Podcasts about Mordecai

The Law of Death vs The Word of Life ReCreate Church | Michael Shockley | August 31, 2025 Esther Series, Part 8: Esther 8 ---------- EPISODE SUMMARY What happens when victory feels incomplete and the threat still remains? Through Esther chapter 8, Michael Shockley explores how God's salvation works when evil laws can't simply be erased. Starting with a creative poetic recap of chapters 1-7, discover why Haman's death didn't solve everything - his genocidal decree was still legally binding in the Persian Empire. Watch as Mordecai rises from death row to Prime Minister, and learn how the king's solution - a counter-decree allowing Jews to defend themselves - points to a much greater story. From irrevocable Persian laws to God's perfect justice, explore how the Law of Death (God's righteous standards we can't meet) is overcome by the Word of Life (Jesus taking our place). Through humor, biblical insight, and practical application, understand the difference between justice, mercy, and grace, and why authentic faith matters more than religious identity. Core Message: The Law of Death is real, but The Word of Life is greater. ---------- KEY TOPICS COVERED Creative Story Recap - Poetic summary of Esther chapters 1-7 in rhyming verses - Queen Vashti's refusal and removal from the throne - Esther's rise through the beauty contest and divine positioning - Haman's genocidal plot and Mordecai's refusal to bow - The fasting, banquets, sleepless night, and ultimate justice - Setting up chapter 8 as the resolution to lingering problems The Incomplete Victory - Why Haman's death didn't solve everything immediately - The genocidal decree still legally binding throughout the empire - Esther's continued pleading with tears for her people's safety - The irreversible nature of Persian law - no decree could be repealed - How apparent victories can still leave underlying threats Mordecai's Incredible Reversal - From death row to Prime Minister in a single day - Receiving Haman's signet ring and estate as rewards - The waterboy-to-coach comparison for this promotion - Being dressed in royal robes and crowned by the king - The people of Shushan rejoicing over righteous leadership The Counter-Decree Strategy - King Ahasuerus explaining the legal limitations of Persian law - The solution: writing a new law to oppose the first one - Empowering Jews to band together and defend themselves - Allowing them to do to attackers what was planned against them - The king's revenge plot vs. God's heart for breaking cycles The Spreading Good News - Mordecai's first act: sending couriers to all 127 provinces - The message traveling from India to Ethiopia across the empire - Jewish families celebrating and coming together in unity - The birth of what would become the ongoing holiday of Purim - How good news transforms fear into celebration The Phenomenon of Conversion - Many people throughout the empire "becoming Jews" - Genuine spiritual conversion vs. political convenience - How demonstrated divine power attracts people to God's team - The advantage of being identified with those who have God's favor - Modern parallels of cultural Christianity without authentic faith The Danger of Identity-Only Faith - People claiming Christianity for social or political advantage - The difference between Christian identity and Christian reality - Family pressure vs. personal conviction in spiritual decisions - The importance of authentic, personal spiritual journeys - Warning against going through religious motions without heart change The Gospel Parallel - How Esther's story reflects the greater story of salvation - All people under condemnation from God's righteous law - The impossibility of meeting God's standard of perfect obedience - God's law revealing unrighteousness rather than righteousness - The need for a solution that upholds justice while providing mercy The Higher Law of Grace - God's inability to simply revoke or lower His standards - Jesus as the "counter-decree" who fulfills rather than cancels the law - The Cross as God's answer to the problem of justice and mercy - Christ taking the place of the unjust while upholding righteousness - Romans 8:1: "No condemnation for those in Christ Jesus" ---------- MEMORABLE QUOTES "The Law of Death is real, but The Word of Life is greater." "It's not coincidence, it's providence." "If somebody predicts His Death and Resurrection and pulls it off exactly how He Said, I want to be with that Guy!" "We are super excited to help you on your journey to Jesus and with Jesus, but it has got to be YOUR journey." "God's Law does not reveal us to be righteous, but unrighteous. All of us." "God issued a second Decree. This one is GRACE through Jesus." "Justice is getting what we deserve. Mercy is not getting what we deserve. Grace is getting what we do not deserve." "Justice writes the speeding ticket. Mercy tears it up. Grace fills your tank and sends you on your way." ---------- BIBLICAL FOUNDATION - Primary Text: Esther 8:1-6 - Key Supporting Verse: "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1) - Old Testament Law Context: "There is none righteous, no not one" (Psalm 14:3; Romans 3:10) - Theme: Divine solution to irrevocable condemnation through a higher law - Historical Context: Persian legal system and the irreversible nature of royal decrees - Gospel Connection: How the Cross fulfills rather than cancels God's justice ---------- PRACTICAL APPLICATION If You're Dealing with Lingering Consequences: - Remember that God's solutions often work differently than human fixes - Trust that apparent victories may still require ongoing faith and action - Know that God can turn death sentences into promotion opportunities - Understand that His deliverance often empowers us rather than removing all challenges If You're Questioning Your Faith's Authenticity: - Examine whether your Christianity is identity-based or heart-based - Make sure your spiritual journey is genuinely yours, not just family expectation - Seek God personally rather than going through religious motions - Remember that authentic faith matters more than religious performance If You Feel Condemned by God's Standards: - Recognize that God's law reveals our need rather than our righteousness - Understand that perfection, not comparison to others, is God's standard - Know that the law's purpose is to point us to our need for a Savior - Trust that Jesus fulfilled the requirements we could never meet If You're Struggling with Justice and Mercy: - Justice: getting what we deserve (condemnation for sin) - Mercy: not getting what we deserve (being spared from hell)   - Grace: getting what we don't deserve (adoption, eternal life, joy in Christ) - See how all three work together perfectly at the Cross If You Haven't Put Your Faith in Jesus: - Consider what you're waiting for when the solution is available - Remember that salvation comes by grace through faith, not performance - Know that you don't have to understand every detail to experience transformation - Trust that the same God who orchestrated Esther's deliverance offers yours ---------- THE ULTIMATE INVITATION Maybe you feel like you're under an irrevocable sentence - condemned by past mistakes, current struggles, or the weight of not measuring up to God's perfect standards. Maybe you've tried to be good enough but realize you fall short of perfection. Maybe you've been going through the motions of faith without the heart reality. This much is true: the Law of Death is real - we all fall short of God's righteousness and deserve condemnation. But the Word of Life is greater. Jesus didn't come to lower God's standards or pretend our sin doesn't matter. He came to fulfill those standards perfectly and take our condemnation upon Himself. At the Cross, justice fell on Jesus who took our place. Through faith in Him, we receive mercy (escape from condemnation) and grace (adoption into God's family). The counter-decree has been written in His blood. There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. ---------- CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH - Website: recreatechurch.org - Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app or offering boxes ---------- Is your faith identity-only or heart-reality? Have you trusted in Jesus' counter-decree of grace, or are you still trying to escape condemnation through your own efforts? The Law of Death is real, but The Word of Life is greater - and that Word is available to you today.

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Psalm 149 (NCV)Andrew, Isack, and Edwin discuss the last half of Psalm 149, considering the meaning behind having the two-edged sword bringing judgment on all the nations. They consider both a potential literal meaning and a figurative meaning. Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=22793The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

"When Mordecai perceived all that was done..." | Esther 4:1-17 | Pastor BJ VanAmanRecorded August 24, 2025

Justice At Last ReCreate Church | Michael Shockley | August 24, 2025 Esther Series, Part 7: Esther 7 ---------- EPISODE SUMMARY Ever wonder why justice seems delayed while evil appears to prosper? Through the climactic chapter of Esther's story, Michael Shockley reveals how God's justice works - even when it seems absent. From childhood candy theft to global injustices, we all wrestle with why bad things happen to good people and why the guilty seem to escape consequences. But in Esther chapter 7, we witness the ultimate reversal as Queen Esther finally reveals Haman's genocidal plot at the second royal banquet. Watch as the master manipulator becomes terrified, accidentally breaks Persian law by falling near the queen, and ends up executed on the very gallows he built for Mordecai. Through humor, personal stories, and biblical insight, discover how our sense of justice actually reflects God's character and why we can trust that evil may run its mouth, but God's justice will have the last word. Core Message: Evil may run its mouth, but God's Justice has the last word. ---------- KEY TOPICS COVERED The Universal Desire for Justice - Childhood experiences with unfairness and sibling candy theft - Road rage when bad drivers don't get caught by police - The deeper pain when serious injustices go unpunished - How our anger at injustice reflects God's image in us - Why justice feels delayed in a microwave culture when God uses the "Crock Pot" Esther's Strategic Timing - The Persian custom of multiple banquets for major requests - Why Esther delayed her request through two separate meals - The power of three days of fasting and prayer for divine guidance - Building up to the revelation rather than making immediate accusations - How dedicated prayer changes situations and people The Second Banquet Revelation - The "banquet of wine" as the traditional time for big requests - The king's repeated offer: "up to half the kingdom" as generous hyperbole - Esther's careful approach: "give me my life and the lives of my people" - Her wisdom in mentioning the king's financial loss from genocide - The perfect timing after the king remembered Mordecai's loyalty The Great Unmasking - The king's rage at learning someone threatened his queen - Haman's shock at discovering Esther was Jewish - "The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman!" - The terror of the master schemer when his plot is exposed - How the trusted advisor's betrayal felt like a personal attack Divine Providence in Action - The king's strategic exit to process the shocking news - Haman's desperate pleading that led to breaking Persian law - Falling on the queen's couch while no man could approach within seven steps - The king's return at the perfect moment to misinterpret the scene - How apparent coincidences reveal God's orchestration Poetic Justice Fulfilled - The servant's reminder about the 75-foot gallows built for Mordecai - The irony of Haman being executed on his own construction - How the enemy literally constructed his own destruction - The public nature of his humiliation and death - God writing a story of justice no human author could script The Challenge of Living Justly - Micah 6:8: "do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with your God" - How we demand justice from others while avoiding personal responsibility - The call to live with integrity even when it costs us - Speaking truth and refusing to participate in wrongdoing - Trusting God's timing when justice seems delayed ---------- MEMORABLE QUOTES "Evil may run its mouth, but God's Justice has the last word." "Your ability to recognize injustice and your anger with injustice come from the incredible truth that you were created in the image of a Just God." "We want microwave answers, when God might be using the Crock Pot." "What looks like a coincidence is providence." "The enemy constructed his own destruction. The Unseen Hand of God wrote a story of justice no human author could script." "Just because we can't see justice, it doesn't mean justice isn't on the way." "The Justice of God may move slowly, it may be hidden, but when it arrives, it is undeniable and irresistible." "Don't forget that even injustice will eventually play into God's Plans." ---------- BIBLICAL FOUNDATION - Primary Text: Esther 7:1-6 - Key Verse: "And Esther said, 'The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman!'" (Esther 7:6) - Supporting Verse: "He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8) - Theme: Divine justice working through human circumstances - Historical Context: The Persian banquet customs and royal protocol - Ultimate Justice: How the greatest injustice (the Cross) became our salvation ---------- PRACTICAL APPLICATION If You're Frustrated with Injustice: - Remember that your sense of justice reflects God's image in you - Trust that God sees every wrong and will address it in His timing - Don't lose heart when you see evil appearing to prosper - Know that the boom of God's justice will echo through eternity If You're Seeking God's Guidance: - Consider the power of dedicated fasting and prayer like Esther - Move beyond stress-talking to God toward focused, directed prayer - Trust that something will give - the situation, you, or both - Allow time for God to reveal His strategy and timing If You've Been Wronged: - Trust that the enemy often constructs their own destruction - Know that apparent coincidences may be divine providence at work - Remember that delayed justice doesn't mean denied justice - Find comfort that God will set all things right, if not now, then eternally If You Want to See Justice: - Start by living justly in your own life and relationships - Act with integrity even when it costs you personally - Speak truth and refuse to participate in wrongdoing - Treat people with kindness and respect regardless of their response If You're Tempted to Take Justice into Your Own Hands: - Trust God's timing rather than forcing your own solutions - Remember that vengeance belongs to the Lord - Focus on faithfulness rather than getting even - Let God orchestrate the reversals and revelations ---------- THE ULTIMATE INVITATION Maybe you've experienced betrayal, unfairness, or injustice that still stings today. Maybe you've watched the guilty prosper while the innocent suffer. Maybe you've wondered where God is in the midst of corruption and oppression. This much is true: the same God who orchestrated justice for Haman is still the God of justice today. Your anger at injustice isn't wrong - it reflects His image in you. But remember that the greatest injustice in history - the crucifixion of the only innocent man who ever lived - became the source of our salvation. Jesus took the injustice we deserved so we could receive the mercy we don't deserve. Trust in His justice, live justly yourself, and remember that evil may run its mouth, but God's justice will have the last word. ---------- CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH - Website: recreatechurch.org - Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app or offering boxes ---------- Are you living justly in your own sphere of influence? Have you trusted in God's mercy through Jesus? Remember that while evil may seem to get away with everything now, the Judge of all the earth will do right, and His justice will be both perfect and final.

In this Bible Story, Esther is taken to be groomed as the next queen of Persia. She gains favor with the king as did her uncle Mordecai. However a wicked noble has the king’s power - Haman, and sends out a decree for every jew in the nation to be killed. This story is inspired by Esther 1-5:8. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Esther 5:3 from the King James Version.Episode 169: One evening, during the third year of the reign of Xerxes, a massive feast was held to show off his wealth. During this feast, he ordered for his queen to be brought out in front of the men. But Queen Vashti refused and the King banished her for it. After the feast, the King had women brought from all over the country to be seen by him. One of these women was a Jewish woman named Esther from the city of Susa and raised by her uncle Mordecai. After long and rigorous treatments, she was chosen by the King to be his new Queen. Meanwhile, her uncle Mordecai was doing everything he could to keep an eye on his niece. One day while standing guard at the King's gate, he overheard two of his servants plotting to kill him. He told Esther and she in turn told the King. However, one of the King's servants, Haman hated Mordecai for not bowing down to him. In his hatred, Haman enacted a plot to exterminate all the Jews in Xerxes' kingdom.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Mordecai wasn't afraid to do what was right or refuse to do what was wrong. Regardless of the consequences, we must resolve to do the right thing. 

Mordecai wasn't afraid to do what was right or refuse to do what was wrong. Regardless of the consequences, we must resolve to do the right thing. 

The unlikely victory of the Jews in Persia, brought about by the wisdom, humility, and courage of Esther and Mordecai, was commemorated by the Festival of Purim. However, the entire book of Esther raises a crucial question: Where is God in this story? Read more...

24 August 2025 | This week Pastor Evan continues our Exiles sermon series in Esther 8:1-17 where he preaches on the king changing his edict regarding the Jews, as how we are justified in God's eyes through Jesus' death on the Cross. Esther Saves the Jews 8 On that day King Ahasuerus gave to Queen Esther the house of Haman, hthe enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told pwhat he was to her. 2 qAnd the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman. 3 Then Esther spoke again to the king. She fell at his feet and wept and pleaded with him to avert the evil plan of Haman rthe Agagite and the plot that he had devised against the Jews. 4 sWhen the king held out the golden scepter to Esther, Esther rose and stood before the king. 5 And she said, “If it please the king, tand if I have found favor in his sight, and if the thing seems right before the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let an order be written to revoke uthe letters devised by Haman rthe Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the provinces of the king. 6 For how can I bear vto see the calamity that is coming to my people? Or how can I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?” 7 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, “Behold, wI have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows,1 because he intended to lay hands on the Jews. 8 But you may write as you please with regard to the Jews, in the name of the king, xand seal it with the king's ring, for an edict written in the name of the king and sealed with the king's ring ycannot be revoked.” 9 zThe king's scribes were summoned at that time, in the third month, which is the month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day. And an edict was written, according to all that Mordecai commanded concerning the Jews, to athe satraps and the governors and the officials of the provinces bfrom India to Ethiopia, b127 provinces, cto each province in its own script and to each people in its own language, and also to the Jews in their script and their language. 10 dAnd he wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus eand sealed it with the king's signet ring. Then he sent the letters by mounted couriers riding on fswift horses that were used in the king's service, bred from the royal stud, 11 saying that the king allowed the Jews who were in every city gto gather and defend their lives, hto destroy, to kill, and to annihilate any armed force of any people or province that might attack them, children and women included, iand to plunder their goods, 12 jon one day throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. 13 kA copy of what was written was to be issued as a decree in every province, being publicly displayed to all peoples, and the Jews were to be ready on that day to take vengeance on their enemies. 14 So the couriers, mounted on their fswift horses that were used in the king's service, rode out hurriedly, urged by the king's command. And the decree was issued in Susa the citadel. 15 Then Mordecai went out from the presence of the king lin royal robes of blue and white, with a great golden crown2 and ma robe of fine linen and purple, nand the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. 16 The Jews had olight and gladness and joy and honor. 17 And in every province and in every city, wherever the king's command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and pa holiday. qAnd many from the peoples of the country declared themselves Jews, rfor fear of the Jews had fallen on them.

The sermon explores the pivotal moment in Esther's story, focusing on Mordecai's faith and Esther's impending decision to intercede for her people before the king. It highlights the precarious situation of the Jewish community facing annihilation under Haman's decree, emphasizing the absence of explicit divine mention within the narrative while alluding to prayer through fasting. The message underscores the importance of seizing opportunities for faithfulness, suggesting that individuals, like Esther, may be divinely positioned for specific times of action and that God's promises will be fulfilled, even through unlikely means, urging listeners to redeem their time and boldly proclaim Christ in their own lives.

Sermon Summary and Main Points God’s Protection and Victory: Cielita began by referencing the story of Mordecai and Haman, emphasizing that God protects His people and that opposition against believers is ultimately opposition against God, which cannot succeed. Believers are encouraged to trust in God’s defense and not be discouraged by adversaries. Struggle with Unbelief: The main teaching focused on the common struggle with unbelief among Christians. Cielita explained that unbelief is accepting something contrary to what God has said, and that faith is not just belief without proof but acting in complete trust in God. 2 Faith Requires Relationship: Faith is relational, not mechanical. Intimacy with God, knowing His Word, and understanding who we are in Christ are essential for strong faith. Jesus’ power came from His close relationship with the Father, and believers are called to the same depth. 3 Practical Steps to Overcome Unbelief: Define the root issue (e.g., finances, health, emotions). Humble yourself, resist the devil, and draw near to God. Seek answers in the Word and through the Holy Spirit. Appreciate simple faith—everyone receives a measure of faith at salvation. Build trust by remembering answered prayers and sharing testimonies. Examine your thoughts, relationships, and teachings for influences that hinder faith. 4 Enemies of Faith: Not understanding what it means to be a new creation in Christ. Not knowing your place and rights in Christ. Not understanding righteousness as a gift, not earned by works. Not acting on the Word—faith requires doing, not just hearing. Allowing wrong teaching, fear, or worldly thinking to influence you. Faith and Righteousness: Righteousness is a gift received at the new birth, not something lost when you sin. Confession restores fellowship, not righteousness. Prayer and Authority: Believers have the right to use Jesus’ name in prayer and can expect answers when praying according to God’s will. Summary Prayer and Encouragement: The sermon closed with prayer, thanking God for His Word, promises, and the authority given to believers. Cielita encouraged everyone to seek deeper intimacy with God and to know both who He is and who they are in Him to overcome unbelief and walk in victory.

Esther Brownsmith (she/her) is Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible at the University of Dayton. Her first monograph, Gendered Violence in Biblical Narrative: The Devouring Metaphor (Routledge, 2024), was awarded the AJS Jordan Schnitzer First Book Publication Award. She is also editor-in-chief of Unruly Books: Rethinking Ancient and Academic Imaginations of Religious Texts (Bloomsbury, 2025), and her recent publications examine the book of Esther in the light of fan fiction studies, queer theory, and affect theory. Her research focuses on the stories of the Hebrew Bible and the cultural and literary norms that make them so resonant. Her latest project applies Sara Ahmed's "feminist killjoy" to the women of the Hebrew Bible, using biblical stories of unhappy women as a model for modern unhappy readers. Follow Sacred Writes: https://www.sacred-writes.org/2025-carpenter-cohorts-summer Follow Esther Brownsmith on Bluesky @brownsmith.bsky.social You can get your copy of Trans Biblical directly from the publisher right here.   

Today, we jump into the story of Queen Esther and Mordecai where the most critical decision of Esther's life is about to take place:Esther 4:8-16 NLTMordecai gave Hathach a copy of the decree issued in Susa that called for the death of all Jews. He asked Hathach to show it to Esther and explain the situation to her. He also asked Hathach to direct her to go to the king to beg for mercy and plead for her people. So Hathach returned to Esther with Mordecai's message. Then Esther told Hathach to go back and relay this message to Mordecai: “All the king's officials and even the people in the provinces know that anyone who appears before the king in his inner court without being invited is doomed to die unless the king holds out his gold scepter. And the king has not called for me to come to him for thirty days.” … Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “… If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.”When Esther was suddenly elevated out of nowhere to become queen, the last thing she saw coming was to risk her life to save her people. But that was exactly what happened and the position God placed her in.So often, our places of greatest responsibility are the same places we must exhibit the greatest courage. The two just seem to go hand in hand.Where is your greatest place of responsibility right now? Where are you being called to show the most courage? Has God placed you there “for such a time as this?”Listen to Mordecai's challenge to Esther and her response one more time: “Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “I will go … If I must die, I must die.”If there is a place in your life right now where God is calling you to take action, to speak up, to intervene, to show a confidence like you never have before, then take courage, my friend. Call on God's strength, know He has called and created for a purpose, and be bold in obedience.Let's commit this to prayer: “Father God, where you have given me great responsibility, I know You ask me to display great courage. Help me to make the hard call and do the right thing for You, in Your name. As above, so below.”

Art: Hi Folks. We're going to pick up where we left off last time in the conversation between Art (that's me) and Rabbi Mordecai Klein. Once again, this is an imagined conversation.Art: So Rabbi, the Bible tells us that this child, the Son of God and Messiah, was fully man and fully God. He was and is the God-Man.Rabbi: But Art, why would God allow such a thing?Art: As I said last time, God didn't just allow this. He brought it to pass. He ordained it.Rabbi: But why?Art: Rabbi, please turn to Genesis 2 and read verses 15-17.Rabbi: Sure. That's in the Torah and I know it by heart.Genesis 2:15–17 NKJV15 Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”Art: Rabbi, wasn't this instruction or teaching given to Adam not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil the only law that Adonai gave Adam in the garden?Rabbi: I believe so. I know of no other prohibitions that Adonai gave to Adam at this point.Art: Please go back to chapter one in Genesis and tell me what verse 26 says.Genesis 1:26 NKJV26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; 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.”Art: So, Adonai gave Adam dominion over all the earth. The LORD, Adonai, made Adam ruler of the earth and all that was in it. Agreed?Rabbi: Yes, Art. That is the truth.Art: Now, the Torah tells us that Adam needed a helper, a helper comparable to him. So what did Adonai do, Rabbi?Rabbi: The Torah tells us.Genesis 2:21–22 NKJV21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 22 Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.So, Adonai made a wife for Adam. And something else is to be noted here, Art.Genesis 2:25 NKJV25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.Art: That is an amazing statement, Rabbi. Adam and Eve had no shame at being naked.But something bad happened after that. A deceiver comes into the picture. Let's read Genesis 3:1Genesis 3:1 NKJV1 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?”You know what happened after that, Rabbi. The serpent tricked Eve into going against the will of Adonai. She ate from the forbidden tree and she gave of this forbidden fruit to her husband, Adam, and he also ate of it. And what happened then?Rabbi: Their eyes were opened, Art.Genesis 3:7 NKJV7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.So now they knew they were naked. And they must have been ashamed because they covered themselves.Art: Yes, Rabbi. They disobeyed God and something fundamentally changed in both of them. Sin entered into them. We're talking about the Fall of mankind here.Rabbi: How do you know that, Art?Art: I need you to trust me now, Mordecai. At this point we need help from the Brit Hadasha, the New Testament. It will provide the answer to your question.Rabbi: OK, Art. I trust you. Let's go to the Brit Hadasha.Art: Let's read from Rabbi Paul's letter to the Romans.Romans 5:12 NLT12 When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.Art: So, we know sin entered the world when Adam sinned. There was no sin in the world before that. Sin entered Adam and sin entered Eve. Because of this, every human being ever born is born with sin in them. It's as if sin was and is an inherited disease just as if it was an inherited form of cancer transmitted by faulty genes. The difference is that cancer and faulty genes are physical and sin is spiritual. Because sin was in Adam and Eve, our first parents, they have passed this spiritual disease on to each and every one of their descendants, including you and me. No one is born without indwelling sin. Absolutely no one.Rabbi: That makes perfect sense, Art. Adonai said not to eat of the forbidden fruit. Our first parents disobeyed, they sinned against Adonai and something fundamental and profound entered into them both: sin. It's almost as if sin is a substance.Art: It's a spiritual substance, Rabbi. A spiritual substance that causes both spiritual and material havoc.Rabbi: But Adam and Eve didn't die that very day, as Adonai promised, did they?Art: Yes, they did. They died that very day spiritually. They were separated from God and had to leave the Garden. Again, the Torah tells us.Genesis 3:24 NKJV24 So He (Adonai) drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.Rabbi: And what about that mamzer, the serpent? Was he punished for what he did?Art: The Torah tells us. God speaks to the serpent.Genesis 3:15 TLV15 I will put animosity between you and the woman— between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will crush his heel.Art: Rabbi, here is where God first shows us what is going to happen to the person who inhabited the serpent. He is Satan, the devil, also know as the Adversary. The Seed of the woman, the Messiah, is going to send him to hell for all eternity.Rabbi: But, Art, you still haven't told me why the Messiah has to be fully man and fully God.Art: This is heavy stuff, Rabbi. We'll do it next time. Thank you for your patience and for bearing with me. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit awolinsky.substack.com

If you'd like to get these episodes early AND ad-free, please go to https://www.patreon.com/unspoiled and become a patron, or just follow us as a free member for updates!Thank you very much to Michael for commissioning this episode!So these chapters are the ones where Mordecai finally comes back (well technically he came back in the last section but he was only there for a minute before the blood fountain happened so it doesn't count) and he attempts to slap some sense into Carl. Predictably, that doesn't work. Thank you all so much for listening, and I will see you soon with a new episode!Wanna talk spoilers? Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/rEF2KfZxfV 

Join us in this insightful episode as we explore the story of Esther and Mordecai in the Bible and the critical lessons they provide for our time. The video opens with a humorous joke before diving into a detailed discussion about the significant roles Mordecai and Esther played in saving the Jewish people. Through interactive group discussions, we examine the close relationship between Mordecai and Esther, and the importance of being spiritual mentors and role models. We are challenged to recognize God's calling in our lives, whether by speaking up for justice, interceding in prayer, or mentoring the younger generation. Discover how God uses modern-day Mordecais and Esthers in various spheres of influence, from family and education to government and business. Be inspired to step into your God-given role and bring about positive change in the world.00:00 Opening Joke and Introduction01:34 Bible Trivia: Books Without 'God'02:35 Personal Story: Prophetic Word and Mission to Brazil03:15 The Story of Esther: Overview and Key Characters06:05 Interactive Group Discussion: Mordecai and Esther's Relationship08:39 Mordecai's Role and Influence10:14 Modern-Day Application: Spiritual Mentorship13:03 The Significance of Mordecai at the King's Gate17:42 Prophetic Watchmen and Speaking Up26:09 Call to Action: Embracing Your Role Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Esther 2 • Prophet Scott Shelton

Esther 8:1-2; 10:3 (NLT) In this episode of Daily Devotions, Pastor Sumrall continues our study on the seeds of loyalty and integrity and how God brings a harvest at just the right time. Mordecai and Queen Esther's simple acts of faithfulness led to incredible blessings—honor from the king, the rescue of an entire nation, great wealth, and promotion to positions of influence. Even when your loyalty and integrity seem unnoticed, remember: in God's timing, those seeds will bring a harvest of blessing, prosperity, and promotion—not only for you, but for generations to come. Don't forget to like, subscribe to Cathedral of Praise TV https://www.youtube.com/c/cathedralofpraiseTV/?sub_confirmation=1,and hit the bell icon 

God Works the Graveyard Shift ReCreate Church | Michael Shockley | August 17, 2025 Esther Series, Part 6: Esther 6 ---------- EPISODE SUMMARY Ever worked the night shift and wondered if anyone notices the important work being done in the dark? Through Esther chapter 6, Michael Shockley reveals how God operates during life's darkest, most confusing seasons when it seems nothing is happening. Using colorful analogies from his own graveyard shift experience at a glass factory (complete with zombies, werewolves, and vampires!), discover how one sleepless night changed everything for God's people. When King Ahasuerus can't sleep and decides to read the royal chronicles, a forgotten act of loyalty by Mordecai surfaces at the exact moment Haman arrives to request his execution. Watch as God orchestrates the enemy's humiliation through his own pride, turning what should have been Mordecai's death sentence into a royal parade of honor. Core Message: God works the graveyard shift. ---------- KEY TOPICS COVERED The Night Shift Analogy - Working the graveyard shift at the glass factory: zombies, werewolves, and vampires - How night shift work makes a difference in the day - Creating "portals of light" that others will enjoy in daylight - The unseen but crucial work done while others sleep - How God operates similarly during our dark seasons Mordecai's Forgotten Loyalty - His position "sitting in the king's gate" as a government worker - Overhearing the assassination plot against King Ahasuerus - Reporting the conspiracy through Esther to save the king's life - The overlooked reward that seemed like neglect but was divine timing - How good deeds are never truly forgotten by God The King's Sleepless Night - Divine insomnia sent upon the most powerful ruler on earth - "He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:4) - Calling for the royal chronicles to be read as a sleep aid - The "coincidental" discovery of Mordecai's unrewarded loyalty - How God disrupts even basic human functions for His purposes Haman's Perfect Trap - Arriving at court to request Mordecai's execution - The king's question: "What should be done for someone I want to honor?" - Haman's prideful assumption that he was the one to be honored - Designing his own humiliation through royal robes, horse, and parade - The enemy writing the script for his own downfall The Great Reversal - Haman forced to honor the man he planned to kill - Leading Mordecai's parade through the city in royal regalia - The crowd's response and Haman's humiliation - His family's ominous warning about opposing the Jews' God - The first visible sign of God's intervention in the story God's Invisible Providence - How supposed "coincidences" align for divine purposes - The timing of sleeplessness, book reading, and Haman's arrival - Delay revealed as divine design rather than oversight - Pride setting its own snare for the prideful - The same God working in our dark seasons today ---------- MEMORABLE QUOTES "God works the graveyard shift." "The work done on the night shift makes a difference in the day." "Just because you can't see the gears turning doesn't mean the engine isn't running." "Your sleepless season might be God's setup for breakthrough." "What looks like delay or outright neglect was intentional timing." "All the world may be against you, but if God is for you, the enemy is outnumbered!" "God had the enemy write the script for his own humiliation." "Coincidence becomes providence." "God can cash old checks at just the right moment." ---------- BIBLICAL FOUNDATION - Primary Text: Esther 6:1-5 - Key Verse: "That night the king could not sleep..." (Esther 6:1) - Supporting Verse: "Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:4) - Theme: God's providence working through seeming coincidences - Historical Context: Mordecai's forgotten reward for saving the king's life - Parallel Examples: Israel's midnight deliverance from Egypt, Paul and Silas freed at midnight, Jesus's resurrection during the night shift ---------- PRACTICAL APPLICATION If You're in a Dark Season: - Trust that God is working even when you can't see or hear Him - Remember that silence doesn't mean absence - He's assembling the pieces - Know that your sleepless nights might be God's setup for breakthrough - Keep doing good even when it seems nobody notices or cares If You Feel Forgotten or Unrewarded: - Understand that delay might actually be divine design - Trust that God can "cash old checks" at exactly the right moment - Remember that overlooked good deeds aren't forgotten by God - Know that the timing of recognition may be more important than immediate reward If You're Facing Prideful Opposition: - Trust that pride sets its own snare for the prideful - Watch for God to use the enemy's schemes against them - Remember that "all the world may be against you, but if God is for you, the enemy is outnumbered" - Know that God can have enemies write the script for their own humiliation If You're Working Behind the Scenes: - Remember that night shift work makes a difference in the day - Trust that the "portals of light" you create will bless others later - Know that unseen work is still valuable and noticed by God - Keep laboring faithfully even when your efforts seem invisible If You're Struggling with God's Timing: - Reframe silence as God working rather than God sleeping - Redeem waiting by trusting the unseen hand of providence - Find hope in darkness knowing that morning will come - Trust that coincidences might actually be divine appointments ---------- THE ULTIMATE INVITATION Maybe you're in a season of midnight - a time of darkness, confusion, or worry where it seems like God has gone to sleep on your situation. Maybe good things you've done have gone unnoticed and unrewarded. Maybe you're working faithfully behind the scenes while others get the credit. This much is true: God works the graveyard shift. The same God who kept King Ahasuerus awake to orchestrate Mordecai's rescue is awake and working in your life right now. He who keeps your soul will neither slumber nor sleep. The sun will eventually rise, and you will see what the Lord has built in the night. Just as Jesus did His most important work during the night shift - conquering death itself while the world slept - He is conquering your challenges in the darkness. Trust Him in the dark seasons. Keep doing what is right even when nobody seems to notice. God works the graveyard shift, and morning is coming. ---------- CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH - Website: recreatechurch.org - Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app or offering boxes ---------- What are you facing in your own "graveyard shift" season? Sleepless nights, forgotten good deeds, or dark confusion? Trust that the same God who turned Haman's gallows into Mordecai's parade is working the night shift in your story too. Will you trust Him in the dark?

A Cunning and Careful Queen, with Rev. Dr. Steven Koski. Series: Beloved. Belonging. Delightful. A Spacious Christianity, First Presbyterian Church of Bend, Oregon. Scripture: Esther 1-10.Feeling stuck or wondering about your purpose? This Sunday, we're diving into an incredible story of courage, identity, and finding your moment. Join us online or in-person to discover how ordinary people can make extraordinary differences.Join us each Sunday, 10AM at bendfp.org, or 11AM KTVZ-CW Channel 612/12 in Bend.  Subscribe/Follow, and click the bell for alerts.At First Presbyterian, you will meet people at many different places theologically and spiritually. And we love it that way. We want to be a place where our diversity brings us together and where conversation takes us all deeper in our understanding of God.We call this kind of faith “Spacious Christianity.” We don't ask anyone to sign creeds or statements of belief. The life of faith is about a way of being in the world and a faith that shows itself in love.Thank you for your support of the mission of the First Presbyterian Church of Bend. Visit https://bendfp.org/giving/ for more information.Keywords:Esther, Vashti, human dignity, moral courage, empathy, leadership, storytelling, Davidson College, Auschwitz pilgrimage, King Xerxes, Queen Vashti, Haman, Mordecai, love and justice, courage, presbyterian, church, online worship, bend, oregonFeaturing:Rev. Dr. Steven Koski, Rev. Sharon Edwards, Becca Ellis, Brave of Heart, GuestsSupport the show

Will God allow evil and injustice to prevail? Will God allow his enemies to win and his people to lose? The dramatic reversal of the downfall of Haman and the rise of Mordecai prevented the annihilation of the Jews in Persia. But this victory points to the truth that ultimately, God will not allow evil and injustice to prevail because of the person and work of Jesus. Read more...

17 August 2025 | This week Pastor Evan Curry returns to continue our Exiles sermon series in Esther 6:1-13, preaching on how God uses both ordinary and extraordinary means to advance his kingdom. The King Honors Mordecai 6 On that night the king could not sleep. And he gave orders to bring othe book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king. 2 And it was found written how pMordecai had told about qBigthana1 and rTeresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, and who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 3 And the king said, “What honor or distinction has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” The king's young men who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.” 4 And the king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered sthe outer court of the king's palace to speak to the king about having Mordecai hanged on tthe gallows2 that he had prepared for him. 5 And the king's young men told him, “Haman is there, standing in the court.” And the king said, “Let him come in.” 6 So Haman came in, and the king said to him, “What should be done to the man uwhom the king delights to honor?” And Haman said to himself, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?” 7 And Haman said to the king, “For the man whom the king delights to honor, 8 let royal robes be brought, which the king has worn, vand the horse that the king has ridden, and on whose head wa royal crown3 is set. 9 And let the robes and the horse be handed over to one of the king's most noble officials. Let them dress the man whom the king delights to honor, and let them lead him on the horse through the square of the city, xproclaiming before him: ‘Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.' ” 10 Then the king said to Haman, “Hurry; take the robes and the horse, as you have said, and do so to Mordecai the Jew, who sits yat the king's gate. Leave out nothing that you have mentioned.” 11 So Haman took the robes and the horse, and he dressed Mordecai and led him through the square of the city, proclaiming before him, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.” 12 Then Mordecai returned to the king's gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning zand with his head covered. 13 And Haman told ahis wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened to him. Then his wise men and his wife Zeresh said to him, “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the Jewish people, you will not overcome him but will surely fall before him.”

The sermon centers on God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, illustrated through the story of Esther and Mordecai. It emphasizes that God will not fail in fulfilling His covenants, even when faced with opposition from figures like Haman, and that these promises are essential for the preservation of God's people and ultimately, for salvation. The narrative highlights the king's flawed decision-making and the impending decree against the Jews, underscoring the importance of trusting in God's providence and believing that deliverance will come, whether through direct intervention or through other means, as God remains ever faithful to His word and purposes.

Esther 3:9, 13; 4:16; 6:1-13 (NLT) – In today's Daily Devotions, Pastor Sumrall shares how seeds of loyalty and integrity, sown unknowingly by Mordecai and Queen Esther, were brought to harvest at just the right time—watered by fasting and prayer. When Haman bought a law to destroy the Jews, Esther risked her life to intervene. In a divine twist, the king's sleepless night led to Mordecai's honor instead of his execution. This powerful reminder shows that God never forgets the seeds you plant; at His perfect timing, they will yield a harvest. Don't forget to like, subscribe to Cathedral of Praise TV https://www.youtube.com/c/cathedralofpraiseTV/?sub_confirmation=1,and hit the bell icon 

This week, we welcome our new associate pastor, Lillian Steinmeier, to discuss the book of Esther. We discuss the importance of context in understanding the book of Esther, including the powerful exchange in Esther 4, where Mordecai implores Esther to act with the famous line, "But who knows? Maybe it was for a moment like this that you came to be part of the royal family". We'll also discuss the role of community support, as Esther asks the Jewish people in Susa to fast with her for three days as she prepares to risk her life by approaching the king without a summons. #RoundHillRadio #Esther #BiblicalWomen #Theology #NewPastor #FaithInAction #Courage

Queen Esther displayed great wisdom and courage in facing King Xerxes to intercede on behalf of the Jewish people. And in a dramatic reversal, her plan works! Haman falls into his own trap prepared for Mordecai and gets the justice he deserved. In Esther's story, and elsewhere in the Bible, God uses faithful people to accomplish his justice and rescue his people. Read more...

8 August 2025 | This week David Gockley continues our Exiles sermon series in Esther 4:1-17 preaching on how God will use us even when we may not be particularly enthusiastic about it. 4 When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes oand put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry. 2 He went up to the entrance of the king's gate, for no one was allowed to enter the king's gate clothed in sackcloth. 3 And in every province, wherever the king's command and his decree reached, there was great mourning among the Jews, pwith fasting and weeping and lamenting, and many of them qlay in sackcloth and ashes. 4 When Esther's young women and her eunuchs came and told her, the queen was deeply distressed. She sent garments to clothe Mordecai, so that he might take off his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. 5 Then Esther called for Hathach, one of the king's eunuchs, who had been appointed to attend her, and ordered him to go to Mordecai to learn what this was and why it was. 6 Hathach went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king's gate, 7 and Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, rand the exact sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king's treasuries for the destruction of the Jews. 8 Mordecai also gave him sa copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction,1 that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her and command her to go to the king to beg his favor and plead with him2 on behalf of her people. 9 And Hathach went and told Esther what Mordecai had said. 10 Then Esther spoke to Hathach and commanded him to go to Mordecai and say, 11 “All the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside tthe inner court without being called, uthere is but one law—to be put to death, except the one vto whom the king holds out the golden scepter so that he may live. But as for me, I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days.” 12 And they told Mordecai what Esther had said. 13 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, 16 “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for wthree days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, xand if I perish, I perish.”3 17 Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.

While We Are Waiting ReCreate Church | Michael Shockley | July 10, 2025 Esther Series, Part 5: Esther 5 ---------- EPISODE SUMMARY Ever feel like you're waiting forever for God to answer your prayers or bring clarity to your situation? Through Esther chapter 5, Michael Shockley explores what happens in the gaps between our prayers and God's answers. Using the analogy of waiting for a Polaroid picture to develop, discover why our impatience often leads us to "shake" our circumstances instead of trusting God's perfect timing. When Queen Esther finally approaches the king uninvited, her unexpected delay in making her request teaches us that what looks like wasted waiting time might actually be God orchestrating the perfect setup for His plan. From Haman's overconfident scheming to the king's sleepless night that's coming, learn why delays aren't denials and how God works behind the scenes even when He seems silent. Core Message: While we are waiting, God is working. ---------- KEY TOPICS COVERED The Tension of Esther's Approach - Persian law requiring death for uninvited royal visits - The cultural context of absolute royal authority in ancient Persia - Esther's three days of fasting and prayer before approaching the king - The golden scepter as the sign of royal mercy and acceptance - Courage and faith required to risk everything for others The King's Generous Response - "What do you wish? Up to half the kingdom!" as royal hyperbole - God's behind-the-scenes work in moving the king's heart - The unexpected favor Esther receives despite the risk - How divine providence positioned her for this moment Esther's Puzzling Delay - The first banquet invitation instead of an immediate request - Missing the opportunity at the "banquet of wine" discussion time - The second banquet invitation when pressed again by the king - Possible reasons: fear, strategy, or divine timing - How delays can actually be part of God's perfect plan Haman's Overconfident Scheming - Bragging about wealth, power, and exclusive royal access - One man's refusal to bow ruining all his success - Mordecai's continued defiance at the palace gate - The 75-foot gallows constructed overnight for Mordecai - How the enemy always overplays his hand God's Invisible Hand at Work - The peculiarity of God never being directly mentioned in Esther - Divine orchestration behind seemingly random events - Setting up the perfect reversal while everyone waits - The coming sleepless night that will change everything - How God is never rushed and never outplanned The Waiting Room Experience - Our modern impatience with God's timing - "Shaking the Polaroid" instead of letting things develop properly - Why delays don't equal denials - Trusting the process when we can't see the outcome - The masterpiece in progress during waiting seasons ---------- MEMORABLE QUOTES "While we are waiting, God is working." "A delay is not necessarily a denial." "Just because we can't see God doesn't mean He isn't working." "The enemy always overplays his hand. God is never rushed. God is never outplanned." "Stop shaking the Polaroid and trust The One Who can bring things into focus." "A delayed answer does not equal a denied purpose." "What feels like wasted time of waiting might be a masterpiece in progress." ---------- BIBLICAL FOUNDATION - Primary Text: Esther 5:3-4 - Key Verse: "What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you—up to half the kingdom!" - Supporting Context: Esther's approach to the king and the two banquet delays - Theme: Divine timing and God's behind-the-scenes orchestration - Parallel Examples: Noah's decades of building, Joseph's years in prison, Jesus's three days in the tomb --------- PRACTICAL APPLICATION If You're Waiting for Answers: - Stop "shaking the Polaroid" by trying to force faster results - Trust that God may be setting things in motion between your prayers - Remember that delayed answers don't mean denied purposes - Let things develop in God's perfect timing rather than your preferred schedule If You Feel Like Nothing Is Happening: - Recognize that God works behind the scenes even when invisible - Trust that apparent delays might be divine orchestration - Remember biblical examples where waiting preceded breakthrough - Focus on faithfulness during the waiting rather than demanding results If You're Tempted to Give Up: - Know that a masterpiece may be in progress during your waiting season - Trust the same God who came through for Esther, Noah, Joseph, and Jesus - Believe that your breakthrough may be closer than it appears - Keep praying and trusting even when you can't see movement If You're in a Position to Help Others: - Don't let comfort or fear keep you from taking necessary risks - Remember that your obedience may be key to someone else's rescue - Trust God's timing for when and how to act on others' behalf - Prepare through prayer and fasting before taking significant steps If You're Facing Overwhelming Opposition: - Remember that enemies often overplay their hand - Trust that God is never outplanned or outmaneuvered - Know that apparent victories for evil may be setting up divine reversals - Wait for God's perfect timing rather than rushing into battle ---------- THE ULTIMATE INVITATION Maybe you're in a waiting season that doesn't make sense. Maybe you've prayed, fasted, and taken steps of faith, but nothing seems to be happening. Maybe you're tempted to "shake" your circumstances to try to speed things up. This much is true: while you are waiting, God is working. The same God who orchestrated Esther's story behind the scenes is orchestrating yours. The answers you're waiting for may already be in motion. Trust The One Who can bring things into focus in His perfect time. And remember, the greatest wait in history - three days in a tomb - resulted in the greatest victory ever won when Jesus rose from the dead to give us eternal life. ---------- CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH - Website: recreatechurch.org - Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app or offering boxes ---------- What are you waiting on today? A phone call, healing, direction, or breakthrough? Trust that while you're waiting, God is working. The next chapter of your story is being written, and the same God who came through for Esther will come through for you.

The remarkable story of Mordecai returning to the King's service after receiving honor from the very King under whom Haman had plotted to kill him reminds us that God is always at work, even when we cannot see it.

Cloud of Witnesses Brian Silver Hope Community Church - Lowertown St. Paul Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

Learn from Mordecai's watchful care of Esther how we too can pray for our children.To read the original post, visit https://www.theapollosproject.com/a-sentry-keeping-watch-in-prayer/

God heard the cry of Esther and Mordecai, and in His perfect timing, He turned their sorrow into victory—reminding us that when we bring our pleas before Him with faith and courage, He is always listening and ready to move on our behalf.

2025 August 3 | This week, Pastor Evan returns from sabbatical to continue our Exilses sermon series and preach from Esther 2:8-18, on how we can trust in God's plan for us when nothing in our lives makes sense. 8 So when the king's order and his edict were proclaimed, and awhen many young women were gathered in Susa the citadel in custody of bHegai, Esther also was taken into the king's palace and put in custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women. 9 And the young woman pleased him and won his favor. And he quickly provided her cwith her cosmetics and her portion of food, and with seven chosen young women from the king's palace, and advanced her and her young women to the best place in the harem. 10 dEsther had not made known her people or kindred, for Mordecai had commanded her not to make it known. 11 And every day Mordecai walked in front of the court of the harem to learn how Esther was and what was happening to her. 12 Now when the turn came for each young woman to go in to King Ahasuerus, after being twelve months under the regulations for the women, since this was the regular period of their beautifying, six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices and ointments for women— 13 when the young woman went in to the king in this way, she was given whatever she desired to take with her from the harem to the king's palace. 14 In the evening she would go in, and in the morning she would return to the second harem in custody of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch, who was in charge of the concubines. She would not go in to the king again, unless the king delighted in her and she was summoned by name. 15 When the turn came for Esther ethe daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go in to the king, she asked for nothing except what fHegai the king's eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her. 16 And when Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign, 17 the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set gthe royal crown2 on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. 18 Then the king hgave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther's feast. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity.

We Like Shooting Episode 622 This episode of We Like Shooting is brought to you by: Midwest Industries, Swampfox Optics, RMA Defense, XTech Tactical, Night Fision, and Mitchell Defense   Welcome to the We Like Shooting Show, episode 622! Our cast tonight is Jeremy Pozderac, Aaron Krieger, Nick Lynch, and me Shawn Herrin, welcome to the show!   GOALS   August 9th and 10th in Knoxville, Tennessee. Knoxville Convention Center Free to GOA members https://events.goa.org/goals/   If you were at GunCon and are attending GOALS. Don't forget to get some pics with the cast to claim your free shirt.   Guest: Jon Patton - The Gun Collective https://www.instagram.com/theguncollective/?hl=en @theguncollective   Gear Chat Nick - MP5 News Drop MP5 update Pew Deals   Bullet Points Shawn - Weekly P320 Updates P320 Weekly changes FFL NCIC gun lookup Gun Fights Step right up for "Gun Fights," the high-octane segment hosted by Nick Lynch, where our cast members go head-to-head in a game show-style showdown! Each contestant tries to prove their gun knowledge dominance. It's a wild ride of bids, bluffs, and banter—who will come out on top? Tune in to find out! WLS is Lifestyle GunCon Fun GunCon Aaron's Alley Justices are getting old, what needs to be done Clarence Thomas: 75  Samuel Alito: 73  Sonia Sotomayor: 69  John Roberts: 69  Elena Kagan: 63  Brett Kavanaugh: 58  Neil Gorsuch: 56  Ketanji Brown Jackson: 53  Amy Coney Barrett: 52 Going Ballistic Gun Rights: No ifs, ands, or buts Contrast this The Right to Bear Laughs With this Guns in the Capitol? Sure! New Proposal Would Permit Concealed Carry In Michigan State Capitol Building Silencer Showdown: ATF vs. Truth Why Silencer Shop Is Suing the ATF and DOJ Over the NFA Gun Control Hysteria: Here We Go Again That Evil AR-15 Again: Media Spins Rifles, Suppressors, and the Shane Tamura Shooting Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - EH EYE  “The only gun podcast that could survive the Dungeon.” Welcome to We Like Shooting, reimagined as if the hosts were thrown into the blood-soaked arenas of the Dungeon Crawler Carl universe and somehow made it funnier, louder, and deadlier.    Aaron steps into the shoes of Mordecai, always plotting and sometimes prepared. He has an opinion on everything, though nobody's really listening, and he probably carries a cursed artifact nobody wants to touch. Shawn is Carl, the reluctant, self important hero who's just trying to keep the podcast from collapsing under its own insanity plus, he loves walking around with no pants on. Nick perfectly fits Princess Donut, setting fashion trends for both guns and camouflage patterns that Shawn will obviously follow. He believes a rifle should both slay and match your entire loadout. Jeremy is Samantha, bringing pure chaos, carnage, and a voice so loud it could punch through walls. Also, his mouth is almost always open like a sex doll. And Savage1r is our Prepotente, the all-knowing, no-nonsense goat who drops stats and laws while silently judging everyone and laughing at his own jokes. Each episode is a wild mix of honest firearm talk, tactical insight, ridiculous banter, and just the right amount of madness. You'll get gear reviews, heated debates, political hot takes, and the kind of chemistry only a group this dysfunctional could create. If you want a podcast that's smart, unfiltered, and unapologetically fun, We Like Shooting might just be the only gun show crazy enough to survive the Dungeon and make you laugh the whole way through. It's smart. It's unhinged. It's the most fun you'll have while learning about firearms and the only podcast where a talking goat might bore you to death.   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - from Lo Hung-Huang - Five stars Five stars, Wow he put five stars again.

For Such a Time as This ReCreate Church | Michael Shockley | August 3, 2025 ---------- EPISODE SUMMARY Do you ever feel restless in your current situation, wishing you were somewhere else doing something more meaningful? Through the pivotal story of Esther chapter 4, Michael Shockley challenges us to see that God works where we are, not where we wish we were. From kindergarten naptime rebellion to marriage "pat-pat" signals, discover how our restlessness often blinds us to the holy ground beneath our feet. Learn why Esther's palace position wasn't about comfort but about purpose, and how Mordecai's grief outside the gates became a catalyst for rescue. When genocide threatened God's people, it took ordinary people in their ordinary circumstances to become heroes of redemptive history. Core Message: God works where we are, not where we wish we were. ---------- KEY TOPICS COVERED The Restless Heart - The struggle to believe our current place is holy ground - How God works in waiting rooms, long meetings, and painful seasons Mordecai's Public Mourning - Tearing clothes, wearing sackcloth, and sitting in ashes - Jewish customs of grief and distress in ancient culture - The genocide decree and its threat to all Jewish people - Mourning as an honest response to evil, not faithlessness - Making a public declaration that injustice is not right Esther's Sheltered Palace Life - Living in comfort while being out of touch with harsh reality - How good circumstances can reduce compassion for struggling people - The palace as a "fancy prison" with limited freedom - Having access and influence while feeling powerless - The unique connections and contacts we all possess The Law of Approaching the King - Death penalty for uninvited visits to the king - The golden scepter as the only exception to execution - Esther's month-long separation from the king - Being in God's will while still feeling scared and inadequate - How feelings of inadequacy don't disqualify us from making a difference Mordecai's Powerful Challenge - "Do not think you will escape in the king's palace" - God's deliverance will come from somewhere, but what about your role? - The pivotal question: "Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" - God's preference to work through people rather than around them - The closest the text comes to acknowledging God's hand Esther's Decision and Surrender - "Go, gather all the Jews and fast for me" - "I will go to the king, which is against the law" - "If I perish, I perish" - surrender, not fatalism - The community response of fasting and implied prayer - Being in a place of privilege that's actually a place of peril ---------- MEMORABLE QUOTES "Somewhere deep in my soul, I have a hard time believing that right here — this conversation, this place, this moment, this season of life — is where I'm supposed to be." "God works where we are, not where we wish we were." "Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" "If I perish, I perish!" ---------- BIBLICAL FOUNDATION - Primary Text: Esther 4:13-16 - Key Verse: "Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14) - Supporting Context: The genocide decree and threat to Jewish people - Theme: Divine purpose in human circumstances and positioning - Connection: Esther's courage preserving the lineage that led to Jesus ---------- PRACTICAL APPLICATION If You Feel Restless in Your Current Situation: - Stop giving God the "pat-pat" and trust His timing for your season - Recognize that right here, right now might be holy ground - Look for God's purpose in your present circumstances rather than future dreams - Remember that God works in ordinary places, not just extraordinary ones If You Feel Powerless to Make a Difference: - Consider your unique access and connections - you have influence you might not see - Remember that you may be exactly the right person for someone's rescue - Use whatever platform you have, even if it seems small - Trust that your voice and actions matter more than you realize If You're in a Place of Comfort: - Don't let privilege blind you to the needs around you - Use your access and resources to help those who are struggling - Remember that comfort can be a "fancy prison" if it keeps you from purpose - Stay connected to the harsh realities others face If You Feel Scared or Inadequate: - Know that you can be right where God wants you and still feel afraid - Understand that feelings of inadequacy don't disqualify you from making a difference - Trust that if the task is bigger than you, you'll need God to accomplish it - Move forward in obedience despite your fears If You're Facing a "Such a Time as This" Moment: - Recognize that you may have been positioned for this exact situation - Gather community support through prayer and fasting - Be willing to take risks for the sake of others - Surrender the outcome to God while taking faithful action ---------- THE ULTIMATE INVITATION Maybe you're in a season that doesn't make sense. Maybe life is quiet and predictable and it doesn't seem like you're meant to do anything important. Maybe you're in a place that feels random, broken, or too small to matter. This much is true: God works where you are, not where you wish you were. God has purpose for you right here, right now. Somebody needs your voice, your courage, your kindness. Don't let fear, comfort, or confusion talk you out of that. Your faithfulness in this moment can change lives. Like Esther, Jesus said, "If I perish, I perish." And He did. He died to save us. But death's victory didn't last. Jesus rose from the grave, and all those who trust in Him have everlasting life and a life of meaning. ---------- CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH - Website: recreatechurch.org - Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app or offering boxes ---------- Remember: You may have come into that family, workplace, hospital room, neighborhood, or season for such a time as this. Your story is not over, and your obedience may be the turning point in someone else's story.

The Feast of Purim is established to remember God's deliverance. The story ends with joy and peace for God's people. Christians also are a remembering people — not in ritual for its own sake, but to proclaim the Gospel of God's faithfulness. We gather to remember, rejoice, and receive grace in Word and Sacrament. Esther 9:20–28 (ESV)20 And Mordecai recorded these things and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, 21 obliging them to keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same, year by year, 22 as the days on which the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and gifts to the poor.23 So the Jews accepted what they had started to do, and what Mordecai had written to them. 24 For Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur (that is, cast lots), to crush and to destroy them. 25 But when it came before the king, he gave orders in writing that his evil plan that he had devised against the Jews should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. 26 Therefore they called these days Purim, after the term Pur. Therefore, because of all that was written in this letter, and of what they had faced in this matter, and of what had happened to them, 27 the Jews firmly obligated themselves and their offspring and all who joined them, that without fail they would keep these two days according to what was written and at the time appointed every year, 28 that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, in every clan, province, and city, and that these days of Purim should never fall into disuse among the Jews, nor should the commemoration of these days cease among their descendants.Luke 24:28–35 (ESV)28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

In response to Haman's evil plot, Esther demonstrated remarkable wisdom and courage in making her appeal to King Xerxes. Then, seemingly coincidentally, the king remembered that Mordecai had saved his life and decided to honor him, much to the embarrassment of Haman! Was this God's hidden hand at work? One thing is sure: God's providence is never late. Read more...

When Evil Arises ReCreate Church | Michael Shockley | July 27, 2025---------- EPISODE SUMMARY What do you do when it feels like evil is winning and God is nowhere to be found? Through the dramatic story of Esther chapter 3, Michael Shockley introduces us to one of history's most dangerous villains - Haman the Agagite. From a 500-year-old blood feud to a genocidal plot that threatened to eliminate all Jewish people, discover how God works behind the scenes even when His name isn't mentioned. Learn from the inspiring story of Corrie ten Boom and her Nazi concentration camp experience that sometimes what looks like abandonment is actually God's protection. When darkness seems to triumph, remember this truth: the Cross looked like defeat, but Sunday was already on the schedule. Core Message: Evil may rise, but God is already writing the rescue. ---------- KEY TOPICS COVERED Opening Stories: Death and Faith - The loss of cultural icons from the 80s and 90s - Malcolm Jamal Warner's Christian faith and peaceful character - Hulk Hogan's recent baptism and testimony about Jesus - Ozzy Osborne's reported possible deathbed conversion to Christianity - How unexpected people can embrace the Gospel Meet the Villain: Haman the Agagite - Haman's promotion to Grand Vizier, the king's highest official - His possession of the king's signet ring and ultimate authority - The epitome of someone who clawed and connived for power - His demand for everyone to bow and pay homage to him Mordecai's Refusal to Bow - Religious convictions about not engaging in false worship - The danger of making idols out of people or political systems - Standing up to insufferable, grandstanding leadership - A quiet act of conscience rooted in faith in a Greater King The Ancient Blood Feud - Haman as descendant of Agag, king of the Amalekites - The Amalekites' history of unprovoked attacks against Israel - God's judgment through King Saul and the Prophet Samuel - King Saul's disobedience in sparing King Agag - Mordecai as a relative or likely descendant of King Saul from the tribe of Benjamin The Genocidal Plot - Haman's plan to exterminate all Jews in the Persian Empire - The empire's scope from India to Ethiopia, Greece to Caucasus Mountains - The financial incentive offered (equivalent to $200 million today) - The casting of lots (Pur) to determine the timing - How God influenced the lots to fall nearly a year later What It Looks Like vs. What's Really Happening - Evil rising vs. God writing the rescue - Haman in charge vs. God in control - Mordecai defiant vs. God faithful - Haman controlling calendar vs. God ordaining timing - King passive vs. King of Heaven active - God silent vs. God sovereign - Jews doomed vs. deliverers already in place The Corrie ten Boom Story - Dutch watchmaker's family hiding Jews during Holocaust - Arrest and imprisonment at Ravensbrück concentration camp - The flea-infested Barracks 28 that seemed like abandonment - How the fleas kept guards away, allowing Bible studies and worship - God using the very thing that seemed like punishment as protection ---------- MEMORABLE QUOTES "People get all bent out of shape when God doesn't do something to stop evil. And when God does something to stop evil, people get all bent out of shape." "Haman thought he was picking the best time for genocide. In truth, God picked the perfect time for rescue." "There is a big difference between what it looks like and what's really happening." "The Cross looked like defeat. The Tomb looked like the end. But Sunday was already on the schedule." ---------- BIBLICAL FOUNDATION - Primary Text: Esther 3:1-6, 7, 15 - Supporting Texts: 1 Samuel 15 (Saul and the Amalekites), 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Key Theme: God's sovereignty working through human evil for ultimate good - Historical Context: Ancient blood feud between Amalekites and Jews - Forward Connection: Preservation of Jesus' lineage through Jewish survival ---------- PRACTICAL APPLICATION When You Feel Evil Is Winning: - Remember there's a difference between what it looks like and what's really happening - Trust that God is writing the rescue even when you can't see it - Don't assume God is absent just because circumstances are difficult - Call on God and ask Him to show Himself strong When Wrong People Seem to Be in Power: - Avoid making idols out of political systems or leaders - Practice quiet acts of conscience rooted in faith - Remember that human authority is temporary, God's authority is eternal - Stand up for your convictions even when it's unpopular When You Face Systematic Evil or Persecution: - Trust that God can use even the worst circumstances for protection - Look for opportunities to minister and share faith even in dark places - Remember that what seems like abandonment might be God's provision - Hold onto hope that deliverance is coming even when you can't see how When You're Tempted to Compromise Your Faith: - Follow Mordecai's example of quiet resistance based on conviction - Don't bow to pressure when it conflicts with worship of the true God - Understand that standing for truth may bring persecution - Trust that God sees your faithfulness even when others don't When You Question God's Timing: - Remember that God ordains timing even when humans think they control it - Trust that delays in justice don't mean God isn't working - Understand that God may be positioning people and circumstances for rescue - Wait on God's perfect timing rather than demanding immediate action ---------- THE ULTIMATE INVITATION On the surface, it may seem like evil is winning and God is on vacation. But underneath it all, God is at work, quietly putting the pieces together for a rescue nobody sees coming. The Cross looked like defeat. The Tomb looked like the end. But Sunday was already on the schedule. When evil rises, when darkness closes its grip, when life itches and bites and burns and stings, don't assume God is absent. Even fleas and wicked decrees become a part of His rescue. Do you see evil around you? Are you wondering where God is? Call on Him. Ask Him to show Himself strong. ---------- CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH - Website: recreatechurch.org - Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app or offering boxes ---------- Remember: God's fingerprints are all over your story even when His name isn't mentioned. The Unseen Hand of God is at work, writing your rescue before evil even makes its move.

Scripture:Esther 2:12 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., King James Version

The Jews are saved, Haman is defeated, and the people rejoice. Mordecai is elevated, and Esther's people are delivered.God delivers His people by grace, through hidden means. This foreshadows the greater deliverance in Christ. Esther 8:3–8, 15–17 (ESV)On that day King Ahasuerus gave to Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told what he was to her. And the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.Then Esther spoke again to the king. She fell at his feet and wept and pleaded with him to avert the evil plan of Haman the Agagite and the plot that he had devised against the Jews. When the king held out the golden scepter to Esther, Esther rose and stood before the king. And she said, “If it please the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and if the thing seems right before the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let an order be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the provinces of the king. For how can I bear to see the calamity that is coming to my people? Or how can I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?” Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, “Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows, because he intended to lay hands on the Jews. But you may write as you please with regard to the Jews, in the name of the king, and seal it with the king's ring, for an edict written in the name of the king and sealed with the king's ring cannot be revoked.”Then Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal robes of blue and white, with a great golden crown and a robe of fine linen and purple, and the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor. And in every province and in every city, wherever the king's command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many from the peoples of the country declared themselves Jews, for fear of the Jews had fallen on them.Luke 1:67–79 (ESV)And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,    for he has visited and redeemed his peopleand has raised up a horn of salvation for us    in the house of his servant David,as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,that we should be saved from our enemies    and from the hand of all who hate us;to show the mercy promised to our fathers    and to remember his holy covenant,the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us    that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies,might serve him without fear,    in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;    for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,to give knowledge of salvation to his people    in the forgiveness of their sins,because of the tender mercy of our God,    whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on highto give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,    to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

A nursing convention was being held at a hotel when a guest experienced a heart attack in the lobby. Immediately, more than two dozen caregivers came to his side and worked to keep him alive. The guest was incredibly grateful for all the nurses who were at the right place at the right time. Esther was also at the right place at the right time. She’d been chosen to be queen after winning the king’s favor and approval (Esther 2:17). Yet, a decree threatened her people, the Jews, so her cousin Mordecai encouraged her to use her position to appeal to the king to save them from certain death. “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” he challenged her (4:14). Her decision to risk her life and “go to the king” (v. 16) to disclose this evil plot saved the Jews from certain death (ch. 8). It’s apparent that Queen Esther understood that God had placed her in that position at just the right time. Sometimes, we may wonder why situations happen or circumstances change. Perhaps we get frustrated and try to get things “back to normal.” God may have placed us in our current situation for a specific purpose. Today, as we encounter disruptions or changes, let’s ask God to show us if there’s something special He wants us to do as part of His perfect plan.

Jesus Delivered Us (7) (audio) David Eells – 7/23/25 Saints, I'm going to pick up where we left off last time, how Jesus delivered us and gave us authority over demons. People may argue with me about speaking with new tongues, but the Bible says, (Mar.16:17) And these signs shall accompany them that believe … they shall speak with new tongues. I am not saying a person who is not filled with the Holy Spirit cannot cast out demons, but it is more powerful to be filled with the Holy Spirit. God has shown me by experience that a person needs to be filled with the Holy Spirit, otherwise demons will take advantage of you. As I have said before, the only condition is faith. Because of their religious theology, some want to put conditions on the people who are casting out demons. (Mar.9:28) And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, [How is it] that we could not cast it out? (Many people think, “See, there's another condition here!”) (29) And he said unto them, This kind can come out by nothing, save by prayer. The King James Version reads, “This kind can come out by nothing, save by prayer and fasting,” but neither the ancient manuscripts nor the Numeric English New Testament have the words “and fasting.” There is no numeric pattern in “and fasting” here because those words were added in, and your Bible probably has a footnote regarding it. Fasting is not a law. You can't find it in the Scriptures concerning casting out demons. The Pauline Epistles, NIV, NASV, ASV, and the Amplified Bible all go back to the ancient manuscripts, and they do not have the words “and fasting” in Mark 9:29, nor do the texts of the three most ancient manuscripts. “Fasting” does not belong in the “casting out” verses because Jesus is not making deliverance from demons dependent on our works. If we have a short opportunity to cast a demon out we haven't got time to fast. Of course, fasting is good. Jesus said, (Mat.6:16) Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen of men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward. (17) But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face; (18) that thou be not seen of men to fast, but of thy Father who is in secret: and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall recompense thee. He said, “when you fast,” but He did not command fasting at certain times. He did not make it a requirement of the Law. He is not saying, “Here is a condition,” because then you would never know if you had fasted enough. The devil could come along and say, “Hey, you didn't fast enough!” or “You need to pray more!” I have actually cast out condemning demons that were making God's servants constantly have to fast or pray until they were worn out. Fasting and praying are good, but salvation of any kind is not by works. If you seek it by works instead of a free gift that was already given, you may not receive it. So while there's nothing wrong with fasting, the words “and fasting” are not in the ancient manuscripts in Mark 9. (Mar.9:29) And he said unto them, This kind can come out by nothing, save by prayer. The prayer He's talking about here is a prayer to be delivered from unbelief, which is what the epileptic child's father prayed. (Mar.9:24) Straightway the father of the child cried out, and said, I believe (He's making a good confession there, isn't he?); help thou mine unbelief. There is no place in the Scriptures where anybody prayed devils out; they always commanded them to come out. You are not asking a devil to do anything, and you are not asking God to do anything. You are just fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and casting out devils as the Bible says to do. In Mark 9 Jesus is not talking about praying to cast the devil out; He is talking about praying to cast the unbelief out. Here's another example. (Mat.17:19) Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast it out? (20) And he saith unto them, Because of your little faith: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. You do not have to fast. You do not have to pray. You just have to know your authority. Tell them, “Come out in the Name of Jesus!” However, praying that God would put confidence and faith in you is a good way to prepare you for casting out demons. (Eph.2:8) For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; (9) not of works, that no man should glory. So, praying to God for faith is legal, but is praying to God to cast out demons legal? I do not see that it's according to Scripture because there's no example of Jesus or the disciples doing it. I just do not see that this is what He is talking about. One train of thought about casting out demons is that you just sit there and wear them out. You keep repeating “Come out in the Name of Jesus!” until they come out. It might be hours or days later. Some people do what they call “praying through.” They pray and pray and pray until they see something happen, but that's not the spiritual way to do it. People who “pray through” concerning demons do not pray and speak by faith because they pray and speak until they see something happen. The other train of thought is just to say, “Come out in the Name of Jesus!” trusting that the words you have spoken must be obeyed. This same phrase is used in Mark 11:23. When you pray, believe you have received and thank God for it. Rejoice in it and praise God! Then you will see it happen. (Mar.11:23) Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it. (24) Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye received them, and ye shall have them. If you speak by faith, then you can say something and walk away without seeing results. I gave you an example of the time we cast the demons out of my mother because they were bringing our house under the curse. As fast as the names of the demons came to us, we commanded those spirits to come out and then we just left her room, not waiting to see anything. When we returned the next morning, we learned that she had rolled around on the floor all night, struggling with those demons until she was delivered. In the past, I have repeated, “Come out in the Name of Jesus,” but the Lord showed me a better way: believe the word that you spoke has the authority of God and that demons have to obey it. The term “unclean spirit” is a broad name that covers all the different types of demons. In Luke 13, though, we have a spirit called a “spirit of infirmity.” We just looked at an epileptic spirit (Mark 9:17) and a dumb and deaf spirit (Mark 9:25), and both are called “unclean spirits,” but they were also “spirits of infirmity.” (Luk.13:11) And behold, a woman that had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years; and she was bowed together, and could in no wise lift herself up. (12) And when Jesus saw her, he called her, and said to her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. (13) And he laid his hands upon her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. (14) And the ruler of the synagogue, being moved with indignation because Jesus had healed on the sabbath… Notice that He cast out a spirit of infirmity, but the text still calls it “healing.” She was healed after the spirit of infirmity had come out from the bound-up and doubled-over woman. There was nothing physically wrong with her. (Luk.13:14) And the ruler of the synagogue, being moved with indignation because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, answered and said to the multitude, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the day of the sabbath. (15) But the Lord answered him, and said, Ye hypocrites, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? Some cases are like this; there is actually nothing physically wrong with the person. It's the demon that is causing the problem. There may be times when the Holy Spirit would have you cast out a spirit and pray for healing, because a spirit in that instance has done damage that he hasn't repaired; he just left it there, but when you pray for that person to be healed, they will be healed. We read how all the people out of whom Jesus was casting demons were God's Covenant people. (Luk.13:16) And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham (It was a condition that she be a “daughter of Abraham,” otherwise, He would not have said it.), whom Satan had bound, lo, [these] eighteen years to have been loosed from this bond on the day of the sabbath? It says Satan bound this woman for eighteen years, yet it was a spirit of infirmity that was binding her. Well, all of these spirits, including spirits of infirmity, are under the authority of Satan. If a person repents, then that person is under the Blood and in Covenant with God, which we see is necessary in order to receive deliverance. Jesus told a group of Jews who were arguing with Him and claiming their father was Abraham, but Jesus said their father was not Abraham. He said in (Joh.8:44) Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do… They were doing his works; Jesus was judging them according to their works. If Satan bound a person for eighteen years, then the problem was not flesh; the problem was the devil. The Bible says, (Act.10:38) [Even] Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. It says, “healing all.” The reason they needed healing was that they were oppressed of the devil. Sickness is not just physical. Psychiatrists think that a problem is psychological, and physicians think that the problem is of the flesh. The Bible says that the problem is the devil and man's affinity for the devil. The problem is spiritual. God's Word says He “went about … healing all that were oppressed of the devil.” Most people want to treat the problem from the area of the physical, but this was not Jesus' method. He never “treated” anybody; He commanded them healed. He took authority over the devil. Even though sickness may not be a spirit of infirmity dwelling in the flesh, it still comes from the devil. For instance, Jesus went into Peter's house when his wife's mother was sick with a fever. (Luk.4:39) And He stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she rose up and ministered unto them. He rebuked the fever as though it were a “somebody.” While the fever was only a physical thing, there was a spiritual authority behind it that obeyed Jesus' command. It does not matter whether the demon causing the infirmity is on the outside or the inside; it still comes from the devil and needs to be treated spiritually. The reason why most people do not get their healing is because they are attacking it from a physical, rather than spiritual, direction. They have been deceived into thinking there is a physical answer to their problem, but God wants them to look for the spiritual reason behind the oppression and to receive the spiritual answer. Satan is called the “prince of the powers of the air.” (Ephesians 2:2) That's the first heaven, our realm. From the beginning, he has come in and out of the second-heaven realm to test us and to take captives, although he doesn't have a free will. God is the only Sovereign, but Jesus gave authority to His disciples and passed that authority on to us through them. (Mat.28:18) And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. (That doesn't leave the devil any authority or right to use power.) (19) Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations … (20) teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you… (Notice that we were given the same authority as they had.): and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. He will be with us in this authority to the end of the world, or “age.” The disciples He first spoke to are no longer here; we are the ones here at the “end of the world” and He delegated this authority over the enemy to all His brethren. (Luk.9:1) And he called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. Some say this power was only given to the apostles but in (Mat 28:19) Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations… 20  teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. So this is to us too.  (Luk.10:19) Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you. We see that by the command of Jesus, the early disciples have passed this on to us. Satan only has the authority that God and His children give him. You can see from the pattern in Job chapters 1 and 2 that God is very particular as to what authority He has given the devil. On the other hand, God's children are very foolish in some ways. They give Satan authority that he shouldn't have through their disobedience, fear, and spoken words. Job admitted this, saying in (Job 3:25) For the thing which I fear cometh upon me, And that which I am afraid of cometh unto me. (26) I am not at ease, neither am I quiet, neither have I rest; But trouble cometh. God knew all of this and He does all things according to law, but He wanted and needed to test Job. God had perfect faith that Job would endure because He upheld Job and controlled Satan. The benefits were that Job learned some things about himself that he was quick to repent of and be delivered of. The testing of Job was extreme so that you may know that in your smaller tests, the Father can give you victory, too. (Job 1:7) And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. (8) And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil. (9) Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? (10) Hast not thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath, on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. (11) But put forth thy hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will renounce thee to thy face. (12) And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thy hand. (Notice this was a controlled test.) So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord. (Job 1:13) And it fell on a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house, (14) that there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them; (15) and the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away: yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. (16) While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. (17) While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have taken them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. (18) While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house; (19) and, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. (Job 1:20) Then Job arose, and rent his robe, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped; (21) and he said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. (22) In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. (Job 2:2) And the Lord said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. (3) And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil: and he still holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. (4) And Satan answered the Lord, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. (5) But put forth thy hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will renounce thee to thy face. (6) And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thy hand; only spare his life. (Job 2:7) So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. (8) And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself therewith; and he sat among the ashes. (9) Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still hold fast thine integrity? renounce God, and die. (10) But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips. (Job 2:11) Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite, and they made an appointment together to come to bemoan him and to comfort him. These so-called “friends” were the worst test, with their slander and railing against Job. God told them they had not spoken the truth in (Job 42:7) And it was so, that, after the Lord had spoken these words unto Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends; for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Like Joseph and David, and Jesus, Job was tested and came out blessed above measure. What are some principles we can take from Job's experience? First, do not fear Satan, his demons, or the people they use. (Mat.10:28) And be not afraid of them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Second, do not release Satan by living in willful sin (Heb 10:26,27). He has authority to administer the curse to those who do this. Third, do not release Satan by your words against God's Word, and the other side of that is, do not release him by your words of faith in Satan and his power. (Mat.12:36) And I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. (37) For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Many preachers put fear in God's people through their reporting about the enemy's works because they do not let their words always be seasoned with grace to give faith to the hearer. (Col.4:6) Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one. We have been delegated authority from the Lord, but it is useless if we ignore these principles shown in Job. (Mat.18:18) Verily I say unto you, what things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (19) Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven. Since Satan has sown deceit, he is therefore reaping deceit. He thinks he can win against God, or he wouldn't even try. Through things that can be seen, Satan is threatening you with what he will do because carnal men believe what they can see. We know “The Destroyer” to be a demon called “Apollyon” (Revelation 9:11), but the Egyptians recorded that they looked up and saw a planet that they called “The Destroyer.” Satan attempts to make you fear and take full advantage of you. Because when you have fear, you are having faith in him and the curse. The powers-that-be are Satanists who know this principle of instilling fear in the heart of their victims, and so they tell us beforehand what they will do. Satan is saying through them that through technology such as microwave mind control and HAARP and other experiments, he is going to be able to torment you. When you believe him, he has authority. To some extent, we do need to know what the plans of the powers-that-be are; however, far more importantly, we need to know our authority over the devil and his works. We are not to stop the trial or test because our Lord has ordered it, but as with Job, we are to show that through faith in the Gospel, we are justified and given authority over all the power of the enemy. Just as Jesus did, we have authority to give people the gifts of God when they believe the Word. Now let me share a testimony from an anonymous sister in Christ.   Corrected from Researching Evil I am thanking God for the message about separation and sanctification called “Sanctification Before Blessing.” [This book is available on our website under UBM Books and in audio in our One-Hour archives.] Before I was born from above, I had been attacked in this area. I was considered “popular” in the world and the worldly church. Now in this time of seeking the Lord, learning how to be a disciple, there has been a lot of separation of people from us. First, it was people of the world separating from me. Then it was people of the worldly church. It is freeing to know that the LORD is doing this. It is biblical. I also thank God for the admonition to turn from NWO (New World Order) research. I had been getting snared in that research a lot lately. During prayer and confession with a sister, I heard the words, “Knowledge does not save. I save.” I had been having a battle against this lust of my carnal mind to know and to learn things. This lust brings a lot of rotten fruit, like paranoia, anxiety and fear. I was hearing, “There must be infiltrators in UBM. The Illuminati is everywhere.” I started getting cynical. You can't trust anyone! It was all a downward spiral into depression, irritation and despair. I felt myself getting puffed up. I was acting proud with people who didn't know what I knew, considering myself superior to the “sheeple.” Although I knew this attitude was pride and not of Christ, ingesting so much New World Order information kept overcoming the spirit man. This opened the door to other torments. It was destroying my faith. I would feel anxiety, worry, and fear. I would turn to other things to comfort me. The flesh would only grow so big. It was consuming me. So when I heard the teaching last night, I was listening to UBM on one window of my computer and reading some conspiracy information on another. I felt convicted. I closed the NWO research window when you, David Eells, spoke, feeling as if God had caught me red-handed. I repent! I understand now that I was feeling an uncleanness in my spirit because of learning what the wicked do in secret. (Eph.5:12) For the things which are done by them in secret it is a shame even to speak of. What a trap and deception NWO research is! I thank the Lord for revealing and slaying this sin in me. By faith, I say I am freed from this lust! I am confessing this to the elders and the body, so that you will agree with me in prayer that this temptation is conquered. Bless you all in Jesus' Name. Thank you for being faithful to the Lord to rebuke and save us from death. Godly correction is a great blessing. It is a very peaceful feeling when you repent. You feel joyful, peaceful and unburdened. Amen! Researching the good Word has power to impute the Nature of Christ. Constant research of evil brings the opposite. We are not to study evil in any depth, like this testimony. It brings fear, and you cannot study evil enough to know every form of evil that Satan can throw at you. We are to study good so we will know evil when we see it and be able to do something about it. (Rom.16:19) For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I rejoice therefore over you: but I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple unto that which is evil. We don't need to know evil much, but we need to know the Good News much. The Lord says, (Isa.8:12) Say ye not, A conspiracy, concerning all whereof this people shall say, A conspiracy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be in dread [thereof]. [See more on conspiracies and conspiracy theories on our site: http://www.ubm1.org/?page=conspiracy.] Does all this mean that we are not to be concerned that the mad scientists and their handlers will open the gates of hell? What does Scripture say about this? (Mat.16:13) Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that the Son of man is? (14) And they said, Some [say] John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. (15) He saith unto them, But who say ye that I am? (16) And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (Peter had just been given the foundational revelation that, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”) (17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven. (18) And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church (The Greek word for church means the “called-out ones.”); and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Those who come out of the worldly church and its “mind of the flesh” will have a renewed mind and victory over the gates of Hell. We need to realize that it is not these men or their physical machines that bring Satan, the prince of the powers of the air, and his demons to fight against us. It is Our Father Who is bringing this so that we will overcome the devil as we defeat our flesh. We can see in Revelation that to beat him we must deny ourselves and be holy. (Rev.12:6) And the woman (the Church) fled into the wilderness (Tribulation), where she hath a place prepared of God, that there they (This is the Man-Child and Bride ministries.) may nourish her a thousand two hundred and threescore days (This is the Church in first half of the tribulation). (Rev.12:7) And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels [going forth] to war with the dragon; and the dragon warred and his angels; (8) And they prevailed not, neither was their place found any more in heaven. (9) And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world; he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him. (10) And I heard a great voice in heaven, saying, Now is come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accuseth them before our God day and night. (11) And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death. (12) Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe for the earth and for the sea: because the devil is gone down unto you, having great wrath, knowing that he hath but a short time. (Rev.12:13) And when the dragon saw that he was cast down to the earth, he persecuted the woman that brought forth the man [child]. (14) And there were given to the woman the two wings of the great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness unto her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. (Here the Church will learn that when they conquer their flesh through faith in the Blood, they conquer and cast down Satan.) (15) And the serpent cast out of his mouth after the woman water as a river (flood of delusion), that he might cause her to be carried away by the stream. (16) And the earth (the worldly people) helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth and swallowed up the river which the dragon cast out of his mouth. (The “earthly” bought the lies. We know if they buy it, it's wrong.) (17) And the dragon waxed wroth with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, that keep the commandments of God, and hold the testimony of Jesus. Notice that Satan failed against the true “come-outers.” He had to go after the latecomers to test them. Before the first three-and-a-half years of the Tribulation starts, which is when the Woman goes into the wilderness, Satan in the worldwide body of the dragon makes war against the worldwide body of the Man-Child, who is caught up to David's throne of authority over the Church. The Man-Child body is the first-fruits of those who will have the fullness (Colossians 1:27) … Christ in you, the hope of glory … by the Word and Spirit that lives in them. (Rev.12:3) And there was seen another sign in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads (These are the seed of all seven world-ruling empires.) and ten horns (the kings of all ten continental divisions of the earth in the end), and upon his heads seven diadems. (4) And his tail draweth the third part of the stars of heaven (the seed of Abraham), and did cast them to the earth (They lost their heavenly position in Christ.): and the dragon standeth before the woman that is about to be delivered, that when she is delivered he may devour her child. (5) And she was delivered of a son, a man child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and unto his throne. (6) And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that there they may nourish her a thousand two hundred and threescore days. (3 ½ years.) Before the Tribulation, Satan is already in his dragon body and making a “Job's-friends” type slander-assassination war against these Man-Child “Davids,” because by conquering them, he may “devour” the Bride. However, he is failing now and will fail to “devour” them; he will fail to bring them into his body of the dragon on earth. As in the Book of Esther, the Bride is a small portion of the Church who was deemed more beautiful to the King (Esther 2:17) because she listened to His chamberlain, representing the Holy Spirit (Esther 2:15), and put on the “clothing,” or works, of Christ. Mordecai (whose name means “Little Man” or “Man-child”) and Esther, the bride overcame to conquer Haman and his army of Jew-haters as a type of Christian-haters to save God's people from this beast (Esther 6:13,7:10,10:3). David Wilkerson prophesied of this slander war, and we also received many warning dreams years before its coming. The Bride and Man-Child, as was Esther in the king's house, were the first-fruits to escape the beast. Then the Bride and Man-Child were used to give the rest of the Church authority from the King to stand for their lives against the antichrist assault (Esther 9:1-5,16). (Rom.13:12) The night is far spent, and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. (Rom.13:14) But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts [thereof]. Put on the armor of God and stand for your lives, saints.

Send us a textStrong Women Strong WorldEsther | Part 4Senior Pastor Keith StewartJuly 20, 2025The book of Esther is one of the most creatively written books in the entire Bible. In fact, you'll be amazed by it. The lead character is female and she's a true hero. Not only does she help to avert a planned holocaust for the Jewish people, this story becomes the basis of the annual Feast of Purim which celebrates God's protection of His people. You'll also see amazing parallels between Esther's story and Jesus' story. Don't miss this next installment in our series, Strong Women, Strong World!____________Discussion Questions 1. Though Esther lived in a time of extreme patriarchy (where the rights of men were far greater than those of women), she was able to rise to a position of influence and use that influence to save the nation. What was true about Esther's day was also the prevailing culture throughout most of the history during which the Bible was written. What other stories of women in Scripture are you aware of who rose to prominence and leadership in spite of the culture of the day? Discuss the ways in which they were used by God. How do their stories inspire you? How are you or the women you know impacted by stories like these?2. Take some time in your group to discuss the following quote, “In the moral conflict now raging around us, whoever is on God's side is on the winning side and cannot lose; whoever is on the other side is on the losing side and cannot win” (A.W. Tozer). 3. God gave Esther a mentor in her uncle Mordecai. How important have mentors been in your own life and development? Have you ever had one? If so, in what arena of life? What was their impact on you? How has that person helped to shape the person you have become? 4. The Bible makes a distinction between time (chronos – which is clocks, days and calendars) and time (kairos – a pregnant moment in time, a pivotal moment in history). Esther's story is a reminder that we are where we are and who we are for a reason. And sometimes, everything seems to align to create an opportunity to exercise our gifting, utilize our influence and invest our talent – a Kairos moment. In reflecting on Esther's Kairos moment, are you aware of other Kairos moments in Scripture, in world history or US history, or in your own personal life? If so, describe what happened and why you think it was a Kairos moment. 5. The book of Esther is written in a very creative style. Pastor Keith talked about this very Jewish way of writing which is most commonly known as chiastic writing. As a group or individual, download both the simplified and detailed chiastic structure of Esther from the online message notes. Notice how each and every negative and dark outcome in the first half of the book is then corrected by a positive and hopeful outcome in the latter portion of the book? What did you learn about this style of writing? Why did Jewish writers use it? How does it help to clarify and amplify the message of Esther? 6. As Pastor Keith wrapped up the message, he focused on some of the parallels between Esther's story and Jesus's story. Can you name the parallels he mentioned and why? Are you aware of any other ways that Esther's story is similar to Jesus' story? If so, what are they? 

God Is Positioning You Esther 2 ReCreate Church | Michael Shockley | July 20, 2025 ---------- EPISODE SUMMARY Ever feel stuck in a place you don't want to be, wondering why God hasn't moved you? Through the dramatic story of Esther chapter 2, Michael Shockley reveals how God orchestrates circumstances we never could have imagined. From a rigged beauty pageant to an assassination attempt, discover how God positioned an unknown peasant girl to become queen of the most powerful empire in the world - all to save His people and preserve the lineage of Jesus. Learn why your current circumstances, even the difficult ones, might be exactly where God needs you to be to make a difference in someone's life. Core Message: God puts the right people in the right place at the right time - and that includes YOU. ---------- KEY TOPICS COVERED The Historical Background: Greco-Persian Wars - King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and his massive failed invasion of Greece - The battles of Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis, and Plataea - How military defeat set the stage for needing a new queen - The connection between Esther 1 and 2 through historical context The Beauty Pageant That Wasn't - The reality behind the "beauty pageant" - women were taken, not volunteers - The 12-month preparation process and beauty treatments - How God doesn't endorse evil practices but brings good from them - The heartbreaking reality of forgotten women in the harem Meet the Main Characters - Mordecai: The Jewish exile working in the king's gate - Hadassah/Esther: The orphaned cousin raised as a daughter - The advice to hide her Jewish identity due to growing hostility God's Providence in Action - How Esther found favor with Hegai and received special treatment - The rigged nature of the selection process - divine intervention - Esther's immediate impact on King Ahasuerus - From unknown peasant girl to Queen of the Persian Empire The Assassination Plot - Mordecai overhearing the conspiracy against the king - His quick action to inform Esther, who told the king - The overlooked recognition that would matter later - Another example of being the right person in the right place God's Bigger Picture - How Esther's positioning would save the Jewish people from genocide - The connection to preserving Jesus' lineage 500 years later - God allowing human choice while directing outcomes for His purposes - The difference between God causing pain vs. bringing purpose from it The Joseph Figlock Illustration - The Detroit street sweeper during the Great Depression - The baby who fell from a fourth-floor window - twice - How ordinary people in ordinary places become extraordinary miracles - The importance of showing up even when frustrated with circumstances ---------- MEMORABLE QUOTES "King Ahasuerus was literally the wealthiest, most powerful person who had lived to that point, but he wasn't happy." "God's Providence doesn't erase our trauma or trouble, but it does encourage us that God is able to redeem the worst things we go through." "Jesus sees the forgotten. He calls the overlooked by name. Nobody is disposable to Him." "God took the selfish and exploitative actions of a pagan King and directed the outcome to position Esther in a place of influence." "You might be asking, 'Why am I still stuck here?' And the answer might be — you are the right person at the right place at the right time." "You might not get a baby dropped on your head, but you might be somebody's miracle." "You are not an accident. You are on assignment." ---------- BIBLICAL FOUNDATION - Primary Text: Esther 2:1-4, 15 - Supporting Context: Esther Chapter 1 (Queen Vashti's removal) - Key Theme: Divine providence working through human circumstances - Historical Context: Persian Empire, Jewish exile, preservation of God's people - Forward Connection: Preservation of Jesus' lineage ---------- PRACTICAL APPLICATION If You Feel Stuck in Your Current Situation: - Remember that God might have you exactly where you need to be - Look for opportunities to make a difference where you are - Trust that God is telling a bigger story than you can see - Keep showing up faithfully even when circumstances are difficult If You're Going Through Unwanted Circumstances: - Know that God doesn't cause your pain but can bring purpose from it - Understand that human evil doesn't thwart God's ultimate plans - Trust that God can redeem even the worst situations - Remember that you might be positioned to help someone else If You Feel Forgotten or Overlooked: - Know that Jesus sees the forgotten and calls the overlooked by name - Understand that recognition may come at the perfect time, not immediately - Trust that your contribution matters even if it's not acknowledged - Remember that nobody is disposable to God If You're Waiting for God to Move You: - Consider that your current position might be strategic - Look for ways to be faithful in your present circumstances - Stay alert for opportunities to make a difference - Trust God's timing for change in your life If You Want to Make a Difference: - Recognize that ordinary people in ordinary places can be extraordinary miracles - Stay faithful in small things while God prepares you for bigger purposes - Be ready to act when opportunities arise - Trust that God positions people for His purposes ---------- THE ULTIMATE INVITATION You might feel overlooked, forgotten, or stuck — but God hasn't lost track of you. Like Esther, Mordecai, and Joe the street sweeper, you are not an accident. You are on assignment. Just as God positioned Esther to save her people, He positioned Jesus to save you and me. Jesus was the Right Person in the right place at the right time. Trust Jesus, and trust that He's got you in the right place at the right time — even when you can't see it yet. ---------- CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH - Website: recreatechurch.org - Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app ---------- Remember: God is always telling a bigger story than we can see. Your current circumstances might be exactly where God needs you to be to make a difference in someone's life.

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"49ers Talk" hosts Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan debate if general manager John Lynch could make a big-name acquisition this offseason and discuss San Francisco's defensive line and secondary depth. Jennifer then catches up with 49ers backup quarterbacks Mac Jones and Tanner Mordecai at George Kittle's Tight End University to discuss the good vibes in the 49ers' locker room during OTAs and minicamp, and what they have been learning from Brock Purdy.--(2:00) Could John Lynch pull off a big-name acquisition this offseason?(5:00) Breaking down the 49ers' defensive line and secondary depth(10:00) Realistic expectations for 49ers' incoming rookie class(17:00) What Mac Jones and Tanner Mordecai are learning from Brock Purdy(20:00) Jones describes the good vibes in 49ers' locker room during OTAs and minicamp(28:00) Mordecai discusses how Purdy prepares for game days and how it translates to the field