Her name may derive from "Ishtar," The Babylonian Goddess of Love or from the Persian Word for "Star." Her Hebrew Name, "Hadassah, " Means "Myrtle."
Key Scripture: Esther 1-10
The Way To Power
Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control,
These three alone lead life to sovereign power.
Yet not for power (power of self
Would come uncall'd for) but to live by law,
Acting the law we live by without fear;
And, because right is right, to follow right
Were wisdom in the scorn of consequence.
What a beautiful story of a woman who went from a nobody to a somebody. God has a purpose for all of us, the choice is our own. Keep this thought in mind as you answer one or all of the questions below:
1. Esther's royal position was no accident. She was in a position of influence for a very specific purpose. Your position in life is not an accident either. What do you think God might have for you to do right where you are, right now?
2. Have you ever had to be brave like Esther in order to steop out and do the right thing? What were the circumstances? What was the outcme?
3. Have you ever been delivered like the Jews in this story? How do you celebrate your deliverance?
4. What about Queen Vashti? Do you think that she took a stand in support of not being displayed as an object? Look at the price she had to pay for taking a stand.
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6 comments:
This is a good read, we have also been studying Esther in bible study for the past couple of weeks. So to answer the question, What do you think God might have for you to do right where you are, right now? Personally, I believe that God has moved me to a place where I can better learn his word and apply it to my life, doing this will give me the courage to teach those that have a desire to know His Word. I ask God for strength in doing is works!
Esther
This book inspires me anytime I read it. It seems like I learn something new about Esther character and the faith she had, when she fast and pray in order to achieve her goal. Esther also helped me to know that fasting is the way to go when I am facing trials. At the begining Esther was afraid but with the encourament of her uncle she overcomes it! I see myself in this lesson. Thank God for his grace and mercy.
Love You,
mj
p.s
Sisters, please pray for The Church in Panama they are doing a great job with evangelism! They are a very poor congragation, but are rich spiritualy in wisdom and knowledge!
. Esther's royal position was no accident. She was in a position of influence for a very specific purpose. Your position in life is not an accident either. What do you think God might have for you to do right where you are, right now?
There have been many times when I have sought to go in one direction and God has changed my path. Right now God has placed me in a role of encourager and motivator. I am enjoying motivating members of my Christian family to continue in the Faith. God brought me down low to show me what my purpose is in this life. My purpose is not to serve my self interest. My purpose is to serve my brothers and sisters which is more fulfilling. When I am focused on myself and how things in life are affecting me, then I feel more burdened than when I am doing something to encourage someone else.
What about Queen Vashti?
I think that Vashti stood up for herself and made the decision not to be leered at by drunken men. I think that she was probably feed up with being leered and maybe handled by strangers. Queen Vashti took a stand! Sometimes when a person takes a stand and goes against the norm, the person is perceived as a potential trouble maker; as the King felt Vashti was a treat and could lead other women to no longer be submissive to their husbands. Sometimes the price is worth the consequences providing that the person maintains their integrity.
The book of Esther, has always been a book of inspiration to many and especially to us women.
I do believe that nothing is by mere accident and every reason has its purpose.
Where my life is today, I would of never immagined it to be so as it is now. As I grow in Christ in spirit, truth and knowledge I'm coming to understand that through the storms of this life that we encounter...God will always be there teaching and uplifting us and encouraging us by giving us the courage and strength. He lets me know that if I only lean on Him, He will bring me courage. and I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. I find myself as Roslyn said, putting self off as much as I can, by encouraging and motivating others
as God continue to lead me. I pray that God will continue to use me in this way to help others as He see fit for His purpose and will for my life. Amen
Esther, Esther...
What a great testament of faith. So much meat for us to digest. Esther trusted God to take care of matters. She knew that her life might be in jeopardy for approaching the King as Mordecai suggested but her faith and trust in the Lord gave her courage. She was even willing to die "if I perish, let me perish". However, she did not act without fasting and prayer. This is a reminder that before we take any action, we should approach God first in order to guide us in the right direction. This story also reveals the great influence that Mordecai had over her life. Mordecai was her uncle but was more like her surrogate father. He raised her to know God. When she spoke with him to see what was wrong, she was convicted by his words. She deeply respected him and his advice. Why else would she put her life in danger? This is also a reminder that we should always have a wise confidant in our lives. Someone we can trust and who has godly wisdom. We can't take advice from just anyone and just because someone is older doesn't always mean they are wise. I threw that in for free. LOL!
You know I've experienced times in the past (at work) where I had to take a stand and I knew it could cost me my job. However, I trusted that God would handle the situations that occurred. Even though I may have been apprehensive at the time, I knew that no matter what, God would give me instruction and his providence would be evident in the end. Can I praise Him now and say that He has never failed me yet!! Even when I thought things looked grim. In the end, everything worked out for the better. Remember God always has a purpose. If we can step out on faith and do what is right, we will always have the victory in the end. Hallelujah!!!
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