By Gail Peo In Chapter 7 of Esther, the wicked, deceptive Haman was exposed as the orchestrator of the edict to destroy, kill, and annihilate the Jews, the people of Queen Esther. We felt great relief when Haman was hung on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Even the king’s anger was abated. But …
God is in the Details
By Ashley Synowicki This week, in Chapter 6, we find the turning point of the story of Esther. The author of our story has highlighted this section in a clever way hinting to its significance. We find Chapter 6 in the very middle of the 6 feasts described in the book of Esther. Feasts are …
God Keeps His Promises
By Katie Kafka And they told Mordecai what Esther had said. Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews …
Craving Respect
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 …
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 …
Wearing Jesus
"Religion tells you what to do. Jesus tells you who you are. When you know who you are, you know what to do."Alan Caplin I came across this quote this past week when I was in the middle of studying Colossians 3:5-17. I couldn't help thinking what a perfect summary it was of what is …
Things That are Above
By Ashley Synowicki In week 7 we discussed Colossians 3:1-4: If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ …
Equip Her 