Facing Imminent Danger Pt.1 - Esther Chapters 3 & 4
The midterm elections have been completed and you may be happy or upset at the outcome. Did you know that the Bible is full of stories containing lies, conspiracies, and politics? In Ecclesiastes 1:9, the verse reads, “There is nothing new under the sun.” Although we have made technological advances and man’s knowledge has increased over time, the nature of man is still influenced by good versus evil, light versus dark, and God’s love versus Satan’s hatred towards mankind.
In the book of Esther one man’s hatred towards another almost caused the slaughter of the Jewish people. During the reign of King Ahasuerus, the Jewish people had been living in Persia. Many years before the land of Israel had been invaded by the Persians and the Jews were taken as captives to Persia. Although they were captives, the Jews continued their religious practices and served God among the Persian people who served idols.
Mordecai was a Jew who became the enemy of one of the king’s top leaders, named Haman. Haman had been promoted by the king and an order was given that all the king's servants who were within the king's gates had to bow and pay homage to Haman. Mordecai sat within the king’s gate but would not bow or pay homage to Haman. The other servants told Haman and when Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow or pay homage he became very angry. The servants told Haman that the reason Mordecai gave for not following the king’s rule was that he was a Jew.
From that day on Haman decided that he would get rid of Mordecai and all of the Jewish people. He came up with a plan casting lots (like throwing dice) to set the future date of the genocide. He went to the king and told him that there were certain people scattered around Persia who had their own laws and did not follow the king’s laws. He talked the king into signing a decree which set a date for the destruction of all the Jews, young and old. The decree allowed the killers to take all of their possessions as well. Once the king had signed the decree he could not go back on his word or change his mind. When Mordecai found out about the decree he was very upset and cried out to God for help.
You may not be facing a life-and-death situation like the Jews in the book of Esther, but you may be facing a personal challenge that has caused a lot of pain and stress. Someone who hates and despises you may be trying to destroy your reputation, your relationships, your finances, and even your freedom. The Bible says that the thief/enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Your enemy is Satan, but thank God, we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ. Romans 8:35-39 sums it up.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
“For your sake, we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[ neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Because God our Father loves us so much, He hears our cries for help, and will help us in our darkest moments. Keep your trust in Him and believe in His promises for you. (2 Cor. 1:20)
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Personal Development Tip of the week:
I want to talk about the word transformation today and how it relates to your walk with Jesus. First, I want to clearly define what I mean by transformation, which by one definition is simply “change”.
I don’t know about you but I rather use the word transformation to describe the changes taking place in my life than change although there is nothing wrong with that word. Words do have power as we have discussed before and certain words spoken out of your mouth evoke more powerful emotions.
The Book of Romans 12:2, say’s “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
You can transform your life each and every day by getting into the word of God because as you do it gets into your mind and shapes your thoughts which transforms you from the inside out. This is the best form of transformation that can take place in your life because everything stems from your mind, will, and emotions. If you aim to work on transforming this area of your life you will see God start taking place in all the other areas of your life.
Lastly, transformation does not have to be the biggest shift imaginable; it can be little things each day that accumulate over time. One insight or revelation from the Lord to You can set you up and prepare you for something big God has coming your way. Stay hopeful!
Question for you? What does transformation mean to you and how do you apply it to your life?
Prayer for the week
I’m so thankful to You Father that You want me to prosper and be in health, even as my soul prospers. Help me to continue to grow and prosper in my soul so that my mind remains positive and centered on You, I keep my emotions in check, and I do the right things even when I don’t feel like it. I speak health and wholeness over my body and mind and I take care of what God has given me in Jesus name, Amen.
PS. If you would like to support us consider checking out www.litwithprayer.com and picking up our devotional prayer journal to our new pieces of Christian-based Jewelry.
Do you know Jesus?
If you have never asked Jesus to be the leader of your life and forgive you of all your sins, this is the right time to act. Pray this simple prayer and believe it in your heart: “Dear God, Your Word says that You loved me so much that You sent Your Son Jesus to die on the cross for me. I want to be saved and have all my sins forgiven, past, present, and future. Forgive me now as I receive Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. You promised me salvation and an abundant life. I believe and receive Your free gift. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me grow stronger in You each day, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.” (John 3:16)
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
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