Saturday, September 10, 2016

Reflection - Esther - Teens of the Bible

Source Website: http://christianteens.about.com/od/understandingyourbible/p/Esther_Teen_Bible.htm
By Kelli Mahoney, About.com, About Religion & Spirituality


Esther stands out as one of God's chosen ones.
PHOTO: Esther stands out as one of God's chosen ones. She was a sweet, winsome, courageous person. For the sake of her people, she took her life in her hands and went before the king.
"All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king." (Esther 4:11)
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16)
Painting by artist Pino Daeni (1939–2010), Italian artist - Biblical Series: Women of the Bible: Esther, Canvas Giclee
Posted by West End Gallery
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7g5PSmgsJSF439Usm2uSz2ZKoqbA6h6YPfG1URI1eOTZR8_L16blqr2f0rjSDe618gDiKp675bcLoeU61bpaqftd7BhL0q_ZpOGCMwm80IxtJkPXpgMpnF6MbbPCmDat3AJUnBxDhyphenhyphenmc/s1600/pino_esther_40x32.jpg
http://www.westendframing.com/pino_images/pino_esther_40x32.jpg
http://www.westendframing.com/collection_pino.html


Esther's Story:
Esther (Hadassah), daughter of Abihail, is one of two women of the Bible given her own book (the other is Ruth). The story of her rise to Queen of the Persian Empire is an important one, because it shows how God works through each of us. in fact, her story is so important that it has become the basis of the Jewish celebration of Purim. Yet, for teens who think they are too young to make an impact, Esther's story becomes more significant.


Esther (Hadassah), daughter of Abihail, is one of two women of the Bible given her own book (the other is Ruth).

PHOTO: Esther (Hadassah), daughter of Abihail, is one of two women of the Bible given her own book (the other is Ruth). Esther was an orphaned, Jewish teenager named Hadassah being raised by her uncle, Mordecai. Her story is so important that it has become the basis of the Jewish celebration of Purim.
Picture posted by The Secret of the Stars on on 30 June 2014 at 0:41h
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSc0BahwvbHmK2x1f89ttcXTGcvOofyobDNr5ypQTQ20VBJf0UXhyphenhyphenWhHSkLgfsXhmCeMEbwMHtWdfOlcwNdEc6bMvYAgHgWTrS-KbH-cSvks9AcbcXGCvVRSl4uEQc48S3jnf8C4NAsuA/s1600/bride+crowned.jpg
https://i2.wp.com/jesusiscoming2016.webs.com/bride%20crowned.jpg
https://elsecretodelasestrellas.wordpress.com/2014/06/30/las-senales-apuntan-a-la-caida-de-2015-como-el-inicio-de-la-ira-de-dios-sobre-la-tierra/


Esther was an orphaned, Jewish teenager named Hadassah being raised by her uncle, Mordecai, when King Xerxes (or Ahasuerus) held a 180-day feast in Susa. He ordered his queen at the time, Vashti, to appear before him and his guests without her veil (nude?, wearing her royal crown, Esther 1:11). Vashti had a reputation of being very beautiful, and he wanted to show her off. She refused. He took offense, and asked his men to help him determine a punishment for Vashti. Since the men thought Vashti's disrespect would be an example to other women that they could disobey their husbands, they determined that Vashti should strip her of her position as Queen.


When King Xerxes (or Ahasuerus) held a 180-day feast in Susa, he ordered his queen at the time, Vashti, to appear before him and his guests without her veil (nude?, wearing her royal crown, Esther 1:11).

PHOTO:  When King Xerxes (or Ahasuerus) held a 180-day feast in Susa, he ordered his queen at the time, Vashti, to appear before him and his guests without her veil (nude?, wearing her royal crown, Esther 1:11). Vashti had a reputation of being very beautiful, and he wanted to show her off. She refused. Since the men thought Vashti's disrespect would be an example to other women that they could disobey their husbands, they determined that Vashti should strip her of her position as Queen.
Posted by Sable, the-skyrock-team on  Monday, 03 February 2014 at 8:43 PM
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKISgVSYFWncz0c0v_fcSTjbXuGXJQWhuPP8ZlNyXD9AIY7a8sKCvOV4JD5ejAGLMBLNrH0irVjzSs226CJZU0w7gfMr0cun3RAEcCBWqZBoMrjJFPqgvPeuIQjEzKTLZWLQKaUl-_HQ/s1600/3206236103_1_2_Qug5Wj64.jpg
http://i.skyrock.net/8321/63368321/pics/3206236103_1_2_Qug5Wj64.jpg
http://sable.skyrock.com/tags/gbi9gM8vcJM-Danse_41.html


The removal of Vashti as queen meant that Xerxes had to find a new one. Young and beautiful virgins from around the kingdom were gathered into a harem where they would go through a year of lessons that ranged from beauty to etiquette (good manners). After the year was up, each woman went to the king for one night. If he was pleased with the woman, he would invite her back. If not, she would return to the other concubines and never return again. Xerxes chose the young Hadassah, who was renamed Esther and made Queen.


Young and beautiful virgins from around the kingdom were gathered into a harem where they would go through a year of lessons that ranged from beauty to etiquette (good manners).

PHOTO: Young and beautiful virgins from around the kingdom were gathered into a harem where they would go through a year of lessons that ranged from beauty to etiquette (good manners). After the year was up, each woman went to the king for one night. If he was pleased with the woman, he would invite her back. If not, she would return to the other concubines and never return again.
Painting by Théodore Chassériau - Esther. (1841)
Picture posted by Gov. Linda Lingle on 11 September 2008 at 12:14 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCEz8ovQBa4jKsfBJ0Y045wXruLN8xIni4AMx56rHhmYGJSCZ_gP-FDzD1bSo4yWnNv-g2E1Z1HaF66SQUcLVmN4Z9ZaYUT3bOB8uN1zcVBLJ1XL35c21zaNCfVh-eFLSttmoQXIJPyE/s1600/toilettedeesther.jpg
http://www.jewishjournal.com/images/featured/toilettedeesther.jpg
http://www.jewishjournal.com/opinion/article/reading_about_queen_esther_helped_guide_palin_20080910/


Queen Esther (Actress Tiffany Dupont)
PHOTO: Now the king (Xerxes) was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. And the king gave a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his nobles and officials. He proclaimed a holiday throughout the provinces and distributed gifts with royal liberality (Esther 2:17-18).
Photographs Pictures from "One Night With The King", posted by Grace untold on 6 August 2015 - Queen Esther (Actress Tiffany Dupont)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkqBhhrnO0yiuFSHo5wFlZibYm1wUVGagPuCBG5RjcYIH8Mt7QC_gVJQVUyAv8wfFE8EdJ1_lQGy14J-7C-4MAjr03rzoZuDZ4-cPHZXTokV6W1EWST6za9SldRifTFODTpkCiQP6zGg/s1600/esther-queen.png
https://graceuntold.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/esther-queen.png
https://graceuntold.wordpress.com/2015/08/06/handling-tough-times-1-uncle-mordecai/
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2016/09/reflection-queen-vashti-refuse-to.html


Soon after the teenager was named Queen, Mordecai overheard an assassination plot being hatched by two of the kind's officers. Mordecai told his niece what he heard, and she informed the king. The potential assassins were hung for their crimes. Meanwhile, Mordecai insulted one of the king's prominent princes by refusing to bow to him as he rode throughout he streets. Haman determined that the punishment for the insult was that he would exterminate all the Jews living throughout the empire. By telling the king that there was group of people who did not obey the king's laws, he got King Xerxes to agree to the decree of extermination. The king, however, did not take the silver that Haman offered. Decrees were then issued in every area of the kingdom that authorized the killing of all Jews (men, women, children) and the plundering of all of their goods on the 13th day of the month of Adar.


King Xerxes chose the young Hadassah, who was renamed Esther and made Queen.

PHOTO: King Xerxes chose the young Hadassah, who was renamed Esther and made Queen.
Picture posted by Donna D'errico (pinterest)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZtxnO1MhQ2t-IH3q2Sd4BCIQsZ-TXgi0qSbhvA7pQ2sPlKCDyFzQwnDtaM10uzzQwHcdVjJIeckXMMR4y6ndIe9HUQNJNrorJDZkcPgUE3PCEOJyn-SXMyR6ild671sq8O2tm1Ia2bQ/s1600/3e9f20123e93ed6cc895d8cb2b83f078.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/3e/9f/20/3e9f20123e93ed6cc895d8cb2b83f078.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/53691420536906824/


Soon after the teenager was named Queen, Mordecai overheard an assassination plot being hatched by two of the kind's officers. Mordecai told his niece what he heard, and she informed the king.

PHOTO: Soon after the teenager was named Queen, Mordecai overheard an assassination plot being hatched by two of the kind's officers. Mordecai told his niece what he heard, and she informed the king. The potential assassins were hung for their crimes.
Painting by Donna Smallenberg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXHlqSp-Y4RuzgR4DQ0FHvWpzpot5iu-PI7oK7pK1bX352fiNeYNUVK18bM4fIcf4T8qmuxnfzfU036X5dMSs7Zxnr80RSRonKyaM-xK7CSAT9gJZQAvlYInFwSzWcWc0mX71PEPGIPY/s1600/694631570135f508ffffef3d7a76fba2.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/69/46/31/694631570135f508ffffef3d7a76fba2.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/18366310956499245/


Mordecai was upset, but took his pleas to Esther to help her people. Esther was fearful to approach the king without being summoned, because those that did would be put to death unless the king spared their lives. Mordecai reminded her, though, that she, too, was a Jew and would not escape the fate of her people. He reminded her that she may have been put in this position of power for just this moment (Esther 4:13-14). So, Esther asked her uncle to gather the Jews and fast for three days and nights and then she would go to the king (Esther 4:16).


Mordecai was upset, but took his pleas to Esther to help her people.


PHOTO: Mordecai was upset, but took his pleas to Esther to help her people. Esther was fearful to approach the king without being summoned, because those that did would be put to death unless the king spared their lives.
Picture posted by goodsalt.com
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4SerWZQ0CFxAjOmv3icc3ahcSHxtNA-77t-ms9_uddmlWCBPpBcVK_RlQg5JF2RnsMEvcRwdA7cp3RAoPH3t07spZ-2FO1n8V7-OHfWCdx7JEbvo0BdjlLUcVuUzi6BPQ3Bk4udmLSY/s1600/esther-1-1-GoodSalt-prcas1787-1.png
https://1920332912.rsc.cdn77.org/view/esther-1-1-GoodSalt-prcas1787.jpg
http://www.goodsalt.com/search/testament.html?PageNum=82


Esther 4:11
PHOTO: "All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king." (Esther 4:11)
She said, "If I perish, I perish." (Esther 4:16) The great lesson from Esther is: Do what is right and leave the result to God.
Painting by artist Pino Daeni (1939–2010), Italian artist - Biblical Series: Women of the Bible: Esther, Canvas Giclee
Picture posted by John Manderscheid on 12 October 2015 at 7:00 PM
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA44pFJmR4GBi8PJDqzoiF2IXu9H7ub03V71vtYRte6S5R3Shlxkqand3j63Pkjc3j-tS617rEMOgfMOt_TYaq7D1OisOufwjA8rdZ1_cMTDXY1HlwtniU_eoa_jK3gi9Fivx0McsZZwI/s1600/iranpic-2.png
http://www.joegrabowski.com/uploads/5/9/2/6/5926618/iranpic.jpg
http://www.iiculture.org/details.asp?idOfEvent=503


Esther showed her courage by approaching the king, who spared her by offering her his scepter. She requested that the king and Haman attend another banquet the following evening. In the meantime, Haman was very proud of himself as he watched the building of the gallows where he planned to hang Mordecai. Meanwhile, the king struggled with finding a way to honor Mordecai for saving him from the assassins that had plotted against him. He asked Haman what to do with a man he wished to honor, and Haman (thinking King Xerses meant him), told him that he should honor the man by having him wear the royal robe and be led through the streets in honor.The next day the king asked Haman to do as such for Mordecai.


Haman was very proud of himself as he watched the building of the gallows where he planned to hang Mordecai.

PHOTO: Haman was very proud of himself as he watched the building of the gallows where he planned to hang Mordecai.
Picture posted by J.S. on Wednesday, 9 February 2011 at 10:00 PM
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezv9kMf2jamzPRiUlMGvlICYQBTt9jPaMk0-8BegJqczxMjqMQ4gYKKV-b8yTxBNIUzqIe5SCsoikCa1RwWq2Cg4gBZaJB70y9J2bcAqy4JMUveTMA-vkrE38FfHtxHXfuw-FUi174QY/s1600/esther_12.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPNKq0AtM8wHx8irCGHJce1B7BSR1IUIoG5Hhw-qBVo1qBwoKEDdV77VSal3EnhAE6qwyBODFKL5wvBRVpsoamSeAVcUfeFPMdpj8PVAFAZxly7gkQ8lBZIJ69d44ShKQZdBCKGCGXAlC/s1600/esther_12.jpg
http://www.biblevector.com/2011/02/bible-stories-esther-020911.html


On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall.

PHOTO: On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance (Esther 5:1).
Picture posted by picshype.com - Esther Before Ahasuerus
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphen6rsirJxqEO0DyDikMi67VpvWNbWDV9988bwPudGHD4uoKRyQjTGmBAv0QHiiJ006QoXFCx7uAePbkxnNxpm79wKB73qabjSZ6NqvBDLqdxUzg-cJ0nxP0PytzjV4-rEnd8qtRb2Flk/s1600/30ace80ffa03ef56c287ad185ef469af-1.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/30/ac/e8/30ace80ffa03ef56c287ad185ef469af.jpg
http://picshype.com/queen-esther-in-the-bible/esther-before-ahasuerus/12743


Esther showed her courage by approaching the king.

PHOTO: Esther showed her courage by approaching the king. When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her.
Picture posted by Goodsalt - Esther  Before Ahasuerus
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcbb-mTL8eyNanXVtHa8tIx4S4KYdf_4SxXvA33-HOuvPLTAT5Rbo_SjoNq2N2Fgy06Pp1I9P4NVxmJO8rrRex4P4KZETS3bnJBoZHZPbtGErz8jj5q_K-RhZ4fg20URkjbyT4MczCJk/s1600/esther-GoodSalt-prcas1525-1.png
https://1920332912.rsc.cdn77.org/view/esther-GoodSalt-prcas1525.jpg
http://www.goodsalt.com/details/prcas1525.html


King Ahasuerus held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand.

PHOTO: King Ahasuerus held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter (Esther 5:2).
Picture posted by Jesus Holding on Monday, 10 June 2013 at 23:51
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4RZB7PnbTKpBmzPDemZWyGxFfCAJ0NybkIYWHZzwf1FWlIxNBb8skc2t8Dl0ggZhkoh-pPK-qhPI0ukcJUKLbdyFdHOUwU1PPFGNqFQOsr48-IdhCmar-LRl5I_Q1gB_OtWLE6jDzA4/s1600/esther_18.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5L7-YGbHRr-Xoh1jtoq9V5vxqQKsduV9U3Ygmu3woiMUjKZoBc0BvtVxJTT68Hy1AKD5_Pr-ClxB3n11qYmwriVp0P84jDTOBPJbYrHhlWiUbCO84ydeqgIJ44tE57tqdhzLdD-LaLwc/s1600/esther_18.jpg
http://imarmyofgod.blogspot.sg/2013/06/rahasia-kenapa-kitab-ester-ditakuti_10.html


Esther humbly thank King Ahasuerus after the clemency.

PHOTO: Esther humbly thank King Ahasuerus after the clemency. Esther requested that the king and Haman attend a banquet she have prepared for them (Esther 5:4).
Picture posted by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEltLKhHzMeOSg7Vr3BQI4rWdU1ssr4fQM0iw86Rb7IUUVLYxfMklg8iNjtks3eRfNbpi81B7a1OSulQGE2ET4qtd0gb2h7EtX1C7LnZb-ULnpDv7BEYAtAKcUKS0lE2k9a0HuGVbeMw/s1600/1102013262_univ_cnt_2_xl.jpg
https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/1102013262/univ/art/1102013262_univ_cnt_2_xl.jpg
https://www.jw.org/es/publicaciones/libros/ejemplos-de-fe/la-reina-ester-actu%C3%B3-con-sabidur%C3%ADa/


Esther requested that the king and Haman attend another banquet the following evening (Esther 5:6-8).
PHOTO: Esther requested that the king and Haman attend another banquet the following evening (Esther 5:6-8). Then she will answer the king’s question about her petition and request.
Picture posted by J.S.on Wednesday, 9 February 2011 at 10:00 PM
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuODxzIOB9B06iaGyuIlVYkNcZCyEa90TnO0lwYN4yQArWsYQhr_MzIdr3Hrc0cU6LqZdX6Wxw-Hs3lxZg4EEt8_au-JTfpOsz_tU9C-1Q_QXgdjtVy803EZk4ytwHj50IU0yQpd5lg6I/s1600/esther_19-1.png
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONeZR6yn-ZWe44BwB1aRQ1b5Jmj2EKnjjDkWUh2HIIXB8R_waiA8jvyqkyVAkzJDa5hgYNeXypcBSsQqDOfl-U3r0TSFozbMjJBUMQ55wmIoCZzp81lPTd3P_rty5icoUQfvdeuUkVAIK/s1600/esther_19.jpg
http://www.biblevector.com/2011/02/bible-stories-esther-020911.html


During Esther's banquet for the king, she told him of Haman's plan to massacre all of the Jews in Persia, and she revealed to the king that she was one of them. Haman became terrified and decided to plead with Esther for his life. As the king returned, he found Haman lain across Esther and became enraged further. He was ordered to be killed on the very gallows that Haman had built to kill Mordecai.


Esther asks the king to spare her life and that of her people, and she denounces Haman for plotting to kill the Jews and even to kill Mordecai, who had earlier saved the king's life.

PHOTO: Esther asks the king to spare her life and that of her people, and she denounces Haman for plotting to kill the Jews and even to kill Mordecai, who had earlier saved the king's life.
Haman became terrified and decided to plead with Esther for his life.
PHOTO: Haman became terrified and decided to plead with Esther for his life. Haman makes things worse for himself as he begs Esther for mercy.


King Ahasuerus was so angry that he went to the garden to think.
PHOTO: King Ahasuerus was so angry that he went to the garden to think. As the king returned, he found Haman lain across Esther and became enraged further. In the end, Haman is hanged on the very gallows that he had built for Mordecai.
Picture posted by Free Bible Images
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1vXlnAy-AeOl35hfOt_j08lOAsXZRMBl7IDhghyphenhypheneeVDywnX7WzRQ9ywPpvbG0CZb8F5y18t4NAHkszHRfq9vkHMQ4XnGYJ0bjVYbS3AQef_4gVrp3Bv94DcLoMQx4Czgt4gDDEt0PNg/s1600/004-esther-3.jpg
http://media.freebibleimages.org/stories/FB_Esther_Part_3/overview_images/004-esther-3.jpg?1436947680
http://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/esther-3/


The king then issued an edict that the Jews could assemble and protect themselves from any man that tried to harm them. The ruling was sent to all provinces throughout the kingdom. Mordecai was given a prominent position in the palace, and the Jews fought and struck down their enemies.


The king then issued an edict that the Jews could assemble and protect themselves from any man that tried to harm them.

PHOTO: The king then issued an edict that the Jews could assemble and protect themselves from any man that tried to harm them. The ruling was sent to all provinces throughout the kingdom. Mordecai was given a prominent position in the palace, and the Jews fought and struck down their enemies.
Picture posted by Dedication
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5aaHw32RHDiWqAd-urU6fz7iCOAi8pouLWgVWwXCZJd_JdtE7jKP_yhH2fHtIEAKCoayN20x6DPRwUNECMZj1FXByhVQ01v3jV8u_7z7EjwGgxfbKeNqmPPM7nxZIv3aACamFfr5LIYI/s1600/signing.jpg
http://dedication.www3.50megs.com/jpg/signing.jpg
http://dedication.www3.50megs.com/457.html


Mordecai issued a letter to all the provinces the the Jews should celebrate for two days in the month of Adar every year (Esther 9:20-22, 28). The days would be full of feasts and gifts to one another and the poor. Today we refer to the holiday as Purim.


Esther and Mordecai dictate the second proclamation.

PHOTO:  Esther and Mordecai dictate the second proclamation. The decrees is sent to all the Jews of the Persian Empire (Esther 9:29-32).
Picture posted by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhy5i09XuWbuAwFUYUbnYD_UoDgSGeNTNdTr6Q_xraLVQl_hNhQ3LOv0zQmF8oym7WztDVm_fMjrRxEt67156q5SeHK2uptwSlne4wfuK7PccV9zdcq7PHGlAydlVTriIFhQmgc8nWuw0/s1600/1102013262_univ_cnt_4_xl.jpg
https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/1102013262/univ/art/1102013262_univ_cnt_4_xl.jpg
https://www.jw.org/es/publicaciones/libros/ejemplos-de-fe/la-reina-ester-actu%C3%B3-con-sabidur%C3%ADa/


The Jews should celebrate for two days in the month of Adar every year (Esther 9:20-22, 28).

PHOTO: The Jews should celebrate for two days in the month of Adar every year (Esther 9:20-22, 28). Today we refer to the holiday as Purim.
Picture posted by GoodSalt - Esther and Mordecai
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7pbTPd3uglouL3Rm-y9ZOsEDeEjosjxCOkqIkesIZHfB-W3jHdgRCVAArVtIqstxMT8gPpJI0e9za1GJxeKYBfnrpnmtPGjk_IoCFTAE8A7qHw_EJdWjDQfZIBGVS1DfDtC-FxJBwUY/s1600/esther-and-mordecai-1.png
http://www.goodsalt.com/view/esther-and-mordecai-GoodSalt-prcas2772.jpg
http://id.goodsalt.com/details/prcas2772.html


Lessons from Esther:
Be prepared. We often talk about reading our bibles and praying. We talk about the importance of going to church and developing a relationship with God. Yet, talking gets us nowhere. We have to internalize our relationship with Him. God is not mentioned once in the book of Esther. Yet He is everywhere in it. We don't actually need God to be mentioned, because He is such a part of Esther and Mordecai given that He would work in their lives as well as ours. By preparing, we are able to walk with God in the face of anything, which is what Esther did by asking her people to fast for her.


Be prepared

PHOTO: Be prepared
Talking gets us nowhere. We have to internalize our relationship with Him. He is such a part of Esther and Mordecai given that He would work in their lives as well as ours. By preparing, we are able to walk with God in the face of anything, which is what Esther did by asking her people to fast for her.
Picture posted by Fascist on 27 July 2014 at 02:50 AM
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCnywdvjx2gzPKOT31hbejORH9kJ6-3aV6hT6xiOfP9iaOGRQ-j4NKV9CjsaUkkNvL43VvGk_iyVJ0DzHuaC7INkw8RAzg04FjmtvOL3Dd8tCRnwJ5STg_Usw7Vur9y20pNIELRlO5GY/s1600/4hcpyxfyekditl4mwxaw.jpg
http://www.up.nazicenter.com/images/4hcpyxfyekditl4mwxaw.jpg
http://www.forum.nazicenter.com/archive/index.php/t-7200.html


Have patience. Neither Esther nor Mordecai made any rash decisions, nor did they have expectations for instant fixes. Plans were made slowly and quietly. Esther asked her people to fast for her, and she waited for the right time. Patience is a difficult lesson to learn when we live in an instant world. Yet, God will work in His time, not ours. If we allow Him to work at His pace, we will see amazing things happen.


Have patience

PHOTO: Have patience
Neither Esther nor Mordecai made any rash decisions, nor did they have expectations for instant fixes. Plans were made slowly and quietly.
Picture posted by Don Juan on Wednesday, 6 March 2013 at 1:20 a.m - Semiramis, legendary queen of Assyria, also known as Shamiram in Aramaic
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QUMdySAeG8UTI0PTzUN1diLjK_SAS-eEQ6ymWdNHkN0HCe-ZIXAaLNPsZsUwLFuNPw-EpB6XQtrS3GJgqL8i-2A92WK079-uSWbjgSwvosXGDS4l9IlxL58PltWWP1BtX5LYKgWchVA/s1600/431.+Semiramis+-+%25CE%25A3%25CE%25B5%25CE%25BC%25CE%25AF%25CF%2581%25CE%25B1%25CE%25BC%25CE%25B9%25CF%2582.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LmQeXx5NaltIbgH4I4kadXzY5DqCiSVcR4gMyek6UEWcZAcxY2lxwqeMCA4MBgNPG86bkl-hEYeqgmnGjEIvpb1J6OT6vxF7YKhgZodvK8pPhPrOSibtZ5heNRBNRfWFrvtBsZegbTg/s1600/431.+Semiramis+-+%CE%A3%CE%B5%CE%BC%CE%AF%CF%81%CE%B1%CE%BC%CE%B9%CF%82.jpg
http://thewomanisart.blogspot.sg/2013/03/semiramis.html


Patience is a difficult lesson to learn when we live in an instant world.

PHOTO: Patience is a difficult lesson to learn when we live in an instant world. Yet, God will work in His time, not ours. If we allow Him to work at His pace, we will see amazing things happen.
Picture posted by weebly.com - Esther before the King
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjJLGtUK6El0PlMXnkQpwNFk7NmTU3wGvB9GaBR-fMHbD5lJamCSr6grf2YATKWHCu8czEMSFjhQyvH-Zrdn2eB09EsPQ8gza6bhAGrnp5MQWtKH3ck4N9yCtuceI5UlnFBVek3wiXic/s1600/51349.jpg
http://biblicalesther.weebly.com/uploads/1/1/5/2/11529846/51349.jpg?482
http://biblicalesther.weebly.com/super-facts.html


Everyone has a purpose. Esther was Jewish. She was an orphan. She was not rich. She was young. Yet she became Queen of an immense kingdom and she managed to save her people. God had a purpose for her. He has a purpose for all of us. Even now, there are things God is using you to do in the lives of those around you. God doesn't care about your race, gender, age, or anything else. He loves you as you are, and he has purposes for your no matter where you're at in your life.


Everyone has a purpose
PHOTO: Everyone has a purpose
Esther was Jewish. She was an orphan. She was not rich. She was young. Yet she became Queen of an immense kingdom and she managed to save her people. God had a purpose for her. He has a purpose for all of us. Even now, there are things God is using you to do in the lives of those around you. God doesn't care about your race, gender, age, or anything else. He loves you as you are, and he has purposes for your no matter where you're at in your life.

"Dear Lord, We pray that we do not fall into the negative forces of our world and culture. Please help us to be prepared, have patience and fulfilled the purpose meant for us. Amen!"
Picture posted by Liberal free on 01 January 2015 at 10:58 AM - Esther, Persian Queen
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDH5XQ4zvxwObh_IsWb8_f0Lr-3v5Lp_N16sYJ_JhCF9H_pMuVJ4YVn01_FUgoasbNyqr4rO0EqXr6xsXfUkK8tPNbys985PNZLrL6Jx9U6bSiBLjY5x5goat8IT4lhgXAbA5l3ZIAlWo/s1600/cropped-dovom-1.png
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ffkLTaqBY50/Uhsw-XK-u0I/AAAAAAAADJs/wvqeDD-X47Y/w885-h590/cropped-dovom.jpg
https://liberalls.org/vb/showthread.php?t=78635&page=2
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2016/06/reflection-athaliah-and-jehosheba.html
Reflection -  Esther - Teens of the Bible
By Kelli Mahoney, About.com, About Religion & Spirituality



Reference
[1] Esther's Story, By Kelli Mahoney, About.com, About Religion & Spirituality, http://christianteens.about.com/od/understandingyourbible/p/Esther_Teen_Bible.htm

New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Esther 1:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther+1%3A11&version=NIV

Esther 5:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther+5%3A4&version=NIV

Esther 5:6-8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther+5%3A6-8&version=NIV

Esther 9:20-22, 28 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther+9%3A20-22%2C+28&version=NIV

Esther 9:29-32 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther+9%3A29-32&version=NIV

at