"forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

The writer urges the reader, that we follow his example of moving forward in the Lord. Not held back or hindered by past experiences or history, but focusing in on what the Lord had set before him. His goal was in the course set before him, resolute in purpose and intent, not hindered by the past.

Pastor Russell

"A star shall come forth from Jacob, and a scepter shall rise from Israel"

The mad prophet could not contain the words given to him by the Lord to speak. Some 14 centuries later would come the birth of the Saviour of the world. Many had pondered the words written in Numbers, wondering in awe of what was to come. Now come see, a Saviour is born!

Pastor Russell

"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign; Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel." (God is with us)

The unbelieving king Ahaz, would not consider asking the Lord for a sign of His faithfulness. So hardened was his heart, that the prophet would say that God would go beyond the call in reaching out to this one. In our own world, unbelievers galore surround us, as the Lord continues to go with extraordinary means and measure to reach out with the gospel message of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Russell

"And he letters to all the Jews, to the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, namely words of peace and truth."

Like the words of the Lord, found in all the word of God, we find Mordecai's message laced with peace and truth. God would convey to His people, all the reassurance of His peace for their lives. Just escaping the harrowing onslaught of the enemy, now the reality of the truth of the gospel hit home, we can find rest in Him. Today, no matter where you are at, find rest in Him, His peace, His truth.

Pastor Russell

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble."

Good times, hard times, even bad times of trouble come for the child of God. What we must remember, the Lord is our refuge and strength. No longer an open target for the enemies that seek us, we can be shielded by the Rock of our Salvation. When we are weak, He is strong. Without resources, He is our help.
Don't forget where our help comes from; "My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1

Pastor Russell

As we enter the Thanksgiving holiday week, it's good to be reminded of His love and faithfulness towards us. Even as we encounter difficulty and hardship at times, we are reminded of all He has done and accomplished on our behalf. We can dwell on His lovingkindness towards us, setting our eyes on Him, we are filled with gladness and the fullness of joy that comes in our communion with Him. Give thanks, not only this week, but each and everyday.

Pastor Russell

"He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone, it will come back on him."

As wicked Haman plotted the death of the Jews, little did he realize that he was plotting against God's people. Little did he know that the Lord would not allow His chosen to be exterminated. The very evil that he plotted, would ultimately befall himself and his own family. So too it will be, the same fate of those in the future, who would raise their hands against God's people.

Pastor Russell

"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