Day 255 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey - 12 September 2022 reflections
Day 255, 12 September 2022
1) Ezra 6:14-22, 4:6 , Esther 1 - 4
Ezra 6:14-22
14 (Ezr 7:1; 4:24-5:2) The rebuilding by the elders of the Jews prospered
through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo.
And they built, and finished it, according to the decree of the God of Israel
and according to the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
15 (Est 3:7) This temple was finished on the third day of the month Adar
during the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
16 (1Ki 8:63; 2Ch 7:5) The children of Israel, the priests and the Levites,
and the rest of the descendants of the captivity kept the dedication
of this house of God with joy.
17 (Ezr 8:35) At the dedication of this house of God, they offered
a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs;
and as a sin offering for all Israel, they offered twelve goats
(according to the number of the tribes of Israel).
18 (Nu 3:6; 1Ch 24:1) They appointed the priests in their divisions
and the Levites in their orders for the service of God in Jerusalem,
as it had been written in the Book of Moses.
The Passover
19 The children of the captivity kept the Passover on the fourteenth day
of the first month.
20 (2Ch 35:11; 29:34) Because the priests and the Levites had purified
themselves together, all of them were pure. So, they slaughtered
the Passover lambs for all the descendants of the captivity,
both for their brothers the priests and for themselves.
21 (Ezr 9:11; Ne 9:2) Then they ate together, both the children of Israel
who had come out of captivity and all those who had separated themselves
from the uncleanness of the nations of the land, in order to seek the Lord God
of Israel.
22 (Ezr 1:1; 7:27) With joy they observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread
for seven days because the Lord had made them joyful. He had turned the heart
of the king of Assyria toward them and strengthened their hands in the work
on the house of God, who is the God of Israel.
[14] And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the
prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And
they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of
Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes
king of Persia.
[15] And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar,which
was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
[16] And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest
of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God
with joy,
[17] And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks,
two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel,
twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
[18] And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their
courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in
the book of Moses.
[19] And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth
day of the first month.
[20] For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them
were pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity,
and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.
[21] And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and
all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the
heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat,
[22] And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the
LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto
them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of
Israel.
Ezra 4:6
6 (Est 1:1; Da 9:1) In the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign,
they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
[6] And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they
unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
Esther 1
Queen Vashti Deposed
1(Est 8:9; Ezr 4:6; Da 6:1) Now in the days of Ahasuerus, also called Xerxes,
who reigned from India to Ethiopia, over 127 provinces,
2 (Ne 1:1; 1Ki 1:46) in those days, the palace where King Ahasuerus sat
on the royal throne of his kingdom was in Susa.
3 (Est 2:18; 1Ki 3:15) In the third year of his reign, he prepared
a feast for all his officials and his servants. So the army commanders
of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the officials of the provinces
were before him.
4 He unveiled the riches of his glorious kingdom and the costly luxury
of his greatness for many days, 180 days.
5 (Est 7:7-8) When these days were completed, the king prepared
a seven-day feast for all the people present, from the greatest to the least,
in the citadel of Susa. This feast was in the courtyard garden
of the king's palace
6 (Eze 23:41; Am 6:4) where white and blue linen hangings were fastened
with cords of white and purple linen to silver rings and columns of marble.
The gold- and silver-plated couches were on a mosaic pavement of porphyry,
marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones.
7 They provided drinks in golden vessels (the vessels being diverse one
from another) and royal wine in abundance, by the expense of the king.
8 In accordance with the law, the drinking was not mandatory,
because the king had directed all the stewards of his house
to serve according to every man's pleasure.
9 Additionally, Vashti the queen prepared a feast for the women
in the royal house of King Ahasuerus.
10 (Jdg 16:25; Est 7:9) On the seventh day, when the heart of the king
was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha,
Zethar, and Karkas, the seven eunuchs attending
to the needs of King Ahasuerus,
11 to bring Queen Vashti before the king with the royal crown,
to unveil her beauty to the people and the officials, for she was beautiful.
12 (Pr 19:12) But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command
delivered by his eunuchs. Therefore, the king grew very angry, and his wrath
burned within him.
13 (1Ch 12:32; Jer 10:7) Then the king spoke to the wise men, who understood
the times (for in this way the king would speak before all who understood
law and judgment).
14 (2Ki 25:19; Ezr 7:14) Those nearest him were Karshena, Shethar, Admatha,
Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memukan. They were the seven princes of Persia
and Media and the king's closest confidants who met with the king
and held the highest rank in the kingdom.
15 "According to law, what should be done about Queen Vashti
because she did not obey the command of King Ahasuerus
when it was delivered by the eunuchs?"
16 And Memukan answered before the king and the princes, "Queen Vashti
has wronged not only the king but also all the princes and all the people
who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus.
17 For should this matter of the queen spread to all wives, then they would
look with contempt on their husbands when it is reported that,
'King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him,
but she never came.'
18 This very day the noble ladies of Persia and Media, who hear
of the queen's act, will say the same thing to all the king's princes.
Then there will be more contempt and wrath.
19 (Est 8:8) "If it pleases the king, let a royal decree be sent by him,
and let it be written in the laws of the Persians and the Medes,
that it may not be altered, that Vashti can never enter
into the presence of King Ahasuerus, and that the king will give
her royal position to another woman who is better than she.
20 (Col 3:18; Eph 5:33) When the king's decree that he shall make
is proclaimed throughout all his empire (for it is vast), then all
the wives shall give honor to their husbands, both the prominent and lowly."
21 The suggestion pleased the king and the princes, so the king did according
to the word of Memukan.
22 (Est 3:12; 8:9; Eph 5:22-24) He sent letters to all the king's provinces,
in the script of every province and in the language of every people group,
bearing the message in the languages of his people that each man should rule
over his own house.
Esther 1
[1] Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus
which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven
and twenty provinces:)
[2] That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his
kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
[3] In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes
and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes
of the provinces, being before him:
[4] When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his
excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.
[5] And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the
people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small,
seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace;
[6] Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine
linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of
gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black,
marble.
[7] And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse
one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of
the king.
[8] And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the
king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do
according to every man's pleasure.
[9] Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house
which belonged to king Ahasuerus.
[10] On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he
commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas,
the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,
[11] To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew
the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on.
[12] But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his
chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.
[13] Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was
the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment:
[14] And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres,
Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the
king's face, and which sat the first in the kingdom;)
[15] What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she
hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?
[16] And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen
hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to
all the people that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.
[17] For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that
they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported,
The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him,
but she came not.
[18] Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the
king's princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there
arise too much contempt and wrath.
[19] If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and
let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be
not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the
king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.
[20] And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published
throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to
their husbands honour, both to great and small.
[21] And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did
according to the word of Memucan:
[22] For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province
according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language,
that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be
published according to the language of every people.
Esther 2
Esther Becomes Queen
1 (Est 7:10) After these things, as the rage of King Ahasuerus abated,
he became mindful of Vashti, what she had done
and what was decreed against her.
2 (1Ki 1:2) So the king's servants who attended him said,
"Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king!
3 (Est 1:1-2) Let the king appoint officers in all the provinces
of his kingdom so that they may gather all the beautiful young virgins
to the citadel of Susa, to the harem under the custody of Hegai the king's
eunuch, who is in charge of the harem, and let ointments and cosmetics
be given to them.
4 May the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti."
And the idea pleased the king, so he acted accordingly.
5 (1Sa 9:1) Now in the citadel of Susa, there was
a certain Jew named Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei,
the son of Kish, a Benjamite.
6 (2Ki 24:14-15; 2Ch 36:20) He had been taken away from Jerusalem
among the exiles and carried into captivity along with King Jeconiah
of Judah by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.
7 (Est 2:15) He was the guardian of Hadassah, that is Esther
(who was his uncle's daughter) because she had neither father nor mother.
The young woman was lovely to look at and beautiful in form.
When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.
8 (Est 2:3) When the king's notice and his decree were heard,
many young women were then gathered to the citadel of Susa and placed under
the custody of Hegai. Esther was likewise brought to the king's house
and placed under the custody of Hegai, who was in charge of the harem.
9 (Est 2:3; 2:12) Because the young lady appeared pleasing to him
and had gained favor in his sight, he quickly gave her the ointments
and cosmetics, her allotted food, and seven young chosen women from
the king's palace. He also transferred her and her young women
to the best place of the harem.
10 (Est 2:20) Esther had not disclosed her people or her lineage
because Mordecai had charged her not to disclose it.
11 Every day Mordecai walked around the courtyard of the harem
to find out how Esther fared and what might be done with her.
12 The turn came for each young woman to go in to King Ahasuerus,
after being twelve months under the regulations for the women,
since this was the regular period of their beautifying,
six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices
and ointments for women. 13When the young woman went in to the king
in this way, she was given whatever she desired to take with her
from the harem to take to the king's palace.
14 (Est 4:11) In the evening she went in, and in the morning
she returned to the second harem in custody of Shaashgaz,
the king's eunuch, who was in charge of the concubines.
She did not go in to the king again unless the king delighted in her
and called for her by name.
15 (Est 9:29) When the turn came for Esther, the daughter of Abihail
the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go in to
the king, she asked for nothing except what theking's eunuch Hegai,
who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther obtained favor in the sight
of all who saw her.
16 So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus at his royal house in the month
of Tebeth, which is the tenth month, in the seventh year of his reign.
17 (Est 1:11) The king loved Esther more than any other woman
because she had gained grace and favor in his sight more
than all the virgins. So he set the royal crown on her head
and made her queen instead of Vashti.
18 The king held a great feast for all his officials and servants.
It was a feast for Esther. He remitted his provinces from tax payments
and gave gifts according to his royal generosity.
Mordecai Uncovers a Plot
19 (Est 2:21; 2:3-4) At the second gathering of the virgins, Mordecai
was sitting at the king's gate.
20 (Est 2:10) Esther had not yet disclosed her lineage or her people,
since Mordecai had so commanded her. Esther followed the command
of Mordecai just as she had when under his protection.
21 (Est 6:2) During those days when Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate,
two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who served as keepers
of the door, became angry and sought to attack King Ahasuerus.
22 (Est 6:1-2) But the matter became known to Mordecai, and he reported it
to Queen Esther, and Esther reported it to the king in the name of Mordecai.
23 (Ge 40:19; Est 10:2) When the matter was investigated and confirmed,
both men were hanged on the gallows, and it was written in the book
of the chronicles in the presence of the king.
Esther 2
[1] After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he
remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.
[2] Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be
fair young virgins sought for the king:
[3] And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom,
that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the
palace, to the house of the women unto the custody of Hege the king's
chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be
given them:
[4] And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti.
And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.
[5] Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was
Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;
[6] Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had
been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king
of Babylon had carried away.
[7] And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for
she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom
Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.
[8] So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was
heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace,
to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house,
to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.
[9] And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he
speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged
to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the
king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the
house of the women.
[10] Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had
charged her that she should not shew it.
[11] And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to
know how Esther did, and what should become of her.
[12] Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after
that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for
so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months
with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things
for the purifying of the women;)
[13] Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was
given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house.
[14] In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second
house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain,
which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the
king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.
[15] Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of
Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the
king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper
of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all
them that looked upon her.
[16] So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the
tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.
[17] And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace
and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal
crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.
[18] Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants,
even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts,
according to the state of the king.
[19] And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then
Mordecai sat in the king's gate.
[20] Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had
charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she
was brought up with him.
[21] In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's
chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth,
and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
[22] And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen;
and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name.
[23] And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out;
therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the
book of the chronicles before the king.
Esther 3
Haman Plots to Destroy the Jews
1 (Est 5:11; Nu 24:7) After these things King Ahasuerus praised Haman
the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and promoted him, and set his seat
above all the officials who were with him.
2 (Est 2:19) All the king's servants, when they were at the king's gate,
bowed or paid homage to Haman since the king had commanded it.
Mordecai, however, never bowed or paid homage.
3 (Est 3:2) So the king's servants tending the king's gate said to Mordecai,
"Why are you transgressing the king’s commandment?'
4 (Ge 39:10) Though they spoke to him daily, he never listened to them,
so they reported it to Haman to see if the words of Mordecai would stand,
for Mordecai had told them that he was a Jew.
5 (Est 5:9; 3:2) When Haman saw that Mordecai neither bowed
nor paid him homage, he was filled with rage.
6 (Ps 83:4) But he disdained to lay hands on only Mordecai,
since they had told him of the people of Mordecai.
So Haman sought to destroy all the Jews throughout the whole kingdom
of Ahasuerus.
7 (Ezr 6:15; Est 9:24-26) In the first month, which is the month Nisan,
in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, cast lots)
before Haman daily, and each month, until the twelfth month,
which is the month Adar, to determine the time.
8 (Ac 16:20-21; Ezr 4:12-15) Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus,
"There exists a scattered people dispersed among the other peoples
in all the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different
from all others, and they are not complying with the king's laws,
so there may not be a suitable reason for the king to allow them to exist.
9 If it pleases the king, may it be written that they are to be destroyed,
and may there be ten thousand talents [About 75 feet, or 23 meters.]
of silver deposited into the king's treasuries so that I may distribute
it to the hands of those doing the work."
10 (Ge 41:42; Est 7:6) The king took his signet ring from his hand
and gave it to Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite,
the enemy of the Jews.
11 The king said to Haman, "The silver has been granted to you,
as have the people, so do with each as it pleases you."
12 (1Ki 21:8; Est 1:22) Then the king's scribes were summoned
on the thirteenth day of the first month, and a decree was written
just as Haman had commanded to the king's satraps
and to the governors over each province and to the officials
of all peoples and to every province according to its own script,
and to every people in their language. It was written
in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the king's signet ring.
13 (2Ch 30:6; Est 9:10) The letters were sent by mounted couriers
into all the king's provinces to cause the destruction, slaughter,
and annihilation of all Jews, both young and old, little children and women,
in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar,
and even to plunder their possessions.
14 (Est 8:13-14) A copy of the document, issued as law in every province,
was proclaimed, calling for all people to be ready for the day.
15 (Est 8:15) The couriers went out, being hastened by the king's command.
At the citadel of Susa, when the decree was issued, the king and Haman
sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in uproar.
Esther 3
[1] After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of
Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the
princes that were with him.
[2] And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and
reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai
bowed not, nor did him reverence.
[3] Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said unto
Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment?
[4] Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened
not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would
stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.
[5] And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then
was Haman full of wrath.
[6] And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed
him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews
that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of
Mordecai.
[7] In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of
king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to
day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month
Adar.
[8] And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered
abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom;
and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's
laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them.
[9] If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and
I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have
the charge of the business, to bring it into the king's treasuries.
[10] And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the
son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy.
[11] And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people
also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.
[12] Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first
month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto
the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province,
and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing
thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king
Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring.
[13] And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to
destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old,
little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the
twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a
prey.
[14] The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province
was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.
[15] The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and
the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat
down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.
Esther 4
Esther Helps the Jews
1 (2Sa 1:11; 13:19) When Mordecai learned all that had been done, he tore
his clothes and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst
of the city, and cried with a loud and bitter cry.
2 He went as far as the king's gate because no one was allowed to enter
into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth.
3 (Isa 58:5; Da 9:3) In each and every province where the king's command
and his decree came there was great mourning among the Jews,
and fasting, and weeping, and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes.
4 So the young women of Esther and her eunuchs came and told her of it.
The queen was then seized by anguish. She sent garments to clothe Mordecai
so that he could remove his sackcloth, but he would not accept them.
5 So Esther summoned Hathak, one of the king's eunuchs appointed
to attend her, and commanded him concerning Mordecai to
learn what this was about and why.
6 So Hathak went out to where Mordecai was in the area of the city
in front of the king's gate.
7 Mordecai told him about all that had happened to him
and about the sum of silver that Haman had promised to pay to the king's
treasuries for the destruction of the Jews.
8 Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa
concerning their destruction so he could show Esther, tell her about it,
and then charge her to go to the king in order to gain him favor with the king
and to make requests in the presence of the king for her people.
9 Hathak returned and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
10 Again Esther spoke to Hathak and ordered him to reply to Mordecai:
11 (Est 5:1-2; 8:4) "All the king's servants and the people of the king's
provinces know that whoever, whether man or woman, wishes to come to the king
at the inner court but has not been summoned, there is one law-to put him
to death-unless for some reason the king should hold out the golden scepter
so that he might live. I, however, have not been summoned to come to the king
for these thirty days."
12 So all the words of Esther were told to Mordecai.
13 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, "Do not think that
in the king's palace you will be more likely to escape
than all the other Jews.
14 For if you remain silent at this time, protection and deliverance
for the Jews will be ordained from some other place, but you
and your father's house shall be destroyed. And who knows if you may have
attained royal position for such a time as this?"
15 Then Esther replied, sending back to Mordecai:
16Ge 43:14; Est 5:1 "Go, gather all the Jews who can be found in Susa,
then fast for me. Stop eating and drinking for three days, night or day.
I and my young women will fast likewise. Only then would I dare go
to the king since it is not allowed by law, and if I perish, I perish."
17 So Mordecai went away and did exactly as Esther had commanded him.
Esther 4
[1] When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes,
and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city,
and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;
[2] And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the
king's gate clothed with sackcloth.
[3] And in every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his
decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and
weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.
[4] So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was
the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and
to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not.
[5] Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king's chamberlains, whom he
had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to
know what it was, and why it was.
[6] So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was
before the king's gate.
[7] And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum
of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king's treasuries for the
Jews, to destroy them.
[8] Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at
Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her,
and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication
unto him, and to make request before him for her people.
[9] And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
[10] Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;
[11] All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do
know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into
the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to
death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that
he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these
thirty days.
[12] And they told to Mordecai Esther's words.
[13] Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that
thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.
[14] For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there
enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou
and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art
come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
[15] Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,
[16] Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast
ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my
maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not
according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
[17] So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had
commanded him.
2) Our Daily Bread for 12 September 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/09/12/trust-in-his-name
Entitled "Trust in His Name"
Psalm 9:7-12
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) But the Lord remains forever;
He has established His throne for judgment.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) He will judge the world in righteousness;
He will give judgment to the peoples in uprightness.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Those who know Your name will put their trust in You,
for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Sing praises to the Lord who dwells in Zion;
declare His deeds among the people.
12 He who avenges deaths remembers them;
He does not forget the cry of the humble.
He
7 But the LORD shall endure for ever:
He hath prepared his throne for judgment.
8 And he shall judge the world in righteousness,
He shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.
Waw
9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
A refuge in times of trouble.
10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee:
For thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
Zain
11 Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion:
Declare among the people his doings.
12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them:
He forgetteth not the cry of the humble.
As a child, there was a time I dreaded going to school. Some girls were
bullying me by subjecting me to cruel pranks. So during recess, I'd take
refuge in the library, where I read a series of Christian storybooks. I
remember the first time I read the name "Jesus." Somehow, I knew that this
was the name of someone who loved me. In the months that followed,
whenever I'd enter school fearful of the torment that lay ahead, I'd pray,
"Jesus, protect me." I'd feel stronger and calmer, knowing He was watching
over me. In time, the girls simply grew tired of bullying me and stopped.
Many years have passed, and trusting His name continues to sustain me through
difficult times. Trusting His name is believing that what He says about His
character is true, allowing me to rest in Him.
David too knew the security of trusting in God's name. When he wrote Psalm 9,
he'd already experienced God as the all-powerful ruler who is just and
faithful (vv. 7-8, 10, 16). David thus showed his trust in God's name by going
into battle against his enemies, trusting not in his weapons or military
skill, but in God ultimately coming through for him as "a refuge for the
oppressed" (v. 9).
As a little girl, I called on His name and experienced how He lived up to it.
May we always trust His name-Jesus-the name of the One that loves us.
By: Karen Huang
Reflect & Pray
What challenges have been troubling you?
How does meditating on Jesus' name build your trust in Him?
Heavenly Father, teach me who You are, so that
I never have reason to doubt You in any circumstance I face.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 2 - Alienation and Reconciliation
Col 1:21-22
21 (Eph 2:12) And you, who were formerly alienated
and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled
22 (Ro 7:4; Eph 5:27) in the body of His flesh through death,
to present you holy and blameless and above reproach in His sight,
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind
by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy
and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight
Some 50 years ago, Orson Welles's radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds
threw the nation into panic; people on the East Coast ran for their lives,
expecting at any moment to be destroyed by alien invaders from outer space.
Today, of course, we are more sophisticated about such matters.
Television and movies have educated us about alien life forms.
Star Wars and Star Trek have taught us that their appearance can be much
different than ours. Sometimes they are unable to exist in our atmosphere
with artificial life-support systems; their physical makeup is often
incompatible with our environment.
God says that we, apart from Christ, are as incompatible with his kingdom
as the 'aliens' of movies are with Earth's environment.
We are at war with God, a true "war of the worlds" that staggers
the imagination.
Yet God has 'reconciled' us to his world. He has made us fit,
made us able to exist in his kingdom. He has made us part of
his world through Christ's death and resurrection.
Now, through Christ, we are 'holy' and 'without blemish' in God's sight.
And that transformation, ironically, make us 'alien' in the world around us.
No longer do we fit in a world of selfishness and greed, a world where Self
is god and everyone does what is right in his own heart.
We belong, instead, in the kingdom of God's righteousness.
Application
a) In what ways am I an 'alien' in this world?
b) How have I been an 'alien' to God's kingdom?
c) How can today's verses help me deal with my sense of 'not fitting'?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
1 Cor 13:3
3 If I give all my goods to feed the poor,
and if I give my body to be burned,
and have not love, it profits me nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor,
and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity,
it profiteth me nothing.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Inexhaustible Strength
Ps 18:30-34
30 As for God, His way has integrity;
the word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all those who take refuge in Him.
31 For who is God except the Lord?
Or who is a rock besides our God?
32 It is God who clothes me with strength,
and gives my way integrity.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
and causes me to stand on my high places.
34 He trains my hands for war,
so that my arms bend a bow of bronze.
30 As for God, his way is perfect:
The word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
31 For who is God save the LORD?
Or who is a rock save our God?
32 It is God that girdeth me with strength,
And maketh my way perfect.
33 He maketh my feet like hinds' feet,
And setteth me upon my high places.
34 He teacheth my hands to war,
So that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Nova Scotia
Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629
With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques
in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.
Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration
has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.
while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population
somewhere between 25000 to 30000.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
12th Day of the Month
a) Pray that the Lord will put a desire in the hearts of those in business
to follow God's principles and act honourably and ethically
(Proverb 11:1
1 A false balance is abomination to the Lord,
but a just weight is His delight.
1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD:
But a just weight is his delight.
)
b) Pray the the Spirit of the Lord will restrain the spirit of
hatred and destruction against humanity across the world.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord that those who do not know Him will
end up following Him.
Pray to the Lord: "Heavenly Father, teach me who You are, so that
I never have reason to doubt You in any circumstance I face."
Pray to the Lord and pray to feel with one with Jesus.
Pray to the Lord and ask him how to be loving and charitable.
Pray to the Lord and remember His ways are perfect.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that the Lord will put a desire in the hearts of those in business
to follow God's principles and act honourably and ethically
Pray the the Spirit of the Lord will restrain the spirit of
hatred and destruction against humanity across the world.
Pray for Kandhi, and her daughter Meice, in Indonesia, who both witnessed
her husband's murder by Muslim terrorists.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1) Ezra 6:14-22, 4:6 , Esther 1 - 4
Ezra 6:14-22
14 (Ezr 7:1; 4:24-5:2) The rebuilding by the elders of the Jews prospered
through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo.
And they built, and finished it, according to the decree of the God of Israel
and according to the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
15 (Est 3:7) This temple was finished on the third day of the month Adar
during the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
16 (1Ki 8:63; 2Ch 7:5) The children of Israel, the priests and the Levites,
and the rest of the descendants of the captivity kept the dedication
of this house of God with joy.
17 (Ezr 8:35) At the dedication of this house of God, they offered
a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs;
and as a sin offering for all Israel, they offered twelve goats
(according to the number of the tribes of Israel).
18 (Nu 3:6; 1Ch 24:1) They appointed the priests in their divisions
and the Levites in their orders for the service of God in Jerusalem,
as it had been written in the Book of Moses.
The Passover
19 The children of the captivity kept the Passover on the fourteenth day
of the first month.
20 (2Ch 35:11; 29:34) Because the priests and the Levites had purified
themselves together, all of them were pure. So, they slaughtered
the Passover lambs for all the descendants of the captivity,
both for their brothers the priests and for themselves.
21 (Ezr 9:11; Ne 9:2) Then they ate together, both the children of Israel
who had come out of captivity and all those who had separated themselves
from the uncleanness of the nations of the land, in order to seek the Lord God
of Israel.
22 (Ezr 1:1; 7:27) With joy they observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread
for seven days because the Lord had made them joyful. He had turned the heart
of the king of Assyria toward them and strengthened their hands in the work
on the house of God, who is the God of Israel.
[14] And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the
prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And
they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of
Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes
king of Persia.
[15] And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar,which
was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
[16] And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest
of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God
with joy,
[17] And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks,
two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel,
twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
[18] And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their
courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in
the book of Moses.
[19] And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth
day of the first month.
[20] For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them
were pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity,
and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.
[21] And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and
all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the
heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat,
[22] And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the
LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto
them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of
Israel.
Ezra 4:6
6 (Est 1:1; Da 9:1) In the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign,
they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
[6] And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they
unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
Esther 1
Queen Vashti Deposed
1(Est 8:9; Ezr 4:6; Da 6:1) Now in the days of Ahasuerus, also called Xerxes,
who reigned from India to Ethiopia, over 127 provinces,
2 (Ne 1:1; 1Ki 1:46) in those days, the palace where King Ahasuerus sat
on the royal throne of his kingdom was in Susa.
3 (Est 2:18; 1Ki 3:15) In the third year of his reign, he prepared
a feast for all his officials and his servants. So the army commanders
of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the officials of the provinces
were before him.
4 He unveiled the riches of his glorious kingdom and the costly luxury
of his greatness for many days, 180 days.
5 (Est 7:7-8) When these days were completed, the king prepared
a seven-day feast for all the people present, from the greatest to the least,
in the citadel of Susa. This feast was in the courtyard garden
of the king's palace
6 (Eze 23:41; Am 6:4) where white and blue linen hangings were fastened
with cords of white and purple linen to silver rings and columns of marble.
The gold- and silver-plated couches were on a mosaic pavement of porphyry,
marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones.
7 They provided drinks in golden vessels (the vessels being diverse one
from another) and royal wine in abundance, by the expense of the king.
8 In accordance with the law, the drinking was not mandatory,
because the king had directed all the stewards of his house
to serve according to every man's pleasure.
9 Additionally, Vashti the queen prepared a feast for the women
in the royal house of King Ahasuerus.
10 (Jdg 16:25; Est 7:9) On the seventh day, when the heart of the king
was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha,
Zethar, and Karkas, the seven eunuchs attending
to the needs of King Ahasuerus,
11 to bring Queen Vashti before the king with the royal crown,
to unveil her beauty to the people and the officials, for she was beautiful.
12 (Pr 19:12) But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command
delivered by his eunuchs. Therefore, the king grew very angry, and his wrath
burned within him.
13 (1Ch 12:32; Jer 10:7) Then the king spoke to the wise men, who understood
the times (for in this way the king would speak before all who understood
law and judgment).
14 (2Ki 25:19; Ezr 7:14) Those nearest him were Karshena, Shethar, Admatha,
Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memukan. They were the seven princes of Persia
and Media and the king's closest confidants who met with the king
and held the highest rank in the kingdom.
15 "According to law, what should be done about Queen Vashti
because she did not obey the command of King Ahasuerus
when it was delivered by the eunuchs?"
16 And Memukan answered before the king and the princes, "Queen Vashti
has wronged not only the king but also all the princes and all the people
who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus.
17 For should this matter of the queen spread to all wives, then they would
look with contempt on their husbands when it is reported that,
'King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him,
but she never came.'
18 This very day the noble ladies of Persia and Media, who hear
of the queen's act, will say the same thing to all the king's princes.
Then there will be more contempt and wrath.
19 (Est 8:8) "If it pleases the king, let a royal decree be sent by him,
and let it be written in the laws of the Persians and the Medes,
that it may not be altered, that Vashti can never enter
into the presence of King Ahasuerus, and that the king will give
her royal position to another woman who is better than she.
20 (Col 3:18; Eph 5:33) When the king's decree that he shall make
is proclaimed throughout all his empire (for it is vast), then all
the wives shall give honor to their husbands, both the prominent and lowly."
21 The suggestion pleased the king and the princes, so the king did according
to the word of Memukan.
22 (Est 3:12; 8:9; Eph 5:22-24) He sent letters to all the king's provinces,
in the script of every province and in the language of every people group,
bearing the message in the languages of his people that each man should rule
over his own house.
Esther 1
[1] Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus
which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven
and twenty provinces:)
[2] That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his
kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
[3] In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes
and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes
of the provinces, being before him:
[4] When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his
excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.
[5] And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the
people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small,
seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace;
[6] Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine
linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of
gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black,
marble.
[7] And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse
one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of
the king.
[8] And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the
king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do
according to every man's pleasure.
[9] Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house
which belonged to king Ahasuerus.
[10] On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he
commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas,
the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,
[11] To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew
the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on.
[12] But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his
chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.
[13] Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was
the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment:
[14] And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres,
Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the
king's face, and which sat the first in the kingdom;)
[15] What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she
hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?
[16] And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen
hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to
all the people that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.
[17] For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that
they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported,
The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him,
but she came not.
[18] Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the
king's princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there
arise too much contempt and wrath.
[19] If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and
let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be
not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the
king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.
[20] And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published
throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to
their husbands honour, both to great and small.
[21] And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did
according to the word of Memucan:
[22] For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province
according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language,
that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be
published according to the language of every people.
Esther 2
Esther Becomes Queen
1 (Est 7:10) After these things, as the rage of King Ahasuerus abated,
he became mindful of Vashti, what she had done
and what was decreed against her.
2 (1Ki 1:2) So the king's servants who attended him said,
"Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king!
3 (Est 1:1-2) Let the king appoint officers in all the provinces
of his kingdom so that they may gather all the beautiful young virgins
to the citadel of Susa, to the harem under the custody of Hegai the king's
eunuch, who is in charge of the harem, and let ointments and cosmetics
be given to them.
4 May the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti."
And the idea pleased the king, so he acted accordingly.
5 (1Sa 9:1) Now in the citadel of Susa, there was
a certain Jew named Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei,
the son of Kish, a Benjamite.
6 (2Ki 24:14-15; 2Ch 36:20) He had been taken away from Jerusalem
among the exiles and carried into captivity along with King Jeconiah
of Judah by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.
7 (Est 2:15) He was the guardian of Hadassah, that is Esther
(who was his uncle's daughter) because she had neither father nor mother.
The young woman was lovely to look at and beautiful in form.
When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.
8 (Est 2:3) When the king's notice and his decree were heard,
many young women were then gathered to the citadel of Susa and placed under
the custody of Hegai. Esther was likewise brought to the king's house
and placed under the custody of Hegai, who was in charge of the harem.
9 (Est 2:3; 2:12) Because the young lady appeared pleasing to him
and had gained favor in his sight, he quickly gave her the ointments
and cosmetics, her allotted food, and seven young chosen women from
the king's palace. He also transferred her and her young women
to the best place of the harem.
10 (Est 2:20) Esther had not disclosed her people or her lineage
because Mordecai had charged her not to disclose it.
11 Every day Mordecai walked around the courtyard of the harem
to find out how Esther fared and what might be done with her.
12 The turn came for each young woman to go in to King Ahasuerus,
after being twelve months under the regulations for the women,
since this was the regular period of their beautifying,
six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices
and ointments for women. 13When the young woman went in to the king
in this way, she was given whatever she desired to take with her
from the harem to take to the king's palace.
14 (Est 4:11) In the evening she went in, and in the morning
she returned to the second harem in custody of Shaashgaz,
the king's eunuch, who was in charge of the concubines.
She did not go in to the king again unless the king delighted in her
and called for her by name.
15 (Est 9:29) When the turn came for Esther, the daughter of Abihail
the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go in to
the king, she asked for nothing except what theking's eunuch Hegai,
who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther obtained favor in the sight
of all who saw her.
16 So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus at his royal house in the month
of Tebeth, which is the tenth month, in the seventh year of his reign.
17 (Est 1:11) The king loved Esther more than any other woman
because she had gained grace and favor in his sight more
than all the virgins. So he set the royal crown on her head
and made her queen instead of Vashti.
18 The king held a great feast for all his officials and servants.
It was a feast for Esther. He remitted his provinces from tax payments
and gave gifts according to his royal generosity.
Mordecai Uncovers a Plot
19 (Est 2:21; 2:3-4) At the second gathering of the virgins, Mordecai
was sitting at the king's gate.
20 (Est 2:10) Esther had not yet disclosed her lineage or her people,
since Mordecai had so commanded her. Esther followed the command
of Mordecai just as she had when under his protection.
21 (Est 6:2) During those days when Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate,
two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who served as keepers
of the door, became angry and sought to attack King Ahasuerus.
22 (Est 6:1-2) But the matter became known to Mordecai, and he reported it
to Queen Esther, and Esther reported it to the king in the name of Mordecai.
23 (Ge 40:19; Est 10:2) When the matter was investigated and confirmed,
both men were hanged on the gallows, and it was written in the book
of the chronicles in the presence of the king.
Esther 2
[1] After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he
remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.
[2] Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be
fair young virgins sought for the king:
[3] And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom,
that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the
palace, to the house of the women unto the custody of Hege the king's
chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be
given them:
[4] And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti.
And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.
[5] Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was
Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;
[6] Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had
been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king
of Babylon had carried away.
[7] And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for
she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom
Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.
[8] So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was
heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace,
to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house,
to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.
[9] And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he
speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged
to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the
king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the
house of the women.
[10] Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had
charged her that she should not shew it.
[11] And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to
know how Esther did, and what should become of her.
[12] Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after
that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for
so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months
with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things
for the purifying of the women;)
[13] Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was
given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house.
[14] In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second
house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain,
which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the
king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.
[15] Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of
Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the
king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper
of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all
them that looked upon her.
[16] So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the
tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.
[17] And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace
and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal
crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.
[18] Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants,
even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts,
according to the state of the king.
[19] And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then
Mordecai sat in the king's gate.
[20] Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had
charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she
was brought up with him.
[21] In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's
chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth,
and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
[22] And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen;
and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name.
[23] And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out;
therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the
book of the chronicles before the king.
Esther 3
Haman Plots to Destroy the Jews
1 (Est 5:11; Nu 24:7) After these things King Ahasuerus praised Haman
the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and promoted him, and set his seat
above all the officials who were with him.
2 (Est 2:19) All the king's servants, when they were at the king's gate,
bowed or paid homage to Haman since the king had commanded it.
Mordecai, however, never bowed or paid homage.
3 (Est 3:2) So the king's servants tending the king's gate said to Mordecai,
"Why are you transgressing the king’s commandment?'
4 (Ge 39:10) Though they spoke to him daily, he never listened to them,
so they reported it to Haman to see if the words of Mordecai would stand,
for Mordecai had told them that he was a Jew.
5 (Est 5:9; 3:2) When Haman saw that Mordecai neither bowed
nor paid him homage, he was filled with rage.
6 (Ps 83:4) But he disdained to lay hands on only Mordecai,
since they had told him of the people of Mordecai.
So Haman sought to destroy all the Jews throughout the whole kingdom
of Ahasuerus.
7 (Ezr 6:15; Est 9:24-26) In the first month, which is the month Nisan,
in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, cast lots)
before Haman daily, and each month, until the twelfth month,
which is the month Adar, to determine the time.
8 (Ac 16:20-21; Ezr 4:12-15) Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus,
"There exists a scattered people dispersed among the other peoples
in all the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different
from all others, and they are not complying with the king's laws,
so there may not be a suitable reason for the king to allow them to exist.
9 If it pleases the king, may it be written that they are to be destroyed,
and may there be ten thousand talents [About 75 feet, or 23 meters.]
of silver deposited into the king's treasuries so that I may distribute
it to the hands of those doing the work."
10 (Ge 41:42; Est 7:6) The king took his signet ring from his hand
and gave it to Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite,
the enemy of the Jews.
11 The king said to Haman, "The silver has been granted to you,
as have the people, so do with each as it pleases you."
12 (1Ki 21:8; Est 1:22) Then the king's scribes were summoned
on the thirteenth day of the first month, and a decree was written
just as Haman had commanded to the king's satraps
and to the governors over each province and to the officials
of all peoples and to every province according to its own script,
and to every people in their language. It was written
in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the king's signet ring.
13 (2Ch 30:6; Est 9:10) The letters were sent by mounted couriers
into all the king's provinces to cause the destruction, slaughter,
and annihilation of all Jews, both young and old, little children and women,
in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar,
and even to plunder their possessions.
14 (Est 8:13-14) A copy of the document, issued as law in every province,
was proclaimed, calling for all people to be ready for the day.
15 (Est 8:15) The couriers went out, being hastened by the king's command.
At the citadel of Susa, when the decree was issued, the king and Haman
sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in uproar.
Esther 3
[1] After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of
Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the
princes that were with him.
[2] And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and
reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai
bowed not, nor did him reverence.
[3] Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said unto
Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment?
[4] Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened
not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would
stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.
[5] And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then
was Haman full of wrath.
[6] And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed
him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews
that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of
Mordecai.
[7] In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of
king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to
day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month
Adar.
[8] And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered
abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom;
and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's
laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them.
[9] If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and
I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have
the charge of the business, to bring it into the king's treasuries.
[10] And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the
son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy.
[11] And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people
also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.
[12] Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first
month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto
the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province,
and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing
thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king
Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring.
[13] And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to
destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old,
little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the
twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a
prey.
[14] The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province
was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.
[15] The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and
the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat
down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.
Esther 4
Esther Helps the Jews
1 (2Sa 1:11; 13:19) When Mordecai learned all that had been done, he tore
his clothes and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst
of the city, and cried with a loud and bitter cry.
2 He went as far as the king's gate because no one was allowed to enter
into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth.
3 (Isa 58:5; Da 9:3) In each and every province where the king's command
and his decree came there was great mourning among the Jews,
and fasting, and weeping, and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes.
4 So the young women of Esther and her eunuchs came and told her of it.
The queen was then seized by anguish. She sent garments to clothe Mordecai
so that he could remove his sackcloth, but he would not accept them.
5 So Esther summoned Hathak, one of the king's eunuchs appointed
to attend her, and commanded him concerning Mordecai to
learn what this was about and why.
6 So Hathak went out to where Mordecai was in the area of the city
in front of the king's gate.
7 Mordecai told him about all that had happened to him
and about the sum of silver that Haman had promised to pay to the king's
treasuries for the destruction of the Jews.
8 Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa
concerning their destruction so he could show Esther, tell her about it,
and then charge her to go to the king in order to gain him favor with the king
and to make requests in the presence of the king for her people.
9 Hathak returned and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
10 Again Esther spoke to Hathak and ordered him to reply to Mordecai:
11 (Est 5:1-2; 8:4) "All the king's servants and the people of the king's
provinces know that whoever, whether man or woman, wishes to come to the king
at the inner court but has not been summoned, there is one law-to put him
to death-unless for some reason the king should hold out the golden scepter
so that he might live. I, however, have not been summoned to come to the king
for these thirty days."
12 So all the words of Esther were told to Mordecai.
13 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, "Do not think that
in the king's palace you will be more likely to escape
than all the other Jews.
14 For if you remain silent at this time, protection and deliverance
for the Jews will be ordained from some other place, but you
and your father's house shall be destroyed. And who knows if you may have
attained royal position for such a time as this?"
15 Then Esther replied, sending back to Mordecai:
16Ge 43:14; Est 5:1 "Go, gather all the Jews who can be found in Susa,
then fast for me. Stop eating and drinking for three days, night or day.
I and my young women will fast likewise. Only then would I dare go
to the king since it is not allowed by law, and if I perish, I perish."
17 So Mordecai went away and did exactly as Esther had commanded him.
Esther 4
[1] When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes,
and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city,
and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;
[2] And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the
king's gate clothed with sackcloth.
[3] And in every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his
decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and
weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.
[4] So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was
the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and
to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not.
[5] Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king's chamberlains, whom he
had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to
know what it was, and why it was.
[6] So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was
before the king's gate.
[7] And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum
of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king's treasuries for the
Jews, to destroy them.
[8] Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at
Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her,
and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication
unto him, and to make request before him for her people.
[9] And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
[10] Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;
[11] All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do
know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into
the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to
death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that
he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these
thirty days.
[12] And they told to Mordecai Esther's words.
[13] Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that
thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.
[14] For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there
enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou
and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art
come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
[15] Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,
[16] Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast
ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my
maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not
according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
[17] So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had
commanded him.
2) Our Daily Bread for 12 September 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/09/12/trust-in-his-name
Entitled "Trust in His Name"
Psalm 9:7-12
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) But the Lord remains forever;
He has established His throne for judgment.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) He will judge the world in righteousness;
He will give judgment to the peoples in uprightness.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Those who know Your name will put their trust in You,
for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Sing praises to the Lord who dwells in Zion;
declare His deeds among the people.
12 He who avenges deaths remembers them;
He does not forget the cry of the humble.
He
7 But the LORD shall endure for ever:
He hath prepared his throne for judgment.
8 And he shall judge the world in righteousness,
He shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.
Waw
9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
A refuge in times of trouble.
10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee:
For thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
Zain
11 Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion:
Declare among the people his doings.
12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them:
He forgetteth not the cry of the humble.
As a child, there was a time I dreaded going to school. Some girls were
bullying me by subjecting me to cruel pranks. So during recess, I'd take
refuge in the library, where I read a series of Christian storybooks. I
remember the first time I read the name "Jesus." Somehow, I knew that this
was the name of someone who loved me. In the months that followed,
whenever I'd enter school fearful of the torment that lay ahead, I'd pray,
"Jesus, protect me." I'd feel stronger and calmer, knowing He was watching
over me. In time, the girls simply grew tired of bullying me and stopped.
Many years have passed, and trusting His name continues to sustain me through
difficult times. Trusting His name is believing that what He says about His
character is true, allowing me to rest in Him.
David too knew the security of trusting in God's name. When he wrote Psalm 9,
he'd already experienced God as the all-powerful ruler who is just and
faithful (vv. 7-8, 10, 16). David thus showed his trust in God's name by going
into battle against his enemies, trusting not in his weapons or military
skill, but in God ultimately coming through for him as "a refuge for the
oppressed" (v. 9).
As a little girl, I called on His name and experienced how He lived up to it.
May we always trust His name-Jesus-the name of the One that loves us.
By: Karen Huang
Reflect & Pray
What challenges have been troubling you?
How does meditating on Jesus' name build your trust in Him?
Heavenly Father, teach me who You are, so that
I never have reason to doubt You in any circumstance I face.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 2 - Alienation and Reconciliation
Col 1:21-22
21 (Eph 2:12) And you, who were formerly alienated
and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled
22 (Ro 7:4; Eph 5:27) in the body of His flesh through death,
to present you holy and blameless and above reproach in His sight,
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind
by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy
and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight
Some 50 years ago, Orson Welles's radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds
threw the nation into panic; people on the East Coast ran for their lives,
expecting at any moment to be destroyed by alien invaders from outer space.
Today, of course, we are more sophisticated about such matters.
Television and movies have educated us about alien life forms.
Star Wars and Star Trek have taught us that their appearance can be much
different than ours. Sometimes they are unable to exist in our atmosphere
with artificial life-support systems; their physical makeup is often
incompatible with our environment.
God says that we, apart from Christ, are as incompatible with his kingdom
as the 'aliens' of movies are with Earth's environment.
We are at war with God, a true "war of the worlds" that staggers
the imagination.
Yet God has 'reconciled' us to his world. He has made us fit,
made us able to exist in his kingdom. He has made us part of
his world through Christ's death and resurrection.
Now, through Christ, we are 'holy' and 'without blemish' in God's sight.
And that transformation, ironically, make us 'alien' in the world around us.
No longer do we fit in a world of selfishness and greed, a world where Self
is god and everyone does what is right in his own heart.
We belong, instead, in the kingdom of God's righteousness.
Application
a) In what ways am I an 'alien' in this world?
b) How have I been an 'alien' to God's kingdom?
c) How can today's verses help me deal with my sense of 'not fitting'?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
1 Cor 13:3
3 If I give all my goods to feed the poor,
and if I give my body to be burned,
and have not love, it profits me nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor,
and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity,
it profiteth me nothing.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Inexhaustible Strength
Ps 18:30-34
30 As for God, His way has integrity;
the word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all those who take refuge in Him.
31 For who is God except the Lord?
Or who is a rock besides our God?
32 It is God who clothes me with strength,
and gives my way integrity.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
and causes me to stand on my high places.
34 He trains my hands for war,
so that my arms bend a bow of bronze.
30 As for God, his way is perfect:
The word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
31 For who is God save the LORD?
Or who is a rock save our God?
32 It is God that girdeth me with strength,
And maketh my way perfect.
33 He maketh my feet like hinds' feet,
And setteth me upon my high places.
34 He teacheth my hands to war,
So that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Nova Scotia
Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629
With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques
in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.
Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration
has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.
while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population
somewhere between 25000 to 30000.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
12th Day of the Month
a) Pray that the Lord will put a desire in the hearts of those in business
to follow God's principles and act honourably and ethically
(Proverb 11:1
1 A false balance is abomination to the Lord,
but a just weight is His delight.
1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD:
But a just weight is his delight.
)
b) Pray the the Spirit of the Lord will restrain the spirit of
hatred and destruction against humanity across the world.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord that those who do not know Him will
end up following Him.
Pray to the Lord: "Heavenly Father, teach me who You are, so that
I never have reason to doubt You in any circumstance I face."
Pray to the Lord and pray to feel with one with Jesus.
Pray to the Lord and ask him how to be loving and charitable.
Pray to the Lord and remember His ways are perfect.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that the Lord will put a desire in the hearts of those in business
to follow God's principles and act honourably and ethically
Pray the the Spirit of the Lord will restrain the spirit of
hatred and destruction against humanity across the world.
Pray for Kandhi, and her daughter Meice, in Indonesia, who both witnessed
her husband's murder by Muslim terrorists.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.