Lessons from Esther: The fateful day

1 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;) 2 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. 3 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. 4 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. 5Thus 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. Esther 9:1-5

The “fateful” day arrives, the day of death for the Jews, which was the original plan from Haman. The hand of God has “turned the tables” on the enemies of the Jews.

The Jews have banded together and made plans of attack and plans of protection. A curious thing has taken place, in verse 2 it says “the fear of them fell upon all people.” Not only could they now stand up for themselves but a fear has fallen over their enemies.

The battles are fierce and deadly and the Jews are winning at every turn.

As I read, again I can see the hand of God. The Jews have gone from a people of no hope to a people with hope abounding as they win battle after battle.

We may not face physical hand to hand battles as the Jews faced during Esther’s time, but we do face daily battles. For each battle we face there is a solution in God’s word.

Below are a few ‘battles” I have been in, some victorious, and some I’m still working on.

Problems with anger

James 1:19-20; Proverbs 14:16-17; Proverbs 14:29; I Corinthians 13:4-5 Proverbs 15:18; Proverbs 25:28; Proverbs 29:22; Proverbs 15:18

Problems with forgiveness

Matthew 6:12; Matthew 6:14-15; Matthew 18:21-22; Matthew 23:25; Ephesians 4:31-32; Matthew 11:25

Problems with mouth/tongue

Psalm 34:13-14; Psalm 35:28; Psalm 19:14 Ecclesiastes 5:2; James 1:26; Ephesians 4:29; Titus 3:2

Problems with contentment

Phil 4:11; I Timothy 6:8 II Corinthians 10:12

This is just the tip of the iceberg in the problems/battles we may face. The Bible has the answer. We need to be willing to search for the answers. After searching we need to apply what we learned to our lives, sometimes it means changing the way we do things or taking things out of our lives (sinful acts/deeds etc.) or putting things into our lives (family time/reading the Word etc). Whatever the battle, God is with us. He gives us the strength of His Word to endure the trials.

For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. Psalm 18:39

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Jealousy Part 2

How can we control jealousy? We can only control it with ourselves. We have no control over others or how they act. Unless of course, we are flaunting things we do or bragging about something. Again those things are in our control. Jealousy can rip us up inside. It can breed and multiply into many more troubles, if we allow it to take control in our life.

Antonyms for jealousy are contentment, happiness, pleasure, satisfaction. One of the antonyms is contentment.. How can we have contentment?

Ways to conquer/get rid of jealousy - Contentment

Content with what you have

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

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. Hebrews 13:5

Only seek to please Him

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:8

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 

Negative associations – break ties with

An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. Proverbs 29:22 

Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Proverbs 22:24 

Treat others the way you want to be treated

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. Luke 6:31 

He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. Proverbs 16:20 

Enjoy life in Christ

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

Negative thoughts – eliminate them

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 

Tenderhearted toward others

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 

Memorize scripture to help you not be jealous

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

Expectation in God alone

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. Psalm 62:5

Not leaning on our own understanding

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

Take pleasure in knowing God’s love

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Ephesians 3:19 

All jealousy must be strangled in its birth, or time will soon make it strong enough to overcome the truth. ~ Sir William Davenant

Happiness consists in being perfectly satisfied with what we have got and with what we haven’t got. ~ Unknown

It is right to be contented with what we have, never with what we are. ~ Sir James Mackintosh

Above all, pray, pray, pray and ask the Lord to show you what to do and what to say or what not to do and what not to say. Sometimes (maybe most of the time) we need to be quiet and watch God work it out.

Have a blessed day, 
Donna