This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey | Share The Word

Taking Hold of God’s Hand

Posted on July 20, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – Godsaxle.com

Throughout the book of Esther, there is evidence of God’s constant care for His people who were in exile; His hand involved in the circumstances that protected His people. A plot to kill the king was foiled by a Jew named Mordecai; a man who cared and took action. From the very beginning of the book of Esther, the person named Mordecai who was taken into exile from Jerusalem cared about others. He raised his cousin named Esther whose parents had died. Esther became Queen and these two followed God’s purpose in their life with courage and commitment.

Because of the actions of Esther and Mordecai, the Jews got the upper hand. In Esther 9-10, we are told that those against the Jews were afraid and the government within the provinces helped the Jews because the leaders were afraid of Mordecai.

As we reflect back on the reading of the book of Esther over the last few weeks, one lesson learned is the benefits of being open and honest. Esther was rewarded for having these traits as she let the king know about her Jewish background. Rather than be destroyed, her people received protection. Esther and Mordecai acted together and strengthened one another; working for the good of their people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews. Queen Esther received what she wanted from the king and Mordecai was rewarded with a promotion to second in rank to the king.

Take some time to reflect on the last few weeks or for the last year. Are there examples of God’s care for you? As you prepare to pray this day, be open and honest with God. Be thankful for His care and believe He will use you to bless others. God needs those willing to make a stand and those who take action will bless others and in turn, bless themselves.

The Story of Esther: A Turn of Events (voice4society.wordpress.com)
Questions for Reflection to Help in the Study of Esther 5-10 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Esther | Tagged book of esther, constant care, Esther, evidence of god, exile, God, Haman, Jerusalem, Jew, jewish background, Jews, Mordecai, queen esther | 7 Comments

God Made the Wonderful You

Posted on July 19, 2013 by Mark Shields

A lesson learned for me in reading Esther 7-8 is that being open and letting people know who you are has benefits. Esther told the king about her Jewish background and rather than be destroyed, her people received protection. My hope is that this day with God, you recognize that He has a purpose for you and that you’ll be open to that purpose. Here’s a video to inspire this thought: Free To Be Me – Francesca Battistelli.

Jesus was open to God’s purpose for His life. Large crowds followed as in this verse:

Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to Him, and He began to teach them. -Mark 2:13

Questions for Reflection to Help in the Study of Esther 5-10 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
The One I Never Knew Was There – until now. (simplykarli.wordpress.com)
My Own Worst Enemy. (givememydailymanna.wordpress.com)

Posted in Esther | Tagged Christ, Church, Esther, Francesca Battistelli, Free to Be Me, God, human-rights, Jesus, Jew, jewish background, large crowd, Mordecai, own worst enemy, religion | 3 Comments

Good Things Happen to Good People

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Mark Shields

English: Esther Denouncing Haman, by Ernest Normand, c. 1915 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

At the second feast as recorded in Esther 7-8, Esther request that her life be spared and the life of her people be spared. Esther’s open identification with her people emphasized to the king that it was people close to her that would be destroyed. She approached the king with reverence and didn’t expect too much but the king set in action a series of events that went beyond her wildest dreams.

Haman was someone that had an evil plan against the Jewish people and only cared for his own self- interest. He was impaled on the pole that was meant for Mordecai (Esther 7:10). The king gave Esther the estate of Haman and his evil plan was overruled. A new decree was written to benefit the Jews. There was joy and celebration wherever the edict was read and placed into law throughout the provinces.

Mordecai had been a part of saving the king from assassination and we learn that he was appointed over Haman’s estate. Every successful person is surrounded by people that contribute to their success. As you go throughout this day, recognize those people who help you along the way. Pray for your spouse, your parents, and your children. Pray for those that helped you come to Christ. Pray for those that have brought peace in war-torn parts of the world. Pray that God would use you to work for His glory.

The Story of Esther: The Risky Petition (voice4society.wordpress.com)
Esther 7. Haman is put to death. Haman hanged instead of Mordecai. (KJV). (bummyla.wordpress.com)
Woman Of The Bible series/Esther (simpleme2.wordpress.com)
Esther Chapter 6 (tuesdaytabletalk.wordpress.com)

Posted in Esther | Tagged Ahasuerus, bible series, Christ, Church, Esther, esther chapter, evil plan, God, Haman, human-rights, Jew, Mordecai, Old Testament, religion | 2 Comments

You Make a Difference

Posted on July 17, 2013 by Mark Shields

Reading in the book of Esther, we can see God’s hand in the events and we can see also how Esther boldly fulfilled the purpose God had for her. As we set out each day following the call God has given us, integrating our faith into our calling is so important. To inspire this thought, I’d like to share this video: Place In This World – Michael W. Smith.

Do you feel a part of history? Believe you are and participate in your community. Find a role in your neighborhood, your local school, or your church. You can make a difference to future generations.

Questions for Reflection to Help in the Study of Esther 5-10 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Questions for Reflection to Help in the Study of Esther 1-4 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Esther | Tagged Bible, book of esther, Christianity, Church, Esther, God, Jews, Michael W. Smith, Mordecai, purpose god | 1 Comment

An Important Name In History

Posted on July 16, 2013 by Mark Shields

As recorded in Esther 5-6, Esther takes a risk in approaching the king because anyone who would approach the king in the inner court without being summoned by the king would be put to death. The only exception was if the king extended the gold scepter to spare their life.

Esther set out to meet with the king even under this stressful circumstance for she had no idea if the king would be pleased to see her. Would he extend the gold scepter to her? With boldness, she stood in the inner court of the palace in front of the king’s hall (Esther 5:1). When the king saw Esther, he was pleased and held out to her the gold scepter in his hand (Esther 5:2).

Esther delayed her request of the king for another day. Sometimes we have to wait for the right time and opportunity to take action. God’s providence will set up a proper time for his purpose to be carried out. The hand of God was involved in the events of chapter 6. The king couldn’t sleep and requested the record of his reign to be read to him. The event of Mordecai saving the king from assassination was read and the king wanted to reward Mordecai.

We can see how God is working for Esther in this event to set up her success. She went boldly to the king and today we can come boldly to the throne of grace with our petition. He has the power to set our day up so that everything falls in place for a successful day. This day with God can be amazing because of who He is and who we are; an important name in history – one of His children.