Purim…

 Divine intervention…..

How many times can we think of in our personal lives when God performed miracles that we can actually see or that we know of…?

I imagine that there are so many that we don’t of …and many that we do…they are not the natural order of things God set in place…bit things he does to surprise us, to bless us and show that he cares and loves  us with an everlasting love…

I remember traveling with my children, going through an intersection, then looking in my rear view mirror only to see that a big truck had blown through his red light micro seconds after we had gone through. I was so grateful and thankful that God, who goes before us and behind us had protected our family. I praised God then and still do for that reminder that he does protect…

There have been so many encounters…God cares for his people and wants only good…

Finishing the book of Esther, there are so many lessons…But, God  saved his people… he brought them through the death threats, by the prayers and fasting and intercessions…God’s name was not mentioned in the book of Esther..but by the very name, “Jew “, they were known as a people who prayed to their God… and that people group still celebrate those days with the celebration of Purim…we can celebrate our deliverance from  the throes of captivity into our Salvation…rejoice, again I say rejoice…

Thank YOU…

Purim means "lots." Like a lottery, which is not rational or predictable, Purim expresses that which is above nature and human understanding.

There are four main mitzvot — religious duties — associated with the Purim observation . 

The first mitzvah (the singular form of mitzvot) is the public reading of the Megillah, the scroll containing the Book of Esther, once on Purim eve and again on Purim day. During this reading at the synagogue, Jews boo, hiss, stomp their feet, and rattle groggers (noisemakers) whenever Haman’s name is mentioned, as a way to blot out his name.

The next mitzvah is festivity and rejoicing. In fact, Jews are required to be happy on Purim. They accomplish this by dressing in costume, holding carnival-like celebrations, gathering with family and friends, and eating the traditional Hamantaschen treats — triangular fruit-filled cookies that represent the villain Haman’s three-cornered hat.

The third mitzvah is sending food to friends. Typically on Purim morning, Jews bustle about town visiting loved ones and delivering specially prepared food baskets. This gift is to symbolize the spirit of kinship and love that will help prevent the appearance of any future Hamans.

The final mitzvah of Purim is giving gifts to the poor. Tradition holds that observant Jews are to give charity to at least two needy people. The intent is to ensure that all Jews are able to experience the joy of Purim.

Many Jews also observe a fast prior to Purim commemorating Esther’s three days of fasting in preparation for meeting with the king. Called the “Fast of Esther,” it is usually observed the day before Purim. Unlike some other Jewish fasts, it is not a time of sadness, but rather of elevation and inspiration.

https://www.ifcj.org/learn/jewish-holidays/what-is-purim

 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. What then shall we say to these things? 

If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 

As it is written,“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Rom.8.28,Rom.8.31-39

Amazing grace…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkHgxKemCRk&list=RDY-4NFvI5U9w&start_radio=1

https://www.chabad.org/holidays/purim/article_cdo/aid/645309/jewish/What-Is-Purim.htm

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Purim