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“May you and I make wise decisions.” <>< Dona 06/29/20
Please Esther 1 through 3 read. If you don’t have a Bible handy just click here -> Biblegateway.com. The Biblegateway website should open for you to use. Type in the chapters you want to read and select the translation you want to read them from. Click search and the chapters sould appear. Once you read the suggested chapters close the screen and you should return here.
In Esther 1:11-12 King Xerxes commanded his enuchs to bring Queen Vashti before him. She refused his demand. This set in motion the rest of the story.
Response
Oh! Wow! Lord, King Xerxes followed his advisors suggestion and decreed that Queen Vashti was never again to enter his presence.
Something to think about
This was a rash decision on the king’s part while he was under the influence of much wine.
Something to experience
Poor decisions are sometimes made by those who drink too much. They can’t think clearly. We need to always base our decisions on clear, careful thinking. We should avoid snap decisions that might lead to wrong outcomes.
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In Esther 1:16-21 King Xerxes and his advisors thought by punishing Queen Vashti they would prevent other women from disrespecting and causing discord in their own homes.
Response
Oh! Wow! Lord, the king and his advisors were not thinking clearly.
Something to think about
Forced obedience can’t substitute for the love and the respect wives and husbands should experience in their marriage.
Something to experience
Respect and peace can’t be forced. Respect comes from both people (the wife and the husband) displaying mutual regard and appreciation for one another.
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In Esther 2:17 Esther won King Xerxes’ favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti (verse 17).
Response
Oh! Wow Lord, You had Esther crowned queen before Haman even planned his wicked scheme to kill all the Jews.
Something to think about
No human could stop God’s plan for Jesus to come to earth as a Jew.
Something to experience
So no matter where we are or what we’re experiencing God’s ultimate purposes will be accomplished. God is always in control. God may place you too in a position so you can help when the need arises.
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In Esther 3 Mordecai wouldn’t bow down to Haman probably because he considered God as the only one worthy of reverence. Haman wasn’t just angry at Mordecai though. Haman probably hated all Jews due to their culture and beliefs. He looked for a way to destroy all the Jews (see verse 6).
Response
Oh! Wow! Lord, Haman must have considered himself better than Mordecai.
Something to think about
Haman believed others should bow down to him (see verses 1-5). Because he was considered second in command.
Something to experience
Prejudice grows out of personal pride. When we consider ourselves better than others we are being prideful. God will judge those who are prejudice or prideful.
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Prayer