Job

Manufactured words to those who are suffering don’t always fill the bill. Just the knowledge that you really care sends a great message. Also, a listening, sympathetic ear and compassionate eye contact are worth more than insincere platitudes when one is hurting.

Esther 10

Haman sought to promote himself. Mordecai sought to preserve the lives of his people, the Jews.

Haman and his sons were impaled. Mordecai was promoted to second in the land.

Seek the well- being of others, and God will promote you.

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!