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

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.

The Invisible Hand (stevenpickeral.wordpress.com)

Posted in Esther | Tagged Ahasuerus, Esther, God, Haman, Jew, Mordecai, People, Religion and Spirituality | Leave a comment

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