GOD’S PLAN
Suggested Reading: Esther 3-4
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Herodium is next door to Bethlehem, and is just south of Jerusalem. Its summit is 2,460 feet above sea level. Herod built or re-built eleven fortresses. This one he constructed on the location of his victory over Antigonus in 40 BC. Constructed over a pre-existing hill, the Herodium was a fortress for Herod to quickly flee to from Jerusalem. He chose to be buried here and the mountain is the shape of a tumulus (a burial mound). Herod's tomb was discovered by archaeologist Ehud Netzer in 2007. This illustrates the immense ego of the ancient monarchs such as Ahasuerus of Persia featured in today's reading.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Esther 3:2b
But Mordecai would not bow or pay homage.
Mordecai, a Jew who did not return with Ezra to Jerusalem, was a man with steel down his backbone. He would not bow or pay homage to the second in command of the Persian Empire, Haman. Homage is a form of worship, and to give this to anyone other than God would have been a form of idolatry. Because of this one man, Mordecai, and one woman, Esther, one of the greatest turn-arounds in Israel’s history took place.
We are not suggesting that every act of civil disobedience is blessed of God, nor are we suggesting that we should make a great show of our dedication to the will and purposes of God, but we do suggest that everyone of us should learn to personally relate to God in such obedience and dedication that we care little about the consequences which may follow. The often-quoted words of Mordecai to Esther, “Who knows but that you were brought to the kingdom for such a time as this,” could apply to each one of us.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I bow before You! I pay homage to You! You alone are worthy of my worship! I pray that I will find and fulfill Your purpose for me, the very reason that I was born and placed in Your Kingdom at this particular time. I ask this in the Name of the One Whom You sent to this earth and Who fulfilled His purpose, bringing salvation, not just to His own people, the Jews, but also to the whole world, Jesus, the Messiah. Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
In the mid-fifties I had the privilege to teach in an Ontario public school. One Jewish girl in my class was named Sandra Levine. I’ve often wondered where she is today and what has become of her. Sandra was a beautiful child of about eleven years old. Her Dad and Mom owned and operated a local grocery store. I spent hours with her father playing chess and often talking about the Scriptures. The reason I’m telling this story is because in those days public school teachers were required by the Provincial Department of Education to teach a weekly Bible lesson. On one occasion I dramatized the story of Esther and featured Sandra as the Jewish Queen of Persia. I think she felt honoured by my efforts. I loved telling Bible stories and still do, as is shown in this daily blog.
May I ask a favour of every reader? Please send my blog on to someone else and ask that we all work together to build the readership to greater numbers. I was told the other day that over 5,000 people have signed up for daily e-mails, besides those who simply go into the 100words.ca website. Let’s go for 50,000 signed up for the daily e-mails. Let’s see…that would mean that each reader would try to find 10 new readers. The reason I ask this is not because of me, but because of the benefits, now and throughout eternity, that will accrue to every faithful reader of God’s Word.
Yours for recognizing that we are here “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14b),
David
P.S. I know I’m terribly biased, but I think Norma-Jean is beautiful like Queen Esther. A few years ago we were leading a tour group on a Nile River cruise, and one evening Norma-Jean dressed up in an Egyptian outfit. In my eyes, Cleopatra could not have been more beautiful (see photo below). In the city of Sudbury, in northern Ontario, some people in our congregation called Norma-Jean, the Queen of the Parsonage!
It seems that the word ‘homage’ is a medieval word of french orientation designed around a relationship between the vassal and his lord. It may imply a devotion as well. Although we may be devoted to many things i.e. family, spouse etc., our sole devotion of worship should be our Lord God. Time and time again we are severely warned of idolatry in the Bible, however I don’t know of a more idolatrous generation than the one in which we live right now! This only goes to prove that the Bible is relevant to people living today and that it has the power to direct each and every person to the Lord of Lords who can change lives and cause a turn-a-round in our ways and in our thinking. I think David has a great idea to share this blog with as many as we can, to get the word out, to help in getting people to learn about the life-changing Word of God, to HIs Glory! Amen!
David & Norma Jean ,
Bless you both for being so “biased” & in love as you faithfully serve Jesus until He returns! God Bless You Both —- Joy & James Rawlings, in beautiful BC!
Is there a Facebook link to share these daily Blessings!
May God richly bless You and Yours in Christ, Amen.
Thank you once again Pastor David for our blog….your faithfulness encourages all of us, and always blesses. Great idea to send it on to others!
Our reading today shows courage in adversity, something I needed today. God always has just what we need at His perfect timing.
I agree with Scott that the relevancy of the Bible today is just what we all need.
May it grow deep in our hearts and lead the way.
May our Worship only be for THE TRUE LIVING SAVIOUR…….JESUS!!!
Beautiful picture of you and Norma-Jean.
God was ultimately in control, in spite of Haman and his evil plans, but He also gave the people a time to humble themselves and pray. Once more I was challenged by that this morning!
Thank you Pastor David and Norma Jean, what a blessing you are!
Greetings in Jesus Name to all those who follow this blog!
Yes good morning I so enjoy all you featured reading I cant wait to get into your blog to see what God is speaking to me , and we give our worship only to our Lord Jesus Christ and Our heavenly Father and we praise you Lord and thank you father for giving David the strength to do this blog daily and thank you for the Crossroad ministries in Jesus name Amen
Norma Jean is beautiful, and I admire her love of the Hadassa bazaar bargains…she benefited from “the crumbs that fell from” the wealthier Jewish women who would donate their clothing.
In order to share this blog with others, is there a link so I can post it on my Facebook page?
http://www.100words.ca
Love today’s readings–Mordecai and Esther rock! Love the photo of you and Norma-Jean, David! Placing my faith in the Lord and trusting for His will to be done in our lives.
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercies,
To multiplied trials His multiplied peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
His love has no limit, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth and giveth and giveth again.
Annie Johnson Flint
thanks Beverlee….praying you are resting in God’s Peace.
I posted this to all my friends on Facebook:
David Loewen
I continue to read scripture every morning by following a blog by david mainse. He is going through the entire bible in 2 years… I find his insight uplifting when applying the daily reading to our own lives each day…
For those of you who might be interested here is a link to “100 words” by david mainse:
http://100words.ca/
Yes, we are all in our places for”such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14b). There is much to be done in our familes, churches and community as well as the world. Praying and reading God’s Word with you is helping us to do it, David, Ron and Reynold. I thank God for the opportunities I had to witness for the Lord recently in the hospitals just taking an interest in people and telling of the goodness of the Lord. “…the goodness of the Lord leads you to repentance.” (Rom. 2:4). During an interview with the surgeon pre-op I touched his arm and said you are being prayed for and he said, “Thank you, I need prayer.” And also said, “I will do the very best job I can do, and I will see you through this.” Aren’t those kind and comforting words? God answered your prayers. What an example of courage and devotion to God and her people Esther is! I love this book! What a beautiful picture of you and Norma-Jean! Will continue to tell others about this Bible reading and blog, David. Have a good day fellow bloggers!
On Christian TV this morning (CBN 700 Club) they are emphasizing the alert and closures of embassies around the world because of possible attack. I was surprised to hear that one threat is that people (men/women) have implanted bombs inside there bodies! No one seems to bring up the Bible (God’s) plan for success during these wars – that we pray and ask God for direction. If Christians prayed and asked for God’s direction we would do better in battle (for such a time as this). I do like that Pat Robertson reads the scripture verse out loud even though it is printed on the screen. I will forward the blog address (and have done that in the past).
What a terrible time for the Jewish people in our reading today, how terrifying to hear a day and time was set apart for their annihilation! Thank the Lord that he had a plan to rescue them and if Esther had refused to go along with her part, as Mordecai said, God would use someone else who was willing. That is so comforting! Isaiah 41:10 Fear not for l am with you. Do not be dismayed. l am your God. l will strengthen you; l will help you;l will uphold you with my victorious right hand.(Living Bible) also Psalm 112:7(KJV) He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. – Thank you Lord for our Freedom!
My wife Marilyn and I have enjoyed your daily blog since we met you on our trip to Isreal last fall. We count these as great
blessings. We have encouraged others to connect with your 100words.ca. Is there an easy way to request the email you are suggesting in today’s message? BLESSINGS.
Dear Rev. David M. and precious fellow bloggers,
Like Mordecai and Esther I pray the Lord to keep me focused on what He desires of me , not my will but His be done in Jesus’ name Amen.
This morning was a real treat to see Norma-Jean and you in the company of Ann and Ron in the beautiful landscape background of 100 Huntley St. You all were beautiful in your leisure look!
I’ll be sharing with great joy the 100 Words on Facebook.
Have a blessed day everyone,
xxxx Carole
Our Lord God Is so near His people He will always save a remnant of His
people for He loves them so P.T.L our God is an Awesome God. as he loved Esther and Mordecai ,So He loves us also …R…
Oh yes Norma Jean you look so beautiful you never, never change .you are
ageless God has preserved you God bless you….R…
Hello Rev. David
If you recall, my wife and I met you last night at Lakeshore Pentecostal Camp, and you graciously allowed us to take a photo together. The story of Esther is a wonderful one, which so clearly demonstrates the providence of God!! It is a really encouraging book! How do I sign up for the daily emails?
I will advertise your blog on facebook so that my facebook friends can follow along!!
Thanks
Adrian
Norma-Jean is beautiful, indeed! I feel honored to be able to participate in these blogs and will try to encourage others to receive daily e-mails. Thanks and God bless you both.
I love the storey of Ester. It is an amaising testamony of Gods answer to prayer
and devotion to him.
Much love and prayers to all.
M. 🙂
PS
Will try to spread the word…Or should I say “100 words” 🙂
Norma Jean is beautiful inside and out!! You’re a lucky man to have such a wife!! Also Norma Jean is lucky to have you for a husband!! You are both a perfectly, Heaven Matched couple!!
So happy and blessed to have these Blogs to read every day!!
Nancy