Archives for 2019

The Book of Esther shows us how God keeps His promises, how God saves the Jews from annihilation, and the sovereignty of God. Did I mention the name of God is not mentioned in the whole book? God is in every circumstance that happens to save God’s people.

 Things to remember as you read Esther. The Jews were captives and living in Babylon. The story takes place in Shushan. Woman, whether Jew or Gentile, did not have any rights. They were required to submit to men. The Babylonians did not worship Jehovah God.

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Book of Esther shows us how God keeps His promises, how God saves the Jews from annihilation, and the sovereignty of God. Did I mention the name of God is not mentioned in the whole book? God is in every circumstance that happens to save God’s people.

 Things to remember as you read Esther. The Jews were captives and living in Babylon. The story takes place in Shushan. Woman, whether Jew or Gentile, did not have any rights. They were required to submit to men. The Babylonians did not worship Jehovah God.

Chapter 6 is a beautiful picture of how God takes care of His children. It also exhibits God’s sense of humor.

The King can’t sleep. He requests the book of records be read to him. The record stated that Mordecai saved the King’s life and no recognition had been given to Mordecai. The King wanted to honor Mordecai.

Haman was in the courtyard waiting to talk to the King in regards to hanging Mordecai. The King requests Haman’s presence and advice on how to honor the man the King chooses to honor. Haman’s pride kicks in. He thinks the King wants to honor him. So, he proceeds to tell the King what he should do. The King agrees.

The King then commands Haman to do all that he said to Mordecai.

The people of Shushan knew that Haman hated Mordecai. So, when Mordecai is exulted, riding on the Kings horse, wearing the King’s robe, and with the King’s crown on his head, lead around town by Haman, it was total humiliation for Haman.

Haman goes home and tells his family and friends about his day. His wife, the one who suggested building the gallows, prophetically tells Haman that he will fall before Mordecai.

God’s hand is all over this chapter.

God knows all things. He can exult whomever He pleases. Haman’s pride was crushed, while Mordecai, who was not looking for anything was exulted.

We must be careful not to harbor evil thoughts, deeds, or actions against anyone. Our evil may come on our own heads. We should obey God in all aspects of our lives.

NEXT WEEK:

Esther’s second banquet

Revelation

A hanging

A letter

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 

Good morning,

The Book of Esther shows us how God keeps His promises, how God saves the Jews from annihilation, and the sovereignty of God. Did I mention the name of God is not mentioned in the whole book? God is in every circumstance that happens to save God’s people.

 Things to remember as you read Esther. The Jews were captives and living in Babylon. The story takes place in Shushan. Woman, whether Jew or Gentile, did not have any rights. They were required to submit to men. The Babylonians did not worship Jehovah God. To understand why Mordecai and Haman (Chapter 3) were at odds, read Exodus 17:8-16, Genesis 36:12, Deuteronomy 25:17-19, 1 Samuel 15:2,3,7-9,11,26,32-33 28:18.

Chapter 5 shows us Esther’s courage and the pride of Haman. Esther adorns herself in her royal apparel, goes into the inner court, and prays that the King will extend the golden scepter. He does. She invites the King and Haman to a banquet. When the King asked, what is her request, she requested to prepare another banquet for the King and Haman the next day.

Haman goes from the banquet joyful and with a glad heart. He sees Mordecai and is mad because he will not bow down to him. When he gets home, he assemblies his wife and friends and tells them how great he is. The one thing he does not have is Mordecai’s reverence. His wife suggests building a gallows to hang Mordecai. They all agree and the gallows is built.

Esther’s heart was tender towards the Lord. She trusted that God would protect her. She was willing to provide for the King and Haman.

Haman on the other hand was all about self. It is all about me. No one else mattered. Since Haman loathed Mordecai, he chose to murder him.

Two lifestyles, with two perspectives on life. The question then becomes which one do we follow. It may seem obvious, but there are times even Christians, or those who claim to be Christians, do what Haman did. They scheme on how to get rid of someone they do not like or agree with. Maybe not death, but intimidation, false accusations, or character assassination.

Courage in the face of wickedness is God’s course of action. Believer’s in Christ need to be obedient to the Biblical commands in all circumstances.

This chapter sets the stage for the events of Chapter six. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Tomorrow we will witness one of the greatest stories of God’s taking vengeance on an individual.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Book of Esther shows us how God keeps His promises, how God saves the Jews from annihilation, and the sovereignty of God. Did I mention the name of God is not mentioned in the whole book? God is in every circumstance that happens to save God’s people.

Chapter 4 is Mordecai’s response. Mordecai and Queen Esther have a back and forth discussion about Haman’s decree. The chapter ends with Queen Esther agreeing to go before the King and make him aware of the what is happening.

Mordecai weeps for his people. He tells them to pray. Then he explains Haman’s decree to Queen Esther. She balks when encouraged to go before the King unannounced. Then knowing that her life was on the line she agrees to go to the King.

You will all have to wait till next week to see if Esther lives or dies.

Come back next week and find out.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Book of Esther shows us how God keeps His promises, how God saves the Jews from annihilation, and the sovereignty of God. Did I mention the name of God is not mentioned in the whole book? God is in every circumstance that happens to save God’s people.

 Things to remember as you read Esther. The Jews were captives and living in Babylon. The story takes place in Shushan. Woman, whether Jew or Gentile, did not have any rights. They were required to submit to men. The Babylonians did not worship Jehovah God. To understand why Mordecai and Haman (Chapter 3) were at odds, read Exodus 17:8-16, Genesis 36:12, Deuteronomy 25:17-19, 1 Samuel 15:2,3,7-9,11,26,32-33 28:18.

Chapter 3 introduces us to Haman. He is the sworn enemy of the Jews. (Reference passages above) The King promotes Haman above all the other princes. All the King’s servants bow in reverence to him. Mordecai, the Jew, refuses to bow down and reverence Haman. Haman the devises a plan to destroy all the Jews. He presents his plan to the King and he agrees. The destruction of the Jews is set. 

The destruction of the Jewish people has been an on-going theme through all of history. However, God always saves a remnant. The Jewish people have never been, nor ever will be wiped out.

Haman has a plan. It will wipe out all the Jewish people in the King’s provinces.

Tomorrow we will see what God does through Mordecai.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

The Book of Esther shows us how God keeps His promises, how God saves the Jews from annihilation, and the sovereignty of God. Did I mention the name of God is not mentioned in the whole book? God is in every circumstance that happens to save God’s people.

Chapter 1 tells us of an insubordinate Queen. Vashti refuses the King’s request to appear before him. Her refusal results in her removal as Queen and banishment.

Chapter 2 is the search of a new Queen. All the young virgins in Shushan were set before the King. He chose Esther, a Jew. Esther was an orphan, her parents being dead. Her guardian, Mordecai her uncle, saved the King’s life.

Things to remember as you read Esther. The Jews were captives and living  in Babylon. The story takes place in Shushan. Woman, whether Jew or Gentile, did not have any rights. They were required to submit to men. The Babylonians did not worship Jehovah God. To understand why Mordecai and Haman (Chapter 3) were at odds, read Exodus 17:8-16, Genesis 36:12, Deuteronomy 25:17-19, 1 Samuel 15:2,3,7-9,11,26,32-33 28:18.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

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https://www.wasillaseniors.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ESTHER-3-4.docx

Good morning,

The Book of Esther shows us how God keeps His promises, how God saves the Jews from annihilation, and the sovereignty of God. Did I mention the name of God is not mentioned in the whole book? God is in every circumstance that happens to save God’s people.

 Things to remember as you read Esther. The Jews were captives and living in Babylon. The story takes place in Shushan. Woman, whether Jew or Gentile, did not have any rights. They were required to submit to men. The Babylonians did not worship Jehovah God. To understand why Mordecai and Haman (Chapter 3) were at odds, read Exodus 17:8-16, Genesis 36:12, Deuteronomy 25:17-19, 1 Samuel 15:2,3,7-9,11,26,32-33 28:18.

Exodus 17:8-16 “Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. ⁹ And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.¹⁰ So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.¹¹ And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.¹² But Moses hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.¹³ And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.¹⁴ And the Lord said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.¹⁵ And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: ¹⁶ For he said, Because the Lord hath sworn that the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” (Haman was an Amalekite)

Genesis 36:12 “And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau’s son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these were the sons of Adah Esau’s wife.”

Deuteronomy 25:17-19 “Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt;¹⁸ How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God. ¹⁹ Therefore it shall be, when the Lord thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it.”

1 Samuel 15:2,3,7-9,11,26,32-33 28:18 “Thus saith the Lord of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.³ Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.”

“And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt.⁸ And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. ⁹ But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but everything that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.”

Haman hated the Jewish people because of his upbringing as an Amalekite. Had King Saul been obedient, Haman would not be alive.

When we fail to obey God, bad things happen.

Tomorrow we will look at Chapter 3 and 4.

Wednesdays I am preaching through the Book of Esther. Come and join us at WASI Meeting room at 10 am.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Book of Esther shows us how God keeps His promises, how God saves the Jews from annihilation, and the sovereignty of God. Did I mention the name of God is not mentioned in the whole book? God is in every circumstance that happens to save God’s people.

Chapter 1 tells us of an insubordinate Queen. Vashti refuses the King’s request to appear before him. Her refusal results in her removal as Queen and banishment.

Chapter 2 is the search of a new Queen. All the young virgins in Shushan were set before the King. He chose Esther, a Jew. Esther was an orphan, her parents being dead. Her guardian, Mordecai her uncle, saved the King’s life.

Things to remember as you read Esther. The Jews were captives and living  in Babylon. The story takes place in Shushan. Woman, whether Jew or Gentile, did not have any rights. They were required to submit to men. The Babylonians did not worship Jehovah God. To understand why Mordecai and Haman (Chapter 3) were at odds, read Exodus 17:8-16, Genesis 36:12, Deuteronomy 25:17-19, 1 Samuel 15:2,3,7-9,11,26,32-33 28:18.

Please read and discover how God orchestrated each event and why. Write down events where God kept a promise, the hand of God was at work, or how God, completely behind the scenes, orchestrated events to protect His Jewish people.

Tomorrow we will look at Chapter 3 and 4.

Wednesdays I am preaching through the Book of Esther. Come and join us at WASI Meeting room at 10 am.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10)

What is steward and why is that important to us as believers in Christ? This is what we will explore this week.

What is a steward? A biblical world view of stewardship can be consciously defined as: “Utilizing and managing all resources God provides for the glory of God and the betterment of His creation.”

WHAT CAN WE GIVE BACK TO GOD?

TREASURE

“God’s work, done God’s way, will never lack God’s supply.” (Hudson Taylor)

Proverbs 3:9-10 “Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:¹⁰ So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”

Malachi 3:8-10 “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.⁹ Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.¹⁰ Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

Luke 6:38 “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. ⁷ Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

CONCLUSION

Stewardship is management of our time, talents, and treasures from God’s perspective.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10)

What is steward and why is that important to us as believers in Christ? This is what we will explore this week.

What is a steward? A biblical world view of stewardship can be consciously defined as: “Utilizing and managing all resources God provides for the glory of God and the betterment of His creation.”

WHAT CAN WE GIVE BACK TO GOD?

TIME

Romans 12:1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:⁵ And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

TALENTS

Ephesians 4:11-12 “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;¹² For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: ”

Stewards make a commitment to take care of their master’s goods. They commit their time and talents to this endeavor. A good steward will not be distracted by anything that gets in the way of their stewardship.

Christians are to be good stewards of God’s goods. He wants us to be obedient to His word, use His resources in a way that will bring glory to Him, and place His priorities first.

Are we that kind of steward?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001