A FEAST
Suggested Reading: Esther 7-8
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
A meal is prepared in first century style at Nazareth Village in Nazareth. When one visits Israel today, the breakfasts and dinners in the 5-star hotels are truly feasts. We invite you to celebrate with Ron and Ann Mainse, and Norma-Jean and me as we visit the Holy Land for two weeks this November 12 - 26.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Esther 8:3
Now Esther spoke again to the king, fell down at his feet, and implored him with tears to counteract the evil of Haman the Agagite, and the scheme which he had devised against the Jews.
In today’s reading, the Jews of the entire Persian Empire are still under the decree of Death. Unless the order of the King was modified in some way, every Jew would die. As a result of the intercession of Esther, a new decree went out from the Emperor. Jews were to defend themselves against attack. Not only were the Jews saved, but it became so attractive to be a Jew that Esther 8:17b tells us that many Persians were converted to Judaism. The Feast of Purim was established to celebrate the deliverance of the Jews from destruction. This feast is celebrated to this day.
Think of all that can be accomplished if we, like Esther, refuse to put ourselves first, refuse to play it safe, and refuse to hide our true identity as God’s people. We have the opportunity and obligation to intercede, not with an Ahasuerus, but with the God of the Universe. He desires only the best for us, but He has limited Himself to acting on our behalf in response to our prayers. James 5:16 says, “The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man (this includes women) avails much.” His sceptre is extended to us. Scripture urges us to “Come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I come before You now. Thank You that in Your great love and mercy, You have extended the invitation to come to You. I am here in Your presence. Once again I ask for Your help. This is a time of need! People are about to perish without Your direct intervention. I come in the Name of the One who “ever lives to make intercession for them,” Jesus, our High Priest. I pray that I will share today the greatest possible help anyone can ever receive. John 1:12 is Your promise, Lord (read John 1:9-18). Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
On pages 166 to 171 of my recently published book, “This Far by Faith,” there is a story of intercession on behalf of Elena, a little Russian girl who is now my granddaughter. I don’t have the space to tell the story here, but let me assure you that it is one of the most powerful stories you’ll ever read. If you haven’t already, please consider ordering my book. It’s only available from Crossroads. A donation of any size would be appreciated when asking for the book. Here’s how to order it.
As was the case in Persia, government officials can be turned around. The story of Elena is a particular miracle of God, as in the communist system, everyone was, at one time, a government employee. A statement I’ve picked up somewhere throughout my life is, “We need to attempt things for God so humanly impossible that they will surely fail if God is not in them.” My practice is to pray fervently, then move forward boldly into something that seems impossible. If God desires what I desire, He will go before me, and “with God all things are possible” (Jesus – Matthew 19:26). My book illustrates this truth. Please get your very own copy.
Yours for bold intercession at God’s throne of grace,
David
“Prayer at it’s best is the expression of the total life, for all things else being equal, our prayers are only as powerful as our lives.” (A.W. Tozer)
Dear David . Thank you for your blog. I have been faithful to go with you through the Bible. We have received many blessings from your ministries. You are a man of great faith . I meet you in Nova Scotia when you done your thank you Canada tour. I ask now for you to pray for my wife Sheila .The dr’s tell us she has a rare adrenal cancer. She is so precious please pray for healing in her body . Your brother in Christ. Doug
Doug, we will pray for Sheila and you too.
So true prayer is important everyday at all times and circumstances in our lives.
I don’t where I would be if not for the people who pray for me. Many thanks
go out to all who do. I hope everyone is enjoying their summers.
Lianne Hogg
I love and appreciate that we can boldly come, through Jesus Our LORD, to the throne of grace and mercy, and ask for intervention for loved ones not yet saved. His mercy and blessings are new every morning. The power of prayer is a wonderful gift and should extend throughout the day.
I pray for each of you, and that God will direct your paths.
Thank you Pastor David. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!
We also have a miracle child – a status Indian who spent years in hospital and who was prayed for by a large church. The church, with a television ministry made known our son’s needs via the program and his health, and his need of a home was changed. God’s promise – -to put the isolated into families is powerful and true. Our son had spent much time in isolation in hospital!!
I am partway through reading “This Far by Faith” and just started following you on 100 Words .. . i am greatly encouraged. I am looking forward and anticipating that i will grow in faith and in faithfulness as i commit to regular prayer and reading the Bible. thank you for your amazing example of what God can do when we put our trust in him fully.
Thank you to Bill and Jane L. and Donna. Your comments and sujestions were very helpful. I did search out the facts and found my question was an issue for many. I’m glad I asked that question yesterday. The answer was not what I expected. Thanks again for your comments yesterday.
In to days reading even though Haman deserved what he got, he reeped what he sowed. I feel so bad for him and people like him who commit evil crimes against humanity. It hurts my heart and I am sad for them that they are blinded by selfish ambition and are unable to experience the love and joy that comesfrom loving and helping others.
May Gods love and grace be with you all.
M.:-)
Hi David, What an inspiring account the bible gives us of the deliverance of the Jews in Esther’s time. It rivals any screen play in the drama and intensity keeping us all sitting on the edge of our seats to hear what happens next. l love that our Father is truly the God of the miraculous and he is the same yesterday, today and always! Isn’t that excitingl l loved that quote you gave and wrote it in my bible. “We need to attempt things for God so humanly impossible that they will surely fail if God is not in them”. Count me in! Love to everyone today!
Dear Rev David Mainse and precious fellow bloggers:
To God be the glory great things He has done!!!! As I was reading through the book of Esther, I was reflecting of all the times in my life that the Lord so generously placed me at the right place at the right time able to serve Him. Thank you Lord seems so small compared to the grandeur of His righteousness, His love Oh thank you Jesus! Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me, I one was lost but know I am found was blind but now I see!!!! Amen and amen.
PS: I read the story of your granddaughter with a muslim caregiver who was very touched by it so you see how amazing the Lord is. That book, This far by Faith, has already planted a seed which I am praying will find rich soil.
Have a blessed day everyone.
xoxo Carole