Dec. 4, 2017
Sorry everyone but I'm down with the flu. Caught it early so my doctor was able to put me on medications. Thanking the Lord things aren't as challenging as it was for Job. So keep checking back for some words of encouragement.
Meanwhile, have a holly jolly day sharing the love of Jesus.
Linda
Monday, December 4, 2017
Friday, December 1, 2017
Integrity with Wealth
O. T. #1107 "Integrity with Wealth"
Dec. 1, 2017
Introduction to Job
What do you think of when you hear the name of Job? The patience of Job would probably be the way most of us would answer. That is true about his life, but there are many other things we can learn from him. I think the big question that comes to most of our minds involves the reason why Job suffered. We will be finding answers for that, too.
First, let's consider the book as a whole:
Title
The primary character in this book is Job.
In the Hebrew language, Job is spelled Iyow (pronounced ee-yobe') means hated, persecuted; Ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience.
We will discover the character of Job during his testing, and the character of God. Then their examples for our life.
Author and Date
Since the author is not stated in this book, it is mostly thought to have been Solomon, King David's son who built temple. Solomon wrote the books of wisdom in the Bible, except for some of Psalms.
Probably, this book was written during the patriarchal period, since the Chaldeans murdered Job's servants, were Nomads. Job's wealth was measured in livestock and not gold and silver. He performed priestly functions within his family. Not mentioned are the covenant of Abraham, Israel, the Exodus, and the Law of Moses. However, Job seemed to know about Adam (31:33) and he Noahic flood (12:15). So the events appear to have taken place after Babel (Gen. 11:1-9) and before or contemporaneous with Abraham (Gen. 11:27). ( MacArthur)
Background and Setting
It begins with a scene in heaven, which explains everything to us the reader (1:6-2:10). Job was suffering because God was contesting with Satan. Job never knew that, nor did any of his friends, so they all struggled to explain suffering from the perspective of their ignorance, until Job rested in nothing but faith in God's goodness and the hope of His resurrection. That God vindicated his trust is the cummulating message of the book. (MacArthur)
Job lived in the land of Uz. northern Arabia. It was adjacent to Midian, where Moses lived 40 years tending sheep. Job is a wealthy man of many possessions. He has:
Job was a man of perfect integrity, who feared God, and turned away from evil. (verse 1)
He was blameless, but not perfect, nor was he sinless. Job never proclaimed to have been. He was upright, doing what was right in God's eyes. He feared God and shunned evil.
Falwell described Job as having a high and holy concept of God.
Do we have those traits of integrity-upright, perfect, fear of God, avoiding evil?
Do we see that we can be wealthy and still have integrity? Still have faith in God?
Dec. 1, 2017
Introduction to Job
What do you think of when you hear the name of Job? The patience of Job would probably be the way most of us would answer. That is true about his life, but there are many other things we can learn from him. I think the big question that comes to most of our minds involves the reason why Job suffered. We will be finding answers for that, too.
First, let's consider the book as a whole:
Title
The primary character in this book is Job.
In the Hebrew language, Job is spelled Iyow (pronounced ee-yobe') means hated, persecuted; Ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience.
We will discover the character of Job during his testing, and the character of God. Then their examples for our life.
Author and Date
Since the author is not stated in this book, it is mostly thought to have been Solomon, King David's son who built temple. Solomon wrote the books of wisdom in the Bible, except for some of Psalms.
Probably, this book was written during the patriarchal period, since the Chaldeans murdered Job's servants, were Nomads. Job's wealth was measured in livestock and not gold and silver. He performed priestly functions within his family. Not mentioned are the covenant of Abraham, Israel, the Exodus, and the Law of Moses. However, Job seemed to know about Adam (31:33) and he Noahic flood (12:15). So the events appear to have taken place after Babel (Gen. 11:1-9) and before or contemporaneous with Abraham (Gen. 11:27). ( MacArthur)
Background and Setting
It begins with a scene in heaven, which explains everything to us the reader (1:6-2:10). Job was suffering because God was contesting with Satan. Job never knew that, nor did any of his friends, so they all struggled to explain suffering from the perspective of their ignorance, until Job rested in nothing but faith in God's goodness and the hope of His resurrection. That God vindicated his trust is the cummulating message of the book. (MacArthur)
Job lived in the land of Uz. northern Arabia. It was adjacent to Midian, where Moses lived 40 years tending sheep. Job is a wealthy man of many possessions. He has:
- 7,000 sheep, which provided wool for clothing and food for the family and others;
- 3,000 camels, which could have been a so called trucking business for caravans going east and west, and could have been hired for such;
- 1,000 oxen used to plow the fields for crops and food;
- 500 female donkeys that gave a delicacy of donkey milk. (Swindoll)
Job was a man of perfect integrity, who feared God, and turned away from evil. (verse 1)
He was blameless, but not perfect, nor was he sinless. Job never proclaimed to have been. He was upright, doing what was right in God's eyes. He feared God and shunned evil.
Falwell described Job as having a high and holy concept of God.
Do we have those traits of integrity-upright, perfect, fear of God, avoiding evil?
Do we see that we can be wealthy and still have integrity? Still have faith in God?
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Grace and Favor
O. T. #1106 "Grace and Favor"
Nov. 30, 2017
Summary of Esther
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight...
Esther 2:1a
LET IT GLOW
In this book, one of only two which are named after women, features Esther, a lovely, young Jewish girl who becomes queen of the most powerful empire of the world at that time, Persia. We see her bravery and faith as she risked her life whenever she approached the king without an invitation. Also, she named the enemy of her people, the Jews, who initiated the law to wipe out the chosen people of God. Thus, Haman was killed. Ether and her cousin Mordecai, who becomes the new prime minister, make new edict which allowed the Jews to defend themselves.
The Jeremiah Study Bible, by David Jeremiah, writs of three themes in this book, which can be a backdrop for the life of the believer:
Are we thanking Him for our life and breath today?
Whatever our place in this world, God can use us to share His salvation message and to stand against the wrong.
Are we open, available, and ready to be used to do what others are afraid even to consider?
LET IT GROW
Haman had gallows built on which he planned for Mordecai to hang and die. Haman's wife warned him to not get his hopes up, for he was on his way outta there.
Do we think the are gallows prepared for you? Does it take on the form of a job termination, a fractured relationship, illness or surgery, emotional stress, or sudden loss?
Swindoll gives us some good advice: I have good news. Be still... deliberately pause and discover that God is God. Stoop reaching back into your own treasure of security. Stop trying to pull the strings yourself. Stop manipulating people and situations. Stoop making excuses for your irresponsibilities. Stop ignoring reality. Stop rationalizing your way through life.
Be quiet. The immortal, invisible, all-wise God, hid from your eyes, is at work. Listen. Be convinced that He is at work amid the gallows of your life.
Dear ones, let us be a woman (or man) of strength and dignity and faith, as Esther was. One day, an ordinary day, will become a extraordinary day. Be ready for such time as this for us to move, obeying by faith. Our gallows can become grace on which we deny our self, take up our cross, and follow Jesus.
As Esther found grace and favor in the sight of he king, Xerses, so let us be humble before our King Jesus to receive His grace and favor.
Nov. 30, 2017
Summary of Esther
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight...
Esther 2:1a
LET IT GLOW
In this book, one of only two which are named after women, features Esther, a lovely, young Jewish girl who becomes queen of the most powerful empire of the world at that time, Persia. We see her bravery and faith as she risked her life whenever she approached the king without an invitation. Also, she named the enemy of her people, the Jews, who initiated the law to wipe out the chosen people of God. Thus, Haman was killed. Ether and her cousin Mordecai, who becomes the new prime minister, make new edict which allowed the Jews to defend themselves.
The Jeremiah Study Bible, by David Jeremiah, writs of three themes in this book, which can be a backdrop for the life of the believer:
- Divine Providence: It refers to God orchestrating the affairs of humanity by direct and indirect intervention and arrangement. The unlikely event of a modest, young Jewess being appointed queen of the most powerful nation on earth "for such a time" and purpose as Esther was, is a grand example.
- The Hiddenness of God: God purposely guides His people's steps even when they are unaware of it and when things don't make sense. But God has a purpose in what He does in the life of those He loves.
- Human Involvement: We are responsible for walking though the doors the Lord opens. Mordecai and Esther stepped forward in faith without regard to their safety or reputation when they had opportunities. We see a balance between the will of God and the responsibilities of individuals.
Are we thanking Him for our life and breath today?
Whatever our place in this world, God can use us to share His salvation message and to stand against the wrong.
Are we open, available, and ready to be used to do what others are afraid even to consider?
LET IT GROW
Haman had gallows built on which he planned for Mordecai to hang and die. Haman's wife warned him to not get his hopes up, for he was on his way outta there.
Do we think the are gallows prepared for you? Does it take on the form of a job termination, a fractured relationship, illness or surgery, emotional stress, or sudden loss?
Swindoll gives us some good advice: I have good news. Be still... deliberately pause and discover that God is God. Stoop reaching back into your own treasure of security. Stop trying to pull the strings yourself. Stop manipulating people and situations. Stoop making excuses for your irresponsibilities. Stop ignoring reality. Stop rationalizing your way through life.
Be quiet. The immortal, invisible, all-wise God, hid from your eyes, is at work. Listen. Be convinced that He is at work amid the gallows of your life.
Dear ones, let us be a woman (or man) of strength and dignity and faith, as Esther was. One day, an ordinary day, will become a extraordinary day. Be ready for such time as this for us to move, obeying by faith. Our gallows can become grace on which we deny our self, take up our cross, and follow Jesus.
As Esther found grace and favor in the sight of he king, Xerses, so let us be humble before our King Jesus to receive His grace and favor.
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
When Good Wins
O. T. #1105 "When Good Wins"
Nov. 28, 2017
Esther 10
He was y great among the Jews, who held him in high esteem, because he continued to work for the good of his people and to speak up for the welfare of all their descendants. Esther 10:b NLT
LET IT GLOW
Don't you love it when a story has a good ending, when good wins? And so this one does. The people of Judah, the Hebrew, were taken captive by the Babylonians, then the Medes, and Persians. Haman, an enemy of the Jews, persuaded the king to make a decree that on a certain day, all the Jews would be killed.
Since God was not going to allow this to happen, He raised up Esther, who became queen of Persia, for such a time as this. She risked her life to inform the king that the decree was going to include her and her people in the death sentence. Esther and her cousin, Mordecai were allowed to write another decree, allowing the Jews to defend themselves against the attack. As it turned out, about 76,000 of the enemies of the Jews were killed. Since then, annually, the Jews celebrate the Feast of Purim. They praise God for delivering them from extermination.
Looking at Mordecai's influence and greatness:
LET IT GROW
I am reminded of others who became second in command of a great empire-Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in Babylon.
If all's well that ends well, we'd have to agree, this is "well." Who would have guessed that a Jew would become the prime minister n a Gentile land?
Swindoll points out three principles for our lives from this ancient book:
Will we allow God to use us simple and humble people to carry His message to our particular circumstance? Christ gives us hope for a future out of this world. Amidst suffering, brokenness, losses, tears, and tragedies, the Light of the World is Jesus trying to shine through.
LET IT GO
Trust God that He will eventually win.
Allow love to pour itself out right where I am.
Let the Light shine in a dark world.
Nov. 28, 2017
Esther 10
He was y great among the Jews, who held him in high esteem, because he continued to work for the good of his people and to speak up for the welfare of all their descendants. Esther 10:b NLT
LET IT GLOW
Don't you love it when a story has a good ending, when good wins? And so this one does. The people of Judah, the Hebrew, were taken captive by the Babylonians, then the Medes, and Persians. Haman, an enemy of the Jews, persuaded the king to make a decree that on a certain day, all the Jews would be killed.
Since God was not going to allow this to happen, He raised up Esther, who became queen of Persia, for such a time as this. She risked her life to inform the king that the decree was going to include her and her people in the death sentence. Esther and her cousin, Mordecai were allowed to write another decree, allowing the Jews to defend themselves against the attack. As it turned out, about 76,000 of the enemies of the Jews were killed. Since then, annually, the Jews celebrate the Feast of Purim. They praise God for delivering them from extermination.
Looking at Mordecai's influence and greatness:
- He was prime minister of an empire, second to the king in authority.
- He was held in high esteem by many of his fellow Jews.
- He served the king and the people by working for the good of all the people and by speaking up for the welfare of the Jews. (verse3)
- He sought peace for the future generation of the Jews.
LET IT GROW
I am reminded of others who became second in command of a great empire-Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in Babylon.
If all's well that ends well, we'd have to agree, this is "well." Who would have guessed that a Jew would become the prime minister n a Gentile land?
Swindoll points out three principles for our lives from this ancient book:
- When God wins, the people He uses are often unexpected. He lifted up a nobody at the king's gate and makes him prime minister.
- When God wins, the qualities He upholds are usually unpretentious. Mordecai didn't have that look of royalty. God used him and cousin humble people from humble means.
- When God wins, the message He honors is a universal message. Mordecai's influence spread over 127 provinces.
Will we allow God to use us simple and humble people to carry His message to our particular circumstance? Christ gives us hope for a future out of this world. Amidst suffering, brokenness, losses, tears, and tragedies, the Light of the World is Jesus trying to shine through.
LET IT GO
Trust God that He will eventually win.
Allow love to pour itself out right where I am.
Let the Light shine in a dark world.
Monday, November 27, 2017
A Good Day to Celebrate
O. T. #1104 "A Good Day to Celebrate"
Nov. 27, 2017
Esther 9-Part 2
As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.
LET IT GLOW
Hey folks, as you read this, I am with my hubby celebrating our 45th anniversary with joy and gladness. Like most couples, we have had our ups and downs, but are enjoying more good days than not. God has blessed us with all these years of faithfulness to each other, with two great children and spouses, as well as 7 wonderful grandchildren. With 37 years of ministry, we have seen so many experience otherwise in their marriage. We have set aside a few days for just him and me. So hang in there, ya'll, it is possible to remain married, even during the toughest of times.
We have been reading about the tough times the Jews had while Xerxes was king. But God was in control and taking care of His children, as He does for us.
The Jews killed 75,000 their enemies. In Susa, they killed 800 plus the 10 sons of Haman. That was quite a victory, I'd say. It is not mentioned in Scriptures if any Jew lost their life during the 2 day
holocaust (dated March 7 and 8). God had delivered His beloved Israel once again. Now that was a reason to celebrate! And they certainly did just that.
The Jews rested on March 9, celebrating their victory with a day of feasting and gladness. So they made it their annual day of feasting and gladness as they celebrated it as a Jewish holiday called Purim. Indeed, it was a day of deliverance from death. They would send gifts of food to each other and presents to the poor. Mordecai recorded those events and sent letters to Jews near and far throughout the provinces. It was a day remembering that their sorrow was turned into gladness and their mourning into joy.
It is the first and last biblically revealed, non-Mosiac festival with perpetual significance. (MacArthur)
LET IT GROW
Why was it called "The Feast of Purim?"
Purim means a lot (as by means of a broken piece) in the Hebrew language.
Evil Haman had planned to crush and destroy the Jews on a particular date, which was determined by casting lots. Future generations would remember what happened.
Warren W. Wiersbe gives a description ;of the Jewish celebration of Purim:
This reminds me of our Christmas celebration by Christians. We are joyful in that a Savior, Jesus Christ, was born, lived a perfect life, died for our sins to be paid for, and rose from the death, to be a Living Savior.
As Christians, we not fear spiritual death and judgment to come. God has delivered us from those. No longer do we need to be held in bondage to the sins of the world because of Jesus' blood.
Are we living in bondage or freedom?
LET IT GO
Be thankful and praise God for salvation by faith through Jesus.
Share His love with others.
Help meet the needs of others.
Nov. 27, 2017
Esther 9-Part 2
As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.
LET IT GLOW
Hey folks, as you read this, I am with my hubby celebrating our 45th anniversary with joy and gladness. Like most couples, we have had our ups and downs, but are enjoying more good days than not. God has blessed us with all these years of faithfulness to each other, with two great children and spouses, as well as 7 wonderful grandchildren. With 37 years of ministry, we have seen so many experience otherwise in their marriage. We have set aside a few days for just him and me. So hang in there, ya'll, it is possible to remain married, even during the toughest of times.
We have been reading about the tough times the Jews had while Xerxes was king. But God was in control and taking care of His children, as He does for us.
The Jews killed 75,000 their enemies. In Susa, they killed 800 plus the 10 sons of Haman. That was quite a victory, I'd say. It is not mentioned in Scriptures if any Jew lost their life during the 2 day
holocaust (dated March 7 and 8). God had delivered His beloved Israel once again. Now that was a reason to celebrate! And they certainly did just that.
The Jews rested on March 9, celebrating their victory with a day of feasting and gladness. So they made it their annual day of feasting and gladness as they celebrated it as a Jewish holiday called Purim. Indeed, it was a day of deliverance from death. They would send gifts of food to each other and presents to the poor. Mordecai recorded those events and sent letters to Jews near and far throughout the provinces. It was a day remembering that their sorrow was turned into gladness and their mourning into joy.
It is the first and last biblically revealed, non-Mosiac festival with perpetual significance. (MacArthur)
LET IT GROW
Why was it called "The Feast of Purim?"
Purim means a lot (as by means of a broken piece) in the Hebrew language.
Evil Haman had planned to crush and destroy the Jews on a particular date, which was determined by casting lots. Future generations would remember what happened.
Warren W. Wiersbe gives a description ;of the Jewish celebration of Purim:
Today, the Jews begin their celebration with a fast on the 13th day of the month (verse 31), commemorating the date on which Haman's evil decree was issued (3:12). They go to the synagogue and hear the Book of Esther publicly read; and whenever the name of Haman is mentioned, thy cry out, "May he be accursed!" or "May his name perish!" Children bring a special Purim rattle called a "gregar" and use it to make a noise every time they hear Haman's name read. r
On the morning of the 14th day of the month, the Jews again go to the synagogue where the Esther story is red again and the congregation engages in prayer. The story about Moses and the Amalekites (Ex. 17:8-16) is also read. Then the celebrants go home to a festive holiday meal with gifts and special foods, and the celebrating continues on the next day. They also send gifts to the poor and needy so that everybody can rejoice together.
This reminds me of our Christmas celebration by Christians. We are joyful in that a Savior, Jesus Christ, was born, lived a perfect life, died for our sins to be paid for, and rose from the death, to be a Living Savior.
As Christians, we not fear spiritual death and judgment to come. God has delivered us from those. No longer do we need to be held in bondage to the sins of the world because of Jesus' blood.
Are we living in bondage or freedom?
LET IT GO
Be thankful and praise God for salvation by faith through Jesus.
Share His love with others.
Help meet the needs of others.
Friday, November 24, 2017
One More Day
O. T. #1103 "One More Day"
Nov. 24, 2017
Esther 9
LET IT GLOW
If only I had one more day. What a difference it would make. Who couldn't use one more day? Perhaps it would be used in preparation for the Christmas dinner or shop and prepare gifts, as well as decorating. (Maybe rest) When the 24th comes, I think we all might request that. Well, Queen Esther did request one more day for her Jewish family to defend themselves. Did it make a difference?
The dreaded day finally came. It was the day designated as the Jews' execution (our March 7). The enemies of the Jews hoped to overpower them, but it did not happen. The Jews were prepared to defend themselves against any attack, as well as assembling together to support each other. Mordecai's new decree allowed this.
The Jews fought back all right. What occurred on that day?
LET IT GROW
When the king was informed of the victory in Susa, Xerxes called for Queen Esther. He was so pleased that he asked her what more she wanted, if she had another request. Of course, it would be done. Esther asked for permission for the Jews to have one more day to do as they had done that day and let the bodies of Haman's 10 sons be impaled upon the gallows.
The king agreed, so the decree was announced in Susa. On the next day, the Jews killed 300 more men, but took no possessions. Throughout the provinces the Jews killed 75,000 enemies that hated them.
Even this pagan king served the cause of utterly blotting out the Amalekites in accord with God's original decree (Ex.17:14) by allowing a second day of killing in Shushan to eliminate all Jewish enemies.(MacArthur)
So God has granted us one more day in which to live. What will we do with it? Will we share His love with others or do for our self?
LET IT GO
Thank God for one more day to live and love Him.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.
Serve the Lord with gladness.
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the Lord He is God.
It is He that has made us and not we ourselves.
We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving , and into His courts with praise:
be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.
For the Lord is good.
His mercy is everlasting.
His truth endureth to all generations.
(Psalm 100 tweeked)
Nov. 24, 2017
Esther 9
LET IT GLOW
If only I had one more day. What a difference it would make. Who couldn't use one more day? Perhaps it would be used in preparation for the Christmas dinner or shop and prepare gifts, as well as decorating. (Maybe rest) When the 24th comes, I think we all might request that. Well, Queen Esther did request one more day for her Jewish family to defend themselves. Did it make a difference?
The dreaded day finally came. It was the day designated as the Jews' execution (our March 7). The enemies of the Jews hoped to overpower them, but it did not happen. The Jews were prepared to defend themselves against any attack, as well as assembling together to support each other. Mordecai's new decree allowed this.
The Jews fought back all right. What occurred on that day?
- The Jews only killed those who wanted to kill them.
- All of the rulers helped the Jews, including lieutenants, deputies, and officers of the king throughout the provinces.
- In Susa the capital, 500 of the enemies were killed.
- They killed the 10 sons of Haman.
- However, the Jews did not take the property of those they killed, even though they were allowed to do so.
LET IT GROW
When the king was informed of the victory in Susa, Xerxes called for Queen Esther. He was so pleased that he asked her what more she wanted, if she had another request. Of course, it would be done. Esther asked for permission for the Jews to have one more day to do as they had done that day and let the bodies of Haman's 10 sons be impaled upon the gallows.
The king agreed, so the decree was announced in Susa. On the next day, the Jews killed 300 more men, but took no possessions. Throughout the provinces the Jews killed 75,000 enemies that hated them.
Even this pagan king served the cause of utterly blotting out the Amalekites in accord with God's original decree (Ex.17:14) by allowing a second day of killing in Shushan to eliminate all Jewish enemies.(MacArthur)
So God has granted us one more day in which to live. What will we do with it? Will we share His love with others or do for our self?
LET IT GO
Thank God for one more day to live and love Him.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.
Serve the Lord with gladness.
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the Lord He is God.
It is He that has made us and not we ourselves.
We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving , and into His courts with praise:
be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.
For the Lord is good.
His mercy is everlasting.
His truth endureth to all generations.
(Psalm 100 tweeked)
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Joy and Gladness
O. T. #1102 "Joy and Gladness"
Nov. 22, 2017
Esther 8-Part 3
LET IT GLOW
Mordecai wrote the new proclamation in full authority of King Xerxes. It was signed, sealed, and delivered to all 127 provinces in many languages. It allowed the Jews to protect themselves, take their enemies' plunder, and the attack would only last for one day.
Mordecai left the presence of the king wearing royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and fine purple. The Jews in the city of Susa rejoiced and was glad.
How did the Jews react through the Persian empire as Mordecai became the new Prime Minister and he wrote a new decree?
Verse 16 tells us: The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honor.
So I looked up the meaning of these words in the Hebrew language as used here:
Light means luminousness; prosperity; also, a plant (as being bright).
Gladness refers to glee, joy, pleasure, rejoicing.
Joy as the same word with the same meaning as gladness.
Do you think the faces of the Jews lit up and their smile was a yard long? Were they dancing a jig of joy? Were songs of praise to their God heard everywhere? Did Esther hear her people celebrating after the day of confrontations was finally over. Can you just see her smile as she, too, had a grateful heart as she fell asleep?
Light is what God offers us, for Jesus is the Light of the world. He is gladness, joy, and honor of the world, also.
Romans 5:8-9 says, But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
Now if that doesn't get the clapper in our bell ringing, then our clapper is broken. If you are not filled with joy today, dear one, come to Jesus and He will give you something to be glad about.
LET IT GROW
And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them. (verse 17b)
The word fear, as used in this verse, refers to a sudden alarm, dread, terror.
The people of Persia, who worshiped idols, recognized Almighty God working for His beloved Israel. Do you think they did not want His judgment upon them as it fell upon Haman? Nor did they want the wrath of their king upon them?
It is not our relationship with Jesus Christ that counts; it is our resemblance to Him. (Ray Stedman's The Queen and I)
Are we obeying what God has purposed for us to do, for such a time as this? This too shall pass, so take heart and hope. The Lord steps in to make things right, just when He is needed the most. He did for the Jews and He will for us. He can heal hearts and hurts.
LET IT GO
... and let God handle things in my life.
... and watch God handle things.
... accepting His will as mine.
... showing joy and gladness in Him.
Nov. 22, 2017
Esther 8-Part 3
LET IT GLOW
Mordecai wrote the new proclamation in full authority of King Xerxes. It was signed, sealed, and delivered to all 127 provinces in many languages. It allowed the Jews to protect themselves, take their enemies' plunder, and the attack would only last for one day.
Mordecai left the presence of the king wearing royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and fine purple. The Jews in the city of Susa rejoiced and was glad.
How did the Jews react through the Persian empire as Mordecai became the new Prime Minister and he wrote a new decree?
Verse 16 tells us: The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honor.
So I looked up the meaning of these words in the Hebrew language as used here:
Light means luminousness; prosperity; also, a plant (as being bright).
Gladness refers to glee, joy, pleasure, rejoicing.
Joy as the same word with the same meaning as gladness.
Do you think the faces of the Jews lit up and their smile was a yard long? Were they dancing a jig of joy? Were songs of praise to their God heard everywhere? Did Esther hear her people celebrating after the day of confrontations was finally over. Can you just see her smile as she, too, had a grateful heart as she fell asleep?
Light is what God offers us, for Jesus is the Light of the world. He is gladness, joy, and honor of the world, also.
Romans 5:8-9 says, But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
Now if that doesn't get the clapper in our bell ringing, then our clapper is broken. If you are not filled with joy today, dear one, come to Jesus and He will give you something to be glad about.
LET IT GROW
And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them. (verse 17b)
The word fear, as used in this verse, refers to a sudden alarm, dread, terror.
The people of Persia, who worshiped idols, recognized Almighty God working for His beloved Israel. Do you think they did not want His judgment upon them as it fell upon Haman? Nor did they want the wrath of their king upon them?
It is not our relationship with Jesus Christ that counts; it is our resemblance to Him. (Ray Stedman's The Queen and I)
Are we obeying what God has purposed for us to do, for such a time as this? This too shall pass, so take heart and hope. The Lord steps in to make things right, just when He is needed the most. He did for the Jews and He will for us. He can heal hearts and hurts.
LET IT GO
... and let God handle things in my life.
... and watch God handle things.
... accepting His will as mine.
... showing joy and gladness in Him.
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