Sunday, November 27, 2016

安靜,知道我是神

11/27/2016.     Christmas 會  森鄉  
Matsuda pastor in Japan
Psalm 46:10 你們要休息,要知道我是神我必在外邦中被尊崇,在遍地上也被尊崇。
Be still, and know that I am God
Luke 2:7-12
  1. 他們在那裡的時候,馬利亞的產期到了,
  2. 就生了頭胎的兒子,用布包起來,放在馬槽裡,因為客店裡沒有地方。
  3. 在伯利恆之野地裡有牧羊的人,夜間按著更次看守羊群。
  4. 有主的使者站在他們旁邊,主的榮光四面照著他們;牧羊的人就甚懼怕。
  5. 那天使對他們說:不要懼怕!我報給你們大喜的信息,是關乎萬民的;
  6. 因今天在大衛的城裡,為你們生了救主,就是主基督。
  7. 你們要看見一個嬰孩,包著布,臥在馬槽裡,那就是記號了。 
耶穌來到世界是安靜的來,他沒有吵鬧,他沒有喧嘩!在那馬槽裏。
我們要安靜、我們要休息、神說他一直在做工。所有的事是神在成就,我們只是配搭,明白神的作為。
Still.


Saturday, November 26, 2016

Remember my idendity before thr Lord

Esther p:11-16
They killed seventy-five thousand of them but did not lay their hands on the plunder.
Why?
There can be no execution for Esther's vindictive request(unless it simply accounts for the feast being celebrated an different days in Susa and the country.
Why Esther extended execution one more day?
It is the war between hair of Mordecai and Haman's hair of Armory
How?
Remember what the identity we are?

Friday, November 25, 2016

Jewish revenge

Esther 9:1-10
When the appointed day arrives,the Jews rid themselves of their enemies,includeing Haman's ten sons; but there is no looting.

Thursday, November 24, 2016

There is peace in Christ

Esther 8:15-18
For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor.
Why?
People will know that the joy and safety is the blessing from the Lord. There are suffering and challenge on the world, only peace is in Jesus Christ.
How?
Have faith in Jesus Christ for God blesses his people,victory belongs to those who trust in Him.


Wednesday, November 23, 2016

May God's Holy name be exalted in the world

Esther 8:9-14
They wrote out all Mordecai's orders to the Jews, and to the satraps, governors and nobles of the 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush.
The king's edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves; to destroy, kill and annihilate(殲滅) any armed force of an nationality or province that might attack them and their women and children; and to plunder the property of their enemies.
But in answer to Esther's further plea the king authorizes a second decree permitting the Jews to fight back.
The Jews were allowed to treat their enemies exactly as they were to have been treated themselves.
Why?
Because previous edict had been delivered to 127 provinces, so Mordecai's order has to send to all provinces either to protect Jews and their family.
It is the honor of the Jews, people of God. Honor the name of our mighty God!
How?
May the Lord give me strength to honor his Holy name in my little work! May God's Holy name be exalted in the world!

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

After trial the joy and justice come

Esther 8:1-8
That same day King Xerxes gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman. And Mordecai came intothe presence of the king, the king took off his signet ring, which he had reclaimed from Haman, and presented it to Mordecai.
Esther again pleaded with the king, she begged him to put an end to the evil plan of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews.
King Xerxes replied to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, write another decree in the king's name in behalf of the Jews as seems best to you, and seal it with the king's signet ring.
There still remains the problem of Haman's edict. Since it was issued in the king's name and under his seal it cannot be revoked. But in answer to Esther's further plea the king authorizes a second decree permitting the Jews to fight back.
Once the king had given his ring to Haman. Now he gives it to Mordecai, making him the second most powerful man in the land.
Why?
God allowed the evil decree be issued now then be updated by new decree. God gives us the testimony and trial to let us has better faith and strength.
All the frustration and tear were erased and became joy. This is the just of God be done and God saved his people in new way. Unbelievable thing comes true, it is the hand of Mighty God did.
How?
Praise to the Lord and give honor to our mighty God.


Monday, November 21, 2016

The end of vile man

Esther 7:7-10
"Will he even molest(騷擾,調戲) the queen while she is with me in the house?"
They handed Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai, Then the king's fury subsided.
And his action in throwing himself as Esther's feet as she reclines on her couch only succeeds in adding attempted rape to the charges against him(強加了對他的指控).
In the supreme irony of things, he ends his life on the gallows he himself had made.
Why?
It is not know why king had so interpretation to Haman's action, may be under the fury king saw Haman's behavior was against queen and king.
Be a humble and righteous man before the Lord. What can I do?
How?
Humble myself everyday and examine myself before the Lord, obey the commands of God!



Saturday, November 19, 2016

Pray to the Lord save my people who do not know the truth

Esther 7:1-5
Esther answered, "If I have found favor with you, O king, and if ti pleases your majesty, grant me my life- this is my petition. And spare my people - this is my request. For I and my people have been sold for destruction and slander and annihilation(湮滅)"
The adversary and enemy is this vile Haman. Then Haman was terrified before the king and queen.
After dinner on the second evening, Esther makes her request. Haman is dumbfouned (錯愕).
Why?
Esther connected her life and her people together. For she wanted to save her people's life.
Esther prepared banquet for the king and Haman second times for she may know what the king will asked her, so she prepare the answer to the second banquet.
Does my petition and my request before the Lord connect to my people who do not know the Lord?
How?
Pray to the Lord save my people in my country! They do not know the truth!

Friday, November 18, 2016

God is the sovereign Lord on the world and in the heaven!

Esther 6:10-14
Haman rushed home, with his head covered in grief.
Haman's advisers and his wife Eresh said to him, "Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him - you will surely come to ruin!"
Embarrassed and humiliated, he finds no comfort at home. His superstitious(迷信) wife and friends see in this the beginning of his downfall, 'Mordecai is a Jew.' the writer has Haman's wife say, 'you cannot overcome him.'
Why?
Haman's wife and friends knew that Mordecai is a Jew, now the back of Jew is God, so they will predict that Haman cannot overcome him.
All who slander the Lord and his people will cover in grief.
God is the sovereign Lord!
How?
God is the sovereign Lord on the world and in the heaven!

Thursday, November 17, 2016

God makes one raise and down

Esther 6:1-9
That night the king could not sleep, so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and red to him. It was found recorded there that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's officers who guarded the doorway, who had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes, And King found Mordecai did not received any honor and recognition.
Mordecai was be honored by Haman's suggested to the man who king delight.
This is the turning-point of the story. The king cannot sleep, and reads the court diary, which reminds him of his debt to Mordecai.
What should be done for the man I want to honor? he asks Haman.
Why?
God is the authority God in all matters. The timing and place and the right person come on the right time.
God makes righteous man raise and evil one down. Doing the right thing God will give honor to us someday. So all the suffering and pain will get the repayment from the Lord in his plan.
Under the incapable king and malicious Haman, God make thing changed.
How?
Do not complain and angry but trust in the Lord who will make righteous things done!

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Be humble and tender to everyone we met

Esther 5:9-14
After the dinner Haman was happy and in high spirit. But when he saw Mordecai at the king's gate, he was filled with rage against Mordecai. Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home.
His wife and all his friends said to him, "Have a gallows built 75 feet high and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go with the king to the dinner and be happy. This suggestion delight Haman, and he had the gallows built.
Haman - suspecting nothing, knowing nothing of Esther's relationship to Mordecai - is greatly flatted. He goes home and builds a gallows topping the city wall, on which he intends to hang his enemy.
Why?
Haman saw there is one man do not give honor to him, so he was filled with rage against Mordecai.
Haman is proud in his wealth and power, so he looks down everyone.
How?
Even have power or reputation, be humble and tender to everyone, serve our neighbor with love and humble and courtesy.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Lift up my eyes to the mountains

Esther 5:1-8
When king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.
Esther asked king together with Haman come to the banquet Esther had prepared. Then king asked Esther what is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.
Esther did not say but asked Haman and king come to her banquet next day.
The king permits a audience. But Esther proceeds cannily(大膽). She invites the king and his favorite to dinner. In the mellow(醇厚) after-dinner atmosphere she give a second invitation.
Why?
Under the blessing of the Lord, king liked Queen Esther and permitted her coming to court.
This is the power of the Lord, when we have trouble, let's pray to the Lord, God will make the great things.
How?
Expect God make great things! This is my faith and my strength.  lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1).

Monday, November 14, 2016

Devote myself to the Lord wholly!

Esther 4:12-17
Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?
Do not eat or rink for three days, night or day. I and my maid will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.
Anxiously she agrees to the the risk. The Jewish community must support her in fasting (and presumably the prayer that goes with it)
Mordecai makes no mention of God, but his faith makes him certain that help will come, even if Esther refuses. If she does, though, she will forfeit(喪失) her own life. He piles on the pressure.
Why?
Esther like to devote her life to save life of Jews. For she knows that she is the Queen, this position is the chance and opportunity, only she can make it possible. Esther knew she would be a Queen is God's arrangement for Jews.
How?
Devote myself to the Lord for the calling from the Lord! For my life and all I have are the gifts from the Lord. Devote myself to the Lord wholly!

Sunday, November 13, 2016

巴不得你能去

2016/11/13
列下 5:8-14  
思想:
1.巴不得
2.他的僕人
大綱:
1.使那人到我這裡來
2.你去在約旦河沐浴七回
3.我指著所事奉永生的耶和華起誓,我必不接受禮物

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Facing the risk

Esther 4:5-11
Esther summoned Hathach, one of the king's eunuchs assigned to attend her, and ordered him to find out what was troubling Mordecai and why.
Mordecai urged her to go into the king's presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people.
There is a law that anyone who without being summoned approaches the king in the inner court will be put to death, except king extends the gold scepter to him and spare his life.
The entire fate of the Jews now depends on Esther. She alone has access to the king.
But she has not been summoned to him for a month. The only way open to her is the dangerous step of going to him unbidden.
Why?
Mordecai knew only Esther can help to spare life of all Jews.
But it is dangerous step of going to king unbidden.
Facing dangerous became hesitate is normal reaction to most people.
When I was be asked devote myself, what makes me hesitate? Life, family, my loved career ?
What can I do?  Pray to the Lord and do it if it is good to most people.
How?
Beyond the limitation and pray to the Lord, let us have higher vision to see all of this world.

Friday, November 11, 2016

My help comes from the Lord

Esther 3:12-4:3
There were written in the name of Kings Xerxes himself and sealed with his own ring. Dispatches were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with the order to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews.
When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes. put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly ad bitterly.
Esther was told about Mordecai she was in great distress. She set clothes for him to put on instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them.
Why?
Jews and Mordecai wailing and put on sackcloth to show the distress and helpless, they pray to the Lord honestly.
Psa51:17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.
It was caused by Mordecai, but Mordecai did not go to ask Haman or any others but prayed to the Lord.
How?
God only is my help and way! 
Psalm 121:1-2 I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lordthe Maker of heaven and earth.



My help comes from the Lord

Esther 3:12-4:3
There were written in the name of Kings Xerxes himself and sealed with his own ring. Dispatches were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with the order to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews.
When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes. put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly ad bitterly.
Esther was told about Mordecai she was in great distress. She set clothes for him to put on instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them.
Why?
Jews and Mordecai wailing and put on sackcloth to show the distress and helpless, they pray to the Lord honestly.
Psa51:17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.
It was caused by Mordecai, but Mordecai did not go to ask Haman or any others but prayed to the Lord.
How?
God only is my help and way! 
Psalm 121:1-2 I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lordthe Maker of heaven and earth.



Thursday, November 10, 2016

Fatal attack

Esther 3:7-11
There is a certain people dispersed and scattered among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom whose customs are different from those of all other people and who do not obey the king's laws; it is not in the king's best interest to tolerate them. Haman said to king and king allow Haman to do with the people as he please.
Haman lived in a fate-ridden society where the court diary for the year's event was worked out by casting lots. So he must choose a 'lucky day'.
The king's assent(同意) is easily won by accusing the Jews of rebellion and promising a huge rake-off: 340,000kg of silver. Haman plans to raise the money by plundering Jewish goods and confiscating their lands.
Why?
Haman did not mentioned Jews to the king for he wanted to please king rid of people who are not obey king's law. He try to please the king and earn the trust, not focus on some special purposes.
Someone will talk about things make people confused their mind and decision.
There are many cases like this to assassinate Christians in the world.
How?
Pray to the Lord protect us and give us the strength and wisdom and faith to against those enemy in the world.

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Something more important than life

Esther 3:1-6
All the royal officials at the king's gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor.
They told Haman about it to see whether Mordecai's behavior would be tolerated, for he had told them he was a Jew.
Yet having learned who Mordecai's people were, he scorned(輕視) the idea of killing only Mordecai, Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai's people, the Jews, through out the whole kingdom of Xerxes.
Why?
We are not told why Mordecai refuses to bow to Haman. He must have considered that Haman's demand went beyond court courtesy and required a degree of worship that cut across his own faith. In his unreasoning fury Haman determines on 'ethnic cleansing' to rid Persia of the entire Jewish race.
Mordecai is keeping his faith and do not worship others except God even it could lose his life.
Worshiping is respect someone beyond your position in Persia.
How?
Keep my faith of Christian in this world, so something I don't do it and something I have to do in my life. Oh! God help me to keep these.

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

To be a reliable man

Esther 2:19-23
Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate, he found two of the king's offices who guarded the doorway became angry and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. Mordecai told Queen Esther, who in turn reported it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai.
Esther's Jewish identity is kept secret: this is important for the plot as the story unfolds. So too is Mordecai's discovery of a plan to assassinate the king, which is written into the court records.
Why?
Mordecai is sitting at the King's gate, may be he is a some official under king for the favor of Esther is Queen. So Mordecai discovered two officials plan to assassinate the king.
Mordecai do his job honesty and reported the situation to protect the king. Even it is a little thing, but someday it will be repay by the Lord through our boss.
How?
Do the best in our job, be a reliable man to honor the name of God.

Monday, November 7, 2016

Won the admiration of everyone

Esther 2:12-18
Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
Esther, just as she was, won the admiration of everyone who saw her.
King proclaimed a holiday throughout the provinces and distributed gifts with royal liberality.
When her turn comes, she delights the king and he makes her his queen.
Mordecal would have been nearly 120 if he personally had been taken captive in 597. It probably means that his family was among the captives.
Why?
Esther lost her family so Mordecal adopted her as his daughter. And took care of Esther.
The personality won the admiration of everyone so Esther won the queen from king.
A orphan became a queen one night, for the Lord's hands was with her and leads the way ahead for the future.
There is nothing impossible to the God. God's power is beyond our imagination.
Humble ourselves and love others show good personality before men to win the admiration and give honor to the Lord!
How?
Trust in the Lord and follow God's leading, God is good!

Sunday, November 6, 2016

約珥之夜

2016/11/05    台南聖教會

先知:當代的社論
  時代精神 vs. 時代信息
   時代精神會隨著時間而改變,如過去周星馳的臺詞

人物:長老 居民。醉漢  祭司  農夫
國家:埃及,希臘,推羅,西頓,非利士

君王?巴比倫?亞述?
所以估計成書時間約在約阿施做王時,他七歲登基,祭司主政

蝗災
以前使埃及人知道祂是耶和華
現在是教以色列人知道祂是耶和華
2:1 在錫安吹角 居民都要發顫
    2:2 黑暗、幽冥、密雲、烏黑
        2:3 火焰燒盡 沒有一樣能躲避
            2:4-11 耶和華發聲,蝗蟲大軍
                 2:12 嚴肅會,悔改歸向神,不是殺蟲劑,不是基因改造,不是高牧師禱告
            2:18-27 耶和華發熱心,必賜給你們五穀、新酒,和油
        2:28-29 聖靈澆灌,凡有血氣的
    2:30-31 奇事,有血,有火,有煙柱
2:32 在錫安山,耶路撒冷必有逃脫的人

神的審判與祝福的應許
在錫安

蝗蟲接二連三的災難
麻布哀號1
  苦難的土地與世代
麻布哀號2
   斷絕的敬拜與祭司

撕裂心腸的悔改與歸向神
你們要在錫安吹角,分定禁食的日子,宣告嚴肅會
耶和華就為自己的地發熱心
我必賜

開鐮吧!因為莊稼熟了;踐踏吧!因為酒醡滿了。酒池盈溢;他們的罪惡甚大
啟14:13-16:鐮刀
  1. 我又觀看,見有一片白雲,雲上坐著一位好像人子,頭上戴著金冠冕,手裡拿著快鐮刀。
  2. 又有一位天使從殿中出來,向那坐在雲上的大聲喊著說:伸出你的鐮刀來收割;因為收割的時候已經到了,地上的莊稼已經熟透了。
  3. 那坐在雲上的,就把鐮刀扔在地上,地上的莊稼就被收割了。
  4. 又有一位天使從天上的殿中出來,他也拿著快鐮刀。
  5. 又有一位天使從祭壇中出來,是有權柄管火的,向拿著快鐮刀的大聲喊著說:伸出快鐮刀來,收取地上葡萄樹的果子,因為葡萄熟透了!
  6. 那天使就把鐮刀扔在地上,收取了地上的葡萄,丟在神忿怒的大酒醡中。
鐮刀不是用鋸的,是用掃的,天使用鐮刀掃的速度是快的

有道理卻無道路

2016/11/6       經文: 太23:1-7   高敏智牧師
昨晚提到時代觀點

思想:
我們所站的觀點是否正確,
太15:8
23:2
法利賽人坐在摩西的位置上,律法的位子,大法官的位置
道路的評估,果效
1.時針,分針,秒針的賽跑速度?
價值的果效!
2.大兒子與小兒子的葡萄園工作?
  懊悔的意義
3.法利賽人的筵席?洗手/親嘴/抹油
  態度的關鍵!愛多與少,信救了你
自認為知的道理     失去道路
巴蘭  我就轉回       陷以色列人於罪中
約伯                       我的怒氣向你和你的兩個朋友
彼得                      
猶大
自認為不知道    擁有道路
馬利亞
以斯帖               轉憂慮為喜樂
大綱:
1.他們所說的,都要聽,但不要學
  領導統御 「動」 的關鍵     僕人的心    跟我來,使徒制
      跟我來的秘訣:     門徒訓練的心
      學我的模式 :       柔和謙卑    有時後會想讓人知道我在這裡,要破碎自己在團隊中 
      體貼與憐憫的心機:      壓傷的蘆葦    學會體貼
2.他們所做的事是要叫人看見
   故意叫他們看見
            好事包括 禱告?   禁食?
            押沙龍暗中得了以色列人的心
3.自己不進去,也不讓人進去
  我可捐款,演講,不要叫我認罪,我幹嘛要像稅吏,娼妓一樣
  凡藐視我的,一個也不得看見
挑戰
太9:5   或說:你的罪赦了,或說:你起來行走,哪一樣容易呢?    赦罪的權柄
     讓我進台大就好,認罪就不用了?
羅1:21, 他們雖然知道神,卻不當作神榮耀他,也不感謝他。他們的思念變為虛妄,無知的心就昏暗了。
 把逆性當順性,把人權放第一
得分:
每天為基督講一句話。只要講第一句話,神就給第二句

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Even I am weak but I am strong for the Lord is with me

Esther 2:8-11
Many girls were bought to the citadel of Susa and put under the are of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the kings palace and entrusted to Hegai,  who had charge of the harem(閨房).
Esther pleased him and won his favor. He provided her with her beauty treatments and special food...
Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so.
Why?
May be because of her beauty and personality so Hegai treated Esterh very good. But God is in charge of these matter.
Esther is Jews and who hidden her nationality for Jews were against this empire before, Jews were weak in this country, so Mordecai forbidden Esther not to reveal her family background.
In this chapter did not mention name of the Lord, but it is revealed that the Lord is living and leads the story going on.
Living in the unbelievers God is our pastor and our light, His protection is always on his people.
How?
Even I am weak but I am strong for the Lord is with me and I am son of the Lord.

Friday, November 4, 2016

God has arranged the stage for my life

Esther 2:1-7
King Xerxes had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what he had decreed about her. But king's eunuch proposed "Let a search be made for beautiful young virgins for the king." This advice appealed to the king and he followed it.
Esther was lovely in form and features and Moddecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.
The years of the disastrous Greek war - the battles of Thermopylae and Salamis - intervene between chapter 1 and 2.
Why?
Bible described the background of Esther for God had arranged this story for her role to Jews.
What I will be born and what I will be God has his plans to me, so I do not fear and do not worry my way in front. Only follow the way of the Lord, obey God's word and honor God's holy name.
How?
God has arranged the stage of our life in the proper time and place.

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Power comes from love and truth

Esther 1:16-22
The Memucan replied in the presence of the king and the nobles. "... There will be no end of disrespect and discord.' He suggested let him issue a royal decree and let it be written in the laws of Persia and Media, which cannot be repealed, that Vashti is never again to enter the presence of King Xerxes. Also let the king give her royal position to someone else who is better than she."
On the advice of his astrologers the king deposes her, Vashti.
He sent letters: Darius had set up an excellent fast-courier postal service which operated throughout the empire.
Why?
King Xerxes was angry to the Vashti refused come, so he agreed Memucan suggestion deposed her royal position. King is more care about his name and authority.
Xerxes is the king of Persia and Media, but he is the husband of Vashti also, Xerxes had dual idendity, but he focused on his king position and disregard his obligation to his wife, at least ask what is going on.
The positions on the world are given by men, and it is easy be changed anytime by any reason. Only the position of Christian is given by the Lord forever if we are obey his commands.
How?
The power and the honor on the world is virtual, it could be disappeared quickly, the power comes from love and truth.



Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Boast the cross only

Esther 1:9-15
King Xerxes asked eunuchs bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at. But Queen Vashti refused to come. Then the king became furious and burned with anger.
In 483 he gives t huge feast, the climax to a sin-month display of his wealth and power. But his queen (we are not told why) refuses to play along with his wish to make her part of the exhibition.
Why?
King Xerxes became furious for Queen Vashti refused come, he felt shame before nobles and his guests.
King Xerxes like to show his honor and what he has. It is a proud man like to be praised.
Most people like to boast some nonsense matter to the world. It looks great but there are not meaning at all.
How?
Boast the cross only and be humble before the Lord. Give glory to the Lord.

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Admire the joy and glory in heaven

Esther 1:1-8
The king Xerxes who ruled over 17 provinces stretching from India to Cush. For a full 180 days he displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendor ad glory of his majesty.
Esther tell the story of a plot to exterminate the entire Jewish nation in the days of the Persian king. Ahasuerus, and how it was thwarted. It also explains the origin of the Jewish Feast of Pruim.
The Persian emperor Ahasuerus reigned from 486-465 BC over an empire stretching from the Indus to northern Sudan. He was the son of Darius I, who left him vast wealth and a new luxurious palace complex at Susa. Excavation has revealed the throne room, harem and a 'paradise'
Why?
King Xerxes though he is the king over all, he has wealth and paradise in Susa. He was proud for what he has. He lives like God in his kingdom.
Do not like this world but focus on the kingdom of God in heaven.
How?
Do not lust for this world, for all of this world will be away. The precious and honor in heaven is everlasting. Admire the glory in heaven.