At a time when any question now has multi-choice answers (and all claiming to be true), finding the source of absolute authority is paramount for navigating one’s way through life’s deepest puzzles…
READ ESTHER 8 Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
I’m part of the minority in this country who has never watched the Lord of the Rings, nor have I read the books. I’m guessing though that it’s an exciting journey through all sorts of dangers until all is restored in the end. A tale that we’d all like to believe in, for humanity’s experience on our planet. But the age-old question is: Who has absolute authority to restore all things?
In today’s chapter, Xerxes, the king of the Persian Empire, reclaimed his signet ring from a terrorist who had used it to seal the fate of an entire people group. [v1-3] The problem, however, was that any law of the Medes and Persians that had been seal with this ring of all rings – the signet ring of the King – couldn’t be revoked. [v8] It was written in stone. And so, another law had to be put in place to meet the first law head on. [v11] But what has any of this to do with us today?
The Creator God is Lord of the Rings, His ring is on His Right Hand and, by His Right Hand, He accomplishes His will.[a] In His Name, which is above all Names, He’s written His own law in stone, that cannot be revoked.[b] Although the Creator’s people were to be a Royal Priesthood and Holy Nation, a people belonging to God[c] – no-one can obey our Maker’s decreed laws in full, and therefore we all are due its penalties.[d] But here’s the really Good News: just as it was in Esther day, the Lord of all Rings has put in place a new law to save us today.[e] And what’s truly fantastic about it: it faces head on, the old order of sin and death.[f]
Read More? …CLICK on “20 July – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Finding it hard to speak directly with the King of Kings? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[g]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”
I’ll worship You, Lord, in the splendour of Your holiness. I want to “Tremble before You” along with all the earth. You reign, Lord, and may the heavens rejoice, and the earth is glad. [Psalm 96:9-11]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
The World: God GRACE on Israel[h]
Your Country: Opportunities to serve your Maker
Yourself: Desire for Moral Excellence
Your concerns for today
I know, Lord, that God is Spirit, and those who want to worship You must pray in the Spirit and in truth. [John 4:24]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”
Good and upright are You, Lord. You instruct sinners in Your ways. You guide the humble in what is right and You teach them Your way. [Psalm 25:8-9]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”
Thank-You Lord that You live! I praise You for being my Rock! I exalted You my God, because you are my Rock and my Saviour! [2 Samuel 22:47]
“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”
When Jesus was questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, He always spoke things that were previously written in God’s Word.[i] Following these memory verses from ten topics, will help you learn 52 verses from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Topic = Our Maker’s Handbook
“Do not let this Book of Law depart from your mouth, but meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it; then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. [Joshua 1:8]
[a] Isaiah 9:7; Jeremiah 30:24; Daniel 11:24; John 4:34
[b] Exodus 24:12
[c] Exodus 19:6 (See also: 1 Peter 2:9)
[d] Psalm 143:2; Ecclesiastes 7:20 (See also: Romans 3:10&20)
[e] Jeremiah 31:31-32
[f] Psalm 48:10 & 118:15; Isaiah 41:10 & 59:16; Matthew 5:17
[g] Matthew 6:5-15
[h] http://www.operationworld.org/country/isra/owtext.html
[i] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31