A FEAST
Today’s 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. The feast Esther prepared for the King and Haman probably had more expensive tableware, but not anymore delicious.
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. 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 (below is a photo from the book). If you haven’t already, please consider ordering my book. It’s only available from Crossroads eStore. 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
Elena at age six in a Russian orphanage meeting my daughter Elaine for the first time. Today, Elena is a wife and mother of her own little girl! (see photo below).
Elena, Justin and baby Chelsea.
With God all things are possible, indeed. Thanks for the message and lovely photos of Elena and her family–beautiful Chelsea. Blessings fellow saints.
Still – Hillsong United with Lyrics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3wwWFsSlNQ
As we fall on our knees at Jesus feet and bring Him our petions with thanksgiving and praise we know He hears us
thank You Lord for answering our prayers in Jesus name Amen
Lovely family and what a miracle story of Divine Intervention! Identify with Esther today as I need some walls to come down through intercession. Thanks for the encouragement, Pastor David.
I am so much enjoying the daily blog, both the words and photos. I pray that they will continue at such a high Biblical standard. I have been challenged again with the story of Esther. Surely we need Christians to take a public stand to support and even promote our Prime Minister. Canada has been and is still blessed because of Steven Harper. I would love to be able to ‘like’ 100 Words on my facebook, but have so far not been able to do so. Could a link be made for those of us who would like to share it that way? Thanks, and May God’s blessings continue to flow to and through this ministry each and every day.
Thank you Beverlee for that song. ” Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” (Psalm 46:10-11).
Lovely pics of Elena and family. I will have to re-read that section of your book. Praying for God’s Perfect Will in our elections (and my choice)! Anyway, we should also be praying for the U.S. elections too. Not liking some of the things going on there just now i.e.: late term abortions and the selling of body parts of babies (which is said to be legal).
Please pray for my brother, sister-in-law (Neil & Joanna) and their little family…financial n relational stress, and that they come to know and trust God who cares for them. Thank you and God bless you all.
Not sure we should all die if we puff ourselves up but I guess that was before Jesus came to give us all salvation and show us how we should live our lives.
Ordered your book some time ago Rev. M. and they keep telling me it’s out of stock and they’ll ship when available. Very disappointing, but maybe that means it’s so good it got bought out:)
Watched the American debate last night and really enjoyed it. Nice to know all those men are Republicans and quite possibly Christians. Especially enjoyed when one of the candidates was hurling insults and Donald Trump thought at first it was directed toward him but grabbed his heart when it was revealed it was directed at Hillary Clinton. Too funny.
Have a blessed day all Christians near and far.
Thanks everyone for all your comments which I enjoy reading every day. Will pray for you.
Love David Maine and 100 words blog. Have read his book and really enjoyed it.
Bless You all today with whatever it is you may be needing at this time. Amen!
Sometimes it’s difficult just living with ourselves never mind another person. Praying for a stress-free life for your brother and his family just knowing that God loves them and has them in his plans.
Lord, God, we hold up Rob’s brother, Neil, and sister-in-law, Joanna and their family to You–our great Jehovah Jireh, provider, healer and protector. For You know all their needs, Lord. We trust they will lean on You for strength and sustenance and that they will come to truly know You. We give You all the praise and glory, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Lord God You know the needs of Neil and Joanna and their family I pray the Holy Spirit will enter their hearts and that their lives will be overflowing with abundant prosperity both financial and relational and that Neil and Joanna will see that You dear Lord God has supplied all their needs and then some, Thank you dear Heavenly Father for blessing this family In Jesus Name We Pray AMEN
Not sure we should all die if we puff ourselves up but I guess that was before Jesus came to give us all salvation and show us how we should live our lives.
Ordered your book some time ago Rev. M. and they keep telling me it’s out of stock and they’ll ship when available. Very disappointing, but maybe that means it’s so good it got bought out:)
Watched the American debate last night and really enjoyed it. Nice to know all those men are Republicans and quite possibly Christians. Especially enjoyed when one of the candidates was hurling insults and Donald Trump thought at first it was directed toward him but grabbed his heart when it was revealed it was directed at Hillary Clinton. Too funny.
Have a blessed day all Christians near and far.
I’m honoured to be posted twice!:-)
Thank you for focusing on the encouraging story of Esther, and for again sharing the beautiful story of Elena’s “miraculous adoption”. We were privileged to get to meet Elena and Justin when we were on the trip to Israel in 2013. It’s lovely to see their picture with their dear little girl. Thank you , David, for your faithful blogs. Maryke & Piebe
Thank you for the pictures. I have read the Elena story and blessed to see her beautiful as a bride, and now blessed with a beautiful little girl and handsome husband…God is so good and faithful. A miracle story indeed.
What a miracle story, the book of Esther and God’s love and protection for his chosen, the Jews.
Also ,I like the picture depicting the last supper: A family together at mealtime.
Lord God I bring before you Neil and Joanna. I pray for their financial needs as well as their emotional needs. If they do not know You Jesus, I pray they come to know You Lord as their Father and provider and guide.
Your Name Jesus I pray, Amen.