Study Notes from Esther Chapter 4

Esther chapter 4 (theme verse Malachi 3:16)

It’s unfortunate Mordecai’s name isn’t in the Hebrews 11 list of heroes of faith.

4:1, 2, Mordecai is as open as anyone can be about the troubling predicament. His prayers are loud and his petitions of God are very visible. And because he was in sackcloth and ashes, he had to leave the king’s court, as grief and calamity weren’t permitted in the sight of the king. It was customary for kings to ban anything not perfect and beautiful. (Even King David, 2 Samuel 5:1-8)

Mordecai’s faith openly honors God. Jesus said in John 4:23, God is looking for those who would worship Him in Spirit and truth. Matthew 7, Jesus said many who say “Lord, Lord” are fakers, but Mordecai is the genuine article.

James 2:14-26, says Christianity without accompanying visible action is useless. Just saying words proves nothing about faith in God. Someday, everyone who names the name of Jesus will stand before God. Can you image standing there and saying, “Almighty God, here I am. I didn’t offend anyone with my Christianity. I never upset anyone by telling them they were a sinner in need of a Savior. I was such a nice person, not one soul ever felt the guilt of sin because I never said there is One God and One Savior to save them forever from eternal Hell-Fire”

4:3, The rest of the Jews in the city also fervently prayed. It seems Mordecai may have been the Spiritual leader of the Jews and not just Esther. God is being asked to intercede for them. More proof God is in this book as they ask while in sackcloth and ashes God to intercede for them.

4:4-8, Esther knows nothing about the king’s order. Queens were more for show than kingdom affairs. All she knows is Mordecai’s making an uproar. Maybe she thinks his distress is for her. She sends a gift to let him know she’s fine only to learn why Mordecai will not be comforted.

4:9,10,11, Mordecai tells her to go to her husband the king and ask for the decree to be repealed. Esther explains what Mordecai already knew, observance of the One rule that won’t get you killed upon entering the king’s presence. Anyone entering the throne room must be in the approval of the king or they die.

God the Father has One rule for people who are allowed into His presence. (John 3:16, John 14:6, Matthew 22:1-14, Acts 4:12, Rev 19:11-15.)

Jesus answered him and said “Truly, I say, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” John 3:3.

4:13, Mordechai informs Esther that even though she is the Queen, the law will stand even in the Palace. King Xerxes is already known for keeping the laws of the Medes and the Persians, and though he may feel badly about killing her, he would not stop it.

Daniel 6:6-17, King Nebuchadnezzar was as much a prideful fool as Xerxes, when he wrote the law that had Daniel thrown to the lions. He could not repeal it.

4:14, (A parallel of Esther and Mordecai & Father God and Jesus) The book of Esther mentions no wife or birth children. I would presume that had he any family in the city, they too would be crying to the Lord with Mordecai. In telling Esther she has the power to save her people even though she may die, Mordecai, in a sense, gives his (only) beloved child to save the nation. (John 3:16)

4:14, Mordecai comforts her with her greater work for God in explaining she may well have been placed where she is for God’s purpose . But so is Mordecai placed by God right where he can accomplish the part he plays in the plan. The foreshadow of their connection in 2: 21-23is utilized for a greater purpose.

2 Timothy 1: 6 & 7. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" Read also John 14:12-14, 15: 4-8, & 16. God the Holy Spirit, our Helper.

Never underestimate your significance in God’s plan. You may think you’re not doing anything but God may be using you for a greater purpose than you can see. The smallest encouraging smile can move a brother or sister to overcome a trouble you know nothing about.

4:16, Esther makes her prayer request known. The city now goes into unified intercessory prayer. This is the real thing when it comes to a prayer chain.

“Fasting does not make you anything special but it does make God everything in your life.” Anonymous

Esther willing gave herself as a sacrifice for her people. Mordecai didn’t know if he would ever see her alive again but his faith in God let him pray for her and send her to do what only she was positioned to do. She knew she could be dead in a short while, yet she was obedient to her father’s order.

Jesus prayed to His Father “Not My will but Your will be done” Luke 22:42.

Amazing! His city is in an uproar, yet Xerxes is unaffected. His heart is so callous he can ignore the wails and pleas of his own subjects he has doomed.

Lesson points:

1. Be visibly Christian

2. Never underestimate the significance of your smallest Christian action.

3. Pray about everything. (Philippians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Extra reading: 1 Samuel 25. Another powerful man who ignored the right thing and put his people in danger. His wife was more understanding to the affairs of the household than he was and like Esther, she took her life into her hands to avert disaster.

Special application: Sometime this week, lay your hands on a close relative and pray for them. (Husband, child, family member, or a friend)

Something like this: “My Dear Father in heaven, I pray for my husband. Please bless his day, keep him safe, help him be the husband only You can help him be. Help me be his wife. Please be the God of this house, Thank you Lord . Amen"

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5 Actions That Will Beautify Any Christian Woman

"Do not let your adornment be merely outward

--arranging the hair, wearing gold or putting on

fine apparel--rather let it be the hidden person

of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a

gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious

in the sight of God"

1 Peter 3:3 & 4

This verse has a bad reputation but it's actually a call for Christian women to rejoice in their womanhood.

Christian women should take a stand and say, "Yes, because I love God, I am different. I refuse to let society fads and fashions stereotype me and my styles."

Here are 5 verses that can influence the way women can show off the beauty in Christianity. 

“Judge not, that you be not judged” Matthew 7: 1

     A woman's judgement, either for or against someone or something, many times will be for the safety of herself, her spouse, her children, her extended family or her friends.
     Judgement condemning someone which may forever keep them from God is never the role of a Christian. Condemnation is God’s job but, if this form of judging is your habitual sin, He will absolutely forgive all who ask for forgiveness.
     This verse also warns us when judging to make sure the impact of our choice does not condemn us. If making a decision for or against anyone, use discernment to judge fairly, and strive to deliberately harm no one.
     God gave women a special personality trait of high emotional influence and because of this, when judging someone; you must carefully examine your reasons. Any necessary judgments women make are to improve the good things and destroy the bad things to create safer and cleaner lives.

“But I say to you that for every idle word men, (women), may speak, they will give an account of it in the day of judgment” Matthew 12: 36.
     Communication is essential to life. The correct language can open doors and incorrect language can close doors. With a carefully sustained clean conduct, women can control a major part of the language spoken in their homes, work place and in public. Commonality of speech for women doesn’t have to assume coarseness or gutter-talk.
     Women can show off their beauty and attractiveness by their everyday speaking. Clean speech and behavior can especially enhance a woman’s character, style, beauty, and desirability.

“And just as you want men, (women), to do to you, you also do to them likewise” Luke 6: 31
     Rudeness mars beauty. Sometimes called the ‘golden rule’, it is a real fact, if you want people to be polite and nice, show yourself to be polite and nice. Women can be strong leaders in this area of personal and public life. A mother can teach her children how kind words and actions can help them achieve much. On the job, favorable actions and manners will get better reviews. If you want to have any influence, use the ‘golden rule’ and see what can happen around you.

“But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” Matthew 6: 3.
     Visibly heightened emotions are created part of women. Love, joy, anger, sympathy, empathy, and mother's love and protection; women show these traits with more vulnerability than men. If managed well, they can be a part of our hidden beauty that makes us attractive. Women can utilize their God given emotional specialties as wonderful givers, doers, motivators, counselors, and encouragers.
     Have you ever done something for someone who wasn’t expecting it, and you did it just for the joy of giving? While God made men to be subtly appreciative, God made woman with the capacity of giving and receiving with more emotion.
     Is there anyone you can help without thinking of any return for your effort?

“…Esau…took wives, Judith…and Basemath…and they were a grief to Isaac and Rebekah” Genesis 26: 33, 34.
     Family relationships can be a struggle at any time. A woman can trouble her own house or she can make it comfortable. Everyone will admire a woman, whether married or unmarried, who can maintain a good home. Habitual good and bad behavior is something learned or unlearned.
     In former decades, before the push for what is touted as equality, before she left home, most girls were taught the ways of femininity for her own benefit. While a woman can be computer programmers, drive trucks, be CEO of large companies, and run for President of the United States with no condemnation against her womanhood, she should present maturity and good behavior while preforming her public duties and personal actions.
     God gave Christians the closeness of church family. Let the Christian woman seek good friends with sound advice on how to manage her home, business, and her life. A fun circle of close woman-friends can encourage each other in good works.

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Are there any special Bible verses you make an effort to obey to enhance your Christian beauty?

(There are no guarantees that these suggestions will change anyone's situation if implemented. While these descriptions are in general and do not apply to all situations, they can be effectively true in the Christian woman who strives to please God.)

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Is Your Life Manna?

And they asked "What is it?"

When the children of Israel needed food in the wilderness, God supplied them with a heavenly substance. It tasted sweet and it sustained their lives.

"So when the layer of dew lifted, there, on the surface of the wilderness, was a small round substance, as fine as the frost on the ground. So when the children of Israel saw it, they said to one another, 'What is it?' For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, 'This is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat."" Exodus 16:14,15

"And the house of Israel called its name Manna. And it was like coriander seed, and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey" Exodus 16:31.

"What is it?"

Good question.

Simply, it was something only God could supply.

In the wilderness, the Israelites were certainly going to starve if they had to fend for themselves. Moses, the man of God in their midst, interceded, asking God to provide for the people's lives. Through His infinite grace, God gave them Manna, which was like a sweet pastry and it nourished them completely, though they had no idea what it was.

"The children of Israel....gathered, some more, some less. So when they measured it by omers, he who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack. Every man had gathered according to each one's need" Exodus 16:17,18.

No one, throughout the entire camp, went without. The excess was distributed to all as each family needed.

Today, God has given to the world bread from heaven which gives a better, everlasting life. Jesus, as a symbol of the God-given Manna, is our source for eternal life.

Jesus said "I am the bread of life...This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread, which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world" John 6:48 &50,51.

While we cannot and do not physically eat Jesus, we do have Him in ourselves through faith. And because of our faith that He died for us, in our place on the cross, He lives in each believer in the Holy Spirit. We do not fully understand this, but we know He gives us eternal life.

Among the Christian church today, for those in Christ:

"...There is one body and one Spirit, just as you

were called in one hope of your calling, one Lord,

one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all,

who is above all, and through all and in you all.

But to each one of us grace was given according

to the measure of Christ's gift" Ephesians 4:4-7.

But around the world some gather none, while others gather much of Jesus.

Are we, the people of God, interceding for those who are starving for Jesus?

Are we willing to share Christ Jesus with those who have little of Him, or none at all?

Are we giving Christ Jesus away from the abundance He has supplied of Himself to us?

If Christ Jesus lives in born again Christians, giving us sweet, wonderful, eternal life, are people asking "What is it?"

Is your life Manna?

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25 Life Applications from the Book of Ruth

Here are 25 Life Application to be found in the book of Ruth.

There were so many places in this story where disobedience, selfish ambitions, and pride of any number of those involved could have created disaster. But three people, Boaz, Ruth and Naomi were determined to obedience to the law given to Moses so that God would be glorified.

#1 Have quiet patience with people who insult us.
      Ruth holds her peace even as Naomi ignores her. (1:21)

#2 Seek God, even when we don’t know what’s going on.
      Ruth leaves all she knows, trusting in God, whom she's newly put her faith in to take care of her. (1:16,17)

#3 Trust God when we are taking a new direction.
      Ruth travels to Bethlehem not knowing what awaits her, only she knows that the God of Israel will take care of her. (1:22)

#4 When repenting, don’t just stop doing something, but leave it far behind.
      Ruth left Moab and a life of idolatry. (Ruth 1)

#5 Our everyday, ordinary conduct is an integral part of our witness.
      Ruth stays pure and holy in her new life.

#6 Pray despite your pain.
     Naomi prays for her two daughters in law. (1:8,9)

#7 Our loyalty shouldn’t hinge on the character of the person we love (unconditional love).
       Ruth ignores Naomi's urging to stay in Moab, and insists on going to Bethlehem. (1:15)

#8 Stick to your promises.

     Ruth stays with Naomi through all the troubles.

#9 Respect is earned, never granted.
      Boaz and Ruth have both earned the respect of the harvesters. (2:4-7)

#10 Humility is knowing your limits and your needs.

      Ruth humbles herself to ask for the charity of gleaning in Boaz' fields. (1:7)

#11 Once we’re saved, God has forever forgiven us of our past.
       Boaz never derides Ruth because of her ancestry.

#12 As ambassadors of Christ, we need to guard our reputations.
       Ruth, Naomi and Boaz stay true to God among an immoral society. (Judges 21:25)

#13 Some sacrifices will hurt severely, but the rewards for pleasing God are worth it.
       Boaz and Ruth sacrifice their desire to marry to keep the Kinsman/Redeemer Law. (3:13)

#14 Many times our sacrifices to God will make no sense to anyone else but us.
       To fulfill the law, Boaz sticks to the rules and offers Ruth, whom he loves, to the closer relative. (4:1-5)

#15 God moves in our ordinary lives to bless us in extraordinary ways.
       God moves behind the scenes through the entire book of Ruth.

#16 No one is beyond the amazing salvation of God.
       Even though a Moabite, Ruth is saved through her faith in God.

#17 Obedience is rewarded.
      Boaz, Ruth and Naomi enjoy the birth of Obed. (4:13-16)

#18 Our need is to continue to pray about everything.

#19 God is always with His children through everything.

#20 God wants us to rely on Him for everything.

#21 If your prayer isn’t answered right away, keep praying.

#22 What we choose to do good or bad is going to affect the reputations of our fellow Christians.

#23 We should do nothing that would cause unbelievers to blaspheme the name of our Lord

#24 God can make us wait before He fulfills all He’s going to give us.

#25 God sees the end from the beginning. He sees us in heaven right now enjoying our rewards. He is seeing our worship perfected.

Ruth Boaz and Naomi show how to live our lives

in obedience, purity, holiness and faith.

Christians are not under the law today, but we are to live holy lives, set apart for God's glory.

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The Wordless Bible--Effective Simple Gospel Message

The Wordless Bible, or The Color Bible--a very simple explanation of the regeneration from unsaved sinner to rewarded saint. This is one of the ways the salvation message is told to young children. Many a youth group have learned this evangelistic method of the gospel. Simple but effective!

BLACK=SIN

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

RED=THE BLOOD OF JESUS

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not die but have eternal life.

John 3:16

WHITE=FORGIVNESS

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

GREEN=GROWING

I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Philippians 3:19

 

GOLD=ALL THE PROMISES OF GOD

FOR ALL ETERNITY

He who overcomes shall inherit all things and I will be his God and he shall be my son. Revelation 21:7

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The Children's Program----Flash Fiction

This fictional story is based on an actual children's skit I designed when I was teaching the 4 & 5 year olds in our Children's Program. The skit was never enacted, and I should also say neither did we have any of the disasters on stage that are mentioned. The personalities do not represent any known, or unknown, children, teachers or congregations.

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The Children's Program

     In taking her new position as the new Sunday School teacher of the four and five year olds, Sarah knew one of her duties would be for her class to deliver a performance in an end of the season program. This was a church tradition from the adults down to the youngest when the Sunday School classes ended for the summer months.

     She enjoyed her time with the children, yet she couldn't help but recall the horrors of the past. The incidents of children, and even the teachers, fighting on stage. Costume malfunctions or no one sang except the teacher, or children crying and running from the platform. Several years, no one learned their lines and teacher cued each word for word so the entire skit was an echoed speech, with the teacher speaking and the child repeating it back. Not wanting to present a similar disaster, with the age she was entrusted with, Sarah wondered if her class would be able to do anything.

     With the requirement in mind, during the ensuing weeks, she learned her children’s personalities. Amanda was shy and very small for her age. Harry liked to talk and chattered away sometimes incessantly. Freddy liked attending, but as his parents had joint custody, missed every third week away visiting his father. Sylvie would take off her shoes and socks as soon as she entered the building, frequently forgetting where she left them. Ginny disrupted the class screaming for her Mommy. At her mother’s request, if her antics became too unruly, punishment meant banishment to the nursery. This was unfortunate, as Ginny learned this trick and she would go smugly to play with the babies, whenever Sarah couldn't take it anymore. Naomi and her sister Valerie were the smartest and studied, answering well and asking good questions. Then there was Christopher the bully. Many times Christopher spent some of his Sunday School time standing in the corner for having hit, kicked or bitten someone, namely Sarah. Occasionally a new child would come for only one Sunday, or possibly a few weeks.

     Easter came and went and Sarah still hadn’t anything planned. When asked about it she would answer she was working on it but she knew it was a half-lie, which made her feel worse. She feared producing the disaster everyone seemed to expect. During the first week of May, she spent her noon lunchtime fasting and praying while seated in her car in the parking garage where she worked, her open Bible on the steering wheel. Pausing from her reading, she said, “God, it seems such a simple thing, why is it such a complicated task when it just involves these little children? You know them, Lord Jesus. There must be something they can do for you.” Refocusing on the Bible, she smiled, for there in front of her was the simplest answer.

      The day of the end of the season program, Sarah felt proud when all seven children attended. They had all enjoyed rehearsals, with Christopher taking his roll with gusto and Ginny apparently willing to participate.

     Her class performing first, Sarah assembled them behind the curtain on the left side of the stage. Their only prop was a huge refrigerator box lain horizontally on a rolling platform Sarah had requested made. She could feel the stares of the congregation and their skepticism, knowing they anticipated the traditional fracas. Saying a small prayer with her children, she nodded for them to go out, while shushing the giggling girls.

     Christopher, Harry, and Freddy pushed the refrigerator carton to the center of the stage. Sarah followed, taking her place behind the box as the boys stood to either side, Harry and Freddy on the left and Christopher on the right. None of the girls was in sight.

     Sarah smiled at the staring faces, pleased to see the parents in the crowd. With no preliminaries, she opened the skit by reciting Hebrews 12:1. “I beseech you therefore, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” When she finished, the boys, in unison, loudly yelled, “What can we give to Jesus?”

     Immediately, the top of the box flew open and the four girls popped into view, arms raised, and tossing streamers of colorful paper. All seven children and Sarah, arms raised, yelled the answer “Ourselves!”

     With the platform littered with the streamers and each child smiling broadly, they took their bows. Then the boys shoved the box back behind the curtain, with the giggling girls still in the box. Off stage, the children clustered around Sarah, anxiously waiting for the response. For a moment the auditorium was silent, then someone began to clap, and then another, and so on until the entire room was applauding.

     Sarah quickly shooed the children onto stage to take another bow then hugged them all tightly as they came rushing back again. Kissing their faces, she said, “Thank you, Jesus, for trusting me with these children.”

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Two Kisses

In the popular Christmas song, *Mary Did You Know one line asks, “(did you know), when you kissed your little baby, you kissed the face of God?”

The Bible never recorded Mary kissing Jesus but we can safely assume she performed this act of devotion. She held Him, kissed Him, loved Him, and did all the things a mother does with children. Mary’s kisses were on her beloved Child and maybe sometimes her kisses were worship of her Savior. 

So, we can assume Mary's kiss was for real.

However, the Bible does record a very real kiss with a deeper and definitely more sinister planning. 

Judas kissed the face of God

A chilling scene, as the mob comes in the dark of night, with eerie light from torches flickering through tree branches, making shadows long and creepy. Judas walked up to Jesus and planted a tremendous devotional kiss to His Rabboni’s face so there could be no mistake in the dark the One whom they were to arrest. In an act straight from a horror flick, the betrayer leading the ambush and prominently identifying the betrayed.

That kiss has importance beyond the mere printed words. The fact of its application is so evil in and of itself. The implication is the kiss Judas gave was of love and friendship, of fellowship, comradeship, and companionship. A huge, loud kiss in greeting of a friend and one accepted in trust.

The trust, acceptance and warmth of the relationship he had with Jesus, Judas used for such an evil purpose.

Judas' intention may have been to place Jesus in the position to either defend Himself or die. Judas had no idea what he had done until later, and though he never repented, he did regret his action. But no amount of regret could ever erase that kiss.

“Faithful are the wounds 

of a friend, 

But the kisses of an enemy 

are deceitful”

Proverbs 27:6.

Mary kissed the face of God out of a heart of a loving mother. Judas kissed the face of God as a selfish man with a hateful heart.

The first kiss welcomed the Savior, Son of God; the last kiss had a major part in killing Him. 

Two Kisses--one assumed, one known. Both interesting contemplation.

*"Mary did you know, when you kissed your little Baby, you kissed the face of God?"

"Judas, did you know, when you kissed the face of your Rabbi, you kissed the face of God?"

Someday, all those who’ve trusted in Jesus’ salvation, will look into that glorious face and see the love that kept Him on the cross. 

We will see the love that Judas refused to see
the night he kissed the face of God.

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*Mary Did You Know"original lyrics by Mark Lowry; melody by Buddy Greene

The Blessing of the Barley Harvest

In the book of Ruth, in the very last line where chapter 1 stops in our Bibles, there is this very interesting statement. "Now they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest" Ruth 1:22.

All of the Bible is about God. This story surrounds Naomi and Ruth, yet it teaches us about God's grace, love, mercy and His mighty working power in the lives of His people.

We see God's mighty power shown in the way this chapter ends. Ruth and Naomi didn't realize the significance of returning at this exact time. Being widows and the poorest of poor in the land they needed this season. Naomi believes she's at the worst part of her life but she is about to experience the loving care of God. Ruth needs someone to take care of her, and God is going to show Himself to be her faithful care-giver.

The last part of verse 22 has a great hope attached. "Now they came to Bethlehem at the time of the barley harvest." Because God watches over the care of His children, He arranges for Naomi and Ruth to hear there's food in Bethlehem. With this good news, they travel back to the land where God has placed His name.

When in need, return to the last place you met God

When God gave Moses the Law, He set up a simple welfare system for the poor to go into the fields to pick up food for themselves. (Deut. 24:19-20) By providing the barley harvest, God has supplied the very thing Ruth and Naomi seek when most in need. With a little work, they have food and sustenance. A days' work proved self-support for these women.

God supplies for His sons and daughters

We give glory to God when we recognize our need and seek the One who can supply everything that is. He doesn't always give us what we want, but He does supply His children all we need, and He is waiting for us to pluck it into our hands.

For what are you in need? Maybe the blessing is waiting for you to pluck it into your basket today. Are you seeing the blessing of barley harvest surrounding you? 

God knows just what we need and just when we need

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Curious Beings--Angels

God created mankind of the dust of the earth. (Gen 2:7) but there is lack of explanation of what substance God used to form angels. 

How's that for making something of nothing!

I believe God made the angels long before He created earth. They serve in God's eternity not our earthly time-line though they pass between the two. Hebrews 1 says angels as spirits of fire. Now I don't know what that means, but it's certain angels live in the spiritual realm beyond us.

Photo courtesy of morgueFile

They can become the form of a man, (Gen 19:1) or appear very strange creatures described in Isaiah, with six wings as coverings. There are angels that look like metal and bright stones. They have terrible power and yet can be very comforting and humble as when Gabriel spoke to Mary. (Luke 1:30) They are all around us, doing God's will. If they are not doing God's will then they're demons and doing Satan's will. They move both in our time and God's place, and it seems there are a lot of them. They are more powerful than we are and can do extraordinary things.

God makes angels His servants, (Heb 1:7) yet He calls us His children (1 John 3:1). God made a way for us to be born again (John 3:16), --we who are made of dirt-- yet the angels have only their obedience to save them. If they are following Satan, they are condemned forever (Heb 2:16).

But we have no explanation of their substance. They are not made of the dust of the earth. They cannot die, nor is God going to destroy their form. Satan and his followers will suffer forever in the Lake of Fire. (Rev 20:10)

Even with that prophecy coming, I believe whatever God creates by His word, He can speak out of existence if He chooses.

They cannot procreate. Jesus said they neither marry or are given in marriage, (Matt 22:30) so, no angel babies in heaven. I cannot believe God would tolerate fornication in His heaven if it is such an abominable sin on earth. In my opinion, all the angels God created for His service are all that will be.

At the hour of His arrest, Jesus told His disciples that He was capable of calling 12 legions of angels to His aid. (Matt 26:53) Wow! How many angels waited expectantly on the edge of Heaven for the call that never came? If one angel could destroy 185,000 Assyrians in one night, (2 Kings 19:35) would not 12 legions of angels destroy everyone on earth at the command of God!? 

If angels feel any emotions, 

how they must have suffered to watch Christ die! 

They want to know more about us too.  (1 Peter 1:12) They are as curious about us as we are of them. They must certainly find us as interesting we them.

The study of angels is very interesting and it leaves some very interesting questions. Scriptures tell us that someday we will judge angels.(1 Cor 6:3) 

What must they think of that idea?

What are you're thoughts about angels. Leave a comment, please (click 1 comment to open box)

Vaporous

 "and you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a time and then vanishes away" James 4:14. (NKJ)

Many women hate to tell their age. I have no such hang-ups about age. In a month I will be 51 years old. To me that is amazing. Especially since I didn't think I would live to reach 30. There were times, I didn't want to reach 20. My life was so miserable, I thought it was way to long to live through a day.

Sexually abused by my Father, bullied at school for being of one of the areas poorest families, ignored by teachers imagining I wasn't worth the time to teach me, lonely and isolated, life was so rotten, suicide was a poplar notion.

I grew more afraid of men and people in general that my isolation became actually terror of public places.

Was help ever going to come or was I destined to kill myself? 

I needed help---where was God?

I knew a God existed but I had no idea that I needed to approach Him through His Son in His perfection. I thought He should do something for me. I didn't know anything about sin verses righteousness. No one had ever explained to me that I was an enemy of God, and unforgiven because of Adam. I imagined God looked down and helped those like me who needed pity. If God were so loving and kind and good, God should help me because I needed help and no human was helping me.

I can't describe all of my life and the day to day thoughts and struggles and survival. I can't explain the hate, rages, fear, and panic. I can't explain the desperation for love that I would allow men to use me. I can't explain the drug and alcohol use that took me away from myself and made life light and fun for a time. Then comes the bitterness of the sickening aftertaste. That is too much to tell. *

But....

Isn't it great there is a but?

But, now that I have the answer, I am going to have my 51 birthday in June of 2014.

My answer is Jesus Christ. My life is Jesus Christ.

My 51 years seems a long time, yet God says I've only lived as a vapor. Poof, I'm born, lived and died. God sees all of that and He sees me with Him now as today. God sees me in my new body living the abundant, glorious life on His new earth He promises to all who believe in Him.

"Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure" Isaiah 46:10. (NKJ)

I'm a vaporous puff on this earth but for eternity, I am a forever child of God.

"Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them" Psalm 139: 16. (NKJ)

"How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great are the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You" Psalm 139: 17, 18. (NKJ)


God gives abundant life!

*(If you want a few more details, click the My Testimony Button in the left panel of this blog.)

Free Books 4 U

Does your child like to read, yet won't pick up a book?

Would you like your child to read but can't get them interested in a book?

Will your child spend hours reading a computer screen?

Give them EBooks.

Amazon has many Free Christian EBooks and  Free Christain Childrens EBooks for you and your child. Just download them to your Kindle or App device and get busy reading!

You can also get free reading materials from Barnes & Noble. There are many Free Christian downloads or inexpensive priced books available. Enjoy reading with your child.

If you and your spouse or a good friend want to have a reading contest, each get the same books and see who can read the most titles. Or how about gathering a group of friends or church family and having a EReader Discussion Group. Have a day to get together in person or a group chat to have a discussion about the material you read.

Here are a few other websites where you can download free EBooks.
20 Best Websites to Download Free EBooks

 Maybe you're on the go, and want to read but can't seem to find the time to actually sit down with a good book?

If you're up on the Tech-age, and you have any computer device that you carry with you at all times, you have no excuse at all!

Get into a good book and enjoy yourself. 

 Even your phone can be a great companion as you read your favorite EBooks while you wait for appointments, flights, or just waiting for a friend.

Baby, It's a Privilege!

 

“…The Hebrew midwives of whom the name of one was Shiphrah and the name of the other Puah” Exodus 1: 15

  These midwives were the pediatricians of their day. It was an important job for experienced women to aid in the prenatal and birth of infants before the safety of hospitals.

 

Even today, knowledge of the effects of pregnancy and the birth of a child should be shared with new mothers. Are you having a baby? Share your experience with someone. You need to share the pride and joy of having your baby with other women who are pregnant, or wanting children. Even with those who adopt children.

 

Let younger girls help with your baby, and the childcare, to learn what a mother needs to know. Pass to them your pride and love for your child. This will help them to know that it is a great responsibility and privilege to have children.

 

God gave women this awesome responsibility to nurture new lives, creating the womb of woman to bear future generations. The miracle of childbirth is a wonderful part of a woman’s life. Motherhood is special.

 

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