Lessons from Esther: Mordecai hears “the news”

1 When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry; 2 And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth. 3 And in every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.  Esther 4:1-3

Have you ever found out about “a ruling” or “law” after it was passed? Basically this is what happened to Mordecai. A law was “slipped under the radar”, passed and now enacted.

When he realizes the impact on “his people” the Jews, he tears his clothes and puts on sackcloth (put on for mourning or humiliation) and ashes. Mordecai is crying, not just a silent cry but a loud, bitter cry with sobbing, uncontrolled weeping. John Gill says, “that all the Jews in the city might be alarmed by it, and inquire the reason of it, and be affected with it…”

He is so overcome with grief that he stands before the king’s gate in his sackcloth and ashes. In today’s world we might say “he was out of control” but really he was totally in control and knew that he had to get people’s attention. This was serious, a life and death situation.

Mordecai did get the attention of his fellow Jews. They banded together to fast, weep and wail.  They were fasting, going without food for a period of time, to get the attention of the God of Heaven.

Again, even though God’s name is not mentioned in the book of Esther, one can see “His hand” throughout the pages.

The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. Psalm 34:15

For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings. Proverbs 5:21 

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 1Peter 3:12 

Are  you going through an awful time in  your life? A time when all you do is cry? God is there in the midst of your troubles, call on Him today and He will help and show you the way.

I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. Psalm 18:3 

In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me. Psalm 86:7 

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. James 4:10 

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 1Peter 5:6 

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Lessons from Esther: Sitting at the King’s gate

21 In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. 22 And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name. 23 And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king. Esther 2:21-23

The workings of the palace went on as usual. Everyone was in their right place doing their job. Again, we find Mordecai at the king’s gate. As I mentioned in the last blog, he had a position of authority, probably as a judge or an official of the court.

One of the jobs of this position was listening. Mordecai sat and listened, maybe to complaints, maybe to cases, maybe to people asking for favors, whatever the reason, he was listening and probably making decisions.

One day, Mordecai got an “ear full.” Someone came and told Mordecai about a plot to kill the king. Mordecai probably researched the source, and then he went to Queen Esther and told her.

Esther documented the incident in “Mordecai’s name” meaning she had it written down with the details noting that Mordecai was the one who discovered the “plot.” After an investigation was held and verified, the men were hung on a tree. The case was written in the king’s book.

What can be learned from this portion of scripture?

Mordecai being in the right place at the right time was not an accident. Mordecai hearing about the plot to kill the king was not just hearsay.

God is in control

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. I Peter 3:12

For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings. Proverbs 5:21

Pay Attention

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: James 1:19

We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.  Epictetus 

When I was a child, my grandmother would quote this to me often. Usually it was when I was talking away and not listening or “carrying tales” about others.

A wise old owl lived in an oak

The more he heard the less he spoke1

The less he spoke the more he heard.

Why aren’t you like this wise old bird.

Be aware

We need to be aware of our surroundings. Mordecai was aware of what was going on around him. He was listening more than he was talking. He was a captive in a strange land, he needed to keep “his guard up”.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: I Peter 5:8

Today as you do your daily tasks, pay attention, know God is in control and be aware of your surroundings.

I’ll end today with the words of an old hymn:

This world is not my home I'm just a passing through
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue
The angels beckon me from heaven's open door
And I can't feel at home in this world anymore
Oh Lord you know I have no friend like you
If heaven's not my home then Lord what will I do
The angels beckon me from heaven's open door
And I can't feel at home in this world anymore

Looking heavenward,

Donna

Lessons from Esther: A new Queen

15 Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. 16 So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. 17 And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. Esther 2:15-17

Now it is Esther’s turn to go before the king. Just like the women before her, Esther was allowed to ask for anything she needed. Esther did not ask for anything, she was satisfied with the items she had.

Everyone who saw Esther was impressed with her beauty. It was not just outer beauty but inner beauty that Esther possessed. Inner beauty radiated to the outward appearance.

The king was also “taken” by Esther. He loved her above all the other women and set the beautiful jeweled crown on her head. Esther the orphaned Jewish girl was now the beautiful queen of King Ahasuerus who ruled over 127 provinces.

What can we learn from this small portion of scripture?

©  Esther was humble v15a

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. James 4:6

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. James 4:10

©  Esther was satisfied  v15b

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11

And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. I Timothy 6:8

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrew 13:5

©  Esther had a quiet spirit v15c

But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. I Peter 3:4

©  Esther had inner beauty 

…for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. I Samuel 16:7

The “hand of God’ can be seen in this portion of scripture, His name is not mentioned but God was with Esther each step of the way.

As I look at the life of Esther and the circumstances that she found herself in, I thank God for my life. Instead of griping and complaining about the situation we need to thank God for His guidance and sovereignty.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Sticks and stones

8 He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him. 9 Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby. 10 If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct. Ecclesiastes 10:8-10

No matter what we do in life there is always a chance that something unpleasant (dangerous) may happen. In most jobs there are “pitfalls”; some may be physical while others are mentally stressful.

Just these little verses can scream out “pay attention” use “common sense” before jumping into a situation.

The Preacher is telling the listeners to be careful when well digging, you may fall in. The region probably had a reputation for dangerous snakes (there are many poisonous snakes in the Middle East today).

He then speaks about stone quarries and chopping wood, both are dangerous occupations which require safety precautions. Using a dull ax will certainly hinder the job, but a sharp ax will get the job done quickly and be more efficient.

What can we compare to an ax? The thought that came to me was our mind. When minds are sharpened by the word of God we can be a great tool in the Lord’s toolbox. We need to sharpen our minds daily with the “Great Sharpener”, God’s word. Read and mediate on His word daily so you can be ready to give an answer of hope.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 1Peter 3:15 

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Sharing

For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. [19]  The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth. Isaiah 38:18-19

Hezekiah is speaking to the Lord in this portion of scripture. God answered Hezekiah’s prayer to give him more time on the earth. Hezekiah said once you are in the grave you cannot praise God. Once people are in the grave their hope of salvation is gone.

 The living, the living  shall praise God. When something is said twice we need to pay attention.

Who should praise God? The living, yes we will praise Him in heaven but there will not be unsaved in heaven. The ones in heaven will already be praising Him.

You do not know what God’s plan is in regards to the unsaved people in your life. This verse tells us the father to the children will make the truth known.

What can you share with your children as well as those around you. Let others see the joy of your salvation.

Share your blessings.

Share your testimony.

Share the praise of God before others.

Let others see the hope that is within you.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 1 Peter 3:15 

Have a blessed day, 

Donna

Did you hear…..?

As soon as that phrase comes out of someone’s mouth, all stop to listen. Have you ever been in a store and someone says it. You don’t even know what they are speaking about but ... there it is a little bit of gossip.

Today one does not have to try and listen, it is all around us. You go to the store, park, doctor’s office, even on the street and someone is having a “private” conversation on the cell phone. Nothing is sacred. You can hear all about the “breakup”, “diseases” or the family “black sheep”. These are just a few of the things I have overheard without even trying.

I try not to have private conversations on my cell phone in public. I do not need to “share” personal information “with the world”.

In today’s world it seems that “anything goes” and I do mean “anything.” We need to be careful about what we say and what we listen to.

There are so many verses in the Bible relating to this subject. The word mouth is mentioned 424 times; lip(s) mentioned 122 times, and tongue mentioned 129 times. Do you think the Lord wants us to pay attention to what we say? I would say a resounding yes. Here is just a sampling of what I found in God’s word.

Be careful with what you say:
Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. Psalm 34:13-14

For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 1Peter 3:10

Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
Ecclesiastes 5:2

God knows what we are going to say:
For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Psalm 139:4

Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3

If you watch your mouth you will be considered wise:
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. Proverbs 10:19

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. Proverbs 17:28

I love this verse, if I just keep quiet someone may think I’m wise. I need to try it the next time a “sharp” reply comes to my mind.

Don’t use your mouth for:
Lying:
He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. Proverbs 10:18

A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue. Proverbs 17:4

Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. Psalm 120:2

Gossip (spreading tales/stories):
He that goeth about as a talebearer (strong’s: slander, slanderer, tale bearer, informer) revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
Proverbs 20:19

A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. Proverbs 11:13

The words of a talebearer (strong’s: to murmur, whisper, backbite, slander) are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. Proverbs 18:8

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. Proverbs 26:20

Let the rumor, gossip, hurtful saying stop with you.

Evil:
He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass. Proverbs 16:30

Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Psalm 52:2

When we say unkind or rude things it cuts like a sharp razor –ouch!

Use your mouth for:
Praising God:
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Hebrew 13:15

Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day. Psalm 71:8

I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the multitude. Psalm 109:30

My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:21

Talk about God and what He has done for you.
And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long. Psalm 35:28

I make goals each year, sometimes I keep most of them, sometimes it’s a miracle if I keep one. This year one of my goals was to memorize verses having to do with the mouth and tongue. This has helped me to “hold” my tongue in a lot of circumstances. It is amazing how I will get in a situation (such as wanting to say “did you hear …”) and a verse will come to mind.

God wants each of us to grow closer to Him. Using our mouths in the right way is a great start.

Have a blessed day,
Donna