must not be intimidated by the Hamans of this world who would seek to destroy our loyalty to Christ. Instead, we should be in submission to God, Who is the only One anyone needs to fear, for He alone has the power to eternally destroy or give life (Luke 12:5).
Christ Portrayed:
By Mordecai, who adopted Esther (Esther 2:15). We are adopted into the family of God by Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5), and we are now called children of God (I John 3:1).
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