Esther had been elevated to a position of influence that could not come by any means save the providential power of God. What’s more, she had amazing favor with Xerxes to the extent that whatever she wanted, she got. Thankfully, she used her influence to help her people, the Jews. In their redemption sweep of purging the ones who had planned their extinction, they notedly took no spoil. All they wanted was their lives.

New Testament Christians are instructed not to fear those that can take their lives, but fear only God who holds their eternal destiny.

Never be afraid of those who can kill the body but are powerless to kill the soul! Far better to stand in awe of the One who has the power to destroy body and soul in the fires of destruction! [Matt. 10:28 PHILLIPS]

And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. [Rev. 12:11]

Esther 5-7 [The Message]

The finest script writers in Tinseltown could not write a more dramatic and climactic text than that of the story of Esther. A king, a good guy, a bad guy, and a beautiful woman… all the characters are there. Haman was hanged on the gallows that he built to prove that bad guys DON’T WIN.

Noteworthy is the way there was strategic planning on Esther’s part to fully communicate her dilemma. She played it up to the climactic moment that she revealed her grave concern to the king, that Haman wanted to exterminate her and all Jews.

In sharing the Gospel, it would be wise to plan creative and convincing ways to share God’s plan of redemption to the lost. Instead of clobbering sinners with what’s awaiting them in Gehenna Hell, we can take time to fast and pray for them and script a message that’s more appealing.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. [James 3:17]

Esther 4 [The Message]

This is one of the most memorable and significant action phrases in the whole Bible. Mordecai challenged Esther to wake up and realize that the favor which had been shown to her could be used for the good of an entire people group. She had the star-power to impact King Xerxes’s decision to allow all the Jews to be murdered ie. the first Holocaust.

The favor we have been shown by God is to be enjoyed for certain. It can also be used to impact the culture around us. Do we agree with the ungodly legislation being passed that will provide legal permission to persecute Christians? The recently passed “Respect for Marriage Act” could actually open the door for persecution against the religious freedom to object to immoral marriage relationship. https://youtu.be/yDaECVmd2gk

We are to be salt and light to the world around us.

Esther 1-3 [The Message]

It happens today. it happened in the Holocaust. It happened in Esther’s day. Some people just hate Jews. Some people hate whites. Some people hate blacks. Some people hate Hispanics. Hate, hate, hate. How horrible.

When this happens, there is a severe lack of God’s love. Christ Jesus died for the sins of EVERY MAN who would confess them and call Him Lord.

When you find yourself the target of senseless hatred, what can you do? You can do what Mordecai suggested … have a three day fast. Cry out to the Lord for vindication.

Especially, don’t be a hater yourself. Love all men like Jesus does. Children should be taught this in the home. They generally carry the culture of their home with them the rest of their life.

Neh. 13 [The Message]

One of the messier jobs for spiritual leaders is that of holding the saints accountable to the Word and eliminating un-scriptural elements of faith. God’s leaders must know the Word to the extent that they can identify heretical thinking and behavior and remove it.

Nehemiah cast Tobiah out of the Temple. He had connived his way in through unholy marriage relationships with Temple leaders. He set up his own business enterprises in the Temple storerooms that were to be used to take care of the Levitical priests. (Carnal enterprises usually displace vital Kingdom ministries)

Godly New Testament leaders don’t run roughshod over the saints. They meekly and lovingly instruct them in the correct way to go.

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; [2 Tim. 2:24, 25]

Neh. 12 [The Message]

A few contemporary churches have choirs. It seems fewer all the time. Should this be?

When Nehemiah and alI Israel dedicated the restored wall, they called in all the Levitical singers and formed two choirs who were divided into antiphonal sections. They took their places upon the wall and sang loudly, rejoicing enthusiastically. Their sound could be heard miles away. Now THAT’S A CHOIR!

I’m not talking about a milk toast sound. I’m talking a choral sound that gives God the glory due unto His Name.

A good choir can inspire the saints to praise more fully. They can put the message in a vocal effect that God loves.

Jehoshaphat appointed some choir members to sing to the Lord and to praise him in sacred splendor as they marched out in front of the armed forces. They kept saying “Give thanks to the Lord, because his gracious love is eternal!” When they began to sing, the Lord threw the invading armies into a panic. [2 Chron 20:21, 22]

Neh. 11 [The Message]

As I listen to the names of the many Israelites who were a part of the restoration of Jerusalem and the Temple worship, I think of what it would be like if fresh new chapters were being written in the Bible. We would see some names that are familiar to us … and to include your name.

God keeps books on everything. You are mistaken if you think He’s not mindful of your participation and contributions to His Kingdom. If a sparrow can’t fall to the ground un-noticed, how much more does He watch and notate your service to His Church.

Be encouraged. Whatever you are doing for the Lord (especially when it’s in secret) is most assuredly noticed and will be rewarded in the wonderful life to come!

Neh. 10, 11 [The Message]

Most people have no idea how much work goes on in the local church. Nehemiah exposes the many functions that happen in God’s House. He solicited commitments from the people to support or perform the necessary duties required to keep the Temple functioning.

I have been associated with a local church ALL MY LIFE. Yes, there are unending tasks and functions to be performed. It all contributes to make an effective church family for the attenders. THAT’S THE KEY. It’s a Church Family, it’s the Body of Christ.

Worship, teaching, accountability, friendships, feasting and fellowship … all are things that happen in a local church.

There is discipline also. When you are incorrect, you probably need some correction.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [2 Tim. 3:16]

Neh. 8, 9 [TheMessage]

Freddy Bolinger married Jamie Kennedy, a young lady that had been a member of Living Praise at Christ For The Nations Institute. Because of our close relationship with Jamie (we were the directors of the group) Freddy became close to us also. He had one of the most infectious personalities I’ve ever known. He unexpectedly passed from this life last week. Tomorrow is the memorial service for him.

I will never forget their wedding. It was held at a big prestigious church near Stone Mountain. I remember hanging out with the church’s soundman assigned to the rehearsal. He said, “This is the most disorganized wedding rehearsal I’ve ever seen.” He predicted that the wedding would be a disaster. HOWEVER, I personally knew the talent and experience of all the musicians involved. The wedding was one of the most glorious displays of Christian music to be heard. The highlight was Freddy and Jamie singing to each other.

Freddy will be greatly missed!

Neh. 7 [The Message]

Just try to be accurate about the past without a record of the details.

I confess … I am not a detail person, but I MARRIED ONE. I am so grateful for her when tax season rolls around. She has saved my bacon many times.

Nehemiah was obviously a detail person. He kept good records (or assigned the task to someone else who was capable). Because of his record keeping, we have the names of those responsible for rebuilding the wall. He is traditionally the best example in the Bible of an administrative, organized person.

Matthew was also obviously a detail person. He and Luke left us with accurate genealogies and facts from the days Jesus walked the earth. Hint: Matthew was a tax man.

So, if you are a detail person, WE NEED YOU. If you are not a detail person, YOU NEED ONE.