"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from some other place and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this."

God's timing is so fortuitous. He brings the young Jewish maiden to the forefront of the battle for the very lives and existence of her people. Then He asks for a daring move, a step of faith with heart surrendered to Him. What is it that God has called you to? With our hearts surrendered, and taking those steps of faith, would you trust Him to do the work in and through you.

Pastor Russell

"In the first month, which is the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, Pur, that is the lot, was cast before Haman from day to day and from month to month, until the twelfth month, that is the month Adar."

The insidious Haman, was on of superstition and dark tradition. He would not move against the Jews unless his evil luck was on his side. Patiently, he awaited until the lot was in his favor, then and only then would he move when he considered the time opportune. So much like the enemy today, at times so patient to move against the Christian, the marriage, the family he looks for opportunity to strike, usually against the weaker link, or the weakest link. Be aware of his schemes, keep your guard up and the armor on.

Pastor Russell

"But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command delivered by the eunuchs. Then the king became very angry and his wrath burned within him."

This refusal by the queen was to be made known far and wide, across a great cross section of the Persian kingdom. In this the king was filled with embarrassment as his pride and ego suffered greatly at her refusal. So incensed was the king, that he banished the queen from his presence, thus opening the door for the introduction of Esther. At times the Lord allows things to happen, capitalizing on the fleshly character traits of man to accomplish His purposes. But for we who are Christians, we ought to hopefully focus on things of the Spirit, and not the things of the flesh.

Pastor Russell

"Husbands love your wives, just as also Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her;"

We saw last time in Esther 1:12, "But queen Vashti refused to come.....Then the king became very angry and his wrath burned within him."

The whim of the king was refused, and we see his anger began to burn within him. Whether it was I said, you said, she said or he said, we have the makings of a matter that would blow up. We know that the story of Esther was key to the saving of the Jews, and this matter with the king and queen was allowed to happen, yet too often it's a little thing that escalates in the lives of ordinary people. Yes, we know wives are to submit to their husbands, yet husband's ought to take the higher road and initiate a peaceful resolution.

Pastor Russell

"...that Evilmerodach king of Babylon, in the year he became king, released Jehoiachin of Judah from prison; and he spoke kindly to him and set his throne above the thrones of the kings who were with him in Babylon."

Nine hundred forced miles in a march from Judah, incarcerated in ghetto like prison barracks, slaves to the king, now seeing some grace extended to them by the new Babylonian king. The Lord seemed to be working in hearts, soon to accomplish His perfect will to release the captives back to freedom to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. The long 70-year time out would eventually come to an end, the Lord having plans for His people, for hope and good. At times we may feel like we are in a period of waiting, time of captivity, yet having the hope of Gods promises. Trust in Him with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding.

Pastor Russell

"...Nebuchadnezzar the captain of the guard carried away into exile."

The fall of Jerusalem had come, now what was left was the defeated Israelites to be taken into captivity. The long 900-mile journey would be tenuous, to say the least, with young and the infirm. So too, today the long journey to captivity is one littered with heartbreak because of sin. Hard times because of hardened hearts, lack of peace, and the innocent pay a price, being separated from the love of God. Pray, be ready to give an answer of the hope that that lies within you, to a world lost and dying without Him.

Pastor Russell

"In repentance and rest you shall be saved, in quietness and in trust is your strength"

In all the dizzying pace of the ongoings around them, the prophet asks Israel that they would re-focus their attention upon the Lord. Like many today, we experience overload as we face deadlines, decisions, pressure on and off the job, at home, with finances not to mention family, and plethora of other things. Take a moment, a deep breath, remember the words we find in Hebrews, "let us lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance, the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1).

Pastor Russell

"So he stayed among the people." ...."and stayed with him among the people who were left in the land."

Jeremiah, even though his message from the Lord had been rejected over and over, showed a fierce loyalty that would not be deterred. His heart for the people, reminds us of God's heart for the lost, one that was not willing that any should perish, but desired that all would come to everlasting life in Him. It seems that to the very end, he stuck with the people, always praying and hoping for the best. As Jesus came to freely give His life, so too Jeremiah, while having the lay of the land before him, choose to be with the people, ministering in the love of God.

Pastor Russell

"If you seek her as silver, and search for her as hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the Lord."

As we continue to read through the word of God, the Lord is sure to reveal His wisdom and knowledge through many portions of scripture to us. Many facets and a multidimensional image becomes clearer as He puts it all together for us. The old and the new testaments continue to portray a loving and gracious God. Continue to seek Him through His word.

Pastor Russell

"Thy kingdom come."

A portion of prayer from the mouth of our Lord, reveals His heart and the heart of the faithful remnant. So desirous of those who awaited the restoration of the nation of Judah. Many centuries before, the sin of the people led to defeat and to captivity. The loss of self-rule and autonomy brought a yearning in the heart of the Jew. Babylonian captivity, would bring the Persians, then the Greeks, the Romans would follow, along with the dispora, a scattering throughout the world. Only until 1948, would the Jew come back into the land, yet godless for the better part, still estranged from the Saviour. The faithful still avert their eyes to heaven, awaiting the coming of the Lord.

Pastor Russell

"During Jehoiakim's reign, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invaded the land, and Jehoiakim became his vassal for three years. But then he changed his mind and rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar."

After three years, Jehoiakim grew tired of being the king's flunky. No good was to come as he was extorted time after time, with Babylon reaping all the wealth from Judah. Jehoiakim must have been surprised as the Lord allowed even more enemies to come into the land. What was the problem? It may have been, although there was change of mind, there was no change of the heart. Like many today, there may be a mindset of I'm ok, I'm here, I go through all the motions, yet there may be little forward traction, and sadly for some it's even a reversal of forward progress. Some have flipped flopped. Where are our hearts at today?

Pastor Russell

"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

At times as we have walked with the Lord for a while, we may have a tendency to put things on cruise control. Our walk and ministry may become routine and almost without thought. Forget the days of excitement, it's oh someone else will get it, or I'll get there with a few minutes to spare and do my thing. Gone is the desire to be available and be stretched with other "less" desirable ministry opportunities. We may have deviated from the youthful zeal, to a place of not really acknowledging Him. Where are you at today?

Pastor Russell