Lessons from Esther: Feasting and gladness

16 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, 17 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. 18 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. 19 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. Ether 9:16-19

The battles are ended and victory belongs to the Jews. The death toll outside of the king’s city is high, very high at 75,000. Again it is mentioned that the Jews did not take any spoil.

The goal was to defend their lives. They fought so they could live. When the conflict ended they gathered together to rest and rejoice by feasting. The Jews in the king’s provinces fought on the 13^th and celebrated on the 14^th day. The Jews in Shushan fought on the 13^th and 14^th days and celebrated on the 15^th day. Remember, Esther asked for another day of battle in the palace city.

The scriptures say it was “a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another” verse 19. The Jews had so much, so very much to be glad about. How about you? Can you celebrate today as a “gladness” day? Take a few minutes to name things you are glad about.

I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. Psalm 9:2

I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities; Psalm 31:7

Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. Psalm 32:11

Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified. Psalm 40:6

My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD. Psalm 104:34

The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. Psalm 126:3

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Lessons from Esther: The sons of Haman

And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men. :7 And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha, 8 And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha, 9 And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha, 10 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. 11 On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king. 12 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.  13 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. 14 And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman's ten sons. 15 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. Esther 9:6-15

The fighting continues, Jews everywhere are “fighting for their life”. Enemies of the Jews are falling rapidly. All of Haman’s sons are killed with many more of their countrymen.

Each of Haman’s sons is named in this portion of scripture. The death toll is getting higher. The king receives the number of deaths (500)and tells Esther. He also asks if she has any petitions, which he will grant.

Esther asks for the sons of Haman to be hanged on the gallows. She also asks for another day for her countrymen to fight. A total of eight hundred men were killed in Shushan, the city where the palace was located.

In all this, the Jews did not take any spoil, even though they were entitled to it according to the king’s decree.

The words of Psalm 118, though written by King David, fit in this section of Esther’s story.

5 I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. 6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? 7 The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. 8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. 9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. 10 All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. Psalm 118:5-10

Esther continued to trust God with every being of her life. We need to trust God with the details of our life.

And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. Psalm 9:10

... Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. Psalm 16:1

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5

Join me next week as I finish Esther’s story.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Lessons from Esther: The second banquet

1 So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen. 2 And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom. 3 Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request: 4 For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage. 5Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so? 6 And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen. 7 And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king. 8 Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face. 9 And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon. 10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified. Esther 7

The day has arrived; the second banquet of Queen Esther is now in progress. The king and Haman arrive at the banquet. After a little wine, the king asks Queen Esther for her request. “Just ask, and you will receive up to half of the kingdom.”

Esther “jumps in” with both feet. She immediately starts to plead for her life as well as “her” people’s lives. She makes mention of not saying a word if they were only going to be sold for slaves, but this is death. The people have been sold to be totally destroyed.

Ahasuerus appears to be a little shocked. Sometimes I wonder was he even paying attention. He was the one who took the money and signed the decree. Then I come to my senses, God is in total control. God knows the whole story, beginning to end. Proverbs 8:15-16 tells us: By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

God has allowed the rulers to reign. Even though God’s name is not mentioned even once in the book of Esther, His very being is weaved throughout the entire book.

Ahasuerus is getting very upset. He demands to know who would do such a deed. Esther knows, now is the time to speak, now is the right moment to come clean before the king and reveal the evil mastermind, Haman. As Esther says his name, Haman is “shaking in his boots”. He has been exposed and panic takes over.

The king, in shock, leaves the banquet to get fresh air in the garden. He needs to clear his head and take a moment to think.

Haman sees this as an opportunity to plead with the queen. He has worked with the king for many years and knows he can be “hot headed” and quick tempered. Haman falls on the bed where Esther is and appeals for mercy. Ahasuerus comes back in the banquet and is shocked by what he sees, Haman on the bed with Esther. He does not need an explanation, his mind is made up. Haman’s face is covered which signified his death was eminent.

One of the chamberlains tells the king about the gallows. The next words out of the king’s mouth were “hang him on it”.  The wicked Haman comes to a speedy death and the king’s rage is pacified.

What can we learn from Haman’s wicked life?

1. He was responsible for his actions.

So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Romans 14:12

2. He did  not “get away” with doing wrong

But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out. Numbers 32:23

3. Haman reaped what he sowed

He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. Proverbs 22:8

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7

4. God is in control and the Final Judge

The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah. Psalm 9:16

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. II Corinthians 5:10

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Goals 2012

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

As I sit and reflect on the past year I remember many things, some are positive and some are negative. As I wrote I thought, negative to whom? The Bible says, “All things work together for good to them that love God …” Romans 8:28

I usually set spiritual goals for myself each year, reviewing periodically to “stay on track”. One of the meanings for the word goal is “the end toward which effort is directed: aim “. My aim is to draw closer to the Lord to “know him and the power of his might” Ephesians 6:10

Today I reviewed the goals I set last January. I kept or surpassed most of the goals. There was one that I didn’t even do, which I will again put on my list. I was encouraged by what I did accomplish.

Do you want to grow closer to the Lord this year? Set some goals. Do not start with big goals but with little goals.

Suggestions:

1. Keep a prayer/praise journal. What can you write? Write prayers to the Lord. Write down answers to prayers. Write down praises, thanksgivings and gratitude to God.

… I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. Psalm 9:1

2. Memorize verses that will help with a problem in your life i.e. gossip, anger, selfishness etc.

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11

3. Read the Bible daily.

I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Psalm 119:16

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Proverbs 30:5

4. Pick up a daily devotional or sign up for an email devotional.

5. Be an encourager in your corner of the world. Send cards, emails or make phone calls to those hurting or those who need to be encouraged by a kind word or deed.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

6. Read nonfiction Christian books i.e. spiritual growth, biographies.

Everyone is in a different spiritual place in life. Don’t look at what others are doing, ask the Lord to show you what He wants you to do.

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. II Corinthians 10:12

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2Peter 3:18

As you set goals for 2012, do not look back on what you did not do, look forward to what you will do, with the Lord’s help.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

Have a blessed day,
Donna

I have a great life!

I work at a yacht club, lots of crazy busyness in the summer months, not so busy from Labor Day on. As a matter of fact it slows down to a manageable pace. We can actually get work done in a timely matter, not so in the summer. One will start a task and get “sidetracked” all day by questions, other jobs that need to be done “yesterday” and so forth and so on. Some days I leave at the end of the day exhausted and think, “I got none of my work done” but I did accomplish lots of other odd jobs that needed to be finished.

We have a junior sailing program, where sailing is taught to children from 5 to 18. The sailing instructor staff is made up of high school (junior instructors) and college (senior instructors and sailing coaches) students, who know the craft of sailing. We hire instructors from all over the country who have been brought up in the sailing world. Most of our instructors have been sailing since young ages, participating in regattas (sailing races); it is in “their blood.”

One of the instructors, returning for her third year, is a young woman from the Midwest. She has a jubilant, exhilarating spirit, always happy and upbeat. The students as well as the parents adore her. She will stop by my office every few days just to say “hi” and tell me a story about a regatta she just attended with her students. I look forward to seeing her smiling face.

The other day she stopped by and was chatting about her day off. She had worked almost 3 weeks without a day off and never complained about it. The next day she was going to the Red Sox game with some friends. Remember this is Red Sox nation, everyone in New England loves the Sox (well almost everyone). She was so excited she was bursting inside, going to a Red Sox game was one of her “must do things” while in New England.

When I got a chance to get a word in, I said, “You have a pretty exciting life”. Her reply was, “I have a great life! I am so blessed.”

What a wonderful statement, as Christians do we see our life as a “great life”. I reveled in this statement for the next few days. I have a great life, my reasons are a little different than my friend, the sailing instructor, but a great life it is.

Here are just a few of my reasons:

God has made each and every day for me to enjoy.
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

God has provided me with many benefits the most important is His salvation.
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. Psalm 68:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippines 4:19

The Lord has blessed me with three wonderful children, and four amazing grandchildren.
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Psalm 127:3

God is always with me.
…for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Heb 13:5

God loves me.
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10

We love him, because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

I serve a great and marvelous God.
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Psalm 100:2

Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; 1 Chronicles 16:12

I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. Psalm 9:1

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Attitudes

Attitudes, we all have them whether good or bad. Have you ever noticed the type of attitude you have will affect your whole day? I have really been thinking about attitudes lately.

My husband was out of work since the end of December. He injured his back, went through physical therapy, an operation and more physical therapy. He used crutches, canes, wheelchair, and walker, and some days could not stand on his own power. Through all of this his attitude was excellent. He did not blame God or someone else for what he was going though, he took it all in stride as another day in his life. He was positive through this entire time, he kept working toward his goal of getting better. Slowly, some days slower than others, he has gotten his strength back, he is not at 100% but he continues to work toward the goal. He may never be at 100%, this may be his “new normal” but his attitude and hard work has gotten him where he is now– how we think affects how we act.

I worked with a person who complained about everything, and I do mean everything. No matter what the situation something negative was said, the weather was too hot in the summer but way to cold in the winter, the phone rang too much or not enough, people asked too many questions or did not ask enough. The negativity was constant and I had enough; I was starting to capture the “negative” bug myself. Finally when I heard for the umpteenth time that another job was better than the one she had I said why don’t you apply? The excuses started but it made her realize I did not want to hear all the pessimistic comments. Negative attitudes can affect everyone. Negatively will “rub” off on us if we let it.

Sometimes it is hard for Christians to stay focused on the Lord. Our mind works overtime and the negative attitudes start to cultivate in our thoughts. We look around and see others doing so much better than we are, whether physically, mentally, or spiritually. The “grass is greener” syndrome is everywhere even in the Christian realm.

What can we do to have better attitudes?

Realize where the negative comes from
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Ephesians 2:2

Think differently
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; Ephesians 4:23

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

Praise God for what you have
I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. Psalm 9:1

And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long. Psalm 35:28

Meditate on the blessings of God
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. Psalm 68:19

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Ephesians 1:3

Don’t compare yourself to others
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. II Corinthians 10:12

Have a blessed day,
Donna