Mordecai responds to Haman’s decree to destroy the Jews with sackcloth and ashes. Esther 4:1 When Mordecai learned about all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on burlap and ashes, and went out into the city, crying with a loud and bitter wail.[1] Sackcloth was a burlap-like fabric made from black goat’s …
The power of compassion is seen throughout the ministry of Jesus. The Gospel of Mark has examples of Jesus’ compassion that are beautiful examples for us. Mark 1:41 Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” 42 Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed.[1] Mark 6:34 Jesus …
Will God turn the tables on our enemies? Many have prayed for this through the years. Today’s world seems to be on the edge of falling under the satan’s spell, but will God intervene? Looking through the Bible, we see God intervening repeatedly for His people. Pharoah’s army had Moses and the Israelites backed up …
You are in a spiritual battle and may not be aware of it. Our enemy, satan, uses stealth and deception to blind people from the fact that they are in a battle. I recently listened to a man’s testimony who, through a demonic attack, realized what he had learned in church was real. The enemy …
Living out our faith in a fallen world has challenged believers throughout history. Jesus calls the journey of faith the narrow road for good reason. Matthew 7:13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But …
The danger of pride is a trap any person can fall into as we try to elevate ourselves above others. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.[1] Unchecked pride destroys relationships and individuals and is something the Lord despises. Pride is a high or inordinate opinion of one’s dignity, importance, merit, …
In the story of Esther, Haman is named second in command, and there is an order that everyone is to bow to him. But why wouldn’t Mordecai bow? Esther 3: 2 All the king’s officials would bow down before Haman to show him respect whenever he passed by, for so the king had commanded. But Mordecai …
Why is doing what is right a battle at times? I believe it is always the path of least resistance to give up, look the other way, and take the easy way out. Perhaps you are in a situation where the Lord is calling you to persevere, to keep going even when it is difficult. …
The idea of going from an orphaned immigrant to a queen seems like a fairy tale, yet the story of Esther is true. Esther’s ancestors had been exiled to Babylon when the Lord brought judgment on the Southern Kingdom of Judah. However, God still cared for His exiled people and worked through people like Mordecai …
The act of thinking of others before yourself is the blessing of humility. I know a friend with significant accomplishments in God’s Kingdom, yet he would be the last person to tell you about them. The Apostle Paul tells us the importance of humility. Philippians 2:3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, …