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

Questions for Reflection to Help in the Study of Esther 5-10

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Mark Shields

I recently finished questions for reflection to help in the study of Esther 1-4. To review where I’ve been over the last few weeks along with a synopsis of the answers, I wrote a post at this link: answers as we step ahead.

The next part of the travel will take me to Esther 5-10. The book of Esther is a thrilling story of a Jewish girl who became Queen of Persia. God uses her to save her nation. Along this journey, I’ve noted various lessons we can learn from the Book of Esther and over the next few weeks, I will be posting some more thoughts. The questions below will help focus on each passage.

Photo Credit : consultinggrad.com

Esther 5-6
Passage Lookup
What risk does Esther take in approaching the king? How is the hand of God evidenced in the events of chapter 6? God had a purpose for Esther – do you know what task God has in mind for you?

Esther 7-8
Passage Lookup
At the second feast, what request does Esther make? What are the benefits of her open identification with her people? What series of events does the king set in action as a result of Esther’s exposure? What are the risks and benefits of your open identification with Jesus Christ and his people?

Esther 9-10
Passage Lookup
What happens to the enemies of the Jews? What can you learn from Esther’s actions? What are the outstanding features in Mordecai’s character? Summarize the evidence of God’s constant care for his people in exile through this book. How has his care for you been evident in the last few weeks?

The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.

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Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times

Posted in Questions for Reflection | Tagged accepting god, Bible, book of esther, Christ, constant care, Esther, evidence of god, God, hand of god, Jesus, jesus is god, jewish girl, Mordecai | 9 Comments

Wisdom Listens

Posted on July 14, 2013 by Mark Shields

Book Of Proverbs (Photo credit: neonbubble)

If you are not able to attend your local church service today (traveling, health condition, etc), I invite you to a podcast of the church I attend. This morning, we continue the sermon series called “Wisdom for Life”. At this link: Pastor’s Podcast, you can see each message live on Sunday mornings at 9:45 AM Central Time Zone. It also can be reviewed afterwards and used for Bible study and small group discussion. Below is the outline of the message for today’s message titled “Wisdom Listens”.

1. CHRISTIANS ARE FRIENDS OF ONE ANOTHER AND JESUS.

“… but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Proverbs 18:24

“A friend loves at all times….” Proverbs 17:17

2. HUMILITY

“… then do this, my son, to free yourself, … Go and humble yourself….”
Proverbs 6:3

“To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance….”
Proverbs 8:13

2. HONESTY

“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.”
Proverbs 12:19

“Wounds from a friend can be trusted,…” – Proverbs 27:6

3. HUMOR

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the
bones.” – Proverbs 17:22

“An anxious heart weights a man down, but a kind word cheers him
up.” – Proverbs 12:25

4. HANG IN THERE

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend
who sticks closer than a brother.” – Proverbs 18:24

“Jesus shouted, ‘Friends, have you caught anything?’ … ”
John 21:5a (CEV)

“Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.”
Proverbs 10:12

Live Smart (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 17:27-28 (mydelightandmycounsellors.wordpress.com)
Proverbs Wisdom: 20 Truths About “The Power of the Tongue” (proverbsgirl.wordpress.com)
A Prayer For Wisdom (therealmalika.com)
Grace is Born: what is, was, and will be (aprilyamasaki.com)
Creation and Wisdom (sagepageucc.wordpress.com)

Posted in Sermon Outline | Tagged Bible, Bible Study, Book of Proverbs, cheerful heart, Christianity, Church service, closer than a brother, Friends, Friendship, Jesus, Lord, religion, sermon series | 11 Comments

Courage to Carry Out Your Purpose

Posted on July 13, 2013 by Mark Shields

The event recorded in Esther 4 is larger than Esther’s self-interest. She felt that she was placed in her position as Queen for a purpose and had the courage and initiative to step up and take on the challenge. She relied on God’s power to rescue the Jewish people. I encourage you to rely on God for a rescue and this video inspires this thought: The Rescue – Adam Cappa.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

It’s All About Me (tomrawlingsblog.com)
Queen Esther and Brusselsprouts (fellowshiproom.org)
I know what I wanna be when I grow up (kamilynette.wordpress.com)

Posted in Esther | Tagged Adam Cappa, Esther, God, Jew, Jewish people, Lord, Mordecai, Queen, queen esther, self interest | Leave a comment

Feeding Our Faith Will Starve Our Fears

Posted on July 12, 2013 by Mark Shields

Strong faith helps us to boldly stand up for God even under stress or danger and if we continuously feed our faith, our fears eventually will starve. Be thankful during fearful circumstances that we can pray for help and fight off fear by trusting God.

As recorded in Esther 4, Mordecai hears of the pending disaster for the Jewish people. Haman had convinced the king to annihilate all Jews – young and old, women and children. Upon hearing about the plot, Mordecai boldly goes into the public to express his outrage. Also with boldness, Esther demonstrates her faith and character as she takes on the challenge given by Mordecai to save her people.

Aert de Gelder – Esther and Mordecai – WGA8524 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Think of those in history that have been the right person for the right time. People like Winston Churchill; a great leader who gets credit from many as the person who saved the whole world from an evil tyrant. God has in mind certain people like Esther to take on the challenges before them and use their purpose for His glory.

When God places you into a situation to be the right person for the right time, don’t be afraid because He’s there with you. As we face tough opponents in life, let us as God’s people encourage one another. Let us use our weapon of prayer. God is bigger than any opponent we might face so trust Him for the courage needed. Remember, with faith there is no fear!

The Story of Esther: Mordecai’s Moment (voice4society.wordpress.com)
Questions for Reflection to Help in the Study of Esther 1-4 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Esther | Tagged Ahasuerus, Church, Esther, evil tyrant, God, Haman, Jew, Jewish people, Mordecai, Winston Churchill | 2 Comments

Appreciate and Affirm

Posted on July 11, 2013 by Mark Shields

While reading Esther 3, there are warnings given about self-importance. This has made me think about how important every individual is to God. That He sent His Son to die for you and for me. We shouldn’t point our finger at others since when we point our finger at someone else, more fingers point back at ourselves. We should accept others similar to how the woman at the well, the prodigal son, and the criminal on the cross next to Jesus were; with appreciation and affirmation as a child of God.

Remember, Moses was a murderer but God used him to lead his people out of Egypt and David was an adulterer yet God used him to write many of the Psalms we get encouragement from today. To get our day going and on the right track, here’s a video that emphasizes appreciation and affirmation: Jesus, Friend of Sinners – Casting Crowns. Enjoy this video. 🙂