Picture Post

Picture Post

Following Habakkuk

Wait For It

Habakkuk 2:3  NKJV 
"For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry".

Evil and injustice seem to have the upper hand in the world. Like Habakkuk, Christians often feel angry and discouraged as they see what goes on. Habakkuk complained vigorously to God about the situation. God's answer to Habakkuk is the same answer he would give us: "Be patient! I will work out my plans in my perfect timing."

It isn't easy to be patient, but it helps to remember that God hates sin even more than we do. Punishment of sin will certainly come. As God told Habakkuk, "Wait patiently." To trust God fully means to trust Him even when we don't understand why events occur as they do.

Picture Post

Picture Post

Elijah

Elijah's Provisions

1 Kings 17:2-4:

"And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.


Elijah’s provision wasn’t where he was; it was where God told him to go! This is profound!


Some of you have an impression from God to do something. Maybe you’re supposed to start a new business, make a job change, move to another town,  speak to a person, etc. You want to do it, but you’re holding back because the provision isn’t there yet. You’re saying, “God, I can’t do what You’re asking without first seeing the provision. How do I know all these things are going work out‌” This principle in 1 Kings applies directly to your situation. God is sending the provision for your needs not to where you are but to where He told you to go! The question is, “Are you all ‘there’‌” Some of you aren’t experiencing supernatural provision because you aren’t “there.” There is a place called “there” for you.


In verse 4, God said, “I have commanded the ravens,”, meaning He had already spoken to these ravens and they were on their way to where Elijah was supposed to go.


First Kings 17:5 says,
So [Elijah] went and did according unto the word of the Lord: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.
 

In other words, if Elijah had stayed where he was, he could have prayed and fasted, saying, “God, why haven’t You supplied my needs‌” But he wouldn’t have seen God’s provision if he hadn’t gone where God instructed.
 
One of the reasons we aren’t seeing a greater provision from God financially, emotionally, or in our circumstances is because we aren’t doing what God told us to do. We’ve got a word from God that we haven’t acted on. We’re somewhere other than where He told us to be.


Now, this is an important point because I teach on the grace of God a lot. I talk about how God’s grace is - how He provides things and that it’s not based on our obedience or holiness. God loves us independent of our performance—that’s absolutely true! But does this mean obeying Him is unimportant?‌ Just the opposite. I believe God has a plan for each of our lives but if we don't  obey Him, step out, and do what He tells us to do, God still will provide, but you will miss out on the Great provisions because those provisions are "there" and you have to go  “there” in order to get them.  God definitely makes things come to pass; but it does take some cooperation on our part. Amen?!


I've seen this happen a lot more than one would think. The Lord gives them a word and tells them to go to so and so or do so and so, but they struggle with it because they’ve got good paying jobs, nice houses, families, and friends they don’t want to leave. The security of those things keeps them from taking a step of faith because they don’t see how God is going to provide. But for those that step out on faith and do as the Lord instructs them - And  they get to their place called “there,” they find themselves with better jobs and better houses, and things work out. Their entire lives change. And there would have been no way to anticipate this before they took that step of faith. I’m telling you, when you get out of doubt and into your place called “there,” when you start doing what God called you to do, there is supernatural provision. This is one of the great lessons from the life of Elijah.

Let’s look at 1 Kings 17:6:
And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.


As I mentioned before, I believe that since God had already commanded the ravens, if Elijah hadn’t obeyed, God would still have been faithful to send the provision where He told him to go. I believe that these ravens would have brought bread and meat every morning and evening but that it all would have piled up beside the brook and gone to waste. Elijah could have starved to death even though God had been faithful to provide for his needs.


Here’s something else to consider: How did Elijah know which spot along the brook Cherith to go‌ If the brook was ten miles long, he could have been five or ten miles away from where the ravens were bringing him food. The ravens could fly faster than Elijah could walk or run. I’m convinced that one of the ways he knew he was at the right spot was because the ravens were already “there” with the bread and meat. When Elijah saw the provision God had promised, that was one of the signs that he was in the right place.


The same will be true of you when you step out. You have to take a step of faith with no guarantees that things are going to work. And then you will start seeing the provision of the Lord. It’ll be confirmation that you’re going in the right direction and doing what He told you to do. You’ll be able to say, “It was God who told me to do this.”


This is how it’s working out in my life. I’m applying what 1 Kings 17 is talking about and taking steps of faith to get where I am right now and where I want to be tomorrow and the day after and the day after. And I’m going to keep taking these steps of faith until I get "there". One thing I do know about God and the Bible- All you have to do to get started is take a step of faith and the Lord will walk along side you every inch of the way.


There is a place called “there” for you.


It isn't necessarily a location; you may not have to change where you live. It could just be an attitude change or decision you need to make. But when you take a step of faith and start following what God tells you to do, there is a supernatural flow of provision — not only of finances but also of peace, joy, blessing, anointing, influence, power, and authority—that you cannot duplicate with all your human effort. All of these kinds of things follow obeying the word of the Lord.

You can look at the life of Elijah and apply it easily to your own; he was a nobody before he had a word from God and acted on it. But then—boom—after he stepped out in faith, he became the dominant figure in the nation. He was blessed, miracles began to happen, a person was raised from the dead, and a revival broke out.


You’ve got to find your place called “there” and then get there! It’s imperative. I tell you, this could change your life if you would act on it. If the reason you won’t step out is because you’ve got some form of “security” but you’re miserable and things are just going wrong, I encourage you to do what God tells you to do. Your place called "there" is waiting on you!

Picture Post

Picture Post

Crying Out

Lamentations 2:19  NKJV 

“Arise, cry out in the night, At the beginning of the watches; Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift your hands toward Him For the life of your young children, Who faint from hunger at the head of every street.”

People's suffering from their sins should be enough to bring them to the Lord, weeping for forgiveness. Sadly; many allow their pride and disbelief to hold them back.

Only when our own sins and the sins of others completely breaks our hearts will we turn to Him - fully expecting God come to our rescue. And He will; of that you can rest assured.

Still; it is not just feeling sorry about experiencing sin's consequences that brings forgiveness. It is Faith in God and Faith that we are forgiven by the shed Blood of Christ that brings about the forgiveness.

When we cry out to God for forgiveness, He will forgive us of our sins and heal our soul.

What? Are you waiting on?

Picture Post

Plans for You

Jeremiah 1:5  NKJV 

 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you... "

God knew you, as He knew Jeremiah, long before you were born or even conceived. He thought about you and planned for you.

When you feel discouraged or inadequate, remember that God has always thought of you as valuable and that He has a purpose in mind for you.

Picture Post

Picture Post

An Exciting Idea!

Timeless Tips Towards A Better Life

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. & while you walk, SMILE.  It is the ultimate antidepressant.
 
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

3. When you wake up in the morning, Pray to ask God’s guidance for your purpose, today.

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food  that is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink plenty of water. Eat blueberries, broccoli, and almonds.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control.  Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Remember that life isn’t always fair, but it’s still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Forgive them for everything!

11. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.

14. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: ‘In five years, will this matter?’

17. Help the needy, Be generous! Be a ‘Giver’ not a ‘Taker’

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. Time heals everything.

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your  friends will. Stay in touch.

22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

23. Each night before you go to bed, Pray to God and Be thankful for what you’ll accomplish, today !

24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

25. Be open and willing to change negative aspects of your life. Do Not be willing or open to negative aspects of life changing you.

God Loves You! Everything else are just details.

STOP!

Forgetfulness ...  in His Name Sake

Isaiah 43:25  NKJV 
“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins. 

How tempting it is to remind someone of a past offense in the heat of an argument! But when God forgives our sins He totally forgets them. We never have to worry that He will remind us of them later- He has forgotten them.

Because God forgives our sin, we need to forgive others, forget them and move on along. The next time that you are tempted to remind another of a wrong that they have done; stop! take a moment and ask yourself:

Am I better than God?

If the answer to that is "No" then don't bring it up. Let forgiveness and forgetfulness go hand in hand as God has done for you.

Picture Post

Picture Post

Picture Post

The Loftiness of Man

This morning I found myself in the Book of Isaiah 2 and as I read along I began to think upon the things that are taking place in the world today. Government shutdowns. Wars and rumors of wars. How men and women have gone off to foreign countries and participated in battles that I am sure many of them thought/think are useless and pointless but they did it because that is what Americans do.... only to come home maimed, injured, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually disabled. Only to be tossed aside as casual as yesterday's newspaper because they are no longer of use or value to the US Government.

"The loftiness of man shall be bowed down"

Let's look at that a moment. What constitutes being "lofty"?


merriam-webster defines it in this way:
rising to a great height:
very tall and impressive
very high and good
deserving to be admired
showing the insulting attitude of people who think that they are better, smarter, or more important than other people


dictionary online defines it in this way:
extending high in the air; of imposing height; towering: lofty mountains. 
exalted in rank, dignity, or character; eminent.
elevated in style, tone, or sentiment, as writings or speech.
arrogantly or condescendingly superior in manner; haughty: to treat someone in a lofty manner.


the free dictionary online defines it in this way:
Of imposing height.
Elevated in character; exalted.
Affecting grandness; pompous.
Arrogant; haughty


Clearly we can see that a state of being "lofty" can be a good thing or a bad thing- a good quality or a bad quality. But the Bible makes no distinction in either. It simply says that "the loftiness of man shall be bowed down".

I believe that you can look around you today and see a whole lot of loftiness taking place. When a hand full of people in Congress can grind a whole Nation to a halt then you can bet the farm that the spirit of loftiness is in action. When the needs of the few outweigh the needs of the many something is seriously wrong.

I was reading in the news that while these "shutdowns" are in action that many social programs for the poverty stricken have ceased.

WIC ( WIC - Women, Infants and Children - Food and Nutrition Service) is one of those programs. "I'm sorry but while we hash out a budget plan you and your baby will not be given life sustaining formula to nourish it's body"

Veterans: The VA hospitals will remained open. But many services will be disrupted. The Veterans Benefits Administration will be unable to process education and rehabilitation benefits. What's more, if the shutdown lasts for more than two or three weeks, the Department of Veterans Affairs has said that it may not have enough money to pay disability claims and pension payments. That could affect some 3.6 million veterans. "I'm sorry but while we hash out a budget plan you will not be getting any services from the Government but thank you for having your arms and legs blown off on foreign soil just the same"


"The loftiness of man shall be bowed down"

Which leads me into asking the question of rather our current system of Government can possibly get any more "lofty" than it already is before God is reminded of His Word in Isaiah 2 and spring into action and begins to bow them down?

Honestly; I don't know. God's timing is perfect. It always has been and it always will be. But it is coming. On that you can rest assured.

All across this Great Nation; we as Americans, look to these 545 individual human beings that make up Congress to make these critical decisions for our lives- when we should be looking to God. Where we should be praying to God to lead them to do the right thing. Where we should be asking God to replace these 545 (or any part thereof) dysfunctional human beings that make up Congress with people that have some common sense, some decency, some righteousness about them. People that are motivated to do the right thing by the people of this Nation - as lead not by their own hidden agendas - but by the Holy Spirit of God.


John 15:5 says "Apart from me you can do nothing"


NOTHING. Did you get that saints? We can't even get out of the bed in the morning without God. Yet; we look to these people to make decisions that effect our every day lives - people that don't even bother to seek out God and see what He thinks before making life changing decisions that effect each and every one of us.

Has anyone in Government come to me and ask me my opinion about rather or not we should involve ourselves in Syria? Well; no, of course they haven't.

Has anyone in Government come to you and ask your opinion on matters of upmost importance? No? Well; that isn't any great surprise; is it?

They do not ask our opinion because they do not care about our opinion. In their state of "loftiness" they are convinced that they know what is best- and when it all turns to crap then they turn around and blame this party or that party or the President or whomever is handy and closest instead of taking personal responsibility and being held accountable.


"Apart from me (God) you can do nothing"

Until America wakes up and stands up then things such as Government shutdowns are going to continue. We the people are going to continue to suffer the consequences of stupid, thoughtless, rash decisions made by people that act apart and separate from God.

But take heart; because the loftiness of man shall be bowed down. We just have to wait on the manifestation of that particular blessing.

Amen?

WHAT DOES THE HOLY WORD SAY?

Bible Word Study
WHAT DOES THE HOLY WORD SAY?


In the courtroom of Heaven, the only acceptable Law is the Word of God. Now, even though the Judge is your Heavenly Father and He desires to rule in your favor, He can only do so if you base your case on promises and precedent from the Bible.


Isaiah 55:11
How does this verse relate to pleading your case?



Philippians 4:6
What should your attitude be as you go before the Throne? 



1 John 5:14-15
How do we strengthen our faith so that we can believe our prayers are answered?




Pleading Your Case:
Petitioning The Heavenly Judge
 
"I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins. Put Me in remembrance; let us contend together; state your case, that you may be acquitted." Isaiah 43:25, 26
 

PUT GOD IN REMEMBRANCE

To put God in remembrance means that as a covenant believer, you can stand before the throne of God when you pray and remind God of His promises. You can lay your case legally before Him and plead your case as a lawyer would plead his case before a judge. God is inviting you to put Him in remembrance of His Word. He is asking you to lay your case before Him and plead your covenant rights before Him using the legal precedence of His Word.

Your job in prayer is to hold God's Word before Him and keep it there until that Word is manifested in the person or situation for which you are praying. You are to put together an airtight case based on the specific scriptures and to keep pleading that case in the court of heaven until your adversary, the devil, gives up and goes home.

When God says, "Put Me in remembrance," He's not telling you to remind Him of what a great person you are or how very much you want your prayer answered. He is telling you to put Him in remembrance of His Word. For according to divine law, that Word is the only plea to which He can respond.



GO BOLDLY TO THE THRONE

By standing on God's Word and pleading your case with Him. You find definite scriptures that promise what you need and continue to put God in remembrance of His Word according to your covenant rights. As you stand on God's Word and plead your case based on His promises, God will work on your behalf.
 

Be Specific

You can't plead your case based on a general belief in the Bible. You have to be specific. You have to study the Scriptures and find out exactly what you can expect God to do in your particular situation. Because God's Word abides in you, you can ask according to His Word and receive answers to your prayers. The greatest answers to prayer occur as a result of bringing God's Word to Him and reminding Him of what He said in His Word.


You're Not Alone

You don't have to present your case without the help of the Holy Spirit. One of His names is Advocate. As your Advocate, the Holy Spirit will lead you to the scriptures you need. He'll quicken them to your heart. He'll help you bring forth your case with such eloquence (both in other tongues and with your understanding) that the devil won't stand a chance against you. Then He'll help you stand strong until your case is fully won.


You Have A Right To Be There

Your right-standing with God gives you the right to plead your case before God without a sense of guilt, sin or condemnation. There is a confidence you experience, knowing that you will receive when you ask in faith, believing. Jesus made you the righteousness of God in Him. He put you in a position where you can stand in God's Presence. That's why you can boldly go unto the throne of grace; because He's made you righteous (Hebrews 4:16). The newborn babe in Christ has as good a standing with God and can get an answer to prayer just as quickly as the mature saint who has lived many years for God.



WORD STUDY- Dig Deeper
Look up the following words:

1. Remembrance

2. Let Us Contend

3. State Your Case



THOUGHTS TO PONDER ON

Every time you pray you must believe your prayers change things in the realm of the spirit even if you cannot yet see evidence of those changes in the natural world. You must believe God heard you and went to work on your behalf. Hold fast to the promise that His Word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11). But you must also understand there are forces of darkness working to hinder the answer to your prayer, and so you must be willing to stick with the process until you've prayed the answer all the way through.

To keep praying in faith in spite of all the adverse circumstances and negative reports that often come along, you must not only know what the Bible promises you, you must see a clear inner image of that promise being fulfilled. It must shine within you so brightly it chases away every shadow of doubt. Always remember that He hears you, He loves you, and He wants to meet your needs. 


Pleading Your Case Scriptures

Isaiah 55:11
John 16:23
Philippians 4:6
Hebrews 4:16
Matthew 21:22
Mark 11:24
1 John 5:14-15
Psalm 27:14
Jeremiah 1:1


Further Scriptures

Isaiah 62:6-7
1 John 2:1

 

Picture Post

Carrot Spice Cake

CARROT SPICE CAKE

The Cake

1 1/4 Cups Vegetable Oil
2 Cups Sugar
4 Eggs
3 Carrots Grated Raw
1 cup Nuts *Optional
1 Can Crushed Pineapple 8oz
1 cup Coconut Grated (Sweetened or unsweetened are fine)
1/2 cup Raisins
2 Tsps. Vanilla Extract
2 Cups All-Purpose Flour Sifted
1 tsp. Salt
2 Tsps. Baking Soda
2 Tsps. Cinnamon



The Frosting

8 Oz. Cream Cheese
1/2 cup Butter (that’s one stick)
2 Tsps. Vanilla Extract
1 cup Nuts Chopped (Again Optional)


Directions

For the Cake:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine oil, sugar and eggs. Beat well. Stir in grated carrots, nuts, pineapple and vanilla. Add flour, salt, soda and cinnamon; beat well. Pour into two greased and floured 9 inch cake pans. Bake 35-45 minutes. Let cool before frosting.


For the Frosting:
Mix cream cheese and butter. Add sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Stir in nuts.

Picture Post

Heeheehee!

Ohhh ... but ..... Honey ....

A man came home from work and found his children outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn around yard, The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house and no  sign of the dog.

Walking in the door, he found ...an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, the throw rug was against one wall, In the front room the TV was on loudly with the cartoon channel, the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing.

In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door.

He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened. He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls.

As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel...

She looked up at him, smiled and asked how his day went.

He looked at her bewildered and asked, 'What happened here today?'

She again smiled and answered, 'You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world do I do all day?...

''Yes," was his incredulous reply..

She answered, 'Well, today I didn't do it.'

Autumn Spice Cider Recipe

Picture Post

Picture Post

Picture Post

Picture Post

Esther Bible Series- Chapter 10

ESTHER Chapter Ten

Esther Chapter Ten

Esther 10:1-3

And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles of the sea. And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.



The story concludes with Mordecai receiving a generous reward from the king. His importance also recorded in the book of the chronicles of the kings.

Compare the advancement of Mordecai with this verse:

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. ~ Ephesians 4:2-7, KJV

Their story inspires believers to trust God's wisdom and timing, and to stand strong in the face of persecution.

What I personally liked most about the story is that the King is ready and willing to fight for his bride!

Thus concludes our Bible study on Esther. I hope you enjoyed it! But more importantly; I hope that you have learned your place in Christ and the love that He has for you. That's my ultimate goal for you in any Bible study that I present.

Until the next time,
Tah Tah!

Esther Bible Series- Chapter 9

ESTHER Chapter Nine

Esther Chapter Nine



Esther 9:1-3

Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;) The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people. And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.



In the latter part of chapter eight, and now in chapter nine we see that the tables have turned. The Jews have power over the enemy. We can compare this to the power that each believer has been given by the Holy Spirit.

When Jesus was on earth with His disciples, He sent them off to preach the gospel but not without assistance.

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. ~ Luke 10:19-20, KJV

And just before His ascension in Acts chapter 1, He promised that power would come to all believers:

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in
Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. ~ Acts 1:8, KJV

In much the same way that God gave strength by the Holy Spirit to all believers, Mordecai brought strength to his people.


Do a little soul searching to find the evidence of the Holy Spirit at work in your life.

1. Does it convict you?

2. Does it comfort you?

3. Does it guide you?

4. Perhaps you can think of some specific ways He's at work in your life and list them here:



Esther 9:4-5

For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater. Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.



Reading this, I'm reminded of the verse from 1 John 4:4, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." That's powerful!


Read Ephesians 6:14-17.

1. What does God offer in order to equip us for battle? One of your answers should have been, “the sword of the spirit.”

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ~ Ephesians 6:17, KJV

Without the sword of the spirit, believers are helpless to fight the battle against temptation, sin, and doubt. When Jesus was fasting in the desert for 40 days, He fought His temptation with knowledge of and obedience to scripture. Because of the Bible we are equipped to fight temptation too. Here is a great verse that shows us why we need to study the scripture, and why our obedience to truth is also important:

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. ~ 2 Corinthians 10:4-6, KJV

Knowledge of the word doesn’t merely help to defend us against non-believers who question our faith, it defends us against our own imagination, internal arguments, and disobedience. It is the light that guides our conscience and exposes sin.

1. What are some specific ways that knowing the Bible might protect us from sin?

2. Can you think of any time in your life when conviction, knowledge or obedience has been there to save you?

3. Do you read the Bible on a regular basis?

4. Do you see a need to improve on this area of your life?




Esther 9:6-11

And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men. And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha, And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha, And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha, the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand. On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king.



An interesting thing to note here is that the Jewish people didn’t lay hand on the spoil. However in Esther chapter 8:11, the King had given them every right to:

Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. ~Esther 8:11, KJV

It is evident by their actions that there were fighting for their life not for the things of this world. This is the same fight that we’ve witnessed in Esther throughout the story. She is always focussed on the goal ahead which is to attain life for both her and her people.

1. What are some of the things you like about the character of Esther?



Esther 9:12-14

And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king's provinces? Now what is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what is thy request further? and it shall be done. Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which are in Shushan to do to morrow also according unto this day's decree, and let Haman's ten sons be hanged upon the gallows.And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman's ten sons.



We know from the previous verse that Haman’s sons were already dead, so why would Esther request that they be hanged? My understanding of this is that a public execution would put fear into the people.

Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. ~ 1Timothy 5:20, KJV



Esther 9:15-16

For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand. But the other Jews that were in the king's provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey.



Again they had opportunity to take the riches, but the Jewish people took none.



Esther 9:17-21

On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly.



This feasting of gladness is still celebrated every year amongst the Jews on the 13th of Adar, it is called the feast of Esther. That is followed by Purim which begins at sunset of the same day and end at sunset on the 14th. However, Sushan Purim is celebrated on the 15th of Adar.

This is how Wikipedia explains it:

It was decided that while the victory would be celebrated universally on Adar 14, for Jews living in Shushan, the holiday would be held on Adar 15. Later, in deference to Jerusalem, the Sages determined that Purim would be celebrated on Adar 15 in all cities which had been enclosed by a wall at the time of Joshua’s conquest of the Land of Israel. Also, a very interesting fact to note on this day: it is commonly accepted by scholars that Moses was born on the seventh of Adar and therefore, if Moses was circumcised six days later, this ceremony would have taken place on the 13th of Adar— the same day that the Jews triumphed over the Persians!

That’s very symbolic since circumcision represented the cutting away of the flesh, and the putting off of a former life. I love little facts like that!

Have you exchanged your sinful life for a new life? If not, you can make that decision right now by bowing your head and asking God to forgive you for your sins and inviting Jesus into your life. He promises new life to all who put their faith in Jesus.



Esther 9:22-23

As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor. And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them.



“Rested”  ...  did you catch that?

The Jews finally found rest from the enemy. The New Testament talks a lot about rest, in fact so does the Old Testament, since the beginning of time when God rested on the seventh day.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. ~ Matthew 11:28-30, KJV

What this verse is referring to are those people who are trying to get right with God on their own merit. It can’t be done. The Old Testament laws were full of commandments and ordinances that were impossible for anyone to keep. There were so many laws within laws that trying to keep them was not only a burden it was impossible.

“Righteousness” is one of the main themes in the book of Esther. This story has taught us that righteousness is imputed to us. It’s given to us freely through faith in Jesus Christ. The only thing that Esther did was come boldly to the throne. That is what each and every one of us is asked to do, “Come unto me...”

Sin is the enemy that condemns us to death, but those who come to the throne of grace find forgiveness, righteousness, and rest.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. ~ Romans 8:1-2, KJV

Remember—there were two decrees that went out in this story: the first one sentenced the Jews to death, and the second offered them life.

Those two decrees were symbolic of these two laws:
1. The law of sin and death
2. The law of the spirit of life


1. How does trying to get right on your own merit differ from living in obedience to the King?


It might be a tough question, but I'd like you to think it through taking into account everything we've studies in these nine chapters.



Esther 9:24-28

Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them; But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them, The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year; And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.



The other Jewish feasts have been ordained by God, but this one was ordained by the Jews and has since continued throughout the generations. As I pointed out earlier, it is an important feast among the Jews even to this day.



Esther 9:29

Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim. And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth, To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry. And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.



Every time I see that Mordecai is penning a letter I’m reminded of the Bible written by holy men of God who were moves by the Holy Spirit. It says, that Esther and Mordecai “wrote with all authority.” There are many people who will scoff at the Bible saying that it is written by man, but those who have faith in Jesus Christ believe that it is inspired by the Holy Ghost. One of Jesus’ closest disciples— Peter, on who he proclaimed to build His church--confirms this to be true:

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. ~ 2 Peter 1:20-21, KJV

As I mentioned in a recent chapter, Mordecai represents the Holy Spirit, and we've really seen that symbolism come out in this chapter.

Esther Bible Series- Chapter 8

ESTHER Chapter Eight

Esther Chapter Eight

Esther 8:1-2

On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her. And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.


Let’s start by back tracking a little bit… remember in Esther 7:4, she told the king that they had been “sold.” This signified Esther’s need for a redeemer.

In a nutshell, redemption is repurchasing something that has been sold, and it also means to set free. In Old Testament times, slaves could be redeemed (bought back) but only under certain terms.

Because Haman had betrayed the king by deceiving him, his entire house became the property of the king including the lives of the Jews that he had purchased. And so, the second verse is very significant as the “ring” is a symbol of mutual possession.

Jesus redeemed us by giving His life as a ransom for our sins. Those who believe are under His possession, and in return we possess something of value—a Savior. I wish I would have understood the symbolism behind the wedding ring when I got married as it would have made the ceremony that much more significant. But at least these are lessons I can now pass down to my children.

1. What other elements of a marriage ceremony do you see as typifying our relationship with Jesus Christ?



Esther 8:3-6

And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews. Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king, and said, If it please the king, and if I have favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces: For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?



Once again we see Esther’s passion that ALL of her people would be saved. She and her cousin Mordecai had already been redeemed by the king, but she couldn’t bear the thought of others losing their life.

She is an incredible example to believers that we must keep on praying for the unsaved. We can’t give up. It is not God’s will that even one should perish, but yet so many around us are still under bondage to Satan.


Think of some of the unbelievers in your life.

1. Do you pray for them enough?

2. Make a list of them and either put it in your prayer journal or keep it in your Bible, as a reminder to pray for them often.



Compare Esther’s attitude in the three verses above to that of Vashti’s in the first chapter.

1. What difference(s) do you find?



Esther 8:7-8

Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews. Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king's name, and seal it with the king's ring: for the writing which is written in the king's name, and sealed with the king's ring, may no man reverse.


Historically kings wore rings that had a unique stamp in them. These rings were used as a type of signature that when pressed into a soft surface such as wax, they left a distinct and binding impression. In these verses, the king is instructing Esther to send out letters of freedom marked with the binding seal of the king.

Compare the symbol of the king’s seal with the following verses:

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. ~ Ephesians 1:13, KJV

Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:21&22, KJV

The "seal" is a mark that is put upon us the moment that we become His. It’s the gift of His Holy Spirit that literally becomes a part of who we are. The Holy Spirit dwells within each believer, which is our seal of ownership. Here is a short list of Bible verses concerning the Holy Spirit.


What do each of these say about the role of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life?


A.  John 14:16


B.  John 16:7-11


C.  John 16:13


D.  John 16:14


E.  John 15:26


F.  What fruit should be evident in a spirit-filled believer? (Galatians 5:22-23)





Esther 8:9-14

Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language. And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealed it with the king's ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries: Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.



Do you see how the king has given every Jew instructions to stand up against evil? This is the same commandment that believers are given as we struggle against sin:

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ~ Ephesians 6:13, KJV

The important thing to note however is that we are not left standing without protection from the King! Read Ephesians 6:14-17.

1. What does God offer in order to equip us for battle?



Esther 8:12-14

Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, and  that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace. And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.



There is so much to say about these verses, it’s incredible!! Mordecai’s outfit signifies that he was the temple of the Holy Ghost.


Compare the fabric to this scripture:

Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet. ~ Exodus 26:1a, KJV

It's interesting to note that while the tabernacle was made up of three areas: the outer court, the inner court, and the holy of holies, we each consist of three parts: body, soul and spirit. But that's a whole other study, let's get back on track here.

Purple dye was extremely expensive which is why it is usually associated with royalty. It’s really quite interesting when you research how the color purple was obtained in ancient cultures; check it out sometime when you have a minute. It was worn by kings and queens because it was so costly and hard to come by. Because Mordecai belonged to the king, he was dressed in the finest garments.

As we discussed in a previous chapter, the Bible talks about believers being clothed with a robe of righteousness. Note here that the person of Mordecai was helpless to help himself. Everything he had was a gift from the king. All was grace.

The golden crown is the crown of life given to all believers who endure temptation until the end:

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. ~ James 1:12, KJV



Esther 8:16-17

The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour. And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.


If we look at this in context with Jewish history, we see that this was definitely a time of celebration for the Jews! We learned in our study of chapter three that the initial reason that Mordecai wouldn’t bow down to Haman was because the Amalekites were long-time enemies of God’s people, the Jews:

And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation. ~ Exodus 17:15-16, KJV

Now finally the Jews were not only given their life, they were given honor and were exalted above the enemy!

When we recognize the symbolism of this victory we also have reason to rejoice. The rise of the Jews represents the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the power that brings to all believers through Him. There is victory in Jesus!

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. ~ Romans 16:19&20, KJV