I have just about finished my 1st week of studying Beth Moore's newest study. In one word - AMAZING! I was sobered by the depth and know the Holy Spirit was working within me as I read the first chapter of my favorite story with eagerness. I also chuckled, smiled often while reading this intriguing story. I learned a great deal this past week and I can hardly wait to dive into week 2!
These are uncertain times. Promised "Change" is about to come with the inauguration of our president-elect. What is the "Change"? Uncertainty. Everyday, I see, read, hear, of all that surrounds us - wars, threats, disasters. No, not all is doom and gloom. However, it sometimes feels like the world is spinning out of control. And yet, this week's study was a reminder that the Lord's "got the whole world in His hands." He did in the time of Esther and does today. Xerxes' (Ahaserus) grandfather was King Cyrus the Great. Cyrus conquered Babylon in 537BC and issued a decree in Ezra 1 that allowed the exiled Israelites to return to Jerusalem. The Lord moved on Cyrus the Great's heart and prompted him, whether he realized it or not, to begin to set the stage for the story of Esther. Also reminding me, that the Lord uses whomsoever He pleases to get the ball rolling, so to speak, to prepare the world, His people, for the unfolding of His plan.
The Lord leaves us no reason to doubt Him, His power and control over this and every situation. And so I close with Isaiah 44:24-28 Feel the strength, awesomeness, power, and majesty of the Lord as you read!
"This is what the Lord says- your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb:
I am the Lord, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself, who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense, who carries out the words of his servants and fulfills the predictions of his messengers, who says of Jerusalem, 'It shall be inhabited,' of the town of Judah, 'They shall be built,' and of their ruins, 'I will restore them,' who says to the watery deep, 'Be dry, and I will dry up your streams,' who says of Cyrus, 'He is my shepherd and will accomplish all that I please; he will say of Jerusalem, Let is be rebuilt," and of the temple, "Let its foundations be laid." '
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2 comments:
That's awesome Liz! I have a couple friends doing that study here in town. It sounds like it will be great, and I know you've always loved that story - so "doubly cool" for you!
I am looking forward to starting this in a couple weeks. Thanks for the preview :)
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