"He's Working In You" from Esther 2:1-23

These three books; Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther have the same stories. Esther is the 1st book among the three. And, the reason for their exile is their own sin. The author of Esther is unknown.

Esther is purely historical among other manuscripts, as there's no "God" word mentioned in this book but you can see by understanding that God, is the main point in this story.

In verse 1-14, God has a good plan; and in verse 15-23, He will bless His people. Here in verse 1-4, the plan to look for a new Queen doesn't matter either rich or poor - can become a queen.

Citadel means place of refuge, fortress or a place to protect them. It's like taking a daily bath - to be cleanse by the word of God. One of the characteristics of Esther is being humble.

Hadassah is the other name of Esther. The picture of Mordecai here is just like God, in reality we are being Fatherless and he is taking the responsibility for Esther.

2 Corinthians 6:18 And,
“I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

1 John 3:1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

We can see here that God is working in us, He is faithful. Esther and Mordecai feared the Lord. As it teaches the inner beauty is the most important. We will receive crown of righteousness according to our works.

Psalm 113:7-8
7 He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
8 he seats them with princes,
with the princes of his people.

The picture of Esther here is obedience of love to God. Gallows is like a straight wood with a sharp-edge. Even in the midst of godless society, God put you there, and He is working in you.

Philippians 4:2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

Perhaps you may think God is not working in you, but if you seek God's word and you will know God is working in your life.

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"Honor His Word" from Nehemiah 13:1-31

In celebration of "Araw ng Dabaw" fiesta in Davao City, the Mayor ordered "gun banned" to maintain peace in every area.

As for us, we should obey God's word. The first point, is to be consistent with His word.

In the book of Numbers, Balaam was a curse by the Israelites. But that curse turns into blessing. The reason for learning God's word is because just like Jesus, He was a curse for some but made a blessing for all of us.

Nowadays, the world is corrupt and pervert. Jesus is the light of the world whoever follows Him will never be led into darkness.

Psalm 19:7-11 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous.10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. 11 By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Learn more to obey, seek the Bible, and listen to our conscience, and it is important to listen to the word of God. Seek God's word and be separated from the worldly things. And, do not neglect the church.

1 Timothy 5:17-18 17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.”

Deuteronomy 14:22 Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.

1 Timothy 3:10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

The second point, Observing the day of the Lord. Don't let your blessings turn into a curse. Set our priority and our priority is Jesus. Observe means to obey, it's not just to watch but to obey.

Exodus 34:21 “Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest.

Exodus 23:12 “Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so that the slave born in your household and the foreigner living among you may be refreshed.

God will remember your work. We have to encourage the people around us to go to fellowship.

Hebrews 13:16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Hebrews 10:25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

The third point, preserve yourself and look after your family.

Exodus 34:16 And when you choose some of their daughters as wives for your sons and those daughters prostitute themselves to their gods, they will lead your sons to do the same.

Deuteronomy 7:3 Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons,

Ecclesiastes 7:26 I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare.

Nehemiah reform the people. All the changes Nehemiah made will be remembered.
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