Lesson 3- Proverbs 31

Good afternoon and welcome!

Today's verse is Proverbs 31:12 (NIV)
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

The woman we are focusing on for this verse is Esther, one of my personal favorites.
(Seems I have a lot of favorites when it comes to the Bible. *smiles*)

Esther was born Hadassah. Her story, The Book of Esther, is the basis for the celebration of Purim in the Jewish tradition. Purim commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman, who was planning to kill all the Jews. Esther's determination to save her people was a very brave thing to do. My favorite verse from her story is:
Esther 4:14
...And who knows
but that you have come to your royal position
for such a time as this?

Have you ever felt you were at the right place at the right time?
Or that you had gone through something terrible that caused something good to happen?
Esther had, but her position saved her people.
We don't always know or understand God's plans, but if we remember to have faith and believe in Him we can overcome so many things.

Gratitude
1. Esther's inspirational story
2. Grace from God
3. My readers

Ephesians 1:16
I have not stopped giving thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers.

May I pray for you?
Please leave a comment and I will add you to my prayer list.

Blessings,
Deborah

The Wednesday Walk

     I am really enjoying studying the Book of Esther with my new Bible study group.  She was so brave, even though she knew she could be put to death for her actions. She fasted and prayed for her people and God protected her. Even though God is not mentioned in this book, His fingerprints are all over the story.  He is always there for those who believe 24/7.  That is such a comfort to me.
     Our challenge this week is to fast and make time to pray for someone.  My choice is to fast from the Internet tomorrow and use that time with God. I have wanted to make prayer cards, a specific journal to keep track of verses, and cut out a charity quilt, but lately I have let the computer become a major time suck. My SIL and I have discussed the good vs. the bad of computerland so many times.  The First Commandment says, "I am the Lord your God. You will have no other gods, but Me."

     141)  Fasting
     142)  My sight
     143)  Devotional books that keep me focused
     144)  Flylady
     145)  Laughter
     146)  Warmth from the sun on my face
     147)  The guests who come to the soup kitchens

     See you Friday!
     Blessings, Deborah

Fellowship Friday

     I joined a women's Bible study through my church. That sounds so good to say "my church."  We are studying the book of Esther. I didn't realize this book has no mention of God. It is plain that He is there, in the background and guiding as always, but no one talks about Him.  Sounds more like a book about today than Biblical times. I'm anxious to read the entire book this week and catch up with the others and discover how this drama plays out. 
     There were seven women, including myself and I now have six new sisters in Christ and they are my thankful list today.

     106)  Marylee (Minister)
     107)  Darlene  (hostess)
     108)  Gail
     109)  Karen
     110)  Dorothy
     111)  Dee
     112)  The Book of Esther

     Blessings of new Christian friends.  Life can't get much better than that.
     Wishing you a weekend overflowing with His blessings, Deborah