Father just as Esther trusted in You, help me to trust in You and be pleasing to You.  Just as I received Christ Jesus the Lord, help me to walk in union with You,  reflecting Your character in the things that I think, say and do.  May my life be lived before others to encourage and lead them to You, Christ Jesus.  That my roots would be deeply rooted in You and that I would  continually draw up nourishment from You.  That my life would overflow with thanksgiving for all You have done.  Lord, we have all sinned and fall short of Your glory.  It is through Your gracious gift of grace that we have eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Selah

Lyn

Esther 4

Esther was a young queen in over her head. Told by her cousin Mordecai about the prime minister’s plot to kill the Jews, the fate of her people laid heavy on her small shoulders. Yet Esther knew where to go; straight to God. For three days and nights Esther sheltered in His presence through prayer and fasting. And as she grew closer to the Lord, Esther received the wisdom and courage she needed to save her people. 

Life is hard. And trying to do it on our own is near impossible. But thankfully, as Christians we never have to face anything alone. Because God is there welcoming us to come to Him. To spend time in His presence, bathing in His strength, mercy, and guidance. A place of refreshment, the arms of the Lord is where we experience His perfect peace. Where we find the answers we seek, the wisdom of God’s counsel, and the warmth of His unconditional love. 

That’s why it’s vital we make our relationship with God a priority. For it's the most important one we have. So today I challenge you to be intentional. Set aside some quiet time for just you and God. Soak in the rays of His presence and make it a ritual. Did you know science now says it takes around 66 days to form a habit. Through perseverance and consistency we can make growing in our relationship with God not just a habit, but second nature! 

Don't forget to head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 and join in on the discussion!

Although God is not specifically mentioned in the book of Esther, the story is a beautiful testimony to His sovereign reign and His ability to alter the chain of events so that good triumphs over evil. Even a dark day of foreboding doom is not impossible for God to overturn.  The Jewish nation faced such a day of foreboding doom. 

“Letters were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with instruction to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods.”Esther‬ ‭3:13‬ ‭

But Mordecai, the uncle of Queen Esther trusted God’s Word and God’s Promises. It was because he wouldn’t pay homage to Haman , the King’s second in command that Haman had plotted to destroy him and also the entire Jewish nation. The reason Mordecai would not worship Haman is because Haman was a descendent of King Agag and the Amalekites were the enemies of God. Mordecai honored God vs man. Mordecai trusted that God could save him and his family and so he asked Esther to also take a stand of faith even though it could mean her very life. It’s also important to note that Mordecai believed in God’s promises to save the nation of Israel so much that he was convinced even if that day of doom prevailed, God would still find a way to save Israel. 

“Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, "Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"”  Esther‬ ‭4:13-14‬ ‭

And yes, Esther had indeed come to the kingdom “ for such a time as this”. God , in full control of all of the events of the future used Esther in a pivotal role of perfectly orchestrated providence. Because Esther risked her life to approach the King, she was able to gain the King’s promise of protection for her people, the Jews and Haman’s evil intentions were exposed. Esther had also been the one to warn the king when Mordecai discovered a plot against his life. That account was one of many recorded in the King’s book of Chronicles but it was the very night before Haman planned to ask for Mordecai to be hanged that the King read that account and because of this, the stage was set to foil every plot of Satan against God’s people. God turned the tide and reversed all of the chain of events that had been in motion. Esther was able to see how her faith and love for her people was used for God’s glory! 

Haman thought he was devising his own ceremonial procession but instead had to honor Mordecai by leading him through the streets of the kingdom.

Haman built a prominent gallows for Mordecai but was hanged there himself. 

Mordecai who was targeted by Haman  for annihilation became the King’s replacement for Haman and was 2nd in power. 

The King overturned the day of doom and allowed the Israelites to defend themselves and be protected. The day of doom became a day of praise and celebration.

Esther’s story should encourage each of us to remember that even in the darkest of times, God is still in control and will honor those who trust Him instead of man. God promises to never forsake us.

“Let those who fear the Lord say, "His steadfast love endures forever." Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” Psalm‬ ‭118:4-9‬ 

“The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous. Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor. The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.”  Proverbs‬ ‭3:33-35‬ 

“You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? I must perform my vows to you, O God; I will render thank offerings to you. For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭56:8-13‬ ‭

Esther is why the Jewish nation celebrate the Jewish holiday, Purim, which actually means “to cast lots” and refers to how Haman decided what day he would have the Jewish nation slaughtered (Esther 9:23-26).

God’s name is never mentioned in The Book of Esther, but His sovereignty is evident throughout the book and I hope you’ll take the time this week to study Esther’s story for yourself, but for now, I wanted to mention a few  reasons why I feel her story is an important one. 

  1.) God tends to uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things!

I've mentioned this before because it continues to ring true, yet many of us often feel we aren't qualified when called and even fail to answer the call! 

Esther lived in a time when the nation of Israel was living in captivity as a consequence to their disobedience to God. She was an orphan who had been adopted by her Uncle Mordecai. Other than her beauty, she was not unique in any way. In fact, they were Jewish- minority race that was frowned upon, so her uncle advised Esther to conceal her race when she is taken into the palace.  

But God uses her to fulfill His plans and save the entire nation of Israel. The key here was that she was willing to submit to His will and go when and where He called her and so should we. 

Two verses I like to remind myself of often when called to take a step of faith are:

"Faithful is he that calls you, who also will do it." - 1Thes.5:24

"For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure." - Philippians 2:13 AMP

(These two verse are ones I often remind myself and others of.)

2.)  With God’s help, we can step out in faith and fight our fears!

Esther was a Jewish woman who became the wife to a powerful king. No one, not even the queen, was to approach the king without being asked. And, remember, that King Xerxes had an evil member of his cabinet, Haman, who had already convinced the king to kill all of the Jews. Can you imagine the fear she would be feeling?

Her first reaction was hesitation. She did not want to approach the king, but she placed her fate in God's hands by requesting the people to fast and pray for three days and then bravely approached the king. We too would be wise to remember the Lord reigns and place all our doubts, fears, anxiety- our lives in His hands. 

3.) Loving others is the most beautiful testimony of our love for Jesus.

Jesus reminded us when He paraphrased the Torah and said that love is the greatest commandment. Loving God and loving others. (Matthew 22:36-40).

 Esther knew this to be true when she said “ I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16).

 She willing risked her own life to save the lives of many.

While there may not be many of us who would be faced with this type of situation, I pray that, if a situation arises, that I would call on God and be willing to risk my own life to save others, for “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

(And it doesn't necessarily have to be our life, but our time, our desires, our own interests, etc. for others.)

4.) Our lives and actions in God's hands can impact future generations.

The Book of Esther 

Every bone in her body was shaking as Esther stood in the inner court of the king’s palace. For it was well known that those who approached the monarch without first being summoned, risked execution. But if her plan had any chance of success, Esther knew she had to take the risk. Beads of sweat formed on the young queen’s brow, and as she waited to be noticed, she said a small prayer to the God that had faithfully gotten her this far.

Orphaned at a young age, Esther had been living peacefully, exiled in Susa, with her cousin Mordecai. Mordecai loved Esther dearly, and had adopted her as his own daughter. But the minute the king’s decree was announced throughout the land, Esther’s once quiet life was to be no more. Looking for a new queen, for the previous one had been dethroned and banished, king Ahasueres sent for the most desirable young virgins in the country. And Esther, being both, “beautiful of form and face”, was taken to the palace and put into the custody of Hegai, the kings eunuch, who was in charge of the women.

Alone and afraid, the teenager was thrust into a whirlwind of designer clothes, the best smelling perfumes, makeup, and exotic foods. Everything needed to remove all traces of the young innocent girl, leaving behind a woman who was coerced into vying for the king’s attention. Oh how Esther longed to run away. But that wasn’t an option. For who was she to stand up against a king and his army? 

With nowhere else to turn, Esther turned to God. She had gotten her faith from Mordecai, who had raised Esther to trust the Lord in all things. And throughout her young life she had done just that. Many times Esther had seen the hand of God at work. And so she prayed with all of her might that this time would be no different. 

When it was Esther’s turn to be presented before the king, she found favor in the eyes of all who saw her. For the humble grace she displayed, made her beauty inside shine as brightly as her outward appearance. And loving Esther more than any other, king Ahasuerus placed the crown on her head, making Esther queen of all Persia. The weight of such a crown has heavy on Esther’s young head, and got even heavier when Mordecai came to her with a plot against the Jews concocted by Haman, the king’s second in command. 

Haman hated Mordecai, because Mordecai would never bow down and pay homage to Hamman. As a result, Hamman sought to destroy Mordecai along with all Jews in the kingdom. Haman approached the king with tales of how the Jews were disloyal to the king and needed to be killed. And the king, not knowing his beloved Esther to be a Jew herself, (for she had kept it hidden under the advice of Mordecai), signed a decree allowing the Jews to be annihilated, and their possessions seized. 

Mordecai, learning of the plot, came to Esther in desperate hopes of undoing the horror of Haman’s plans. But Esther was afraid, for Haman was a powerful friend to the king. Reassuring her, Modecai said, “If you remain silent, deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this.” 

Now was the time for Esther to put her faith in action. And so here she was, standing before the king’s throne. Esther had devised a plan of her own to soften the heart of the king. So would invite him to a series of banquets. And when the king had lowered his guard, Esther would reveal Haman’s wicked plot. A dangerous move to make. For many lives were on the line, including Esther’s. But the young queen was willing to be an instrument of God, even if it cost her everything. 

Rewarding her obedience, God indeed softened the kings heart. For not only was Ahasuerus not upset at Esther’s appearing, he also agreed to feast with her. And at the second banquet, upon hearing of Haman’s deceit, in fury, not only did the king hang Haman, but also Haman’s ten sons. Yet unable to stop the royal edict, king Ahasuerus issued a new decree allowing the Jews to fight back, and to keep for themselves the spoils of war. 

And on the 13th day of the month of Adar, when the king’s edicts were to be executed, the Jews struck down their enemies in victory. Mordecai was promoted, and the battle became a national celebration for all of Persia. And thus Esther established the holiday of Purim, which is celebrated by Jews around the world to this day.

Because of her willingness to be used by God, an entire people was saved. Many times we miss out on a great blessing by not allowing God to work in and through us. We may feel inadequate, inconsequential, or unusable by God. But He’s not asking us to do great things. He’s asking us to let His strength and power flow through us, so He can do great things. God is looking for people with hearts that are completely His. And no matter who we are, or where we are, when we are willing to risk it all to make a difference for God, we can take confidence knowing we have been raised up, “for such a time as this.”

Welcome to Scripture Saturday! 

Our verse for this week is Joshua 1:9..."Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

I just love the story of Esther. I love how God reveals how much He loves using the most unlikely, ordinary people to accomplish His purposes. Esther, who is a nobody, becomes a queen, and then becomes an important part of saving her nation of people. She chooses to take a stand and she risks her life when, stepping out in faith, tells her king her deepest desire - to save her people from destruction. This is bravery and trust at its utmost. 

We need to remember that Esther's position was no accident and neither is ours. God has placed us exactly where He wants us to be. 

You may be wondering...how would God use me to accomplish His purposes? Remember, He isn't looking for the extraordinary or perfect. He is looking for someone who is willing, who trusts in Him and will step out in faith, and asks Him..."what might you, Father, have for me to do?" 

Have a blessed week everyone!

Sandra

*Spangler & Syswerda

Sunday, April 29, 2018

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Esther 1 - Job 37:24...

1. What is your calling? In what current life situations do you think God has placed you to make a difference for Him? Knowing that everything you do can be an act of worship - or rebellion - against the LORD, how will you live?

“If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. What’s more, who can say but that you have been elevated to the palace for just a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)

2. God is actively at work in every part of your life. Every event, every word that you utter, and every emotion you feel is consequential. It all matters. Reflect on a time when something that seemed small at the time turned out to be significant, and how God used it for your growth and His glory.

“He told them to celebrate these days with feasting and gladness and by giving gifts to each other and to the poor. This would commemorate a time when the Jews gained relief from their enemies, when their sorrow was turned into gladness and their mourning into joy.” (Esther 9:22)

3. What do you anticipate for the afterlife? What excites you most about being heaven-bound? How does your knowledge of heaven and the things to come impact how you live on earth? Worship God for the knowledge that He lives and that you will see Him face-to-face.


“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that He will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see Him for myself. Yes, I will see Him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought! (Job 19:25-27)