What Esther Taught Me About Seeking God

https://youtu.be/DG-MWKtEZ7U?is=KQu6EEyoVXvWAHh2

Learn how to seek God from Esther!

Esther 4:1-5:2 When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry; And came even before the king’s gate: for none might enter into the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth. And in every province, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.
So Esther’s maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not. Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king’s chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was. So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before the king’s gate. And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them. Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people. And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai; All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. And they told to Mordecai Esther’s words. Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.
Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.

Start Your Day Off Right Series 6/17

https://youtu.be/rYgjJ7XDTQM?is=lD1vY5EZ6nE_mVau

Here is some food for your Daily Bread!

6/17–Start Your Day Off Right Series  

Quote:

Don’t trust  everything you see, at first glance, even salt looks like sugar.

Story:

Words are like arrows shot from a bow and arrow once they leave the bow, the arrows can never return. Once you let your words proceed out of your mouth you can never grab them back. 

Words are powerful especially to children who are so impressionable. We can’t wait for them to walk and talk and then we tell them to sit down and shut up! We tell them they are dumb, clumsy and other statements of incompetence. We can program them with negative programming in the first few years of their lives that will take years of reprogramming for them to be productive in life! 

Millions of children go to bed hungry tonight for lack of food and nourishment. Millions more will go to bed hungry tonight for lack of encouragement. Words are powerful and life-changing. Words can build people up to accomplish great things, or tear them down and render them almost useless and helpless.

Scripture:

Proverbs 25:11

A word fitly spoken

is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

The Great Power Of Encouragement

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Have you ever noticed how a few encouraging words can change the direction of someone’s day? A person may be carrying a burden you know nothing about, fighting a battle they haven’t shared, or struggling with discouragement behind a smile. Then a kind word, a sincere compliment, or a simple expression of belief can lift their spirit and renew their strength.

Encouragement is one of the most valuable gifts we can give. It costs nothing, yet its impact can be priceless. A word of encouragement can help a weary worker keep going, inspire a discouraged believer to remain faithful, or remind a hurting soul that they are not alone.

Barnabas in the Bible was known as “the son of encouragement.” He saw potential in people when others overlooked them. He stood beside those who needed support and helped them become what God intended them to be. What a wonderful legacy—to be remembered as someone who encouraged others.

The world has plenty of critics. Negative voices are easy to find. But encouragers are different. They look for the good in others. They celebrate victories, no matter how small. They offer hope when others offer doubt. They strengthen instead of tearing down.

Today, make it your goal to encourage someone. Send a text. Make a phone call. Write a note. Offer a kind word. Tell someone you appreciate them. You never know how much that simple act may mean.

And don’t forget to encourage yourself in the Lord. Remember God’s promises. Reflect on His faithfulness. The God who has brought you this far will continue to guide and strengthen you.

A few words of encouragement today may create a ripple effect that lasts for years.

Today’s Challenge: Encourage at least three people today. Let them know they matter, they are appreciated, and they can keep going.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be a source of encouragement today. Put people in my path who need a kind word, and give me the wisdom to speak life into their hearts. May my words reflect Your love and strengthen those around me. Amen.

Start Your Day Off Right Series 6/16

https://youtu.be/jcgOA48CQEM?is=1YqQ8ENbDxUxM7RV

Here is some food for your Daily Bread!

6/16–Start Your Day Off Right Series 

Quote:

Story:

Moan and groan—how many of you know people that all they do is moan and groan? 

People say I’m not happy with my job. They say 87% of the people go to job that they hate. 

We have the dubious distinction in this country that on Monday morning between 6 an 9AM the heart attack rate increases over 35%!! People going to jobs that they hate. Their hearts tell them didn’t I tell you I didn’t want to go and they attack them?I can imagine that some of y’all don’t want to go to work next Monday. 

People all they do is moan and groan. I’m not making enough money, I’m unhappy with my job! So, the thing about it is this…. all some people do is moan and groan. 

I heard a story about some men on a porch. A man was walking by and heard the dog howling and whining. He asked the men why the dog was whining. They said he was laying on a nail. The man asked them why the dog didn’t get off the nail. He said because it wasn’t hurting enough.

I heard someone say that God gave us Ten Commandments but if He has given an eleventh it would have been “Thou Shall Not

Bellyache

Scripture:

Colossians 3:14-15

And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

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Beware Of Wicked Imaginations

Scripture: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” — Proverbs 4:23

Everything begins with a thought.

Before an action is committed, it is first imagined. Before words are spoken, they are first formed in the mind. The battle for a godly life is often won or lost in the realm of our thoughts.

The Bible frequently warns against “wicked imaginations.” These are thoughts that pull us away from God’s will and tempt us toward bitterness, jealousy, revenge, pride, lust, fear, or unbelief. Left unchecked, these thoughts can take root and produce destructive fruit.

The enemy understands the power of imagination. If he can influence what occupies your mind, he can influence the direction of your life. That’s why we must guard our thoughts carefully.

When a wicked imagination enters your mind, don’t entertain it. Don’t build upon it. Replace it with God’s truth. Fill your mind with Scripture, prayer, praise, and thoughts that are pure and uplifting.

Remember, just because a thought enters your mind doesn’t mean you have to welcome it. You have the ability, through God’s help, to reject harmful thoughts and choose better ones.

Today, examine what has been occupying your mind. Are your thoughts leading you closer to God or further away from Him? The quality of your thoughts will greatly influence the quality of your life.

A heart surrendered to God produces thoughts that honor Him, and thoughts that honor Him produce actions that bless others.

Today’s Challenge: When you notice a negative, sinful, or discouraging thought today, immediately replace it with a promise from God’s Word.

Prayer: Lord, help me guard my mind and heart. Give me discernment to recognize thoughts that do not honor You. Fill my mind with Your truth, Your peace, and Your wisdom. May my thoughts be pleasing in Your sight and lead me closer to You. Amen.

Start Your Day Off Right Series 6/15

https://youtu.be/QkSy75wV6i4?is=sMX6t3p1X4bibHrs

Here is some food for your Daily Bread!

6/15—Start Your Day Off Right Series 

Quote:

Story:

The Little Boy And The World

A man was babysitting his little boy and he needed to do something so he got a newspaper with the picture of the world on it and tore the newspaper into little pieces and told the little boy to put the world back together. In just a little bit the little boy told his father he was through. 

The man couldn’t believe it. He asked him how did you do it so quickly? The little boy said on the other side of the world was a picture of a man.. I put the man together and the world came together too!!

When my Grandson was a little boy he would often ask his Mother “Mama, did you know”, and then finish his sentence with his answer. That particular day his mother, my daughter, seemed to be worried and he asked her “Mama did you know”?

     

He told her that God had the whole world in His hand! That simple phrase from a child lifted her heart and mind to the level it needed to be at.

    

 You can learn a lot from a child if you will just pay attention!

Scripture:

Matthew 18:1-6

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.