pastor and church life

“Mordecai had instructed her that she shouldn’t make them known. Esther hadn’t yet made known her kindred or her people, even as Mordecai had commanded her, for Esther did what Mordecai told her as she had done when under his care” ( Esther 2:10, twenty ). Even changing into a finalist in this wild competition, or later, becoming queen, did not cause Esther to flourish her autonomy and strut her things. This beautiful, dignified, sensible girl was still ready to listen and learn. She remains a sterling example for ladies today. A few of you are splendidly presented teachers. You’ve got the capability to ... Read Full Story

From the time that Joshua died until Saul took the throne of Israel, the Hebrew state was not a monarchy like most surrounding countries. priests reference it as a theocracy-’God-rule.’ The Lord ruled over Israel, issuing His decrees and ruling through soothsayers and priests. Three factors drove their need for a king. Before we move on, let’s not bypass a very crucial point of interest. On prior pages we noted the failure of Eli to steer his boys. Scripture doesn’t offer as detailed data about his parenting, but the notable likeness between Samuel’s boys and those of Eli leaves us with small else to ... Read Full Story

In this verse, the literal interpretation of the original language claims, “She lifted up grace before his face.” Isn’t a gorgeous expression? Though she was brought to the harem and took part in these things reluctantly, Esther didn’t display a sour perspective. I am convinced she sensed God’s hand in her situation. Why else would she have been there? Finding herself unable to decline, Esther modeled grace before the face of the king’s influential servant, Hegai. What a difference between Esther and all of the other ladies round her. They, actually, captured the eye of the king’s servant. Why? Because that’s what Mordecai instructed ... Read Full Story

Tracing the downward steps in David’s eroding family relations, we presently have Absalom killing Amnon, a bro killing a bro. “The blade will never depart out of your house, David.” Here he’s moaning under the ache of that prophecy. He will not live at home, so he will go stay with grandpa while he licks his injuries and sets up his plan later on to steer a revolt against his father. Absalom leads a conspiracy against his dad. The foil has still not departed from David’s house. David dearly regrets the day he ever even looked at Bathsheba and carried on a year of ... Read Full Story

Nathan did not come on his very own ; he was sent by God : “Then the Lord sent Nathan to David.” I believe the most vital word in that sentence is the 1st one, “then.” God’s timing is fully amazing. He let the grinding wheels of sin do their full work, and then He stepped in. To be fully fair with you, there are occasions when I actually question the timing of Almighty God. Times when I just do not know why He is so slow to execute what I think He ought to do. But each time I have looked back on ... Read Full Story