Podcasts about Mordecai

Dungeon Crawler Carl casting is heating up—but is Seth Green the right Mordecai?Seth Green has thrown his hat into the ring for the role of Mordecai in Peacock's upcoming live-action Dungeon Crawler Carl series. While he knows producer Seth MacFarlane, Green says he doesn't want to rely on that connection—he wants fans to push for it instead.Could he be the right fit for Carl and Donut's ever-changing mentor, or should someone else take the role? We also react to a packed week in pop culture, including RoboCop's return on Prime Video, Nolan's The Odyssey dominating theaters, Avengers: Doomsday's big trailer drop, DC's horror take on Clayface, and more in Views or Snooze.Who would you cast as Carl, Donut, and Mordecai? Let us know in the comments.Subscribe to Radio Labyrinth Podcast for weekly pop culture talk.Keep It Canon.Watch the show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AhScsE4c4bETickets for Tim's Sketch Comedy Live Show:https://ovationstheater.vbotickets.com/event/My_Dead_Cat_Rhonda/197473Support Radio Labyrinth on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/timandrews▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀Hosts: Tim Andrews, Jeff Leiboff, Dustin Lollar and Lizzie Bruce JonesAudio Podcast & YouTube Video Edited by Dustin Lollar ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀✨ Support Our Social Media & Merch:  https://linktr.ee/RadioLabyrinth

Today we are continuing in our series - Esther with Part 4: Activism and Providence. Join us in the conversation. This is the audio podacst.

A shallow friend manages your comfort; a godly mentor helps secure your destiny.

What if the thing holding you back isn't fear of failure — it's fear of moving in the wrong direction? In this message, Pastor Chad tackles one of the most common struggles believers face: the paralysis of "what if I misunderstand God?" The answer isn't more certainty. It's realizing you were never asked to move first.In this episode:Why wisdom finds a way while fear finds an excuseThe difference between foolish recklessness and faith-filled riskHow the pillar of cloud in Exodus 13 redefines what it means to follow GodWhy the Ark went into the Jordan first — and what that means for your next stepRecognizing the difference between a resting season and a trying seasonHow God prepared Egypt for Joseph, positioned Mordecai for Esther, and commanded a widow before Elijah ever arrivedKey Scripture: "The Lord your God who goes before you will Himself fight on your behalf, just as He did for you in Egypt before your eyes." — Deuteronomy 1:30 (NAS95)The greatest risk isn't making the wrong move. It's refusing to make the next one. Wherever God is moving, He's already there — your job is simply to follow.

Victory isn't always the finish line. Sometimes it's the beginning of your greatest battle. In Joshua 24, after crossing the Jordan, watching Jericho fall, and conquering the Promised Land, Joshua gathers Israel one last time, not to prepare them for another war, but to challenge their hearts. Because the greatest fight isn't always the one in front of you; it's the one within you. In this message, we explore how faith slowly drifts through small compromises, why wholehearted devotion matters, how your faith impacts your family and the next generation, and why today's obedience is preparing you for tomorrow's calling. Through the lives of Joshua, Esther, and Mordecai, discover that God isn't just preparing you for victory, He's forging you into someone who can remain faithful long after the battle is over.

In chapter 2, we are introduced to Mordecai and Esther. As the story continues, we see that despite the sin and brokenness everywhere, God remains faithful to His people.

Today we are continuing in our series - Esther with Part 3: Tell Me About Your Family. Join us in the conversation. This is the audio podcast.

As we continue our series in the book of Esther, Joshua preaches from Esther 4:1-17. In this passage we see Mordecai's reaction to the King's edict that all of the Jews are to be wiped out on a single day of the year - utter sorrow and grief - and his subsequent conversation with Esther, where he gives her an ultimatum. As Joshua unpacks these verses for us, we see the nature of Mordecai's actions, the likeness of Esther to the Lord Jesus Christ, and what this all means for us today.

Welcome back!Thanks for reading StrongFaith.co! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Episode 232-Praying Battlefield prayers00:00:06Hey, welcome back to the Remnant Rising podcast. I'm really glad that you're here today. The Lord wants to do something great in your life.00:00:14He wants to just drop something good into you. And I want to kind of talk along this lines of what he's trying to press into my heart right at the moment. And I'll just start with this context.00:00:29It's been really, really hard lately to have anything that seems to come easily. Whether it be prayer times, times in scripture, times in worship, this podcast, all of it has been really hard. Nothing has worked out right, even down to the technology.00:00:53It's just like everywhere you turn, there is an issue and a problem. And I really feel like there's several things happening that the enemy is trying to wear down the people of God. He's trying to wear down the people of God.00:01:10And you need to know that. You need to know there is a constant attack and onslaught right now to wear you down, to get you to a point where, well, you're not going to give up, you're going to love Jesus and all of those things, don't misunderstand, but the fervency of your spirit is being attacked. And it seems like with each passing moment and every passing day, that maybe you're getting further and further away from what the Lord is seeking to do in your life.00:01:44You're under attack, all right? He's trying to wear you down little by little. Friend, you have to not give in to that.00:01:53You have to not give in to that. I know here's what he's trying to speak to me. Here's what the Lord's trying to push into my heart right now. And I felt like I needed to share this with you here on this podcast, because God has00:02:06a remnant that he is raising up. You're already rising. God is bringing John the Baptist out of the wilderness, voices in the wilderness, preparing the way of the Lord.00:02:16Revival is not only here, but it's coming. Jesus is coming. And these are the reasons the enemy is fighting us.00:02:26And so with that in mind, I know for me, my prayer time has been really attacked lately. Just so attacked. It seems like there's no time and it seems like the level of exhaustion has just been on the rise exponentially.00:02:42Can you relate to that, anybody? And as a planner and as one who loves to plan times in the presence of the Lord, it's been really hard and difficult to not seem or feel like I've had that place, that space, that time. It's just unfettered and unhindered and you just take it in the presence of the Lord. But it seems like from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep at night,00:03:10there's a constant barrage of things, of people, of activities. And I know the easy solution is to say, well, set it aside. Listen, friend, you can't always set it aside.00:03:25Some of these things are must, must happen types of things. And I'm praying, Lord, I just want to be in your presence. Lord, just help me.00:03:36And all of a sudden he brings this verse to my mind. It's in Romans 12, 12. And I want to say the King James Version is the way this reads.00:03:45He said continuing instant in prayer, instant. New King James says continuing steadfastly in prayer. I like the way it reads when he says continuing instant in prayer, because there are some times when you're in the heat of the battle and on the battlefield that you don't have just unfettered moment after moment after moment to pray and just simply to be alone with nothing going on.00:04:18You're in a battle. How would a soldier in a battle have this unfettered time? Well, the answer is in the heat of the battle, they wouldn't. And if you're in the heat of a battle right now, then what you've got to do is you've got to continue instant in prayer, instant in prayer, whether you're in season or out00:04:41of season. Sometimes it feels like the time we have is in season and it's just easier, it makes more sense, things work out, everything flows better. But when you're on the cusp of a of a giant breakthrough, as I believe many people in the remnant are right now, you're on the cusp of a giant breakthrough, the Lord is about to pour out his spirit, move with power. Conan, I've seen that I'm most sure that he's about to do what you've longed and prayed00:05:20for and what he's promised. In the middle of that, you are in a battle for the very soul of who you are, the enemy senses the timing, he senses it all, and he unleashes the forces of hell against you. And and we know that he's been defeated already and all of that stuff.00:05:38We get that. But there's this wearing down of the saints. There's this attack on your time.00:05:42There's this attack on your prayer life. There's this attack on your time in God's word and in the presence of the Lord. You're on the battlefield. Can I just interject this continue instant in prayer, continue steadfastly in prayer in the middle of the battlefield, at your workplace, in the marketplace, at the grocery store, in the line, online, at the doctor's office for your visit, at the school, wherever00:06:21you find yourself. Don't be afraid to pray right there. The secret place is not just a specific time and place.00:06:34The secret place is wherever you make it. Wow. Come again.00:06:40Oh, I see. I feel you, Jesus. The secret place is wherever you make it to be, wherever you choose to spend that time00:06:49with the Lord. That's your secret place, that place. I'm reminded of when I was a really young believer, I was saved when I was 14 years old, so I'm still in school, was in high school.00:07:05And I remember taking my Bible with me. I would set it up on the right front corner of my desk and as class would go on, I would sense the presence of the Lord. And I've always kind of been a feeler like that, sensing the presence of the Lord, sensing the voice of the Lord, I wouldn't trade anything for it.00:07:23I love it. I want to encourage it more and more. I want to grow it, develop it. But there will be times when I would realize all I have to do to go to the secret place00:07:34is just close my eyes just for a moment and pray in my heart to Jesus. Nobody around me knows anything that's taken place. Nobody around me knows anything that's going on.00:07:45But I'm literally having a moment with the Lord in that moment. And I'm going to tell you the truth of the secret place just began to be a reality in my life that at any time, at any time I could just begin to seek his face, at any time I could just begin to pour out my heart to him. And friend, that is the heart and essence of a battlefield prayer, a battlefield prayer that says in the meanwhile, the enemy is staring at me, while the enemy is shooting his darts, while the enemy is throwing his spear, while the enemy is attacking me with his words and his onslaught, I'm literally going to just bow down in prayer.00:08:24I'm going to close my eyes. I'm going to pray in the spirit, even I'm going to be unashamed, bold, no matter where I'm at, to just pray. Moteke, say, but in the Holy Spirit and understand that the Lord Jesus is there. And that for planners and preparers and for people who just really love to soak in the00:08:49presence of the Lord, it can be difficult because it feels like you're rushed. How many people know life rushes at us, right? But also we need we need to understand deeply the heart of the father, that he loves you and he wants you to have a life of prayer, not just a moment of prayer.00:09:11And I think God is trying to press this into me and asking me to deliver it to you. And I believe even in my church at some point, because the essence of the battle right now has shifted and we're on the battlefield, we're about to receive the promises of God and the good things of God. And you can't fall right now because the enemy is trying to steal your time.00:09:37You have to learn what it means to live a life of prayer on the battlefield. In the midst of the trial, in the midst of the problem, in the midst of the pain, in the midst of the misunderstanding and what you don't know how to fix, you've got to learn how to be a battlefield remnant warrior that is raising up in this hour to proclaim the glory of the Lord and the goodness of God in the land of the living right where you are at. Remember what the Bible said?00:10:04He sets a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Let me say that again, friend, hear what that says. He sets a table, a table before me in the presence of my enemies, a table that is spread with the good things of God, a table that is spread with the blessing of God, the presence of God, the feast of his love pouring into us, the oil of the Holy Spirit. Most often we want to have those times just between us and the Lord, but00:10:39the reality is the enemy is is seems to always be there. Well, guess what? I'm going to let him set a table before me in the presence of my enemy. I'm going to knock the devil's teeth out as he watches me give glory, praise and honor to the name of Jesus and soak in the hot oil of the Holy Spirit, even while the devil throws his darts at me, knowing that the shield of my faith is going to00:11:08quench every fiery dart of the wicked friend. Now is the time for continuing instant in prayer. Now is the time for battlefield prayers. It's the time to launch out and hold on with all that you have because the God of00:11:24the universe is moving powerfully and about to keep his promises to you. I just feel that prophetic function in my heart. And so at the closing of this short episode, I want to take a moment and I want to just pray with you and for you and just believe together with you for the good things of God to come to pass in your life.00:11:50So take a moment right now and pray with me. OK, would you do that? Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray, God, for every listener.00:12:03Lord, I pray that you would empower them with the might of your Holy Spirit. I pray, Jesus, that your presence would overwhelm and overshadow them, even in the midst of their trouble or pain and on the battlefield. Lord, you're raising up a remnant, you're raising up a people, Elijah's John the Baptist's, Esther's, Nehemiah's, Mordecai's.00:12:30Lord, you're raising them up. Jesus, you're about to fulfill your powerful and precious word to them. Don't let them give up, don't let them quit, empower and strengthen them. With might in their inner man through your Holy Spirit, set a table before them in00:12:46the very presence of their enemy and let their cup overflow. Jesus, I thank you. We love you.00:12:55We give you praise for you alone are worthy in Jesus name. Amen. Friend, one final thing I want to ask a favor of you.00:13:07Would you share this episode if you're not already subscribed? Would you subscribe? Would you post it on your social media? My heart is deeply moved to reach the remnant of God's people and be a part of00:13:21what God is doing in this hour in raising up the remnant that is part of my call. And so I would so appreciate your share or subscribe. Have a blessed and wonderful day in Jesus name.Thanks for reading StrongFaith.co! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.strongfaith.co

Opportunity Honors Preparation! "A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great." Proverbs 18:16 In the heart of Persia, a young woman named Esther found herself in an extraordinary moment — a divine appointment that echoed the principle that "Opportunity honors preparation." When her cousin Mordecai urged her to speak to King Xerxes on behalf of their people, he reminded her, “For such a time as this you were created” (Esther 4:14). This was no ordinary moment; it was a divine intersection, where courage met preparation, and Esther stepped boldly into her destiny. Just as Esther prepared her heart and spirit for that pivotal encounter, we too must recognize the doors God opens for us. Daniel, a faithful servant in Babylon, acknowledged God's sovereignty when he declared, “He changes times and seasons." In our own lives, we are called to be vigilant. Wisdom indeed reads seasons, discerning the opportunities God places before us. Daniel 2:21 says, "God changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." We must learn to “spot the door, step through,” even when fear looms large. The story of Esther teaches us that preparation in faith can lead us to unimaginable breakthroughs. “A man's gift makes room for him” (Proverbs 18:16), reminding us that God knows our gifts and prepares us to fulfill His purpose. Are we ready to embrace the opportunities that come our way? As we reflect on these biblical truths, let us ask ourselves: What preparation is required of us in this season? God's presence beckons us, urging our spirits to align with His will and open our hearts to His guidance. He is ready to lead us through that divine door if we are willing to take that step of faith. Amen. Proverbs 22:29 says, "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men." Amen. Prayer for the Day!Heavenly Father, we thank You for the divine opportunities You place in our lives. Open the right doors and grant us the boldness to step through them with confidence and grace. Lord, help us prepare our hearts and minds to embrace the season ahead, recognizing that You are ever-present in our journey. May we faithfully pursue the path You lay before us. In Jesus' name, Amen. https://maglife.org

Today I'm speaking with Mordecai Kurz, Joan Kenney Professor of Economics Emeritus at Stanford University. We are discussing his latest book, Private Power and Democracy's Decline: How to Make Capitalism Support Democracy (MIT Press, 2026). After its high-water mark several decades ago, democracy's status continues to slide globally. Capitalism and democracy, which once seemed to complement each other, now appear at odds. Free-market policies and monopolistic technologies have enriched many while driving inequalities that harm workers. Many have opined on how to fix the political and economic problems of our day, from an embrace of radical libertarian policy to socialist ownership of the means of production. Mordecai Kurz's extensive study of capitalism and democracy charts a path for balancing economic and political freedom. Since the days of Adam Smith, technology has changed rapidly, necessitating new formulations that take into account the private power centers that exercise control much like monarchies did in the Age of Enlightenment. Despite the imbalance, capitalism still remains a driver of technological progress and innovation. How can we make both capitalism and democracy work for the good of everyone? I'm happy today to get the chance to speak with such an illustrious scholar and to learn a bit more about how to understand this defining puzzle of our age. Caleb Zakarin is CEO and Publisher of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Today I'm speaking with Mordecai Kurz, Joan Kenney Professor of Economics Emeritus at Stanford University. We are discussing his latest book, Private Power and Democracy's Decline: How to Make Capitalism Support Democracy (MIT Press, 2026). After its high-water mark several decades ago, democracy's status continues to slide globally. Capitalism and democracy, which once seemed to complement each other, now appear at odds. Free-market policies and monopolistic technologies have enriched many while driving inequalities that harm workers. Many have opined on how to fix the political and economic problems of our day, from an embrace of radical libertarian policy to socialist ownership of the means of production. Mordecai Kurz's extensive study of capitalism and democracy charts a path for balancing economic and political freedom. Since the days of Adam Smith, technology has changed rapidly, necessitating new formulations that take into account the private power centers that exercise control much like monarchies did in the Age of Enlightenment. Despite the imbalance, capitalism still remains a driver of technological progress and innovation. How can we make both capitalism and democracy work for the good of everyone? I'm happy today to get the chance to speak with such an illustrious scholar and to learn a bit more about how to understand this defining puzzle of our age. Caleb Zakarin is CEO and Publisher of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/intellectual-history

Today I'm speaking with Mordecai Kurz, Joan Kenney Professor of Economics Emeritus at Stanford University. We are discussing his latest book, Private Power and Democracy's Decline: How to Make Capitalism Support Democracy (MIT Press, 2026). After its high-water mark several decades ago, democracy's status continues to slide globally. Capitalism and democracy, which once seemed to complement each other, now appear at odds. Free-market policies and monopolistic technologies have enriched many while driving inequalities that harm workers. Many have opined on how to fix the political and economic problems of our day, from an embrace of radical libertarian policy to socialist ownership of the means of production. Mordecai Kurz's extensive study of capitalism and democracy charts a path for balancing economic and political freedom. Since the days of Adam Smith, technology has changed rapidly, necessitating new formulations that take into account the private power centers that exercise control much like monarchies did in the Age of Enlightenment. Despite the imbalance, capitalism still remains a driver of technological progress and innovation. How can we make both capitalism and democracy work for the good of everyone? I'm happy today to get the chance to speak with such an illustrious scholar and to learn a bit more about how to understand this defining puzzle of our age. Caleb Zakarin is CEO and Publisher of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/politics-and-polemics

Today I'm speaking with Mordecai Kurz, Joan Kenney Professor of Economics Emeritus at Stanford University. We are discussing his latest book, Private Power and Democracy's Decline: How to Make Capitalism Support Democracy (MIT Press, 2026). After its high-water mark several decades ago, democracy's status continues to slide globally. Capitalism and democracy, which once seemed to complement each other, now appear at odds. Free-market policies and monopolistic technologies have enriched many while driving inequalities that harm workers. Many have opined on how to fix the political and economic problems of our day, from an embrace of radical libertarian policy to socialist ownership of the means of production. Mordecai Kurz's extensive study of capitalism and democracy charts a path for balancing economic and political freedom. Since the days of Adam Smith, technology has changed rapidly, necessitating new formulations that take into account the private power centers that exercise control much like monarchies did in the Age of Enlightenment. Despite the imbalance, capitalism still remains a driver of technological progress and innovation. How can we make both capitalism and democracy work for the good of everyone? I'm happy today to get the chance to speak with such an illustrious scholar and to learn a bit more about how to understand this defining puzzle of our age. Caleb Zakarin is CEO and Publisher of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/law

Today I'm speaking with Mordecai Kurz, Joan Kenney Professor of Economics Emeritus at Stanford University. We are discussing his latest book, Private Power and Democracy's Decline: How to Make Capitalism Support Democracy (MIT Press, 2026). After its high-water mark several decades ago, democracy's status continues to slide globally. Capitalism and democracy, which once seemed to complement each other, now appear at odds. Free-market policies and monopolistic technologies have enriched many while driving inequalities that harm workers. Many have opined on how to fix the political and economic problems of our day, from an embrace of radical libertarian policy to socialist ownership of the means of production. Mordecai Kurz's extensive study of capitalism and democracy charts a path for balancing economic and political freedom. Since the days of Adam Smith, technology has changed rapidly, necessitating new formulations that take into account the private power centers that exercise control much like monarchies did in the Age of Enlightenment. Despite the imbalance, capitalism still remains a driver of technological progress and innovation. How can we make both capitalism and democracy work for the good of everyone? I'm happy today to get the chance to speak with such an illustrious scholar and to learn a bit more about how to understand this defining puzzle of our age. Caleb Zakarin is CEO and Publisher of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I'm speaking with Mordecai Kurz, Joan Kenney Professor of Economics Emeritus at Stanford University. We are discussing his latest book, Private Power and Democracy's Decline: How to Make Capitalism Support Democracy (MIT Press, 2026). After its high-water mark several decades ago, democracy's status continues to slide globally. Capitalism and democracy, which once seemed to complement each other, now appear at odds. Free-market policies and monopolistic technologies have enriched many while driving inequalities that harm workers. Many have opined on how to fix the political and economic problems of our day, from an embrace of radical libertarian policy to socialist ownership of the means of production. Mordecai Kurz's extensive study of capitalism and democracy charts a path for balancing economic and political freedom. Since the days of Adam Smith, technology has changed rapidly, necessitating new formulations that take into account the private power centers that exercise control much like monarchies did in the Age of Enlightenment. Despite the imbalance, capitalism still remains a driver of technological progress and innovation. How can we make both capitalism and democracy work for the good of everyone? I'm happy today to get the chance to speak with such an illustrious scholar and to learn a bit more about how to understand this defining puzzle of our age. Caleb Zakarin is CEO and Publisher of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I'm speaking with Mordecai Kurz, Joan Kenney Professor of Economics Emeritus at Stanford University. We are discussing his latest book, Private Power and Democracy's Decline: How to Make Capitalism Support Democracy (MIT Press, 2026). After its high-water mark several decades ago, democracy's status continues to slide globally. Capitalism and democracy, which once seemed to complement each other, now appear at odds. Free-market policies and monopolistic technologies have enriched many while driving inequalities that harm workers. Many have opined on how to fix the political and economic problems of our day, from an embrace of radical libertarian policy to socialist ownership of the means of production. Mordecai Kurz's extensive study of capitalism and democracy charts a path for balancing economic and political freedom. Since the days of Adam Smith, technology has changed rapidly, necessitating new formulations that take into account the private power centers that exercise control much like monarchies did in the Age of Enlightenment. Despite the imbalance, capitalism still remains a driver of technological progress and innovation. How can we make both capitalism and democracy work for the good of everyone? I'm happy today to get the chance to speak with such an illustrious scholar and to learn a bit more about how to understand this defining puzzle of our age. Caleb Zakarin is CEO and Publisher of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/book-of-the-day

Send us Fan MailCivilization doesn't fade out. It collapses at 2 AM. Anything with a roof becomes a death trap, and the only “safe” option is a doorway into a world dungeon run by aliens who package human survival as binge-worthy reality TV. We're unpacking Dungeon Crawler Carl (Book 1, Floors 1 and 2) and why it lands as both laugh-out-loud comedy and genuinely unsettling post-apocalyptic sci-fi.We talk through Carl's impossible starting conditions, the tutorial vibes that feel like a video game you can't pause, and the moment the series fully clicks: Princess Donut becomes sentient and instantly starts working the crowd like a born celebrity. From there, we dig into the AI's achievement system, the creepy humor, and the way the book turns “loot and levels” into a weaponized incentive structure. If you've been looking for a LitRPG recommendation or wondering whether the Dungeon Crawler Carl audiobook is worth it, we also get into what Jeff Hays brings to the narration and why the fandom treats it like the definitive version.The conversation gets real when we debate moral survival choices, including Frank and Maggie and the “kill or be killed” paranoia that the dungeon actively encourages. We also sit with the Hoarder scene and what it says about exploitation, audience complicity, and why Carl's anger feels like the beginning of a rebellion. Finally, we geek out over Carl's strategy and game-exploit thinking, plus standout supporting characters like Mordecai, Zev, and Odette.If you're enjoying the show, subscribe, share this with a friend who loves dystopian fiction and game mechanics, and leave us a five-star review so more crawlers can find us.Twitter handles:Project Geekology: https://twitter.com/pgeekologyAnthony's Twitter: https://twitter.com/odysseyswowDakota's Twitter: https://twitter.com/geekritique_dakInstagram:https://instagram.com/projectgeekology?igshid=1v0sits7ipq9yYouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@projectgeekologyGeekritique (Dakota):https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBwciIqOoHwIx_uXtYTSEbASupport the show

  Sermon Notes: FASTING AND PRAYERS GENERATE POWER FOR A CHANGE OF STORY Preacher: Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Okronipa Main Scripture: Luke 4:14 Supporting Scriptures: Luke 4:1, Esther 3, Esther 4, Isaiah 54:17 Core Theme: Activating divine empowerment through fasting and prayer to break spiritual resistance, neutralize demonic decrees, and legally enforce a supernatural change of story. 1. Introduction: The Spiritual Imperative of Fasting Fasting is About Power: Fasting is not merely about staying away from food; it is a critical spiritual exercise. When believers engage in fasting and prayer, they are actively drawing near to God to generate dynamic spiritual power. The Pattern of Jesus: Scripture records that Jesus, being full of the Holy Ghost, went into the wilderness. After fasting, He returned in the power of the Spirit. The Power Flow: Power must flow when we fast. Every major patriarch, prophet, and apostle in scripture utilized fasting as a baseline lifestyle to trigger breakthroughs and historical shifts. 2. The Blueprint of Dominion: Executive Control Genesis 1:26 "...let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." Created to Rule: God's primary purpose for humanity is dominion. Dominion is a legal term representing authority, executive power, and political appointment. The Ultimate Mandate: Man was structurally programmed to take charge, subdue the earth, and enforce God's sovereign will in this material realm. The Loss of Dominion: When a believer's life is consistently subject to patterns of loss, tragedy, or situations they do not desire, it is a sign that their dominion has been compromised and something else is illegally controlling their environment. 3. The Prophetic Case Study: Overturning a Sealed Decree The Irreversible Law: In the book of Esther, Haman utilized demonic manipulations, magicians, and astrologers to cast lots (Pur) for twelve months to select a specific day to completely annihilate the Jewish people. This decree was legally signed and sealed with the king's signet ring, making it completely irreversible by human laws. The Spiritual Counter-Attack: Recognizing that the crisis was rooted in spiritual dimensions, Queen Esther did not rely on her physical beauty or her executive position in the palace. She commanded Mordecai and all the Jews in Shushan to fast and pray for three days—neither eating nor drinking—and committed to doing the same with her maids. The Structural Shift: On the third day, after the fast concluded, Esther put on her royal robes and stood before the king. The fast had completely altered the spiritual climate. Before she could even state her request, the king granted her favor, promising her up to half of the kingdom, which ultimately led to the complete destruction of Haman and the preservation of the Jews. 4. The Six Supernatural Realities Activated by Fasting When believers engage in strategic fasting, they activate precise spiritual tools to enforce dominion over real-world situations: I. The Weapon of Prophetic Proclamations (Incantations) Fasting clarifies your spiritual senses, allowing your tongue to issue powerful, decree-level words. Continuous speaking in tongues is the believer's legal form of divine incantations. While dark forces use early morning incantations to try to control natural elements, believers must rise up in prayer to dynamically program their days and command their environments. II. The Deployment of Material Tokens and Signs God Works Through Elements: God frequently commands the use of physical tokens—such as anointing oil, communion, or specific symbolic acts—to anchor and express invisible spiritual power. The Axe-Head Floating (2 Kings 4): Elisha cut a physical piece of wood and threw it into the water where a borrowed iron axe-head had sunk, causing the heavy metal to instantly float to the top. The Altar Testimony: Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Okronipa shared a testimony of a family member whose kidneys were failing and was completely unconscious in the hospital. A prophetic token was deployed where his name was written down and legally laid upon the church altar. This intercepted the sickness, and subsequent clinical scans showed his kidneys were fully and completely restored. The Power of Anointing Oil (Ororo): The Pastor referenced the raw testimonies that follow the use of anointing oil (Ororo in Yoruba). A sister who was dealing with persistent medical anomalies applied blessed oil every day for months, completely curing her body and causing financial doors to swing wide open. III. The Activation of Covenant Practices (Tithing/Giving) Giving and tithing are not simple financial transactions; they are high-level covenant activations. In places like Nigeria, even secular entities understand the spiritual force of sacrifice. Sacrificial giving releases an unstoppable voice in the spirit realm that forces resources to flow to you. IV. The Release of Prophetic Healing Wine (Communion) The Communion is a literal proclamation of life. A sister who suffered from severe, un-diagnosable asthma for years took blessed communion wine during a fast, and the condition completely vanished. When administered to her daughters, it unlocked a continuous stream of academic excellence, causing them to consistently rank first in their classes. V. The Enforcement of Territorral Ground-Sanctification Physical land can be prophetically won or cleared. In a battle over real estate contested by land guards, the Pastor prophetically sprinkled blessed sand and poured water over the landscape. This act legally locked down the territory, and despite multiple subsequent attempts by intruders, they were structurally blocked from interfering with the property. VI. The Destruction of Weaponized Demonic Schemes Scripture: Isaiah 54:17 Demonic structures can be custom-made and weaponized directly against your DNA, your business, or your health. However, the Bible guarantees that “no weapon fashioned against you shall prosper.” Fasting and prayer systematically disassemble these custom demonic operations and completely destroy their capacity to function. 5. Practical Execution & Commissioning To break negative patterns and command a permanent change of story, every believer must aggressively employ these spiritual tools: Audit Your Life's Patterns: If you notice a consistent trend of losing resources, losing health, or experiencing repeated disruptions, do not treat it as a natural phase. Write down the specific area of resistance and explicitly target it during this fast. Engage in Relentless Invocations: Use the nights of this fast to loudly stream tongues over your life, your home, and your family. Speak fine, powerful words into the atmosphere to drown out any illegal demonic voice. Deploy Your Prophetic Media and Tokens: Responsibly utilize the communion, blessed oil, and prophetic parameters given. Do not stop after a few days; be completely committed to the protocol. When mixed with faith, these tokens will force your story to completely change and bring your absolute dominion to pass!

What type of planets orbit black holes? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Negin Farsad sit down with Mordecai-Mark Mac Low to crack open the mysteries of galaxy collisions, dark matter, and the massive planetary systems around black holes.  NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:  https://startalkmedia.com/show/bug-splat-galaxies-with-mordecai-mark-mac-low/ Thanks to our Patrons Alex, Sadashiv Nayak, Raviteja K, Lian Zhalka, Thomas Davis, Alex Yumashev, Charles Koehl, Matthew Maldonado, Aleksandre Khatiskatsi, Grig Coker, Matthew Ardebili, Japeth Mitchell, Gaaary, Ian Patton, Casey Steelspine, Veninator, Hannu Latvakoski, Santiago Aguirre, Jonathan Caples, Ryan Wetmore, Dan Lepping, Chris, Frank Betz, William Massar, Jason Durden, Jenny Patton, LiveAlive42, Kesh Iyer, scott ezell, Jesse Jensen, Javier E. Gonzalez, rk89, Courteney Kawalek, James Martin, seth forever, Why So Serious, Jared Kennington, andrew bash, David Pillado, Jennie Hrobak, Mariana, Robbie Rogers, Michael Huckey, Anthony Torres, Luke Gilliam, David Hasenauer, Libby Higgins, Willie Lo, Mike B, and Rhagor for supporting us this week. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of StarTalk Radio ad-free and a whole week early.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You prayed. Something happened. Then you wondered if that was really God... or coincidence... or just in your head. It's the same question Esther forces us to ask. And refuses to answer.It's the one book in the Bible that never mentions God. No miracles, no prayers, no voice from heaven — just a hidden queen, a cousin named Mordecai climbing a pagan empire, a genocide plotted with a roll of the dice, and a rescue messy enough that by the end the people of God start to look uncomfortably like the villain they defeated. In this final message of our Esther series, we sit in the discomfort of a victory that doesn't feel clean and a festival named after random chance, and we ask the question running underneath the whole book: How do you learn to see God when, by every appearance, He isn't there? Part of "(Un)Hiding Your Face," our series in the book of Esther. Scripture: Esther 8–10. New Story Church | Phoenixville, PADownload the group discussion guide here.

This message introduces the book of Esther by highlighting its central theme: the providence of God. His sovereign hand is evident in every event, quietly guiding history to accomplish His purposes and protect His people. The sermon reviews Israel's covenant with God, their rebellion, exile in Babylon, and God's faithfulness in keeping His promises of both judgment and restoration. We meet the key characters—Esther, Mordecai, King Ahasuerus, and Haman—and begin to see how God will use ordinary people and extraordinary circumstances to fulfill His perfect plan. 

And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles of the sea.2 And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?3 For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.

Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)2 The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.3 And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.4 For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater.5 Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.6 And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men.7 And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha,8 And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,9 And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha,10 The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.11 On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king.12 And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king's provinces? now what is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what is thy request further? and it shall be done.13 Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which are in Shushan to do to morrow also according unto this day's decree, and let Haman's ten sons be hanged upon the gallows.14 And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman's ten sons.15 For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand.16 But the other Jews that were in the king's provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey,17 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.18 But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.19 Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.20 And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,21 To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,22 As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.23 And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them;24 Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them;25 But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.26 Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them,27 The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year;28 And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.29 Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim.30 And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,31 To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry.32 And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.

On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her.2 And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.3 And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.4 Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king,5 And said, If it please the king, and if I have favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces:6 For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?7 Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews.8 Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king's name, and seal it with the king's ring: for the writing which is written in the king's name, and sealed with the king's ring, may no man reverse.9 Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.10 And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealed it with the king's ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries:11 Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey,12 Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.13 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.14 So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.15 And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.16 The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.17 And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.

So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen.2 And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.3 Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:4 For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage.5 Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?6 And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.7 And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.8 Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.9 And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.

What does it take to truly win in life? In this message from Esther and Mordecai's story, we discover that faith and courage alone are not enough. Discipline is what focuses, strengthens, and activates our faith to operate at its highest level. Through prayer, fasting, and bold dependence on God, we learn that adversity can either break us or build in us the discipline that leads to lasting growth. When we choose disciplined, bold faith, God works powerfully in and through our lives.Support the show

June 21, 2026 | Pastor Ben Mandrell finishes our series in Esther by talking about the great reversal of outcomes in Esther 9. The Jews were supposed to be destroyed, but through the intervention of Esther and Mordecai, their salvation was at hand. Even when times are difficult, never forget that God is at work and He can perform miracles you cannot fathom.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

Our Queen's Gambit series continues as we look at the life of Mordecai and the choices that shaped his legacy. In this Father's Day message, Dale explores how Mordecai chose fatherhood when he raised Esther as his own and chose faithfulness when standing for what was right carried a cost. His example reminds us that our greatest impact is often found in the daily decisions to love well and remain faithful to God.Message: Embracing Fatherhood (Mordecai)Series: Queen's GambitSpeaker: Dale McCamish (Senior Minister)Date: 6-21-2026Find out how you can connect or partner with us: wcconline.org/connectFollow us on social media: @wcconlinechurch

On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.2 And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.3 And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.4 And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.5 And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in.6 So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?7 And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour,8 Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head:9 And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour.10 Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.11 Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.12 And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.13 And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.14 And while they were yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.

What do you do when God seems silent and circumstances feel uncertain? Join Pastor Fred De Jong for this Book of the Week message as we journey through Esther and discover how God's hand is at work even when His name isn't mentioned. Through the courageous faith of Esther and the steadfast influence of Mordecai, we'll see how God positions His people for moments that matter and calls us to live with courage, conviction and trust in His providence.

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.2 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.3 Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.4 And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.5 Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.7 Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is;8 If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.9 Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.10 Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.11 And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.12 Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king.13 Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.14 Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.

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;2 And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth.3 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.4 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.5 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.6 So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before the king's gate.7 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.8 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.9 And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.10 Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;11 All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or women, 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.12 And they told to Mordecai Esther's words.13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.14 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?15 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,16 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.17 So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

Esther 2:15 NKJV - Now when the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his daughter, to go in to the king, she requested nothing but what Hegai the king's eunuch, the custodian of the women, advised. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her

After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him.2 And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.3 Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment?4 Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.7 In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar.8 And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them.9 If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king's treasuries.10 And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy.11 And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.12 Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring.13 And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.14 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.15 The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.

In this episode, Douglas Wilson discusses the feminization of institutions and argues that the presence of women inevitably transforms male spaces. He then continues his survey of New Testament sins with quarreling—a public sin Christians often mistake for righteousness—and closes with a review of Yoram Hazoni's God and Politics in Esther. For more from Doug, subscribe to Canon+: https://canonplus.com/  

After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.2 Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them:4 And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.5 Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;6 Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.8 So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.9 And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.10 Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it.11 And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.12 Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)13 Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house.14 In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.15 Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.16 So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.17 And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.18 Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.19 And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate.20 Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.21 In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus.22 And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name.23 And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.

“Between 1980 and 2019, the billionaires gained $25 trillion. By today it's probably $35 trillion. The question is who will pay for reform? You go where the money is.” — Mordecai Kurz Keynes observed that in the long run, we are all dead. The nonagenarian Stanford economist Mordecai Kurz agrees. Which is why he has no patience for the tech utopians' promise of abundance for all of us in the long run. And his new book, Private Power and Democracy's Decline: How to Make Capitalism Support Democracy, is amongst the most urgent cases yet made for a fundamental reform of American capitalism. Kurz compares our billionaire-infested times with the Gilded Age of the late 19th century, which eventually ended with sharp progressive reform. We are now in a second Gilded Age, he argues. Between 1980 and 2019, the top billionaires gained $25 trillion. By today, he estimates it's $35 trillion. Meanwhile, workers without college education gained essentially nothing in income between 1980 and 2010. The result is both Trumpism and the world's first trillionaire. Kurz lays out a three-fronted reform strategy. First, reduce market power through patent and antitrust reform. Second, redistribute the gains from technology through a 65% top marginal income tax rate and a 45% corporate rate. Third, guarantee the livelihood of every worker displaced by policy-supported technological change with retraining, full wage support, tuition, healthcare, and even relocation. Wouldn't the billionaires simply leave? The spirited Kurz, who has taught economics at Stanford for sixty years, isn't worried. “Others will come instead of them,” he says. And in response to Sam Altman's argument that AI will free humanity from labour, Mordecai Kurz retorts with Keynes's remark about death in the long run. And this particular long run, he says, could be many millennia. Five Takeaways •       The Second Gilded Age: Same Dynamic, Different Technology: Kurz's central historical argument: the first Gilded Age — 1864 to 1914 — produced extreme inequality, rising economic monopolists who became centres of political power, and democratic decline. It ended with progressive reform. The second Gilded Age, beginning in 1980, follows the same logic: technology used as a weapon of market power, market power converting into political power, political power undermining democratic institutions. The difference is scale and speed. Between 1980 and 2019, the top billionaires accumulated $25 trillion. By 2026, Kurz estimates $35 trillion. The reform that ended the first Gilded Age took fifty years. He is not sure we have that long. •       The Three-Pronged Reform: Market Power, Distribution, Livelihoods: Kurz's proposed reform has three components. First: reduce market power through patent reform, antitrust reform, and reform of acquisition law — the legal structures that allow technology firms to entrench monopoly positions. Second: redistribute the gains from technology through a 65% top marginal income tax rate, a compulsory minimum 15% tax on incomes above $400,000, and a 45% corporate tax rate. Third: guarantee the livelihood of every worker displaced by policy-supported technological change — retraining, full wage support, tuition for children, healthcare, and relocation assistance. •       The 1980 Mistake: Where It All Went Wrong: Kurz is precise about the origin of the problem: 1980. The turn to unregulated free-market capitalism under Reagan, combined with the information technology revolution, created what he calls a techno-winner-takes-all economy. Workers without college education gained essentially nothing in income between 1980 and 2010. Millions lost their jobs to automation and import competition and received no government support. Kurz's diagnosis of Trumpism: it fed on the despair of those abandoned workers. This is not a cultural or demographic explanation. It is a structural economic one. •       Would the Billionaires Leave? Let Them: Andrew raises the obvious objection: if you tax them at 65%, won't the Elon Musks and Larry Pages and Sam Altmans simply leave? Kurz's response is blunt: he doesn't think they would, because the system called America — its universities, infrastructure, market, human capital, and institutional environment — is what made their billions possible. Their billions are not the product of their individual genius alone. But if they do leave, he says, others will come instead. He adds that he would prefer coordinated taxation across all Western advanced economies, not the US alone. •       In the Long Run, We Are All Dead: The Keynesian Punchline on Tech Utopianism: Andrew asks about Elon Musk's claim that money will eventually disappear and technology will free humanity from labour — the Keynesian/Marxist long-run abundance argument. Kurz paraphrases Keynes' most famous line: “In the long run, we are all dead.” And then he adds: the long run could be a very long time. He is ninety years old, has taught at Stanford since 1961, and from his office window he can see the $1 billion mansions in the hills above Palo Alto and the workers below who cannot afford to live there. He is, he says, not prepared to wait for Musk's utopia. About the Guest Mordecai Kurz is the Joan Kenney Professor of Economics Emeritus at Stanford University, where he has taught since 1961. He is the author of Private Power and Democracy's Decline: How to Make Capitalism Support Democracy (MIT Press, May 19, 2026) and The Market Power of Technology: Understanding the Second Gilded Age (Columbia University Press, 2023). He was born in Tel Aviv and received his doctorate from MIT. References: •       Private Power and Democracy's Decline: How to Make Capitalism Support Democracy by Mordecai Kurz (MIT Press, May 19, 2026). •       The Market Power of Technology: Understanding the Second Gilded Age by Mordecai Kurz (Columbia University Press, 2023) — the preceding volume, referenced throughout. •       Thomas Piketty — blurbed the book: “A great book, a must-read.” Also referenced in the conversation. •       Dani Rodrik and Gabriel Zucman — referenced as fellow economists in Kurz's camp. •       Marc Andreessen — referenced for his counter-argument that high taxation destroys innovation. About Keen On America Nobody asks more awkward questions than the Anglo-American writer and filmmaker Andrew Keen. In Keen On America, Andrew brings his pointed Transatlantic wit to making sense of the United States — hosting daily interviews about the history and future of this now venerable Republic. With nearly 3,000 episodes s...

Before we resume our One Another Study, I wanted to take a look at an issue that really can deeply affect how we treat one another - our tendency to want to PLEASE people.It is natural to want people to like us.But people-pleasing and the need for other people's constant approval can quickly become an idol.From our series in Esther, we see Haman grow enraged when one man, Mordecai, will not bow to him. The rest of the kingdom bows, but that's just not good enough for Haman.And that's how it is with approval addiction. So many people can love us - but once one person does not, our entire sense of self begins to crumble!We take a hard look at our unhealthy need to be liked, as well as so many other things, today on Rinse and Repeat!(RAR2026EP25)

Big Idea: GOD is always in control Esther 10:1-3King Ahasuerus imposed a tax throughout the land even to the farthest shores. All of his powerful and magnificent accomplishments and the detailed account of Mordecai's great rank with which the king had honored him, have they not been written in the Book of the Historical Events of the Kings of Media and Persia? Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus. He was famous among the Jews and highly esteemed by many of his relatives. He continued to pursue prosperity for his people and to speak for the well-being of all his descendants.1.  God can move in a supernaturally, natural way.2.  God's move never rules out our actions.3. God allows His people to be tested.4.  God's children can rejoice. Next Steps:Believe: I surrender control of my life to Jesus today.Become: I trust God to handle every situation in my life.Be Sent: I will help someone serve God this week.Discussion Questions:1.    Do you trust God's will in every problem you face in life? Why or why not?2.    How does the book of Esther reflect God at work in your life, even though at times you don't feel His presents?3.    Are you honest with your feelings to God when you face challenges?4.    Would you prefer God tell you how He's going to fix something in your life or guide you through it?5.    What qualities do you possess that make you a good leader?6.    How does this story encourage you to stand up for justice, even in the face of great challenges?7.    Pray for the Holy Spirit to allow you to remember and talk about acts of great leadership with someone this week.

Esther 10 At times, the struggles and agonies of the day distort our perception of God and blur our vision of the future. That's why hope is woven throughout Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. In just three verses, Esther 10 offers a glimpse of Mordecai's blessing over Persia, giving us a foretaste of God's glorious blessings to come. Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he guides us through this powerful reminder that God will triumph in the end. Let this message renew your clarity and strengthen your hope in the bright future God has prepared for you.

Esther 10 At times, the struggles and agonies of the day distort our perception of God and blur our vision of the future. That's why hope is woven throughout Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. In just three verses, Esther 10 offers a glimpse of Mordecai's blessing over Persia, giving us a foretaste of God's glorious blessings to come. Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he guides us through this powerful reminder that God will triumph in the end. Let this message renew your clarity and strengthen your hope in the bright future God has prepared for you.

Big Idea: Gratitude is the seed, attitude is the fruit.Esther 9:18-32 I. Take time to celebrate your faith. Esther 9:18-22But the Jews in Susa had assembled on the thirteenth and the fourteenth days of the month. They rested on the fifteenth day of the month, and it became a day of feasting and rejoicing. This explains why the rural Jews who live in villages observe the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a time of rejoicing and feasting. It is a holiday when they send gifts to one another. Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews in all of King Ahasuerus's provinces, both near and far. He ordered them to celebrate the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar every year because during those days the Jews gained relief from their enemies. That was the month when their sorrow was turned into rejoicing and their mourning into a holiday. They were to be days of feasting, rejoicing, and of sending gifts to one another and to the poor. II. Remind yourself of God's deliverance.  Esther 9:23-28So the Jews agreed to continue the practice they had begun, as Mordecai had written them to do. For Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them. He cast the pur—that is, the lot—to crush and destroy them. But when the matter was brought before the king, he commanded by letter that the evil plan Haman had devised against the Jews return on his own head and that he should be hanged with his sons on the gallows. For this reason these days are called Purim, from the word pur. Because of all the instructions in this letter as well as what they had witnessed and what had happened to them, the Jews bound themselves, their descendants, and all who joined with them to a commitment that they would not fail to celebrate these two days each and every year according to the written instructions and according to the time appointed. These days are remembered and celebrated by every generation, family, province, and city, so that these days of Purim will not lose their significance in Jewish life and their memory will not fade from their descendants.III. Pass it on to the future generations.Esther 9:29-32Queen Esther, daughter of Abihail, along with Mordecai the Jew, wrote this second letter with full authority to confirm the letter about Purim. He sent letters with assurances of peace and security to all the Jews who were in the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, in order to confirm these days of Purim at their proper time just as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had established them and just as they had committed themselves and their descendants to the practices of fasting and lamentation. So Esther's command confirmed these customs of Purim, which were then written into the record.Next Steps: Believe: I need to start my faith journey today.Become: I will spend time celebrating my freedom this week.Be Sent: I will share my testimony with someone this week.Discussion Questions: What are you most grateful for today?  How often do you remind yourself of God's simple gifts when life isn't going your way?Do you have a way of celebrating your faith regularly?  If so, how?Do you know your family's journey of faith?  Does your family know yours?If there were a festival to celebrate your personal faith, what would it be called?With whom did you last share your personal testimony?Ask the Holy Spirit for the opportunity to share God's grace with someone this week.

Today in History: Mordecai wrote to everyone in the Persian Empire about the king's decree that Jews could defend themselves (see Esther 8:9). “It was written according to all that Mordecai commanded to the Jews, the satraps, the governors and the princes of the provinces which extended from India to Ethiopia.”This week's portion is called Slach (Send)TORAH PORTION: Numbers 13:21–14:7GOSPEL PORTION: John 7:32–52What verse spoke to you most today and why?Did you learn something about God?Daily Bread for Kids is a daily Bible reading podcast where we read through the Torah and the Gospels in one year! Helping young Bible-readers to study God's Word, while also discovering its Jewish context!THE KIDS' JOURNAL is available from ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://arielmedia.shop⁠⁠⁠⁠BUSY MOMS who want to follow the Daily Bread readings on podcast for adults, can go to ⁠⁠https://dailybreadmoms.com⁠⁠The Bible translation we are reading from is the Tree of Life Version (TLV) available from the Tree of Life Bible Society.INSTAGRAM: @dailybreadkids @arielmediabooks @dailybreadmomsTags: #DailyBreadMoms #DailyBreadJournal #BibleJournaling #Messianic #BiblePodcast #BiblicalFeasts #Journal #biblereadingplan #Messiah #JewishRoots #Yeshua #GodIsInControl #OneYearBible #MomLife #MotherCulture #FaithFilledMama #BiblicalWomanhood #Proverbs31woman

Do you feel like all is lost or that God doesn't see your struggles? Esther 6 teaches us that God is always present, even when hope seems distant. At a crucial moment, God gave King Ahasuerus a restless night, setting in motion a chain of events that humbled proud Haman and elevated humble Mordecai. Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he mines gems of truth in this powerful chapter, reminding us that God's timing is perfect and His care never fails. Find renewed hope and trust in God's faithful hand.

Esther 6 Do you feel like all is lost or that God doesn't see your struggles? Esther 6 teaches us that God is always present, even when hope seems distant. At a crucial moment, God gave King Ahasuerus a restless night, setting in motion a chain of events that humbled proud Haman and elevated humble Mordecai. Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he mines gems of truth in this powerful chapter, reminding us that God's timing is perfect and His care never fails. Find renewed hope and trust in God's faithful hand.

Esther 4 Ever wonder if one person can truly make a difference? After the king's deadly edict, Mordecai urged Esther to use her influence—and risk her life—to stop the destruction of her people (Esther 4). Pastor Chuck Swindoll shows us how God uses individuals to change the course of history. Are you ready to step into the role God has prepared for you and make an impact beyond what you imagined?

Esther 4 Ever wonder if one person can truly make a difference? After the king's deadly edict, Mordecai urged Esther to use her influence—and risk her life—to stop the destruction of her people (Esther 4). Pastor Chuck Swindoll shows us how God uses individuals to change the course of history. Are you ready to step into the role God has prepared for you and make an impact beyond what you imagined?

Esther 2:21–3:15 Feel like life is full of trouble and turmoil? Shortly after Esther became queen, danger arose when two guards conspired to kill the king (Esther 2:21–3:15). Mordecai, however, stepped in to foil their plot. Meanwhile, Haman, empowered by the king's ring, launched an even deadlier plan against the Jews. Pastor Chuck Swindoll reveals what we can learn about the presence of evil and how God equips us with the strength to face life's darkest challenges. Encouragement awaits you today!

Esther 2:21–3:15 Feel like life is full of trouble and turmoil? Shortly after Esther became queen, danger arose when two guards conspired to kill the king (Esther 2:21–3:15). Mordecai, however, stepped in to foil their plot. Meanwhile, Haman, empowered by the king's ring, launched an even deadlier plan against the Jews. Pastor Chuck Swindoll reveals what we can learn about the presence of evil and how God equips us with the strength to face life's darkest challenges. Encouragement awaits you today