Lessons from Esther: The king’s permission

8 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. 9 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. 10 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: 11 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, 12 Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. 13 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. Esther 8:8-13

The king has not finished his proposal. He now explains the rest of his plan. The first thing that needs to be done is to start the “writing campaign”. Letters need to be written and delivered to all 127 provinces.

This was not a job for Mordecai but the king’s scribes were called in to do the job. Remember there were no computers, iPads, word processors or even typewriters. Each word needed to be written by hand. Each letter was written separately, over and over the words were written in 127 letters. The letters were written in the various languages of the provinces, this was a very labor intensive project. Each letter was sealed by the king’s special seal; the letters could not be reversed. As always what the king said would stand.

When the writing was done, the letters were packed and sent by horse, mules, camels and even dromedaries. This was serious business the news had to get out and get out fast.

This letter was to counteract the letter sent by Haman. The letter sent by Haman stated:

13 And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. 14 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day. Esther 3:13-14

The letter that Mordecai sent said the Jews could fight back and defend themselves against “all the power of the people…that would assault them” (Esther 8:11-12). Now the Jews could prepare to fight, they could get together and make plans on how to defend themselves.

Throughout the book we do not see the name of God, but Mordecai and Esther certainly trusted the Lord. He would see them and their people through this horrible time.

As Christians, we need to trust God. He knows the end of the story and He will be with us, as He was with Mordecai and Esther, in all troubles and tribulations.

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 18:2

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7

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

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. Psalm 56:3

Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. Psalm 62:8

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. Psalm 118:8

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 

Have a blessed day,
Donna

A year in Review

Every year the TV, radio and newspapers will do a “year in review”. It might be the top news stories, which famous personalities died during the year, the top 100 songs of the year or the biggest tragedies of the year. No matter what the list contains, there is someone throughout the year keeping a record.

As I thought of this I started to review my year by assessing goals I set in January. I usually write them down and then review once in a while throughout the year to see if I am still “on track”.

Here is my list:

·        Do at least 1 Bible study: Examples: Kay Arthur, Jerry Bridges  

·        “Establishing a heart for God” Bible study and Journal

·        Read/listen to Bible through in a year (chronically)        

·        Read 4 Christian nonfiction books: Biographies, growth, counseling        

·        Encourage/help others (Acts of Kindness)           

·        Send notes/cards monthly                       

·        Memorize verses

·        Praise/prayer  Journal     

·        Nanc certification - work on                    

·        Giving Jar             

·        Walk a mile at least 3 times a week                     

·        Write at least  6 blogs a month   

How did I do? Well I completed seven of the items listed above, three of them were partly completed and two I did not do at all. Do I feel like a failure? Absolutely not, I did many things not on my list and I learned daily that I need to follow Jesus’ lead.

As I reviewed last year I see blessing abound. God richly blesses us (all of us) daily. The political and economic environments around the world  have not always been strong, but God is still in control. Each and everything that is happening in the world today is not happening without His knowledge. I cannot get depressed about the world’s affairs but I can pray and ask God for wisdom and inner peace in times of duress.

The Bible is filled with assurance and comfort here are just a few verses:

… for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  Hebrews 13:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5 

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5 -6

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Colossians 4:5 

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:6

Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. Psalm 62:8 

For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth. Psalm 71:5 

But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works. Psalm 73:28 

I will close my review with some entries from my thankful journal:

·        Jesus – I shudder to think of where I would be without Him

·        Bible – His precious word for guidance, wisdom, counsel… for everything

·        Health

·        Grandchildren

·        “Establishing a heart for God Bible study” Bible study journal

·        God’s protection

·        Surviving the blizzard of 2013

·        Neighbors – I have awesome neighbors who are there for us

·        Quiet time

·        Children

·        Family

·        God’s bountiful blessings Ps 68:19

·        Job

·        Ability to pay my bills

·        Coffee

·        Memories

·        Birds chirping – it means I can hear

·        Sunsets and sun risings – it means I can see

·        Balancing a checkbook – it means my mind is still functioning

·        Friends

I could go on and on, however, this is just a sliver of my thankfulness to the Great and Wonderful Creator for all He has done and will do.

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

Rejoice in this verse means to “spin around” “be glad, joyful”. I have so much to “spin around” for. How about you? Start the New Year with a thankful journal and you will be pleasantly surprised when you do “a year in review”.

Have a blessed day,
Donna