By Ashley Synowicki As chapter 3 of Esther begins, we are met with a shift of events. Readers expect to see how Mordecai is honored for his loyalty in exposing the plot against king at the end of Chapter 2. Surprisingly, we learned that Chapter 3 is five years in the future. Instead of Mordecai, …
God’s Hidden Hand
by Gail Peo Queen Vashti, queen to King Ahasuerus, in the kingdom of Persia, was dismissed fromthis position because she refused to come to the king when he called her. Later, theking’s anger abated, and he began to remember Queen Vashti. In response, the youngmen in the king’s presence suggested that he make some changes. …
Who Is My King?
By Jessica McKillip Who is your king? Esther 1 paints a picture of King Ahasuerus, the king of the Persian empire during our story of Esther. It’s not a pretty picture. King Ahasuerus is a volatile, egotistical ruler with a love of wealth and power. He tends to drink lots, be easily angered, and is …
Faithful
If you want to know someone, what better way than to go to the source? Allow that person to describe themselves to you. That’s why I find verses in the Bible where God describes Himself especially helpful. Take, for example, these verses: And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and …
Are You Ready?
The winter session of Equip Her bible studies begins this coming Sunday and Tuesday mornings. Have you registered yet? (Full disclosure, I just registered yesterday, so you're not too late.) We'd love to have you join us the next 11 weeks as we study the book of Esther. For more details, you can read our …
Register Now for our Winter Session
Do you ever feel like you are stuck in a perpetual winter? Okay. Maybe now is not the best time to ask on the first full week of January when the outside temperatures are in the single digits. But then again, maybe it IS the best time to ask, because I’m not talking about an …
Rejoice Always!
Rejoice always! Paul’s words in Philippians chapter 4 are a tall order. Always? How is that even possible? Christmas time is, without doubt, a time of joy. The angel declared it that first Christmas night, “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy that will be to all people.” If ever there were a …
Shout the Good News
By Mary Wenzl “Psst . . . Psst” “What?” “Come closer, I have a secret to tell you.” “Okay, what?” “Today in Bethlehem, a child was born who will be the King of the world.” “Wow, that is astounding!” “Yes! Now, tell no one. It is a secret. Keep the secret to yourself.” “Okay, I …
Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room
By Sheryl Murray For the first time in many years our family is having a family reunion. What precipitated the event was my sister and her Turkish husband being able to visit from Germany. Everyone wants to see them, of course. So, one sister and husband are driving in from Chicago; another is driving up …
Living Grateful
By Laura Dilworth Our discussion group talked about how interesting it is that we finished this study the week of Thanksgiving, as that seems to be one of the themes of Colossians. Over and over we are taught about the way to live our lives to honor Jesus--with kindness, love, unity, obedience, wisdom, grace, devoted …
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