When All Seems Lost

O. T. #1096 "When All Seems Lost"
Nov. 10, 2017
Esther 6
The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.  Hebrews13:6

LET IT GLOW

I can't sleep. Bring me a history book. What? Are you kidding me? Well, that's how it went with King Xerxes. (Probably not our choice.) After Esther's first banquet for the king and Haman, the king could not sleep that night. Was he thinking about his queen? Did he overeat? Did he drink too much wine? Hmm. No, I tend to think God kept the king awake.  The Lord was working on his heart. A series of events were about to take place that would change the history of the Jews. God was continuing to fulfill His promises made to Abraham, Moses, and David.

In the historical records, the king discovered that Mordecai, who exposed an assassination plot to kill  the king. The king asked his attendant what reward of recognition had been given Mordecai. Nothing had been done, though. Shall we peek in on the situation?

• Haman was in he outer court during that time, so the king had him brought inside.
• Haman was there to ask the king to put Mordecai on the 75 foot pole as punishment for not honoring Haman.
• Instead, the king asked Haman,, "What should I do to honor a man who truly pleases me?"
• Haman suggested the honored man be paraded through the streets, riding upon the king's horse, dressed in the king's robe and crown. The official shouts, "This is what the king does for someone he wishes to honor!"
• The king approved of Haman's idea. He instructed Haman to do so to Mordecai the Jew. Can you see Haman's jaw drop, struggling to breathe?
• Haman did as the king ordered him to do.
• But afterwards, Haman hurried home dejected and completely humiliated. (verses 1-13)

Although Mordecai refused to honor Haman, Haman had to honor Mordecai. What goes around comes around. Things are seldom what they seem. When things go wrong, it may seem like they cannot possible get any worse, but they often do. Probably that was the way Mordecai felt before he was rewarded.
Anyone feeling that way today? Continue reading.

You know this reminds me of Revelation when it says Jesus will be riding a white horse, the King of kings, Faithful and True. All will pay Him homage and honor then.

LET IT GROW

Swindoll gives  us 4 principles from this:

1. When all seems lost, it isn't.
2. When no one seems to notice, they do.
3. When everything seems great, it's not.
4. When nothing seems just, it is.

Although Haman was having gallows built for Mordecai, the Jew wasn't licking his wounds, having a pity party. Mordecai was trusting in God.
Time had passed since Mordecai's great act. He received no reward, appreciation, notice, until one night. He never was a revengeful person. When no one else seems to notice, God does notice.
Haman's suggestion as to how the king should reward a person was what he wanted. However, the tables turned on Haman. He as forced to carry out the king's wishes, even with a tight lip and sour attitude. Who can keep from smiling here?

God was invisible, but not out of touch or passive, friends. He had not forgotten His people nor the promises made to them and to their enemies. He would bless those who bless the Jews and curse those who curse them. When God seems absent, He is present. He is in charge. Humbly on our knees, let's yield to His will.  God never turns His back on anyone who comes to Him by the way of the cross.

Will we strut around like peacock Haman or humbly sit at the gate like Mordecai?

LET IT GO
God is just and notices us. He knows our heart. Wait on God. Trust His timing and methods. Honor Him when He comes through for us.

Waiting Until Tomorrow

O. T. #1095  "Waiting Until Tomorrow"
Nov. 9, 2017
Esther 5-Part 3
...let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do tomorrow as the king hath said. Esther 5:8

LET IT GLOW

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya tomorrow. You're only a breath away. (Words sung by Annie)

Tomorrow. There is something I want to say, request, of you, my dear king, but it can wait until tomorrow. Sometimes God's timing requires one more day. For sure it was in this story. In the lives of the Jews, Mordecai, and Esther, and certainly Haman. Are we willing to shift our agenda for God to have His way?

King Xerxes and his Prime Minister, Haman, had Esther's undivided attention. Twice the king asked his queen what her request was, but she waited to ask. She wanted to serve them another meal, then she'd ask.

Can't you just see the smiles on these three people's faces? Perhaps there as laughter in the room. Her cheerful countenance would have been a welcomed change since the king was dealing with ole Haman.

Why did Esther delay her request? Whatever the reason, God used the delay to further His purpose for Mordecai, Haman, and the Jewish people. While we are waiting, God is working. (D. Jeremiah)

Do we wait on the Lord to tell us when and how to get involved in  situation? The bigger the decision, the longer the wait.
Will we count on the Lord to open doors and hearts when dealing with unpredictable people?
When your ways please the Lord Jesus, even your enemies will be at peace with you. (Prov.16:7)
Are we trusting the Lord for enduing patience when in unpleasant situations? Timing is as important  action.
Do we pray for invincible courage when standing against an unprincipled enemy? (Swindoll)


LET IT GROW

So everyone left the banqueting hall. Haman must have thought how clever he was as he left the palace. He just had dinner with the king and queen, a threesome. He had a personal invitation from the lovely queen, too. Wait til he tells his wife and friends. Haman walked out of the palace whistling Dixie. He was on top of the world; had a joyful and glad heart, he did. Boy, does he have a shock of his life waiting on him tomorrow.

Now Haman turns his eye on Mordecai sitting at the king's gate. Again, Mordecai did not stand when to show respect to the Prime Minister, as the law said for all to do. Immediately, Haman's anger returned. Huh! e walked on, but this time he controlled himself, and went to his house. Haman sent for his friends and wife.

Ya-da, ya-da, brag, brag, me, me. Can you imagine listening to this blow-hard? No one can offend this self-centered guy, for he has the king's seal. Haman boasted about his wealth, children, honor, and promotion. Also, recognition by the queen. (verses 11-12)

Haman's only disappointment in life was Mordecai's refusal to honor him. His hatred consumed him so much to the point that only the death of his enemy would satisfy him. Listen to this-his wife and friends gave counsel, saying to:

• build gallows 75 feet high;
• ask he king the next day to hang Mordecai upon the gallows;
• go to the dinner and be happy.

Haman's high opinion of himself would soon lift him high all right. The plan pleased the Prime Minister and he implemented it.

Are we careful to leave revenge to the Lord and not take not take it in our own hands? Ephesians 4:31-32 tells us to forgive and love others.


LET IT GO

Wait faithfully on God's tomorrow.
Trust His timing.

A Hand in a Glove

O. T. #1094  "A Hand in a Glove"
Nov. 8, 2017
Esther 5-Part 2
And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.  Esther 5:4

LET IT GLOW

While my husband was down, allowing his new knee to heal, I could not stand it any longer. The yard had to be mowed after 3 weeks of growth. So I put on my gardening gloves and worked on the project. Even though it is a riding lawn mower, it definitely does not have power steering, nor is it one of those big boys that turn on a dime. I pulled and twisted the steering wheel, careful not to run over anything other than grass. (Was I so glad that the glove was protecting me of blisters.) At times, I put my whole body into the turns. Boy, did my shoulders feel it later. Also, I had to plan ahead when to turn the corners. Yes, the hand inside was certainly moving the glove. Esther had such an experience, too. Continue reading to see what I mean.

Darling Esther put on her beautiful queenly robes and walked to the entrance of the king's hall. Her sudden appearance without invitation could have meant death for her, but Xerxes bid her to enter. No doubt her appearance grabbed him, so the king held out his scepter to her, which allowed her entrance. Her touching its tip showed that she was grateful to that privilege.

The king asked his queen what she wanted, what her request was. He would grant it up to half of his kingdom. That was a custom of kings in that day, showing the person's request would be granted if it was within reason. With wisdom, Esther did not immediately ask for the termination of the Degree of Extermination. Instead, she asked the king and his prime minister to attend a banquet, that she had prepared, that very day. As soon as he could free himself, Esther wanted to spend with Xerxes.

Time was needed for other events to take place before her request. It was definitely not God's timing yet. Xerxes's heart needed to be prepared, made tender, soft, and favorable before she could accuse Haman, the Prime Minister. The royal court was not the place to expose the evil plot of the king's right hand man. Standing alone with those two would have better results. Esther had the chance to bring the roof down on Haman, but she used wisdom and waited for a better time. She was not in any hurry. Esther had been waiting upon the Lord. When we don't wait upon the Lord, we jump ahead, even run our mouth. Instead, we need to allow the Holy Spirit to control us.

At such moments, we're like a glove, and His hand is moving us wherever He pleases. (Swindoll)

Yep, Esther was allowing the Hand of God to move her. He used the very thing that she was good at.

The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever he wishes.  Proverbs 21:1

No king ever intimidated God. He can handle anyone. That includes the person giving us grief. Any heart is like water in the Lord's hand. Are we waiting on Him to change hearts in our situation?

LET IT GROW

Did you realize that Esther had been preparing a meal while she had fasted? She had restraint there. Banquets were the king's thing. We recall the exquisite one he gave in the first chapter. Well, the three of them sat down to eat and get their tummies full.  Esther didn't point fingers, burst into tears, nor yell out accusations. When the king asked what his queen's request was, she simply invite the two men to another banquet tomorrow. Of course they accepted. After all, who could resist this beautiful lady and her meals?

God is full of surprises, so hang onto your hat. His timing required one more night and day.
Do we tend to forget that God is available to help us no matter our circumstances? He loves us and longs to help us.  Will we ask for it today?

LET IT GO

Be the glove in which God's hand moves me in His direction.
Depend upon God's timing.
Be still and listen.

Waiting and Waiting

O. T. #1093  "Waiting and Waiting"
Nov. 7, 2017
Esther 5

LET IT GLOW

Waiting-Standing in line to check out, expecting a phone call, an up coming appointment, counting down the days for a holiday. Waiting is hard for us. (I figure I'm not alone.) I tend to become anxious during the wait. My mind tends to wander into the "what ifs" and they usually aren't pretty.

Swindoll has some descriptions for the white space in his Bible between chapters 4 and 5 in Esther as: a silent yet eloquent interlude, a space of suspense, a grand pause, a waiting period, a silent yet powerful parenthesis in Esther's life.

Those 3 days of prayer and fasting would have been the longest days in her life, don't you think? Esther sent word to Mordecai that she and her maidens would do so and asked him to join her, plus the Jews in Susa. This queen needed direction from the God she worshiped. Before she entered the presence of the king of Persia, she entered the presence of the king of her heart-Jesus.

We aren't born with a sensitive conscience and a courageous heart. She learned it from her cousin, adoptive father, and mentor, Mordecai. Don't you think he knew how far he could stretch her with this challenge? Se was stretched out a far as she could go, like a rubber band before it sails across the room or snaps.And she did rise to the occasion.

Esther determined to wait on the Lord and allow Him to guide her thoughts and help her frame her words. Pray for me. Fast for me. We will see what God will do. The life of all the Jews, including Esther, was at stake here. What a responsibility put on this young gal.

God may be invisible, but He is at work. He can be moving in a thousand places at the same time, working in circumstances that are beyond our control. During the waiting period, God is not only working in our hearts, He's working in others' hearts. And all the while He is giving added strength.

Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary. 
 Isaiah 40:31


According to Swindoll, four things happen when we wait:

1. We gain new strength.
2. We get a better perspective.
3. We store up extra energy.
4. We will deepen our determination to persevere.

Okay, sounds like waiting is not a bad thing, but it sure is a difficult thing to practice.
Other verses to read are Is. 41:10,13; Ps. 32:6-8.
God will instruct us and teach us in the way we should go, guiding us with His eye. If we are watching for His movement and direction, listening to His Word along the way, then we will know what to do next.

[Resource: Esther, a Woman of Strength and Dignity by Charles Swindoll]

LET IT GROW

Those 3 intense days were worth it. God gave Esther a plan, His plan. After she fasted, Esther was to give a couple of banquets for the king and Haman. We will get to that later, though.
Read verses 1 and 2.
What occurred as Esther's moment of truth came, for she was there for such a time as this?

• She put on her royal robes, after all, she was the queen.
• She stood calmly, wisely, and confidently in the inner court of the king's palace in front of the king's rooms.
• The king was sitting on his royal throne in the throne room, which was opposite the entrance to the palace. (Gulp, clear throat)
• And it happened....the king saw his beautiful queen standing in the court.
• She found favor in his sight, as the king extended the golden scepter in his right hand to her.
• So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter.

Can you imagine how quiet it was at that moment? The jaws of the guards dropped. Esther stood all and confident in the Lord before the most powerful man in the empire. Without that gesture of the scepter, she would have died. Esther made the connection with the king. How he must have loved this gal.

You and I are loved by the King of kings. He extends a hand of mercy to us when we enter His throne room. We sinners can come into the presence of a perfect Savior, the Son of the Living God that sits upon the throne. How astounding it is. We can't explain it. We don't deserve such a privilege. He is a good, good Father, perfect in all of His ways, and we are loved by Him. All the while, He knows our heart beat, what is breaking it, and wants to fix it for us, a child of the King-Jesus.

Will we meet with Him? Or will we continue on our way, carrying a baggage of  burdens?

LET IT GO and Let God...

Continue to ask, seek, knock.
Wait for the answers and directions of God.

*Friends, let's continue to pray for our hurting brothers and sisters in Texas. The nation is watching to see if their faith fails or is strengthened through this horrible time. To see what good comes from an evil act. Shall we enter the throne room asking God to be honored and the lost saved?

Facing a Hard Thing

O. T. #1091  "Facing a Hard Thing"
Nov. 6, 2017
Esther 4-Part 2
...if I perish, I perish. Esther 4:16

LET IT GLOW

What has been the hardest thing you have done lately? About three years ago, the opportunity came for me to tell my testimony and life story to a room full of teenage girls. I had everything planned and written out, as the Lord led. What I lacked was courage to tell it. You see, many church members and gals would hear some not so good experiences I went through in my early life. I had kept them secret. but if God could use me to reach others, I knew I had to do it. He gave me that courage as I knelt in a prayer closet, alone. It turned out fine. Esther faced a similar situation, yet hers could require her life.

Don't kid yourself, Esther knew what she had to do. She was a bright gal, but it would be the hardest thing she ever did, risking her life. She needed courage and details from God.

As Queen Esther faced a desperate situation of facing the king of Persia without an invitation, which could mean her death, she first faced her God, desperate for His instructions. Her cousin Mordecai told Esther to go plead with the king for the lives of the Jews to be spared. (Haman had convinced the king to set a date for the killing of all the Jews because they were in rebellion against him.)

Esther would be risking everything-her life since Persian law prohibited one from talking to the king without being invited; the lives of her Jewish family if she did not do so; God's chosen nation of people would not continue to provide the lineage for the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Esther and her maidens prayed and fasted for 3 days about the matter. Mordecai and the Jews of Susa prayed and fasted for the matter and Esther, too.

Only God could give victory in changing the law of destruction with His power. Only God can give us peace and a plan, and courage carry them out.

Many times God's Word tells us to be strong and courageous, as He did those in the story:
Deut. 31:6; Joshua 1:6, 10:25, 23:6-8; 2 Samuel 10:12; 1 Chron. 19:13, 23:13, 28:20

LET IT GROW

We may not know how our circumstances will change, how our situation will turn out, but God will hear us, answer us, deliver us, and honor us if we will call upon Him.

(Psalm 91:15 states,  He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him.

If we seek the Lord with all of our heart and soul, we will find Him as Deuteronomy 4:29 says.

What happens if we ask, seek, and knock? Matthew 7:7 tells us: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Esther needed the door to the courtyard of the great king of Persia opened unto her when she knocked, then entrance granted her so she could speak to the king. I wonder if the king told the guard to let her inside. Next lesson we will see how God granted this for her.

Certainly, Esther was queen of Persia for such a time as this. We can be assured, precious friends, that we are alive, living in our family and community, for such a time as this. Are we ready to do what  life's purpose is?

Life Application Study Bible says:
Will we, like Esther:

• calculate the cost (Her life was at stake.);
• set priorities (Safety of the Jews was more important than her life.;
• prepare (She gathered support and fasting and prayers.)
• determined a course of action and move ahead as God leads. (Taking too long would lessen her commitment.)

Are you facing a hostile audience, confronting a friend, talking to family about changes? Let's follow Esther's example and pray and fast, asking God what to do before doing anything.

LET IT GO

Determine to obey whatever God leads me to do.
Then pray and fast over the matter.

Your will,
Your way,
Today, I pray.

For Such a Time as This

O. T. #1091 "For such a Time as This"
Nov. 3, 2017
Esther 4-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

The young couple lost their first baby. Her funeral was Thursday. Yet they accepted it as God's will and honor Him through it. These families chose to have strong faith in God, even when His path for them is devastating, giving heir God glory and thanks. Esther came to the point where she had to trust God or not.

It was Mordecai's fault that a new law was made that on a certain day, all the Jews would be killed. All because he would not bow down to Haman. A message from Mordecai came to Esther charging her to go to the king to make a request for the lives of her people, the Jews, to be saved. He knew what stuff she was made of and her character.

The Queen sent a returning message saying this:

• The Persian aw prohibited anyone from approaching he king without first being summoned. It prevented the potential assassination of the king, as well as interrupting his important business.
• Esther had not been summoned by him for 30 days. Perhaps she was no longer favored by the king.
• Entering the king's inner court without being invited meant death for Esther.

Do we see the seriousness of Queen Esther's dilemma? Her problem was very serious-she would be risking her life to meet her cousin's request. What is Sovereign God chose Esther to be used for this purpose?

Mordecai sent word warning Esther in verse 13: Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. If Esther kept silent, God would raise up another deliverer, yet she and he family would perish. Who knowth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Wow, what a heavy responsibility laid on her. No excuses, no hiding. It was up to Esther to try to persuade the king to change this horrible law. Did Esther suddenly find the purpose for her life? Was she really placed on the throne as queen to save the Jews? Keeping silent during this crisis would require another deliverer. Also, Mordecai knew it was because of his stand for the Lord that got them in this mess. (This happened before Ezra's return to Jerusalem with Jews.)

What would Esther choose to do-keep silent or risk her life? Although her husband was the king, she couldn't just stroll into his office and casually unload what was on her mind.
We may never be put in such a dilemma, yet we might. There have been people who in a split second decision gave their life for another's being spared.
Will we step out in courage and take a stand for our beliefs?

LET IT GROW

What was Esther's decision?

• She sent word to Mordecai for all the Jews in Shushan to fast for 3 days and nights about the matter.
• She and her maidens would fast also.
• Courageous Esther said she would go to the king, breaking the law, and risking her life. If she perished, she perished trying to save her people.

We read of so many heroes of faith in the Bible-Gideon, David, Moses, Joshua. They depended upon God to use them and bring them through the rough spots in their life and the Jews' lives. Paul, the disciples, Peter, and Jesus' life made a difference.

When we are facing desperate situations, do we pray and fast for God's directions?
Are we determined to make a difference, no matter what the consequences?

LET IT GO

Be a prayer warrior, interceding for folks.
Stand up for Jesus.

When Bad News Comes

O. T. #1090  "When Bad News Comes"
Nov. 1, 2017
Esther 4
And I search for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.  Ezekiel 22:30

LET IT GLOW

I'm sure we have all had our share of bad news. It comes in various forms with different news that we dread to hear. It can be an accident, illness, terminal disease, loss of a job, divorce, even death. Will we allow it to dissolve our faith in God? Or will we allow it to make our faith stronger? Queen Esther gets the bad news in today's lesson. How does she react?

Will God allow His people to be destroyed? The city of Susa was perplexed, in confusion.
Wicked Haman influenced King Xerxus with his promises to pour money into his treasuries if he could rid the land of the Jews who do not bow down and worship you as the king. This was the makings of the worse holocaust. Mordecai and the Jews went into mourning in one city, Susa. They wailed loudly and bitterly, as well as fasting. Sorrow was widespread. Mordecai was not allowed beyond the king's gate because he was clothed in sackcloth.

Esther probably knew nothing of the new edict. Mordecai made himself visible at the king's gate hoping to get the Queen's attention and inform her of the situation. After all, she was a Jew, too, and would b killed along with her people. Of curse, they were the only two people who knew that.

But Esther no longer had outside contacts now that she was Queen of Persia. That included no direct speaking to Mordecai; no comforting him either.

This year our brothers and sisters in our nation have experienced hurricanes, floods, fires, riots. We have banded together to help them in their time of need.  When others are in sorrow from loosing a loved one or things, do we respond with love?


LET IT GROW

In verse 4, Esther is told what has happened. She was exceedingly grieved. She even sent clothing to Mordecai to take away his sackcloth, but he did not accept it. Was she embarrassed? Did Esther send him a new suit? Was she thinking that Mordecai would try to speak to the king and get the law changed?
Mordecai gave the guy who brought the clothing a copy of the decree, old him to show Esther, and charged her to go to the king, interceding for her people. Hatach did as Mordecai requested. Would she go plead for mercy for her people? If it did not change, Esther would die with the Jews.
Wait, what about God's promise to David that one of his descendants would always be on the throne?
Nest time we will find out.

LET IT GO

Go to those who are hurting with the promises of God.
Keep our faith strong.