In a season of concern for terrorism, it might be worth understanding who really is our enemy…
READ ESTHER 7 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:
In a lovely quiet county, tucked away in the English countryside where there’s more sheep than people, it’s hard to be concerned about terrorism. Nevertheless, our county police are training for an armed response – especially for big events. One concern on the radar seems to be our 150-year-old Christian convention and family summer camp. But the question worth asking is: Who’s the enemy?
The storyline, in today’s chapter, shows the King of the Persian Empire enraged over a threat to the life of his Queen. His immediate response is: “Who is he? Where is he…” [v5] The enemy was his second-in-command, Haman the Agagite. [v6] But Haman was only the tool. The real enemy is the person behind all our trouble who’s not just interested in targeting one people group. [v3-4] Identified in HIStory as “the serpent” or “satan”, he’s been the enemy of humanity from the beginning.[a] He wreaks havoc on the blameless without mercy[b], and has no respect at all for rank or status[c] – so anyone’s a target, as Haman discovered far too late, in today’s chapter. [v7]
Having said that, our Maker is the God who Saves and, if we weren’t under threat, we wouldn’t understand this central truth about Him.[d] He’s a stronghold for the oppressed, and rescues us in times of trouble.[e] He hides us in the shadow of His wings.[f] So then, one question remains: Do we see what Queen Esther saw that day – who our enemy really is and how our Creator has, and will continue to, make diamonds out of dust…
Read More? …CLICK on “19 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.
Wanting to connect personally with the One Who Saves? 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 …”
You made the heavens, Father God. Splendour and majesty are Yours. Strength and glory are where You reside. [Psalm 96:5-6]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
The World: God GRACE on Ireland[h]
Your Country: Mission Outreach Events
Yourself: Greater love for your family
Your concerns for today
You Lord, are good – a stronghold in times of trouble. You know those who take refuge in You. [Nahum 1:7]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”
I have told You my secret sin, Father. I didn’t hide my faults. I’ve reasoned to myself that, if I confess my transgressions to You, You’ll forgive the guilt of my sin. [Psalm 32:5]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but delivers us from evil.”
Though I may suffer here for a little while, You: God of All Grace, will call me into Your eternal glory through Christ Jesus. He will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish me. To You be dominion forever and ever. [1 Peter 5:10-11]
“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] Genesis 3:1-15
[b] Job 1:6-2:7
[c] 1 Chronicles 21:1; Zechariah 3:1-2
[d] Psalm 7:10
[e] Psalm 9:9
[f] Psalm 17:8; 36:7; 57:1 and 63:7
[g] Matthew 6:5-15
[h] http://www.operationworld.org/country/irel/owtext.html
[i] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31