Guardianship….

 Guardianship….

Who is the shortest man in the Bible.?

“Guardianship: The cupbearer often acted as a protector, safeguarding the king from potential threats.

Symbolism of the Role

The cupbearer symbolizes service, sacrifice, and vigilance in biblical texts. This role illustrates themes of faithfulness and divine purpose. It highlights the importance of being prepared for challenges and serving others faithfully, reflecting broader spiritual principles. Understanding the cupbearer’s significance enriches the appreciation for biblical teachings and the individuals who played critical roles in biblical narratives.”

https://biblicalchronology.com/biblical-meaning-of-cupbearer/

Chapter 1 of Nehemiah ends with, “I was the cupbearer to the king”….it comes after hearing about hearing about Jerusalem, it’s downfall, it’s ruined state with walls falling down, gates burned with fire…

It comes after his prayer for the city, the people, the direction he discerns God would have him follow…  

It is interesting that the very definition of cupbearer defines who he is and will become to the Jewish people in the building of the wall… protector, safeguarder…first to the king and then to the  Jewish people upon returning the the fallen city of Jerusalem…his trustworthiness, his organizational skills, etc all play into his new calling of wall building…

How God uses us…uses who we are, uses our skills, calls us to do various things…His plan all along…He has a grand plan…

Thank YOU….

 And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.” 

As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 

And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father's house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”

Now I was cupbearer to the king.

Neh.1.3-11

Make me a servant…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJTjpHTMxEg&list=RDLJTjpHTMxEg&start_radio=1

Answer—-Knee high, Miah….(sorry, couldn’t help it…one corny joke I actually remembered!)

A review…

 A review…

I just finished a series of books written by Linda Nichols.. written in the early 2000’s, each has a theme to deal with…my favorite was , “At the Scent of Water”…the theme to me was grief, forgiveness, restoration….I kept turning down pages, thinking this sentence, paragraph or page was soooo good…I would love to share, but alas there is a copyright and needs to be permitted to share…so ….

You will have to get the book or series of books…to do your own reading…just as I did…

The Christ of Calvary still changes lives…

A classic poem, The Weaver, written by Benjamin M. Franklin and quoted frequently by Corrie ten Boom speaks to the age-old quandry of contentment amidst uncertainty…

My life is just a weaving
Between my Lord and me.
I cannot change the color
For He works most steadily.

Oft times He weaves the sorrow
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper
And I the underside.

Until the loom is silent
And the shuttle cease to fly,
Will God roll back the canvas
And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful
In the skillful Weaver’s Hand
As the golden threads of silver
He has patterned in His Plan.  C. 

Some scripture she quoted…

 Let me hear joy and gladness;let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Restore to me the joy of your salvation,and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Ps.51.8,Ps.51.12

 For the Lord will not forsake his people;he will not abandon his heritage;

Ps.94.14

 Then Job answered the Lord and said: “I know that you can do all things,and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,things too wonderful for me, which I did not know…

Job.42.1-3

 For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.”

Jer.31.25

Songs included….

There is a balm…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ3EjnKs1Zo&list=RDTQ3EjnKs1Zo&start_radio=1

Softly and tenderly…

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Softly+and+tenderly

Eastern Gate…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukowp1faado&list=RDukowp1faado&start_radio=1

Holy Spirit, rain down…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnW_1HpPZQ4&list=RDhnW_1HpPZQ4&start_radio=1

Thank YOU…

 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://thewisebeliever.com/lessons-from-the-book-of-esther/

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

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

Leaders in a foreign land…

 Leaders in a foreign land…

There are times when we may feel like a duck out of water, out of place, out of our comfort zone….a place that 

God has specifically put us…and we may complain, wonder what is the world we doing in this situation…but it was not mistake …When God calls, he provides…he is the one to give peace through it all…

Reading the last chapter of Esther, finding Mordecai second in rank to the  king….his reputation, trustworthiness in a foreign land stood out, serving a pagan king…he “bloomed where God Called”…

King Ahasuerus imposed tax on the land and on the coastlands of the sea. And all the acts of his power and might, and the full account of the high honor of Mordecai, to which the king advanced him, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? For Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Ahasuerus, and he was great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his brothers, for he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people.

Esth.10.1-3

But, two other men rose to the occasion like Mordecai…Joseph and Daniel…men who serve faithfully pagan kings and rose to prominence because they were faithful God…

 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph's hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck. And he made him ride in his second chariot. And they called out before him, “Bow the knee!” Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt. Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no one shall lift up hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphenath-paneah. And he gave him in marriage Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On. 

So Joseph went out over the land of Egypt. Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh. “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father's house.” The name of the second he called Ephraim, “For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”

Gen.41.39-45,Gen.41.51-52

 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face and paid homage to Daniel, and commanded that an offering and incense be offered up to him. The king answered and said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.” Then the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon. Daniel made a request of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the province of Babylon. But Daniel remained at the king's court.

Dan.2.46-49

These three men had some characteristics that we can cling to…my Bible study notes listed these…

Faithful service to God …in a place they may not have wanted to be…

Trusting in God to weave together the events of life for our best, even though we may not see the overall picture…

The rewards for doing right are sometimes delayed, but they are guaranteed by God himself…

With God’s help, any situation can be used for good, even when others intend it for evil…

Our response matters…

Don’t wait until you are in a tough situation to learn about prayer..

God can use people wherever they are….

Thank YOU…

Leaning on the everlasting arms…

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=leaning+on+the+everlasting+arms+lyrics

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

Lessons to be learned from pride and arrogance…

 Lessons to be learned from pride and arrogance….

If ever a plan was to be learned about pride and arrogance, The life of Haman is worth the look…

1. Hatred will be punished…

2. God has an amazing record for making evil plans back fire on the planners…

3. Pride and self-importance will be punished..

4. An insatiable thirst for power and prestige is self-destructive…Bible study notes…

 Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Let a gallows fifty cubits high be made, and in the morning tell the king to have Mordecai hanged upon it. Then go joyfully with the king to the feast.” This idea pleased Haman, and he had the gallows made. 

Then Mordecai returned to the king's gate. But Haman hurried to 

his house, mourning and with his head covered. And Haman told his 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.” While they were yet talking with him, the king's eunuchs arrived and hurried to bring Haman to the feast that Esther had prepared. 

Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who has dared to do this?” And Esther said, “A foe and enemy! This wicked Haman!” Then Haman was terrified before the king and the queen. Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, said, “Moreover, the gallows that Haman has prepared for Mordecai, whose word saved the king, is standing at Haman's house, fifty cubits high.” And the king said, “Hang him on that.” So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the wrath of the king abated.

Esth.5.14,Esth.6.12-14,Esth.7.5-6,Esth.7.9-10

 For the sin of their mouths, the words of their lips,let them be trapped in their pride.For the cursing and lies that they utter,

Ps.59.12

 Pride goes before destruction,and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Prov.16.18

 Like the glaze covering an earthen vessel are fervent lips with an evil heart. 

Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips-and harbors deceit in his heart; 

when he speaks graciously, believe him not,for there are seven abominations in his heart; 

though his hatred be covered with deception,his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. 

Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.

Prov.26.23-27

Thank YOU…

Humility….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPnGlemJ9fs&list=RDFPnGlemJ9fs&start_radio=1

Give honor where honor is due

 

Give honor where honor is due…

This passage in Esther 6 always makes me chuckle…I picture a proud rooster strutting his feathers around the area showing off his colors, his voice….or Scrooge showing off his wealth, or his fine clothes to those whom would listen…or the in mythology, Atlas showing off his strength to carry the  “world “ upon his shoulders…all want honor for their own accomplishments…Haman wanted the same and felt like he was finally going to bet his “just dues” only to have the tables  turned upon him…I think God  does have a sense of humor and He is just…and delights to do good things for his own…

On that night the king could not sleep. And he gave orders to bring the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king. And it was found written how Mordecai had told about Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, and who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 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.”

 And the king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king's palace to speak to the king about having Mordecai hanged on the gallows that he had prepared for him. And the king's young men told him, “Haman is there, standing in the court.” And the king said, “Let him come in.” So Haman came in, and the king said to him, “What should be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?” 

And Haman said to himself, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?” And Haman said to the king, “For the man whom the king delights to honor, let royal robes be brought, which the king has worn, and the horse that the king has ridden, and on whose head a royal crown is set. 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, proclaiming before him: ‘Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.’” 

O    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 at the king's gate. Leave out nothing that you have mentioned.” 

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.”

Esth.6.1-11

God speaks of honor is many passages… a few follow…

 Because the Lord kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt, on this night all the Israelites are to keep vigil to honor the Lord for the generations to come.

Exod.12.42

 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

Exod.20.12

 And the Lord has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands. He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the Lord your God, as he promised.

Deut.26.18,Deut.26.19

 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

1Chr.4.9-10

 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;the Lord bestows favor and honor.No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly,

Ps.84.11

 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty,and your vats will be bursting with wine.

Prov.3.9-10

Thank YOU…

Honor God…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lP1W0K32GRQ&list=RDlP1W0K32GRQ&start_radio=1