Esther 2, 3, & 4

In Chapter 2, we are not only introduced to Esther, but also to her cousin Mordecai who raised her.  We see how Mordecai advises and tries to watch over Esther; but, we also see Esther's obedience and humility.   God's Hand at work is evident in causing Esther to be able to win "the favor of everyone who saw her", even the King.   And so, it was God who enabled an orphaned Jew in exile to become the Queen of Persia.

We further see God's Hand at work in the last part of the chapter where Mordecai is able to overhear and stop a plot against the King.  His name being recorded in the annals will be used by God later, at just the right time.

This passage shows that some of the ways God can work in our lives is that:

• He can sometimes use someone we may consider unlikely
• He can use our godly characteristic, like obedience and humility, for His purposes
• Be ready for the possibility of God changing our lives drastically, even in situations we may not want to be in 
• We should always strive to do what is right, even if it involves "enemies" in power, and even if we are not "rewarded" for it right away

30-Jun:  Then in Chapter 3, we are introduced to Haman.  We are told that he is an Agagite, a descendent of Agag the Amelekite.  King Saul lost his crown because he didn't destroy all the Amalekites, and Samuel had to be the one to kill Agag.  And during Moses's time, God waged war against the Amalekites because they attacked the Israelites right after they left Egypt.   It is interesting that here in the Book of Esther, the conflict continues between the relative of King Saul, Mordecai and the relative of Agag, Haman; when Mordecai refuses to bow down and give honor to Haman.  And instead of just taking out his anger on Moredecai, Haman decides to destroy, kill, and annihilate the Jews, and he deceived the King into agreeing to issue the decree for the destruction of the Jews.  The fact that the people of Susa were "bewildered" shows that the King should have been less oblivious to the horrific edict.

In this passage, it may be a little more difficult to see God's Hand at work.  Yet, it is God who gave Mordecai strength to stand firm in not bowing to Haman.  And even though it may seem that things turned out badly at this time not only for Mordecai but also for all the Jews, yet, God still has a plan.   It is a reminder to trust God and to continue to do what is right, even when circumstances may cause us to doubt.

5-Jul:  Chapter 4 begins with Mordecai and the Jewish people mourning, fasting, weeping, wailing, and in sackcloth and ashes.  In the isolation and shelter of the palace, Esther does not know of the decree to annihilate the Jews; but, Mordecai informs her with details and facts, and then urges her to go to the King to plead for her people.  Esther's challenge is that no one is allowed to enter the King's presence without being summoned, and she hasn't been asked to see the king for a month.

Yet, Mordecai gives the following advice and cousel:

• Don't think this won't affect you, just because you are Queen
• If you don't do it, God will use someone else to Deliver His People
• This may be God's calling and purpose for you being Queen

The "for such a time as this" verse (4:14b) may be the most well-known and often reference verse in the Book; and in response to the sound advice from Mordecai, we see that Esther gains resolve and is willing to risk even her life in order to try to be the one God uses to save His People.

The advice Mordecai gave to Esther can apply to us as well - it is best that we be ready for opportunities for God to use us.  In preparing for this study, one of my Study Bibles had this insight and encouraged me to pray for it in my life, "to do a new work in [me] today, to lift [my] sights above the expected, to develop in [me] the qualities that make for excellence."

In this passage, we see God's handiwork in calling Esther to help deliver His People in "such a time as this".  Each person had a part in God's Plan - Esther, Mordecai, even the eunuch who helped deliver the  messages.  It just shows us to we should seek to be used by God in whatever position we are.  And, it is a blessing that God, unlike King Xerxes, is a King that allows us to enter into His Presence always.

Train Trip

My class took an Amtrak Train Trip from the Anaheim train station to the San Diego Old Town train station.  (The Anaheim station somewhat shares the same parking lot as Angel Stadium; and it was $56 round-trip)   The train ride took about 2 hours each way - the seats were fairly comfortable, the view is better upstairs, and there are usually more seats towards the end of the train.  Taking the train is more relaxing than driving, especially when there is traffic.

It was a nice day, and a really fun trip.   We had a good time of fellowship with those in the class who went on the trip.  One couple was even celebrating their 39th Anniversary with us on the trip.  We departed at about 9AM, arrived at about 11AM, had time for a leisurely lunch at the Livingroom Cafe, a really nice outdoor cafe with healthy and fresh food.  We then strolled through the Old Town shops, museums, and historical landmarks.   Then, we met for dinner at 4PM at the Old Town Mexican Cafe.  The food was really good and they made their own fresh tortillas right in the restaurant.  I ordered a mini molcajete with grilled shrimp, chicken, beef, sausages and bell pepper and avocado dipped in salsa; served with tortillas - so good!   We then departed on the 6:51PM train for the return trip.  It was a great day altogether.

Ugandan Lambs

I started writing a card to the Ugandan Lamb orphan I've been praying for.  I tried to put myself in her shoes and thought of what would be most encouraging for me to hear if I were in her position.  I tried to relate to what I have learned about her, and I tried to remind her that God is at work in her life, developing her into the special person she was created to be.  I found a great card showing the "Potter" at work with a quote from Jeremiah 29:11 on God's Plans.  My prayer is that God would encourage her and give her hope when she receives the card.

20-Oct:  Last night there was an update presentation for the ministry at church.  It is encouraging to see the joy of the Ugandan Lamb orphans.  It is neat to see the plans for building on their new "campus", the opening of the second location, the giving of soccer balls, bunk beds, etc.  It truly is a wonderful ministry.

Esther - A Woman of Strength & Dignity

Chuck Swindoll's book "Esther - A Woman of Strength & Dignity" provided some good insights into the Book of Esther that will be useful as supplemental information for my class study.  Following are some of the notable points:

• There are times when we might think that God is absent because of His silence, only to find out later that He's been there all along At Work
• Esther was an orphan - imagine her having lost her parents, a poor little Jewish girl in exile, never imagining that she would become Queen of Persia
• Many amazing days begin very ordinarily, but result in life change (e.g. day of the Flood, day Christ was born, day Christ resurrected, the day when He comes back again, etc)
• Mordecai must have seen the 75 foot gallows that Haman was building to hang him on - What must have gone through his mind? And would he have imagined that very same evening God would lead the King to read about saving his life and instead of being hung,  he would be rewarded!    =>  What "gallows" loom overhead in our lives that we dread?  Trust that God can work things out in ways we may never even imagine
• God's PLANS are not hindered even when the events of this world are carnal or secular and God's PURPOSES are not frustrated by moral failure
• God moves in the mundane as well as in the miraculous
• When things seem to be going well (e.g. Esther is Queen, King is "happy", etc); there may still be evil lurking (pain and evil are a natural part of this fallen sinful world)
• Why does Haman react to Mordecai not bowing down to him by not only wanting to kill him but also the whole race of Jews?  This goes back to a grudge - Haman is an Agagite, a descendent of the Amalekite King that Saul, in disobedience to God, did not kill
• The "for such a time as this" message was a turning point speech - it reminded Esther that 1) she was not exempt from the troubles and urged her not to "do nothing" (i.e. "take action"), 2) that if not her, God would use someone else to accomplish His Plan, and 3) how great it would be if we were to be used as part of His Plan
• The response from Esther "if I perish, I perish" shows the moment of resolve, being willing to take a stand and even die for what she felt was important enough
• After fasting, when Esther approached the King, she seemed to have confidence and had a plan
• She waited on God's Timing before making her petition, until the gallows were built
• Instead of remembering that they were decreed to be annihilated, they started celebrating Purim each year to remember their deliverance instead (we need to have God-honoring memorials, like communion to remember what Christ did on the cross)
• Chp 10 gives some of the reasons for Mordecai's greatness, great among Jews, favor w/kinsmen, sought good, spoke for welfare of nation.  Throughout history, God makes unexpected choices for those He will use:  David, Moses, Gideon, a harlot, Jonah, Paul, and here, a no-name from the gates of the king, Mordecai and an orphaned young lady, Esther (NOTE:  The world often looks at externals for those they consider "great"; but, God looks at the heart.  In this passage, the things that make Mordecai great have nothing to do with externals)

What a great story to remind us that God is at work even when we may not see it; and that HIS Plan will always prevail.

Order and Discipline

I've been negatively viewed as being too "rigid" and "strictly planned".  To someone who is unstructured, this may seem restricted and may cause stress.  But, for me, lack of structure and not being able to be on time is what would cause more stress.  

True, my nature likes order and discipline, and from Scripture, I would say that is not a bad thing.  1 Corinthians 14:33 says that "God is not a God of disorder" and there are verses that associate disorder with evil.  Titus 1:8 encourages the characteristics of self-control and discipline, and these characteristics have proven to be beneficial in my life.  An example of a great Planner in Scripture would be Nehemiah.  The Wall of Jerusalem may not have been able to be completed in such an effective and organized manner if it had not been for his planning.

As I consider those who have accused me of being to strict, I could see how they have actually benefited from my being so disciplined.   I have helped them out in areas where their lack of structure resulted in their need of assistance, whether it be financially, finishing something, in organizing,etc.

However, I do also value balance.   I do consider that I am able to adjust and be flexible when I need to.  There are so many areas and times in which I have been able to adapt to unexpected circumstances, and I have been able to do so effectively.  I do also try to be considerate of others who are not as orderly; but, for the times in which I've heard negative feedback, realistically, I was as flexible as I could be without it resulting in negative outcomes.

So, I stand by my actions, and will not compromise who I am, especially after taking into consideration what the wisdom in God's Word says.

Esther 1

The Book of Esther has some uncommon characteristics:

• It is only one of two books named after women (the other being Ruth)
• It is only one of two books where God is not mentioned directly (the other being Song of Solomon).  However, even though God is not mentioned directly, it is clear that He is at work, especially in delivering His people from annihilation.   So, I have entitled the series "Looking for God's Hand at Work".   My hope is that as our spiritual senses are heightened, we may become more aware of how God works in our lives, which should naturally lead to thanksgiving and praise to Him.

I decided to study it since we have already studied many of the other Books of the Bible during the time period of the Persian Empire (Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, and Zechariah).   In fact, the events of Esther occur between the first and second return of the exiles to Jerusalem.  King Xerxes or Ahasuerus is the son of Darius (king during Haggai and Zechariah) and grandson of Cyrus (king during the beginning of Ezra who made the decree to allow the return).

We are not introduced to Esther until chapter 2, but, chapter 1 provides the Background to the events leading to Esther becoming queen.   Towards the beginning of Xerxes's reign, he throws a banquet to flaunt his wealth and splendor for six months.   After that, he then invites everyone in the capital and has a drinking party.   When he is drunk, he then wants to show off Queen Vashti.  It's almost as if he was wondering what else he could put on display.  The fact that he became furious and burned with anger when she refused shows that he was likely not very nice when drunk.  And the royal decree he signed into law that Vashti be replaced by another seemed to be an over-reaction, along with the dispatches to enforce male dominance in each household.

While these were fairly negative events, this is a good example of how God causes good to come out of bad.  He is able to use these circumstances as part of His Plan.   It also shows that even before we are ever aware of it, God is often already at work preparing.   The outcome of all this was a royal decree which would enable Esther to become queen at a time the nation of Israel needed it.

Father's Day'14

Spent the Father's Day weekend in Palm Springs with my family.  We had triple digit weather and high winds; but, it was still nice to have a little "get-away".

I had the responsibility of taking care of breakfast on Saturday.  The challenge was that I was only able to do grocery shopping the week before; and I needed to be able to transport whatever was brought through hot weather for several hours.  So, my options were restricted, and I didn't want to bring a lot of extra things either.   I ended making scrambled eggs, bratwurst, triple berry muffins, pancakes, and bread.  Next time, I might bring hash browns instead of bread.   And, it is good to keep in mind that my dad really likes pancakes.

For the other meals, we had food from Kowloon, Joy, and Carl's Jr.   The food at Kowloon wasn't as good as it used to be;and the food at Joy wasn't so good this time.  Joy is also quite expensive.  Breakfast at Carl's cost about 50% more than cooking it ourselves.   But, for Father's Day lunch, we actually found a nice restaurant - Canton Bistro.   The food tasted good and special lunch prices were pretty good for the area ($7.95).  The vegetable chow fun was actually really good - it had a grilled flavor and was seasoned well.  It's probably the best Chinese food I've had in the Palm Springs area.  It was located on Hwy 111 between Costco and Walmart.

We watched the National Treasure movies, which were good, even the second time around.  However, the DVD we "rented" was "Impossible".  It was based on a true story about a family who's lives were changed drastically when the Tsunami hit where they were staying in Southeast Asia.   It started out so tragic and painful that we ended up not being able to finish watching it.

I decided to stay and go to church with my family, instead of driving back early for my church.  It turned out that Sunday morning was the best part of the weekend trip.  I had a chance to do devotions overlooking the lake/pool area; and I had a special time with the LORD.  He was able to reveal some insights to me, and I had a chance to share those insights with my younger brother.  At church, we had a chance to hear from a missionary family to Slovenia.   It was interesting to learn that there are only about 40 churches in the whole country.   But, it was encouraging that globally, we grow about 2% (more than any other religion).

Then, as I was driving home, God blessed me with not encountering any bad traffic at all.  And also, on the radio, a Christian group was sharing about being musicianaries, i.e. musician missionaries.   And, one of those in the group said a phrase that really stood out, that sometimes when it may seem like our life is "falling apart", it may be that it is in actuality just "falling into place".

Bonds

Savings Bonds are actually not bad in terms of long-term investment, if bought when rates are fairly high.   I just sold mine this weekend, one that was a gift from my mom and the other an award from an essay contest I had won.  Granted, final maturity took thirty years, but, they actually gave about 7.7% and 6% return per year.   Also, the bonds are fairly liquid, since they can be sold/cashed at a bank.  However, when rates are low, they may be the similar to a certificate of deposit account.  Maybe the benefit would be in being able to diversify.

Friendship Evangelism

I took the Friendship Evangelism class at church today.  It was a good 2 1/2 hours of practical information.  The teacher gave a good quote from Bill Hybels, "Evangelism is introducing someone to the most important person in your life" - what a neat perspective.

Some of the good reminders is that as Christ's followers, we too should desire to carry out His purpose of seeking and saving that which was lost (Luke 19:10).  In the great commission in Matthew 28, the "Go therefore" points to doing it as part of our everyday walk.  The other thing is to remember that we are His ambassadors whether or not we choose to be, so we really should prepare ourselves and ensure that we are good representatives for Him.

Some of my barriers (F-ear, E-xtreme Separation, N-o preparation, C-lock crunch, E-dification overdose, S-tereotypes) to evangelism would include fear b/c of my shy personality, time limitations, and not spending as much time with those who are not yet believers.

I'm reminded to spend more time in intentional prayer and to invest in common ground.  Even the Apostle Paul asked for prayer for the right words to say, and to have boldness and perseverance.  I was also once again reminded that evangelism fits right in with my focus for this year on loving others, for that would include those who are not yet believers also.  The statistic that 70-90% of people come to Christ and to church through the influence of friends and relatives makes a really strong point.  I could even use my home after the remodel as a place from which I can outreach through inviting others over.

And just as all heaven rejoices when the lost are "found", this also fits into finding the joy in living, for joy in life can be increased if I am involved in reaching the lost.

One really interesting chapter in the class was the one on evangelism personalities.   It was so clear that my "GOTO" Evangelism Personality would be "ACADEMIC", and the next would be "SERVANT".   I'm okay with "HOSPITALITY" and "BOTTOM LINE"; but, am weakest in "TESTIMONY" and "CONVERSATIONAL".   This is just are reminder that I need to work on developing my social and conversational skills.   Already, God is starting to work on my intended focus for next year on sharing the goodness of God and thus bringing Him glory and being a witness for Him.

Seasons

I came across a really neat devotion from DaySpring that was definitely worth noting:

What season are you in today?
If you're in fall...let go.
If you're in winter...rest.
If you're in spring...grow.
If you're in summer...take care of yourself so you don't burn out.

"For everything there is a season." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

What a wonderful analogy of the seasons to our lives.   In Fall, the leaves drop in order to be ready for the tree to grow new leaves; so, there may be things in our lives to let go to make way for something new.  In Winter, we may be going through storms and cold difficulties, so, it may just be time to rest in God's strength as he helps us through.  Spring is the season that most people probably want to stay in, where we are experiencing growth and may bloom.  But, we can't have Spring without the other seasons of life.   Then in summer, the hot sun may cause us to burn out; so we need to be careful.

Right now, I may be in Fall, in the process of truly letting go of my Thorn.