Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Times from Nov. 30-Dec. 3 are provided by Pastor Ryun Chang.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Esther 5:1-8 (ESV)

On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, in front of the king’s quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace. 2 And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. 3 And the king said to her, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom.” 4 And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the king and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for the king.” 5 Then the king said, “Bring Haman quickly, so that we may do as Esther has asked.” So the king and Haman came to the feast that Esther had prepared. 6 And as they were drinking wine after the feast, the king said to Esther, “What is your wish? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.” 7 Then Esther answered, “My wish and my request is: 8 If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my wish and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come to the feast that I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king has said.

Some might question: “Esther, should you be hosting back-to-back dinner parties when life and death of hundreds and thousands of your people is hanging in the balance?”  To fault Esther for her alleged indifference is no different than questioning the sanity of King Solomon for ordering that the baby in dispute, between two women claiming to be his mother, be cut in two so that each could have half (1 Kings 3:24).  Rest assured that Esther was not only valiant (“If I perish, I perish”), but she was also wise, much like Solomon who knew that the real mother would rather lose the baby than let him be sawed in two.

Esther knew that if you’re going to ask someone for a favor, especially the one with the power to put you to death at the slightest whim (4:11), you “butter him up” first!  While that slang doesn’t necessarily have a nice ring to it, if the goal is to save innocent lives, why stop at one dinner party?  Esther, being unsure of how the king would respond to her request to save the Jews, tried to move his heart by first satisfying his stomach—and she spared no expenses in providing the most sumptuous feast.  She had Haman be present so that if and when the king saw her way, the judgment against the man who plotted genocide against her people would be immediate and swift.

Wisdom is so valued by Solomon that he, under the Spirit’s inspiration, tells us to obtain it from all sources, including insects:  “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.  Without having any chief, officer, ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest” (Prov. 6:6-8).  Evidently, one key component to being wise is anticipation.  Thus, you don’t spend all you earn at once; instead, you save some of it for a rainy day and old age.

Also, learn this from Esther: If you’re asking someone to do you a favor, starting with an appreciative tone always helps.  And if you need to correct someone, use a magnifying glass to find something positive to share first, before reprimanding the person.

Prayer

Jesus, I exalt You this morning because You are my Lord and Savior.  In Your infinite wisdom, You created the world (Prov. 8) in which I live.  Please impart to me Your wisdom so that I may live prudently in this world with the hopes that people will desire You through how I live.  Amen.

 Bible Reading for Today: John 8

Lunch Break Study

Read James 1:5:  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Proverbs 4:7-8: The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom and whatever you get, get insight.
8 Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her;

Proverbs 19:20: Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

Proverbs 23:4 (NIV 1984): Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint; 9:8-9a: Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.  Instruct a wise man and he will be wider still . . .

Questions to Consider

1. We have all seen smart and powerful people make stupid mistakes that eventually cost their careers (e.g., former New York governor, Elliot Spitzer). Based on James 1:5 and Proverbs 4:7-8, how would you appraise the importance of wisdom?
2. What is one source of gaining wisdom? Conversely, what is one attitude that will ensure that we stay unwise?
3. What are some ways we can be wise in our everyday lives?

Notes

1. Without wisdom, we can lose all that we have ever worked for in a moment’s notice. Actually, the downward spiral was in the works for a time before the house of cards (a.k.a., unwise life) tumble down to the ground.  Wisdom can keep that from happening.
2. Taking the advice of those who have travelled the same road that we are about to take. This indicates that we are at least aware of our own lack and inadequacy.  Conversely, “I-already-know-it-all” attitude ensures that we’ll make the same mistakes that others have made.
3. Regarding accumulating wealth: we will show restraint, thus leaving time for pursuing other things like spiritual life, family, exercise, etc; regarding taking advice: we will take it instead of refusing it.

Evening Reflection

In evaluating today, was it a day that was lived out in wisdom?  What made it so?   How did the Spirit help you in that regard?  Perhaps, it wasn’t: what could you have said or done differently?  Ask the Lord to give you wisdom for tomorrow?

Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Times for today are provided by Pastor David Kwon of JCC.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Esther 5:9-14

And Haman went out that day joyful and glad of heart. But when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, that he neither rose nor trembled before him, he was filled with wrath against Mordecai. [10] Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home, and he sent and brought his friends and his wife Zeresh. [11] And Haman recounted to them the splendor of his riches, the number of his sons, all the promotions with which the king had honored him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and the servants of the king. [12] Then Haman said, “Even Queen Esther let no one but me come with the king to the feast she prepared. And tomorrow also I am invited by her together with the king. [13] Yet all this is worth nothing to me, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.” [14] 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.

“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”  ― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

As we have been reading the story of Esther, one of the most pivotal characters in the story is Mordecai.  He was the one who raised Esther, and he was there for her to give advice in the face of evil.  There are many adjectives we can use to describe him, but one characteristic that stands out is—his humility. He was never impressed by the riches of royalty or desired to take any credit for Esther’s plan to expose Haman, but rather, we see a man who sincerely wanted to obey the Lord and to honor God by doing what was right.   He completely understood the providence of God and his potential role in it if he remained faithful.  Anyone in his position could have taken the glory for his plan to thwart Haman, but rather, he seemed to always respond in humble obedience.

Haman, on the other hand, was a man who was full of himself and consumed with pride. And he thought that he had won both the king and the queen to his side for his plan to annihilate the Jewish people.  Haman was right in his own eyes, and he also demanded respect from the people who were under him (v.9).

This is an important lesson for us because God always opposes the proud and exalts the humble.  The apostle Peter would also make note of this principle: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you” (1 Peter 5:6).  How are you doing in the area of humility?  C.S. Lewis says it best: “As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on thing and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down you cannot see something that is above you” (Mere Christianity).

One practical way we can grow in the area of humility is by fearing the Lord. Fearing is not an unhealthy emotion, like being scared; but rather it is being in a state of awe and wonder.  It starts with worship and seeing God for who He is.  So this morning, spend time in worship.  As we do, we will decrease and He will increase.

Prayer:  Lord, I want to be a person who walks in humility.  Help me to overcome areas of pride by being in awe of You.  You are the only one worthy of my worship and praise.

 Bible Reading for Today: John 7

Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Times for today are provided by Pastor David Kwon of JCC.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Esther 5:1-8

On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, in front of the king’s quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace. [2] And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. [3] And the king said to her, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom.” [4] And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the king and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for the king.” [5] Then the king said, “Bring Haman quickly, so that we may do as Esther has asked.” So the king and Haman came to the feast that Esther had prepared. [6] And as they were drinking wine after the feast, the king said to Esther, “What is your wish? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.” [7] Then Esther answered, “My wish and my request is: [8] If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my wish and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come to the feast that I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king has said.”

We live in a culture where we do not like to wait.  Everything is instant. You no longer have to wait until you get home to know if someone called or wait to find information on a certain subject because of the Internet. You can watch entire episodes of television shows in one sitting.  One newspaper said it best:

“The demand for instant results is seeping into every corner of our lives, and not just virtually. Retailers are jumping into same-day delivery services. Smartphone apps eliminate the wait for a cab, a date, or a table at a hot restaurant. Movies and TV shows begin streaming in seconds. But experts caution that instant gratification comes at a price: It’s making us less patient.”  – Boston Globe

When Esther hears about the evil plot of Haman to annihilate the Jewish people, with help of Mordecai, she comes up with her own plan.  She decides to talk to the king, which was risky because she knew that if she approached the king uninvited, he could have ended her life.  Determined, she tells the king that she has prepared a feast for him, and she wishes that Haman would come join them (v.4).  In her planning, Esther demonstrated wisdom and did not hurry the process but rather waited on the Lord’s timing.  She was not rash or impatient.  She did not rush to the king or sell out Haman right away.  Her self-control and boldness once again demonstrates her confidence in the Lord.  Here are a few lessons for us today:

1. As we plan our lives, we should wait upon the Lord to guide us. There is nothing wrong with planning out our own lives but as we do, we need to trust and wait on the Lord to discern His will.  As we face decisions, wait for Him, and ask for clarity and wisdom.  As we wait, spend time in prayer and the Word.  Ask other people for wise counsel.  Proverbs 19:21, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.”

2. When working through an unpleasant situation, trust the Lord for enduring patience. Think of the patience Esther must have had to refrain from telling the king about Haman when she had him in the very palm of her hand.  In situations that are unpleasant, timing is as important as action, sometime more so.  Have patience.  Wait for the Lord to show you the way.

Prayer:  Lord, as I face various decisions and plans in my future, help me to wait upon You.  Help me to have patience and self-control, as I desire to hear Your voice.  Amen.

 Bible Reading for Today: John 5-6

 

Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Times for today are provided by Pastor David Kwon of JCC.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Esther 4

When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and 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. . . . [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 the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to 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 three 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, and if I perish, I perish.” [17] Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.   

In one of the darkest hours of World War II, Winston Churchill led Great Britain with great, uncompromising courage. In the midst of battle, he said, “Death and sorrow will be the companions of our journey, hardship our garment; constancy our valor and our only shield. We must be united, we must be undaunted, we must be inflexible.”

One of the marks of being a Christian ought to be courageous faith. It is a faith that is bold and goes against human logic in various seasons of our life. That’s what we read about in today’s account.

Mordecai reacts with great emotion when he hears that the personal conflict between himself and Haman has brought the entire Jewish nation into jeopardy. He tears his clothes and puts on sackcloth and ashes in an act of deep mourning and distress. After Esther finds out about this evil plan, she only has a small window of time to make a decision. She decides to act in confidence and determination and take a step of courageous faith to save the Jewish people. Here’s what pastor and author Eugene Peterson says about this account:

“In the face of difficulty, Esther began to move from being a beauty queen to becoming a Jewish saint, from being a sex symbol to being a passionate intercessor, from the busy-indolent life in the harem to the high-risk venture of speaking for and identifying with God’s people.”

Is God calling you to live out your faith courageously? It could be speaking up for Christ in your workplace or taking a step of faith in the area of your finances. Maybe God is asking you to go somewhere to share Christ. God may be preparing you “for such a time as this” to step out in boldness and faith.

Prayer: Lord, help me to live each day with courageous faith. Show me the areas of my life where you are calling me to leave my comfort zone.

 Bible Reading for Today: John 4

Lunch Break Study

Matthew 14:22-33

            [22] Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. [23] And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, [24] but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. [25] And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. [26] But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. [27] But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

                  [28] And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” [29] He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. [30] But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” [31] Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” [32] And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. [33] And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Questions to Consider

1. What was the reaction of the disciples when they saw Jesus?
2. How does fear often hinder us from living by great faith?
3. What does the passage say about overcoming our fears?

Notes

1. They were terrified and responded in fear (v.26).
2. When we live in fear, it distorts the power and character of Jesus in our lives. We often make Him too small, which hinders us from living by faith and not by sight.
3. The disciples worshiped the Lord after they acknowledged His power and greatness (v.33). Our worship of Christ will often increase our faith and overcome our fears.

Evening Reflection

Take some time in personal worship through prayer, song, or the Word. Meditate on the promises and truths of God. As you do, ask Him to give you courageous faith.

Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Times for today are provided by Pastor David Kwon of JCC.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Psalm 138

I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart before the gods I sing your praise; [2] I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. [3] On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased. [4] All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD, for they have heard the words of your mouth, [5] and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD, for great is the glory of the LORD. [6] For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar. [7] Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. [8] The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Happy Thanksgiving! For our devotional today, we want to focus on the topic of gratitude. I recently was reading a blog by KJ Dell’Antonia called “The Kids are Ungrateful”. In this blog, she writes how ungrateful her kids can get. Here is what she writes:

Sometimes I can’t believe how ungrateful kids can be. For example:

• We just booked a great place in the mountains, with a pool (for them, of course), and our 9-year-old says, “I don’t want to drive five hours to get there. It’s boring.”
• If we go out for dinner, they complain about where. Our 5-year-old, when offered a piece of chocolate, invariably complains, “I want a bigger piece,” instead of simply saying “thank you.”

She concludes by saying: “Are people born negative, or can we do something about it? Are all kids this way? Will they grow out of it? It makes me want to stop trying to please them with anything.”

Sadly, the grownups can fall into the trap of ingratitude as well, often complaining about everything. That’s all the more reason, for Christians, “Thanksgiving” should not just be a once a year event; rather, we should constantly lead a lifestyle of gratitude because it shows the genuineness of our faith and salvation.

Living a life of thanksgiving starts by acknowledging that we have been given something we do not deserve, which is the unconditional love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s ask the Lord to strip us from our barriers of entitlement and self-accomplishment so that our lives would be marked with gratitude.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the undeserved gift of grace and love that You have poured into our hearts. Help us to always live a life of gratitude despite the unfavorable circumstances in my life. Amen.

 Bible Reading for Today: John 3

Lunch Break Study

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, [17] pray without ceasing, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

Questions to Consider

1. What does Paul exhort his readers to do?
2. Why is this often hard to do?
3. How can we live this kind of lifestyle?

Notes

1. He encourages them to live a life of joy which overflows to thanksgiving
2. We base much of our joy and thanksgiving on our circumstances. As we grow in Christ, our joy and gratitude should come from Christ alone despite the trials and hardships we might face.
3. We need to be rooted in the Word and ask the Holy Spirit to help us in times of joylessness and ingratitude.

Evening Reflection

Spend time thanking the Lord and the many blessings He has given you. It might be family, health, job, or wonderful career opportunities. Most of all, thank Him for the salvation we have in Him and the sacrifice He made on our behalf.

Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Times for today are provided by Pastor David Kwon of JCC.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Esther 2:19-23; Esther 3:1-6     

Now when the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate. [20] Esther had not made known her kindred or her people, as Mordecai had commanded her, for Esther obeyed Mordecai just as when she was brought up by him. [21] In those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. [22] And this came to the knowledge of Mordecai, and he told it to Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in the name of Mordecai. [23] When the affair was investigated and found to be so, the men were both hanged on the gallows. And it was recorded in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king.

[3:1] After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, and advanced him and set his throne above all the officials who were with him. [2] And all the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage. [3] Then the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate said to Mordecai, “Why do you transgress the king’s command?” [4] And when they spoke to him day after day and he would not listen to them, they told Haman, in order to see whether Mordecai’s words would stand, for he had told them that he was a Jew. [5] And when Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage to him, Haman was filled with fury. [6] But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone. So, as they had made known to him the people of Mordecai, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.

“When pain and suffering come upon us, we finally see not only that we are not in control of our lives but that we never were.” ― Timothy Keller, Walking with God through Pain and Suffering

As we look at the tragedies that are going all around the world, it’s often easy to ask what God’s purpose is in all of it.  Innocent lives lost due to terrorist attacks, wars between countries, school shootings and many other evils that we see and hear about can often be disheartening and often leads us to fear and anxiety in our own lives.

In today’s passage, the author of Esther is revealing the workings of worldly and evil power and how God’s plan cannot be thwarted.  First, Mordecai happens to overhear a plot to assassinate Xerxes but was soon foiled after reporting it to Queen Esther.  It almost sounds like luck that he was at the right place at the right time but we know that this was part of God’s divine plan.  Also, a newly elected official named Haman comes into the story and we read about his evil plot for genocide against the Jewish people.  We are reminded that in the midst of darkness and suffering, God is in absolute control.  So what can we learn from these verses?

1. We need to be aware of spiritual battle – one main lesson we see in Esther is that there is the reality of the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the world. Paul writes in Ephesians 6: 12 – For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  We are called to fight the spiritual battle in prayer. 

2. We see God’s sovereignty in the midst of injustice—through the assassination plot against Xerxes and Haman’s scheming against the Jewish people. As believers, we are reminded that God is never surprised or caught off guard.  He’s in control and we need to continually trust in Him.

Prayer

Lord, the Cross is proof that you love me even in darkness and hardship.  May you continually remind me of this truth as I strive to obey you.  Amen.

 Bible Reading for Today: John 2

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 2:14-16

 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, [15] that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, [16] holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Questions to Consider:

1. What does Paul say about believers being blameless? Why do you think he says this?
2. Why is it important to show the world that we are blameless?
3. What are some areas in your life where you desire to be more blameless?

Notes:

1. It means that we should strive not to live a life of hypocrisy but rather we should conduct ourselves worthy of Christ in all that we do. Paul is addressing the Christians in Philippi that one of the main characteristics that Christians should have is that they ought to be blameless and innocent. The word ‘blameless’ means pure or without mixture.
2. We want to shine Christ unto this unbelieving world, and often times it is through our lifestyle that people will see Jesus in us.
3. The only way this is possible is if we are submitted to the Holy Spirit and rooted in the Word of God. Take some time to pray and ask the Lord to search your heart and to remove any areas that might not be considered ‘blameless’ in the eyes of the Lord.  Do not lose heart.  God desires to change us and make us more like him.

Evening Reflection

As you end your day, spend some time acknowledging the greatness of our God and remind yourself that he is control of all things.  Often in the busyness of our daily lives, we tend to forget that God is sovereign and nothing is out of his control even when we face trials.   Worship and ascribe greatness unto Him.

Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Times for today are provided by Pastor David Kwon of JCC.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Esther 2:1-18

After these things, when the anger of King Ahasuerus had abated, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decreed against her. [2] Then the king’s young men who attended him said, “Let beautiful young virgins be sought out for the king. [3] And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom to gather all the beautiful young virgins to the harem in Susa the citadel, under custody of Hegai, the king’s eunuch, who is in charge of the women. Let their cosmetics be given them. [4] And let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti.” This pleased the king, and he did so.  [5] Now there was a Jew in Susa the citadel whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjaminite, [6] who had been carried away from Jerusalem among the captives carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away. [7] He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, the daughter of his uncle, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter. [8] So when the king’s order and his edict were proclaimed, and when many young women were gathered in Susa the citadel in custody of Hegai, 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 with 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] Esther 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 the 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 Hegai 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 the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. [18] Then the king gave 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.

One movie series that I could watch over and over again is the Lord of the Rings trilogy.  One of the reasons why the movie (and book) is so well made is because of the ability the movie has of depicting different subplots and stories within the bigger story.  We know the main character Frodo and his quest for the ring, but within that story, there are smaller subplots: the friendship between Frodo and Sam, and the mysterious Gollum and crowning of Aragorn as the king of Gondor (sorry if you have not seen the movies).  All of these subplots seem unimportant at first, but at the end we see how important they were in building the main story.

That’s what is happening in the story of Esther. King Ahasuerus (or also known as King Xerxes) is on a quest to find his next queen, after he had banished Queen Vashti in the previous chapter.   The king is lonely and desires to find a new queen by holding a “Miss Persia” beauty pageant.  The book of Esther does not flinch from narrating for us this simple and sad fact of life in ancient Persia—people were treated as commodities, especially when it came to kings and women.

In almost an unrelated and smaller subplot, the character of Mordecai comes on the scene.  Mordecai begins at once to bring Esther and the king together in a most natural and unaffected manner. He maneuvers to place Esther in the line of the king’s search. Esther would eventually win the heart of the king and be made queen.  So what do we learn from this?

1. God’s plans are not hindered even when the events of the world seem secular. Even in a godless Persian banquet and at the hands of a self-centered King, God was at work.  Just because actions or motives happen to be secular or unfair, it doesn’t mean He’s not present.  God is working, moving and touching lives.

2. God can use anyone for His kingdom. One of the encouraging themes of the book of Esther is how He used seemingly normal people like Mordecai and Esther. They did not come from royalty, and yet because they were available to the call of God, He used them powerfully.

Take some time to ask for greater faith—that we would recognize God’s work in our lives even when it does not look like it at times.  Pray for greater surrender of your life as you continually trust him.

Prayer

Lord, help me to continually surrender to Your will and purposes for my life.  I want to trust You in times of uncertainty.  Amen.

 Bible Reading for Today: John 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 6:25-34

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? [26] Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? [27] And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? [28] And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, [29] yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [30] But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? [31] Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. [34] “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Questions to Consider:

1. When it comes to the area of worry, what is the main issue Jesus is pointing to?
2. What is the solution to anxiety over our future?
3. How can we be comforted by this passage?

Notes:

1. The reason why we get anxious about our life and future is because we lack faith. We lack faith that God’s ways are best, and that He will provide for us in His time.
2. The way that we overcome worry is by making His kingdom the highest priority (v. 33). We seek His kingdom and trust that He will add the things that we need.
3. We can be assured that God knows and cares for our every need. He desires us to trust Him and to seek the things of His kingdom.

Evening Reflection

Spend time tonight interceding for the world, your city, and your local community (church).  Pray that God would give you His heart as you lift up these various topics.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Esther 1:1-5; 10-12; 16-22

[1:1] Now in the days of Ahasuerus, the Ahasuerus who reigned from India to Ethiopia over 127 provinces, [2] in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa, the citadel, [3] in the third year of his reign he gave a feast for all his officials and servants. The army of Persia and Media and the nobles and governors of the provinces were before him, [4] while he showed the riches of his royal glory and the splendor and pomp of his greatness for many days, 180 days. [5] And when these days were completed, the king gave for all the people present in Susa the citadel, both great and small, a feast lasting for seven days in the court of the garden of the king’s palace.

              [10] On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha and Abagtha, Zethar and Carkas, the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, [11] to bring Queen Vashti before the king with her royal crown, in order to show the peoples and the princes her beauty, for she was lovely to look at. [12] But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s command delivered by the eunuchs. At this the king became enraged, and his anger burned within him.

              [16] Then Memucan said in the presence of the king and the officials, “Not only against the king has Queen Vashti done wrong, but also against all the officials and all the peoples who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus. [17] For the queen’s behavior will be made known to all women, causing them to look at their husbands with contempt, since they will say, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, and she did not come.’ [18] This very day the noble women of Persia and Media who have heard of the queen’s behavior will say the same to all the king’s officials, and there will be contempt and wrath in plenty. [19] If it please the king, let a royal order go out from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes so that it may not be repealed, that Vashti is never again to come before King Ahasuerus. And let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she. [20] So when the decree made by the king is proclaimed throughout all his kingdom, for it is vast, all women will give honor to their husbands, high and low alike.” [21] This advice pleased the king and the princes, and the king did as Memucan proposed. [22] He sent letters to all the royal provinces, to every province in its own script and to every people in its own language, that every man be master in his own household and speak according to the language of his people.

My mother is an avid gardener, and growing up, I observed her put many hours of labor and toil in growing fruits and vegetables of various kinds.  As a young kid, I would often think that her labor was useless, because there would be no visible harvest for many weeks or months until the spring came, where I would see the fruit of her labor.  It seemed that in those months of no fruit, nothing was seemingly happening.

As we look at the book of Esther for the next few days, the story is about an invisible God at work, despite not seeing the immediate results.  The book of Esther is unique in the sense that the name of “God” is never mentioned and almost reads like a short, history novel.  God never appears nor does He speak; no prophet speaks on God’s behalf. No angel shows up. The heavens don’t open and God does not deliver a word personally. There’s nothing supernatural.  There’s no quoting of other books of the Bible and no giving of God’s laws. No one repents, no one prays. There is no action from God or to God that is revealed anywhere in the entirety of the book of Esther.   It makes us ask the question: “Where is God in all of this?”

Chapter 1 starts with the story of a king who tried to degrade his own queen; and when he found that it was impossible to do so, by his own choice, he cut himself off from her fellowship forever. An edict was then written to not only banish Queen Vashti but to also start a search for another queen (v.19).  Esther has not even come into the story but that is the wonder of God’s sovereignty.  Working behind the scenes, he is moving; arranging events so that His perfect plan will carry forth.  In spite of God not being mentioned, He is working sovereignly.

Do you feel like God is silent at different moments in your life? You feel like God is distant or not moving in a particular way. You’ve never gotten a dream, a vision, an audible word. You’re sick and you haven’t been healed. You’ve prayed and it’s not been answered.

Be encouraged that God is at work in your life, despite the silence.  Be faithful in what God has called you to do as a student, parent, and son/daughter.  Be fervent in prayer and in obeying His Word –loving those around you, because God always uses our faithfulness just like we will see in this great story.

Prayer

Lord, thank you that You are at work in my life despite not seeing it clearly at times.  Help me to be faithful and continue to trust Your plan for me.  Amen.

 Bible Reading for Today: 3 John

Lunch Break Study

Philippians 4:10-13

[10] I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. [11] Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. [12] I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. [13] I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Questions to Consider:

1. How was Paul able to find contentment despite writing this letter from a Roman jail cell?
2. How does Paul connect his contentment with his circumstances?
3. What is the Lord’s promise according to v. 13?

Notes:

1. He was able to find contentment because Christ was his life and that was all he needed. Paul was able to learn the secret of contentment through is relationship with Christ Jesus.
2. His contentment was not based on his circumstances. He had plenty and was in need, and yet he knew how to stay content despite what life my have thrown at him.
3. The Lord gives us strength to find our contentment in Him. We have the power to overcome any circumstance we face.

Evening Reflection

Take some time to worship the Lord – meditate on His greatness and give Him praise and thanksgiving for the awesome God He is.  Ask for greater joy and peace as you strive to live for Him.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT devotionals from Nov. 16-22 are provided by Pastor Jason Sato of Over the-Rhine Church (Cincinnati).

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Nehemiah 13:14 (ESV):

[14] Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God and for his service.

One of the most discouraging things that can happen in ministry is to see years of labor and sowing result in a complete lack of apparent fruit.  If someone we mentor walks away from the faith, or if a ministry we have invested ourselves fully into falls apart, we would wonder what all this was for.

Nehemiah has sacrificed his time, his finances, and his position in the royal court to petition the king so that he can rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.  He has done everything he can to lead the people of God in the ways of the Lord.  And God has graciously answered the prayers of His people and reestablished the temple and the wall.  As the people recommit their lives to the Lord and sing His praises on the wall of Jerusalem, Nehemiah probably hopes that this is the beginning of a new golden age in the history of Israel.

But instead, the people of God fall quickly into the same sins that led to exile.  All that Nehemiah has labored for quickly falls apart.  Will God’s people ever be restored?  Were Nehemiah’s sacrifices in vain?  Following the time of Nehemiah, God sends no more prophets, and His people wait amidst silence, wondering whether God has withdrawn His promises and forsaken His people for good.

And then, at the right time, the Son of God enters the world.  All that the people had waited for, and all that Nehemiah had hoped in, is fulfilled in a way that far surpasses anything Israel could have asked for.

The eternal King is the very Son of God.  The temple, the place where God dwells, is in our own hearts.  The kingdom of God is invading every tribe, people, and nations, and the day is coming soon when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.

We may not see “fruit” in particular relationships or ministries in the near future. We may not see the full fruition of what we have sowed in this lifetime.  But God is faithful, and our labor in the Lord is not in vain.  God will get His glory, and the reward of our service to Him is that we will have more crowns to cast before our Savior.

Prayer

Father, I get discouraged so easily and grow weary so quickly.  Remind me that You are the God who sees and remembers!  Use everything I give for You to magnify Your name – if not in this life, then in the next.  You are sure to receive all the glory!

 Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 65

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT devotionals from Nov. 16-22 are provided by Pastor Jason Sato of Over the-Rhine Church (Cincinnati).

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Nehemiah 13:17-18 (ESV)

Then I confronted the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day? [18] Did not your fathers act in this way, and did not our God bring all this disaster on us and on this city? Now you are bringing more wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath.”

When I was a kid, I played Little League Baseball.  I remember one game in which our team was down by a few runs but in the bottom of the sixth (we played only six innings) we were actually making a comeback.  Then, with two runners on base and two outs, I came up to bat and promptly struck out.

I don’t really recall how I felt about it as a kid but maybe I thought, “If only I could get a second chance!”  My adult self is more realistic.  If I had a second chance, I would probably strike out again. Haha.

In the book of Nehemiah, we see God give His people a second chance.  They return from exile, God encourages them to rebuild their temple and city, and the people commit to following God faithfully this time around.

At the end of the book, Nehemiah is summoned back to Babylon and upon his return to Jerusalem he finds that the people are indulging in the same sins that led to exile in the first place!  Tobiah, who had opposed the rebuilding of the wall, has a vacation room inside the holy temple of God (13:7).  The people fail to tithe and support the Levites and singers who then leave their temple duties (13:10).  The people profane the Sabbath (13:15-16) and intermarry with idolaters (13:23-24).

When given a second chance, the people of God fall into the same sins as their fathers and presumably deserve even greater punishment than the exile.

The history of Israel tells the same story.   Time after time in the days of the judges, the kings, and now the former exiles, the people of God fail to honor God rightly.  A second chance is nice but ultimately it leads to generations of failure and disappointment.

Israel needs more than a second chance.  Israel needs a savior.  No matter how bad we feel or what kinds of promises we make to God, we simply do not have it in us to do better.  Our hope is better than a second chance, our hope is the Son of God who did what we could never do – Jesus obeyed the Father perfectly, He bore the wrath of God for our sin, and He reconciled us to the Father.

Take a moment to invite Him to continue to be Your Savior today.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for being more than example.  You alone are my Savior.  I have tried so many ways to do better but my own wisdom, plans, knowledge, and discipline cannot change my heart or save my soul.  Lord save me from my sin and make me new.  May You get all the glory!

 Bible Reading for Today: Phil. 2-3