chronological day 257 :)

Today, we are reading Ezra 6:14-22, Ezra 4:6, and we are starting Esther chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4. Esther is a favorite - it's hard for me to pick out only one or two little highlights!

"they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy; for the Lord made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel" (Ezra 6:22 KNJV)

They were joyful because the Lord gave joy, and strengthened because the Lord gave them strength for their work. Hard work is a blessing!  The ability to do hard work is a blessing!

It’s hard for me to offer a nutshell on Esther and comment on 4 chapters in a little blurb! Did you ever notice God’s Name is never mentioned in this book? I notice Ahasuerus’ advisors exaggerate (“all” wives will be disobedient because of Vashti’s example?).  We need to be careful of the voices we allow in our lives. Have to mention Esther 4:14, of course:

"who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14 NKJV"