Mon, 21 May 2012 03:58:54 -0800WeeblyMon, 14 May 2012 14:44:04 -0800http://www.thesoundingboardteachingministries.com/2/post/2012/05/week-3-day-5-a-casual-drink-over-chaos.htmlTalk about increasing in Biblical wisdom and knowledge....this story is getting better and better!  I am so encouraged by Beth's closing words to this particular lesson, "What can one woman do?"  Whoa, what a loaded question and one that stops me in my tracks to reconsider God's plan for my life!  How many women today feel insignificant, unloved, unworthy and carry around low self-esteem issues?  God is clearly demonstrating through the life of Esther that there is no such thing as an insignficant life in one of HIs precious children!

The other point that grabs me full steam, is the sharing of casual drinks over a freshly signed edict that will demand the lives of an entire nation of people!  Imagine if you were the next-door-neighbor to a family of Jews.  They've lived beside you for fifteen years and you've forgotten they are Jews.  Your daughters play together and the boys play wiffle ball in the backyard.  In fact, your teenaged son is taking their teenaged daughter to the prom and you know her to be a special young woman.  Their mother is one of your best friends....you have coffee together almost every morning after the kids have caught the bus for school.  And today you've found out that in 11 short months....before high school graduation for your son and their daughter, that entire family will be executed.....because they are Jews!

I can only imagine the sadness of all the people with whom the Jews have befriended and lived alongside of for many years.  And then there is the danger that minds will be swayed to begin seeing these Jewish friends as enemies or lessen the strong ties they currently share.  So many injustices are being felt within hearts and minds.  Points are being brought to light that I have never before considered and I'm so thankful that Beth Moore has opened the pages of this beautiful story of grace and mercy, with God's help, to these facts.  I'm thinking...if God can use Esther....He can use me!

What was your paraphrase of Hebrews 4:13?  Mine was "God sees, God knows and God will take care of injustice."  Hallelujah!  What a Savior!  God bless, my friends!
 ]]>Thu, 03 May 2012 09:54:55 -0800http://www.thesoundingboardteachingministries.com/2/post/2012/05/day-4-week-3-of-esther-destroy-kill-and-annihilate.htmlThis has been an eye-opening lesson!  After reading Esther many times before, there are nuggets outlined by Beth Moore and company that are truly amazing.  Those facts that were standouts are:

1.  I always knew that Haman was carrying a vendetta against Mordecai from the moment that Mordecai would not bow to him.  Haman wanted Mordecai gone from his sight...permanently.  Then Haman went  further to include the entire population of Jews within Persia.  Through a series of events Haman is given incredible power by the King including the seal of the King's signet ring.  Haman immediately sets out to destroy, kill and annihilate the Jewish people from the kingdom.  My first eye-opener was the incredible hatred Haman had for Mordecai and the Jews.  The more I read what was written within this study, the more I recognized the familiar signs and reported details of Hitler and his disdain for this particular race.  It grieves me even today to think about the injustice done to thousands upon thousands of innocent lives simply because of their ethnicity was not of one man's liking.  Haman is running a close second here.

2.  To send out a report to each and every Jewish home detailing that in eleven months you and your family would be put to death is horrible.  It stuns the mind to know the cruelity of sending such a letter, by messenger, to the door of these Jewish homes and the recipients needed to have this knowledge ELEVEN months before it happened!!

3.  The "death" letter was sent out on the first day of the feast of Passover for the Jews is mind boggling.  God's timing is like none other.  A sacred feast that occurred each year in which the Jewish heads of household described the exodus and delivery from Egyptian slavery to their children was needed at this particular time to remind God's people that He knew where they were and what was happening.

4.  Finally, the Hebrew word for "annihilate" is "abad".  Be referred to Rev. 9:11, the Hebrew word for Satan in this verse is "Abaddon"....includes the first four letters of the Hebrew description for annihilate.  According to John 10:10, Christ referred to Satan as a thief that wanted to....steal, kill and destroy.... 

All scripture is truly God-breathed and each word is placed perfectly for our understanding.....we just need to dig!

God bless and have an awesome week of study.  We move on to the Day 5 of Week 3 next week, "A Casual Drink Over Chaos"...]]>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:05:00 -0800http://www.thesoundingboardteachingministries.com/2/post/2012/04/esther-week-3-days-2-and-3-the-lots-of-rage-and-scorn-and-brilliant-evil.htmlWhen we left off; Day 2, The Lots of Rage and Scorn, dealt with Haman and his biogtry towards the Jews.  Since I noted several comments last entry about this session, I'll go forward.  Thanks for your thoughts, Sue.  I always learn from you, too!

Day 3, Brilliant Evil was a good lesson.  I've never entertained the idea that there were 11 months from the time the edict was announced until the conclusion came about!  Wow, just think if you knew that someone had decreed that you and your family would die in 11 months because of your faith in Jesus Christ!  (What's even more scary is that might come to pass, do you think?)  Satan is big on psychological maneuvers and he enjoys causing us to worry and placing us in mental entrapment....remember, "stuck in the mud"?  If he can get us to not move forward, he's happy.

Psalm 23:11 was mentioned and reference was given to David.  How did David withstand mental torment?  In this verse of scripture it says, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.  Your rod and your staff, they comfort me."  I read in a devotional that the rod of the Lord is used to protect His children from enemy attacks and the staff is used to care for us....just as a shepherd watches over his flock.  If God is for us, why should we fear and allow these psychological games to haunt our thoughts and rob our sleep?

Of course, the lesson continues with Haman's wording and skillful handling of the situation to get what he desires. Evil persons deal in half truths and here we see them clearly.  Haman never identifies his focus group and he appeals to the King's laws and the King's best interest.  To add insult, Haman adds a monetary reward for the killers of "these certain people".  The King bites the bait and gives Haman the royal signet ring which wields enormous power and authority. Haman is so pleased with himself.  He can now get rid of Mordecai AND the rest of the Jews, he is second to the King in power and authority and he now carries the King's signet ring.  It doesn't get much better than this, huh, Haman?  To top it all off, Haman has been given the go ahead to do anything he pleases with the Jews!

But there is one factor Haman has not placed into the equation....God!  I love the verses Beth referred to in Proverbs 6:16-19 when she asked that we list each of the things Haman had done that the Lord "hates"....that certainly puts it all into perspective, don't you think?  I agree with you, Sue.  This is an indepth look at a story I've heard many times, but it is really coming home for me in a totally different spectrum.  Have a great week gleaning through the Word!

]]>Sun, 08 Apr 2012 20:37:12 -0800http://www.thesoundingboardteachingministries.com/2/post/2012/04/taking-an-easter-break.htmlIn celebration of Resurrection Sunday, we will be taking a brief break from our study of Esther this week.  Please use this time to catch up and/or read ahead.  God bless and we start again next week!  Happy Easter, my friends! ]]>Sun, 01 Apr 2012 18:20:34 -0800http://www.thesoundingboardteachingministries.com/2/post/2012/04/april-1st-2012-refusing-to-bow-week-3-day-1.htmlHonestly, I think we covered most of this session last week; however, one scripture verse jumped off the page at me.  It was Esther 3:4b, "Therefore they told Haman about it (Mordecai's unwillingness to bow when Haman passed by) to see whether Mordecai's behavior would be tolerated, for he had told them he was a Jew."

Immediately I sensed bigotry.  Something about "Jew" rang out loud and clear as to why Haman was told specifically about Mordecai's behavior.  Going into the next session, Week 3, Day 2, "The Lots of Rage and Scorn" I understood my reason for discernment.  This lesson clearly states that the royal officials knew of Haman's hatred of the Jews.  Scripture doesn't give a definitive reason, but something transpired for Haman to widened his wrath to include ALL Jews in the kingdom for punishment by death. 

It often makes me ill when I see the hatred felt among individuals because of ethnic background or color of skin.  I can't help but recall the events of World War II when Hitler deliberately killed thousands of Jews because of their race.  Haman is being depicted as a Hitler type in Beth's writings.  I've really never thought of Haman's intentions this way before, but I can fully understand what Beth is referring to.

Why would Haman feel so threatened by Mordecai?  Why be so enraged?  Could it be that he, like King Xerxes when Queen Vashti wouldn't appear when summoned, felt a bit humiliated and embarrassed?  That can certainly lead to rage when you want the world to drop to their knees before you, especially when the cause of the embarrassment is a Jew!

Another point Beth makes is those individuals who get angry and get over it and those who don't. But let's face it, the longer you stay angry, the larger the snowball.  In fact, I've known Incidents that happened to people as children and, as adults, they no longer speak to one another. Or those who want revenge so badly they cause harm to another because a seed of rage has exploded and life has forever been altered.  Reading Ephesians 4:26-27 is a good scripture to earmark in our Bibles!

But don't you just want to have a few words with Haman as, in verse 7, he and his buddies cast lots to figure out when the "holocaust" will rain down on the Jewish people?  I love the verse from Proverbs 16:33 concerning lots; "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord."  Is Haman completely unaware of God in his plans to murder countless Jews?

As you read this lesson, don't miss the notes about the months and calendars on page 66.  Every single dot written in scripture has a signficance designed by its Author.....our God!  God has used human hands to inscribe His Words, but all those beautiful inscriptions are notes from a Holy God to His children!  Have a wonderful week!  See you next week for Week 3, Day 3, "Brilliant Evil".

 ]]>Sun, 25 Mar 2012 20:51:27 -0800http://www.thesoundingboardteachingministries.com/2/post/2012/03/march-25th-answers-to-an-unsung-hero-day-5-week-2.htmlEsther immediately takes the information given her by Mordecai concerning a plot to assassinate the King to the King directly.  The point was made in scripture that Esther gave credit for the discovery to Mordecai. 

Since Mordecai sat the King's Gate, I assumed he was more of a beggar.  My conclusion came from the fact that usually in the Bible the beggars sat at the entrance to the city gate hoping to gather coins from those entering and exiting the city.  I was surprised to learn of Mordecai's position as an official governmental employee who acted as "the eyes and ears of their ruler" as Beth Moore describes.  The text goes on to say that Mordecai could have possibly been deemed as a "member of the king's secret police."  If so, Mordecai didn't disappoint.  He did his job very, very well.

However, once the assassination plot was uncovered, Mordecai receives no benefits or rewards for bravery and loyalty to the King.  Go figure.  Beth clearly outlines that those "thank yous" from a King could have amounted to a significant promotion, a tax exemption, the individual receiving the honor is exempted from bowing to other nobles, or the status of "hero" awarded.  After all, the discovery of the assassination plot was recorded in the presence of the King as to this deed Mordecai carried out on behalf of the King's safety.

Makes you wonder, doesn't it?  Life sometimes isn't fair, is it?  Others might have uncovered the same plot and been set for life with worldly benefits from the King, but we must remember that God doesn't forget.  He will set all things right and God needed to have this particular event revisited a little later in the Book of Esther.  The plot thickens, my friend, and God will get the glory and His people will benefit!

Next week's assignment; "Refusing to Bow"; Day 1, Week 3
Wow, this lesson is one that truly is needed...it is tough being a woman in a mean world!  As the story unfolds about Mordecai and Haman, we realize that Haman has been given some mighty big benefits by the King.  I don't know why the King decided to grant these special favors to Haman, but Haman was given the highest seat of honor among the nobles and all the royal officials were commanded, yes the word is commanded, to kneel to him to pay honor to him as he passed by.

Can you possibly imagine what is going on in Mordecai's mind?  The King passes Mordecai up for informing about an assassination attempt on the King's life and now Haman seems to have come from...wherever....and he is made the top dog?  Even if Mordecai doesn't care about the elevation of status, the kneeling before Haman would have gotten to me, too.  Bow down to another human?  So we are seeing a potential problem on the horizon. 

Have you needed to take a stance for the Lord in a public setting?  Have you been called out for making the stand?  Did you suffer consequences?  Colossians 3:2 is a great scripture in our study this week, it reads, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."  Great way to read this lesson and know that we will all need to stand up for what we believe in at some point....guaranteed.  God bless your week! ]]>Sun, 18 Mar 2012 17:21:48 -0800http://www.thesoundingboardteachingministries.com/2/post/2012/03/march-18th-answers-to-a-royal-crown-on-her-head-day-4-week-2.htmlIn answer to the questions posed from Day 4, Week 2;
1.  When the King and Esther first met I believe he didn't know what "hit" him.  Scripture has mentioned that he was attracted to Esther and for the same reasons she had won the favor of everyone (men and women alike), those qualities were pleasing to the King.  She was (in my opinion) a natural beauty; kind inside and out.  The study guide mentions that Esther captures the King's kindness.  Why?  God was in control of the King's heart, my friend.

2.  What separated Esther from the rest of the virgins?  I like a line from the study, Xerxes "could have had a night, but he chose a wife."

3.  How was Esther's banquet different from Queen Vashti's?  To start off with, Esther didn't give the banquet, it was given for her.  There were men and women both invited to this same event, not separate parties/banquets.  Esther was not "displayed" for drunken men to view.  This appears to be a dignified occasion to celebrate and introduce the King's new Queen.  Someone he honored and wanted others to honor as well.

4.  If I had a diary to write in after being crowned the Queen of Persia, trying to put myself in Esther's shoes, it might begin, "I can't believe what has transpired in the past few days.  After preparing to a year to meet the King, He chose me to become the next Queen of Persia.  And I truly feel as though I could love him."

Next week's assignment:  "An Unsung Hero, Day 5, Week 2"
Chapter 2 lays the groundwork for an important development in this intriguing book of Esther.  But for now revieew the incident that takes place at the King's Gate.  Mordecai overhears a plot and passes the information to Queen Esther.  What does Esther do with this information and to whom does she give credit?

Two points were made in this lesson I was formerly unaware of.  1) Mordecai's position as he sat at the King's Gate and 2) The reward that was normally awarded an individual for bravery and loyalty to the King.  Why do you think Mordecai was overlooked?  Did these points impact you?  Do you ever feel as though you get passed over or neglected when a situation calls for a different outcome?  What are we called to do as Christians when this happens either in our workplaces or possibly in our churches?  ]]>Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:36:32 -0800http://www.thesoundingboardteachingministries.com/2/post/2012/03/march-11-preparing-for-the-king-day-three-week-two.htmlIn answer to our first discussion question from last week; I want to be distinguished as a Christian!  I hope I have always been, but in my younger days it was difficult to stand up for Jesus and be different.  I can undersand wanting to be part of the crowd, but as one ages and becomes more mature being different is a good thing!  How do we distinguish ourselves as Christians?  By our actions, words, deeds, how we dress, how we conduct ourselves throughout each and every day (even when no one is watching!). 

The scriptures reveal how God views us:  Richly dressed in salvation; righteous; holy; blameless; bright in clean linen; and did I read correctly "without stain or WRINKLES"??  That fact alone is pretty important these days as I wrinkle!

For next week: "A Royal Crown on Her Head" in Day 4, Week Two
Wow, I so enjoy a good love story!
1)  Describe what you think traspires between the King and Esther's first meeting 
2)   What made the difference and separated Esther from the rest?
3)  Compare Esther's banquet from the first one recorded in the first chapter of Esther. 
4)  (Let's pretend for a moment) If we were Esther, how would she begin the first paragraph of her journal at the end of the day on which she was crowned Queen? ]]>Sun, 04 Mar 2012 16:49:56 -0800http://www.thesoundingboardteachingministries.com/2/post/2012/03/march-4-winning-favor-day-two-week-two.htmlAs the kingdom-wide search begins for a new Queen of Persia, Esther enters the scene. 
As per the questions from last week, here is a description of Esther: She radiates inner beauty; kind; full of good deeds and actions; projects pleasant words, has people skills and possesses a spirit of discernment coupled with self-control.  She is noted as being lovely in form and features and very mannerly.  In fact, Esther gains the respect and attention of Hegai, the man in charge of the harem.

Esther finds herself in a situation that isn't a normal progression for a young girl as she dreams of her future, but she submitted to the task at hand in order for it to be used to bring blessings to others.  She has been raised by a cousin, Mordecai, who is a Jew of the Tribe of Benjamin.  Mordecai was carried into exile from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon.  Mordesai has acted as a father figure to Esther, formerly called Hadassah, since the death of her parents.

Thinking on the positives and negatives of this situation for the young women of the kingdom as the search continues to find the next Queen:
Positives:  All girls (as long as they are a lovely vision) have a chance to compete for the title of "Queen of Persia".  Also, this will guarantee them a better opportunity in life and possibly these entitlements will be passed on to their families.  Negatives:  The breakup and heartache of betrothed couples.  The self-inflicted wounds of not being pretty enough to be chosen as a possible candidate for Queen .  Being exposed as a part of a harem, loss of virginity, jealousy and all the ills that go hand-in-hand with competition.  Plus the ultimate; the chance at a normal family and normal lifestyle has been taken away.

Although we know the "rest of the story" as Paul Harvey used to say, do you think the positives outweigh the negatives for these young women?  What if you were one of these girls?  Reading over the material it appears that if the King is not pleased with you the end result is not pleasant.  Sadly, these young beautiful girls are being used and discarded and forever will carry the scars.  Have we learned anything throughout the centuries?

ASSIGNMENT for "Preparing for the King; Day Three, Week Two
Interesting tha Mordecai did not want Esther to reveal her true identity during this selection process.  Even more interesting was the fact that both Esther and Mordecai were undistinguishable as Jews in the Persian world.  This is a lesson for us as Christians in today's society.
1)  In your own words, how does the above comment speak to you?
2)  I enjoyed how the scripture describes how God views us.  Write each scripture and share what God whispers in your ear! 
]]>Sat, 25 Feb 2012 07:23:04 -0800http://www.thesoundingboardteachingministries.com/2/post/2012/02/february-26th-when-his-anger-subsided-and-questions-for-winning-favor.html"When His Anger Subsided", Day 1, Week 2
When we ended last week, I asked that you find 4-5 pivotal points to consider that might have surfaced from the story of King Xerxes due to his anger in making decisions.  Here's what I found:
1)  Hasty decisions made in anger bring emotional regrets later on.
2)  The ebb and flow of anger will recede....what then?  What happens when the anger has subsided and you're left with those hastily said words and/or actions?
3)  Where are you getting your advice?
4)  Do your advisors have an ulterior motive?
5)  Years might pass, but regret still lingers.

I was reminded of a song I learned as a child growing up in church..."Oh, be careful little mouth what you say, oh, be careful little mouth what you say.  For the Father up above, He is looking down in love.  So be careful little mouth what you say."  It would serve us all well to be careful of our words and actions...especially during those times of anger!

Now we have the advice of more of the King's trusted collegues four years later.  Imagine, four years after the dismissal of the Queen, the King is living with those misguided decisions!  There were four steps involved in bringing in a possible replacement for the Queen.  Of those four steps, is there one that particularly reminds you of today's society?  What do you think about the selection process for a new Queen?

The one step that most resembles today's society is, of course, the beauty treatments.  Now, I have to admit I would probably have my little extra chin tucked if I had the opportunity.  Who wouldn't like to look about ten years younger?  But when I looked over all the steps I decided that the search for virgins bothered me and then to bring them into a harem?  They were placed under Heggai's care?  The King's eunuch who is over all the women??  So, these young girls were brought into the King's palace, placed in a harem under a man's eye and given beauty treatments.....just about says it all, doesn't it?  This place was a man's world indeed!

"Winning Favor", Day 2 of Week 2 - questions to ponder while studying
Okay, so the King buys into the presentation of how to find a new Queen.  The edict goes forward to find such lovely young thing and, in Beth Moore's words so begins the "prize cattle call".

Using the information from the study, give your best description of Esther; inside and out!  Let's get to know this important lady from the words written in scripture and from what we surmise.

Happy studying!


]]>