Esther

… anti-semite. Haman was a big one. He nearly got God’s people eradicated until Esther intervened. She had called for Jews to fast and pray for 3 days to allow God to prepare the king’s heart for her request that the Jews be spared.

Fasting and prayer is still a strong method of getting God’s attention when faced with big life issues.

Esther 3

Human had, no doubt, political aspirations. The king MAY have been manipulated into promoting him and requiring everyone to bow to Haman. (What reasonable person would want THAT?)

Mordecai, a Jew who was taught to bow to God alone, refused.

Politicians who love unwarranted adulation are very suspect. If you think you detect personal ambition in a politician, it’s probably there. Bow ONLY to the Lord.

To Nehemiah, God gave a burden to rebuild and restore Jerusslem. This man had great administrative giftings that were not being used as cupbearer to the king of Persia. He was given favor and sent to his homeland to be the governor where his abilities served God’s purposes to lead.

Graduating seniors are wise to discover the gifts God has given them and seek a vocation that uses those gifts.

Nehemiah 3

Different families elected to rebuild broken down portions of Jerusalem’s walls. Under Nehemiah’s supervision (a type of the Holy Spirit), the walls were made strong again.

Walls speak of moral and character values. The HOME is where these walls are built.

Parents build and repair walls.

Nehemiah 2

Nehemiah was the king of Babylon’s cupbearer.When the king noticed him being distraught, he inquired. Nehemiah was distressed because Jerusalem’s walls were broken down. The king granted his request to repair them because God’s Hand of favor was upon him.

Pray God’s Hand of favor and blessing upon your loved ones daily.

Ezra 9

Ezra and God’s people wept openly as they saw wholesale intermarraige with ungodly nations which was prohibited by God’s Law.

I remember crying a “bucket of tears” when I knelt at an altar and was SO SORRY for my sins. I knew right then that I needed to be baptized.

Ezra 8

When the exiles were returning to Israel from Babylon, God protected them from danger and harm.

He’s watching over you and the ones you love. We are instructed in the NT to pray without ceasing. A big part of my prayer life is directed to the travels of my loved ones. (Even if they get a speeding ticket) The Lord is watching over them.

Ezra 7

Scripture says that Ezra was fully devoted to knowing, understanding, and teaching God’s Law. Hence, an inspiring book of the Bible was probably under his authorship.

Any church in a building program uses principles from this book. Ezra’s commitment to seeing God’s House established has provided inspiration to many. His dedication to God is SIGNIFICANT!

Ezra 1

King Cyrus of Persia decided to build a new temple for the Lord in Jerusalem. The Jews who were carried away into captivity in Babylon returned. Cyrus also restored the silver and gold which had been carried away.

All well and good … but we are wise to build God’s house through prayer. I intend to devote time for prayer before Trinity’s Sunday services on Sunday mornings. We can meet in a classroom across the hall from the gym at 9:00 a.m.

2 Chron. 34

King Josiah rent his clothes and humbled himself before God when he read from the Law and realized how far the nation had fallen from God. He did all he could to make corrections to try to please God.

The prophetess, Huldah, relayed God’s message to him … “I have heard you.” Although judgements would come, the Lord told Josiah they would not be in his lifetime.

When we cry out to God to restore us, He hears us and bestows His mercy.