I have two daughters, and I believe that my girls are the most beautiful creatures that have ever breathed air. As their dad, it’s my prerogative to declare that there is nothing in all of creation so grand as the beauty of my baby girls.
I’m entitled to those convictions as their father, but I recognize that the rest of the world will draw their own conclusions. Sadly, most people who encounter my girls won’t have time to get to know them. Whether explicitly or tacitly, their looks will determine whether the eye of each beholder deems them worthy or unworthy.
In the book of Esther, we see that even some 2,500 years ago females were likely to be discounted or elevated based on the measure of external beauty they possessed. Esther herself was one of a select group of “beautiful young virgins” who were to be groomed for concubinage based on their age and looks.
We read that “Esther gained favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her” (Esther 2:15). There is no evidence in the beginning of the story that she was favored because of her character or because she was good at math or because she was captain of her volleyball team. All we learn is that everyone who laid eyes on her thought she was very pretty.
While it is true that Esther received favor based on her beauty alone, she was immortalized because of her fearlessness, determination, and commitment to her family and community. We remember her for saying “If I perish, I perish” because advocating for her people was more important to her than her own life (Esther 4:16).
As the story unfolds, the beautiful maiden became a fiercely loyal woman; the lovely young girl blossomed into an ambassador for justice. And we honor Esther today, not because of her looks, but because her selflessness and her convictions changed the trajectory of God’s people. Every spring, our Jewish brothers and sisters celebrate Purim, an annual observance of the time “when their sorrow was turned into rejoicing and their mourning into a holiday…days of feasting, rejoicing and sending gifts to one another and to the poor” because of Esther’s courage (Esther 9:22).
With our Christocentric understanding of Scripture, Esther’s example ultimately serves as a harbinger of what God had in store all along for His people: to transform lives through Jesus, who would replace condemnation with salvation and cast out fear with freedom.
My daughters still live in a world that will often lionize or disregard them based on appearance. But reading about the life of Queen Esther reminds me that God loves selflessness. He prizes integrity. He honors virtue. These traits, which I so value in my own girls’ lives, can make the difference between life and death. As such, I rest knowing that even if my girls are judged initially for their looks, their character and commitment to Jesus have eternal value in the loving hands of their Father in heaven.
Written by Alex Florez
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121 thoughts on "Esther"
Amen
In a world where judgements are made in a second I ask God to challenge me to see the person of worth beyond the first hello and appreciate that everyone is a brother or sister in Christ, we are ALL God’s children. No matter how we may first be perceived!
Amen!
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May we truly take the time to get to know each other. May our hearts and eyes be opened in the process.
❤✝️
Amenn
As the saying goes we can’t judge a book by its cover.❤️
I have always loved the story of Esther. Her willingness, her courage, her obedience. That her true and lovely character abd purity of heart shines through her described outer beauty. And Mordecai’s commitment to guide and care for Esther well, his obedience and courage as well and how the Lord protected, orchestrated and guided them. So often it can seem that the Truth and right does not prevail but in Esther we see that and its encouraging. And, with an entire book that has no mention of God we still clearly see how His hand is present and woven into every detail. He is in all things and Esther reminds us of that so well. The challenge from Esther for me is always, if I translate it to my own life and ask what my “such a time as this” is, what is my response and am I am courageous and obedient? Do I see and look for how the Lord is working in my current situation? Good things to think on for today. May I be faithful in this time and know that God is at work.
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“…relief and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place.”
From another place.
The love of God will prevail.
There will be a perfect ending.
We have already won His favor.
Shall I in some small yet and essential part then
Be drawn into some large and critical part
Of His redemptive story?
And will I know it when I see it?
That’s something to ponder.
so good ❤
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Wonderfully said, GWINETH52..❤️
Hello she’s. The position and timing of Esther has such a tender place in my heart. To echo a wise insight from our sister TANYA, Esther is us. Do we dare to believe, that we are born for a time like this, to intercede fiercely on behalf of the ones whom we are called to carry in prayers. Let us intercede well. Let us pray well. Let us travail well. I want to share a poem that touched on Esther, but most of all, our Savior, and the choices of God through ordinary people like us. I could just cry at the goodness of God. Hope this resonates with you too. Hugs and love to you all.
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“The fragile clay”
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He does not call the strong to fight,
Nor crown the proud with power and might;
But lifts the lowly from the dust,
And arms the meek because they trust.
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A shepherd boy with sling in hand
Faced down the pride of Philistines’ land.
A stammering man with staff in grasp,
Led captives from the tyrant’s clasp.
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He finds the ones the world forgets
The outcasts, poor, and full of debts.
And through their hands He swings His sword,
To show the power of the Lord!
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He used a donkey’s humble voice
To halt a prophet’s foolish choice.
God opened lips that none would heed,
And stopped a prophet in his greed.
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He fed five thousand on a hill,
With one small lunch and heaven’s will.
A child’s hands held the fish and bread,
God’s hands multiplied the feast instead.
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A orphan girl in foreign land,
Spoke up with faith, and not command.
No sword she bore, no war she fought,
Just courage that her Faith had taught.
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So when you feel too small to stand,
Too weak to face what life demands,
Remember this: the GOD of Might
Still fights for those who walk in light.
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The Great Redeemer walks today,
Still using jars of fragile clay.
Not for our strength, but His displayed,
In every soul that dares obey.
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Yet see! The greatest battle won,
Not fought with fire, nor with gun,
But on the cross the Victor hung,
And crushed the serpent with His Son.
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Be blessed dear sisters.
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Much love, Mercy❤️
Love this poem! Thank you for sharing! ❤
“So when you feel too small to stand,
Too weak to face what life demands,
Remember this: the GOD of Might
Still fights for those who walk in light”
FUNNY ASIDE: At 71 years of age I am not “too fast” on anything, but I just got a popup from SRT that said “You are posting too fast. Slow down!” Hahaha
Just trying to connect with you sisters! ☺☺☺
That was supposed to be smiling faces! Pretend they are there!
☺☺☺☺☺❤!
lol!!! ❤
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That is funny, Cee-Gee ❤️
☺☺☺❤
I couldn’t help to put a “smile” on my face what Alex wrote about his daughters, that is SO sweet! I want to believe though we read Esther was “beautiful” she was not conceited or thought more highly of herself, instead humbled herself and took a risk, even if it meant her death and saved her people. She loved her God, OUR God more than herself and all the luxuries of the world (the palace) was providing for her. And here we are! God is good! Continued prayers are appreciated, decided early this morning as my body tends to “wake-up” at the wee hours of the morning, to start filing out some important paper work with the possibility of turning it in today. I need strength and courage right now. This is NO fun! Heading to a coffee shop here shortly to go do it. Grateful my kiddos will be with me. They’ll take some reading while I get to work filing out. No fun, but at least the loves of my life will be with me.
❤ Praying for this “assignment “, Mari! ❤
Youve got this cos you have a God who see you!
Praying..❤️
While God may not be seen or named in this story, He is there, working in the quiet, hidden moments, fulfilling His promises and protecting His people.
Esther’s life reminds us that while outward gifts may open doors, it is our inner strength, trust, and obedience that carry out God’s plans. Even when He seems silent, He is never absent. Behind the scenes of our lives, He is always working—for our good and for His glory.
And in His time! Such a good word, Ashley! ❤
Amen & Amen, Ashley!
Great word!
So thankful for the story of Esther! What a beautiful example of how God shapes us and molds us into who He has called us to be. He takes our fears & encourages us to walk in our purpose even when we doubt. // Seth update: He is being flown on a medical transport to a hospital in Colorado today. Once he is ready, he will be moved to a care facility there. There’s a lot of anxiety regarding the flight & how the stress will affect his heart rate and blood pressure as sitting upright in a chair can be too much for his body currently. Please pray that the flight goes well. His Mom is the only family member allowed to fly with him.
❤ Prayers for a safe flight with no medical setbacks and for peace for Seth’s family in this move. ❤
Praying Seths journey to colarado is covered in Gods grace and that he will arrive with peace of heart..❤️
I noted that even prior to the boldness she exhibited toward the end of the book, she was wise -asking for advise and listening, obedient, and humble. And she is a small type of Christ … she gave her life to go before the king and represent her people. Thank God for Jesus’ sacrifice for all of mankind…He in His kindness and love accepted Jesus’ blood as our payment and we can live forever, never to face eternal death! Halleluia!!
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Yes very wise. “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” I need to remind myself of this so often.
Amen
I love the story of Mordecai and Esther, one of my favorites! (out of, oh so many!)
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It’s really fascinating how they prepared a woman for the king. Twelve months of beauty treatments – yes, please!…but all kidding aside, what a journey Esther was about to embark on.
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In His timing,God placed Esther in the palace for His purpose. She was chosen by the king because God would use her to spare the lives of His people.
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Esther had the same heart attitude of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego when she stated, “if I perish, I perish.”
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Mordecai was a very wise and loving father to Esther. She fully respected and obeyed him – even when it meant she might lose her life!
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There is much to glean from this lesson today. One big “take-away” is that unlike man, God doesn’t look at the outer appearance – He looks at the heart. So many people in our world today judge by beauty appearance, but we would do well to remember – (and I’m speaking to myself here) “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30
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Thankful for the reminder that this whole account is one of many in the Old Testament that points to Jesus – our Savior, Redeemer. Without Him, we perish. With Him there is life evermore.
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Oh – one last side note: if you ever have the opportunity to visit the Louvre in Paris, it houses a significant collection of artifacts from the Citadel of Susa, where Esther was Queen…wish I had known when I was there 2 years ago!
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Happy Friday sweet She’s, remembering you all in prayer! ❤️
Good morning, Just an update on Sheila. The surgery went well. She seems to be in good spirits. She is experiencing phantom pain.
Prayers for dealing with the emotional and traumatic recovery time. May God bless you, Linda, in your ministry to Sheila! ❤ Thanks for the update!
thankful her surgery went well, praying for knowledge in dealing with the phantom pain.
Oops that was a reply to Rhonda J. I posted 2x. Sorry
❤Been there! No worries!
The sadest word would be, “Depart from me I never knew you.” I am aiming for “well done good and faithful servant.”
I liked what you said about Esther could have done lots that would have a different tragic ending. Esther could have been a Samson.
This was deep!
Truth be told, Tanya!
Re:depart from me,I never knew you…1 of my friend’s daughter has just walked ♀️ away from the Lord,and foolishly chosen the world and hasn’t thought of the repercussions in eternity for her or her family. Please pray that her and her husband will turn back to God.thankyou
I will pray
praying, Sandi.
Such great comments, sisters!!! I read this morning, but had an appointment so didn’t have time to read comments until now.
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I took time to read all of Esther this morning like many of you probably did. It is amazing how much there is to take away from this tiny book in the Bible- much like Ruth and Job!
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ALEX FLORES- Thank you for the beautiful and devo and your obvious respect for women. Your girls are blessed! ”
Esther received favor based on her beauty alone, she was immortalized because of her fearlessness, determination, and commitment to her family and community. ..God loves selflessness. He prizes integrity. He honors virtue.”
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I heard a song while out for my errands: HONEST (another by Leanna Crawford)
Can I be honest?
I just wanna know that You still got this
When all I’m holding onto is a promise
God, You promised that You’ll never leave me
When I’m scared of the dark, You’re right there with me
Your kindness never fails, it’s always reaching after me
But right now, God, all I need
Is to be honest
Oh, I’ve heard stories
Of you showing up when it was least expected
Every time you prove your timing always perfect
And the wait was worth it
And again and again and again
See your power coming through
You bring life to what is dead
No, there’s nothing You can’t do
I believe you did it then
So won’t You do it now?
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
I intended to correct the misspelling, but finished proofing and was distracted for a few minutes. I came back and hit post without finishing.
Sincerest apologies, ALEX FLOREZ!!! ❤
Love this so much❤️
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Esther INITIALLY received favor based on her beauty, but it was her wisdom, tact, ability to receive wise counsel, and her courage to follow through that saved her and her people and made her a type of Christ/Christ-figure. Or as my father would say, “Beauty is as beauty does.”
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Love hugs and prayer for you too!
Love the dong too❤️
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Esther didn’t start out as a bold hero. Her courage grew through prayer, fasting, community support, and faith.
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I don’t have to “have it all together” to be used by God. Like Esther, I can grow into my calling and trust God one step at a time — especially when I surround myself with people who encourage me in faith.
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Esther’s story reassures me that even in silence, God is present. He may be working in ways I can’t see yet — opening doors, aligning paths, and preparing breakthroughs.
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Where might God be calling me “for such a time as this”?
Esther’s story reminds me that ordinary people can be used for extraordinary purposes. Like her, I may be placed where I am, not by accident, but by divine design — to bring light, courage, and change in my own home, family or workplace.
Amen!
Amen – very well said!
Amen!
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“God is present. He may be working in ways I can’t see yet — opening doors, aligning paths, and preparing breakthroughs.”
Yes, Kimberly!
In the waiting I open myself to every possibility.
Yes, this is so good Kimberly!
Thanks for the reminder…that he is working in us through the seasons little/lot and we grow. I can see this as I look back on my journey. He seemed silent but now you know he was right there guiding!
So many good comments!
Amen. Amen. Amen.. Kimberly ❤️
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Amen
I love the story of Esther and how God’s provision and deliverance woven all throughout this story. May I have faith like Esther’s to withstand the trials in my life.
Why does vacation always go by so fast?! Lifting up the prayer requests. ❤️
Esther is one of my favorite stories in the Bible! How God uses a young woman to save her nation. She was taken not of her own free will but God used her mightily! To phrases stand out, “even if” and “for such a time as this.” May I have an even if mindset for such a time as this!
Praying for all.
For those who were praying for Tammy, she went to heaven on June 16th. Continue to pray for her family.
I am so sorry for your loss. She went to heaven on my birthday. ❤️ Continued prayers for her family.
oh…Cheryl….so sorry to hear of Tammy’s passing. Praying for the family.
❤ Prayers for your heart,too, Cheryl. May God comfort Tammy’s family in this time. ❤
Sorry to hear about Tammy. Praying for her family and for your sad heart..❤️
GM She’s!
I’m sure we all know the story of Esther, and have quoted the popular “perhaps you were here for such a time as this!”
You all have brought out many other good points to ponder of the story. That we can go to our King to petition for others! I don’t know that I have ever realized that @Tanya! That is such a good reminder, that as a daughter, we have our Father’s ear! He loves us and wants to give us our heart that lines with his heart, which is all to come to him!
Also, we can’t help but to look at the fact that girls/women are still objectified and looked upon and judged by outward appearances. It is sad. And I have to admit, I was very vain in my younger years. But even, like I was saying yesterday, as far as my aesthetics by going to the gym faithfully so I looked good. (yes, it was for health and strength, but I liked how I looked as well) And then…it all “falls,sags, and wrinkles” when you wake up one day! lol. I have said- “I wish I would have put such vigor into my spiritual life as I had my physical all those years. For it would have benefited me much more!
Oh we all long to be an Esther, or even a Mordecai. To make a real difference, to matter! To hear “well done my good and faithful servant!” To run our race well!
We can only do so by being in a close relationship with the Lord. Esther could have let fear override, Ester could have put her own safety over others, Ester could have done lots that would have left a different, tragic ending. But God always has a plan for his people. And that hasn’t changed today. Though they still stray and far away from Him, they one day will know Jesus is the Messiah. Everyone will know he is the Messiah. Lord keep our eyes on you, and align our thoughts and actions up with your divine plan! We want to bring as many people to You as we can! It is such a sad and fallen world, but with You, everything is brighter! “…when their sorrow was turned into rejoicing and their mourning into a holiday!”
God turns our sorrow to rejoicing! Thank you God!
The sadest word would be, “Depart from me I never knew you.” I am aiming for “well done good and faithful servant.”
I liked what you said about Esther could have done lots that would have a different tragic ending. Esther could have been a Samson.
“If only”…if only I had spent as much time obsessing over God’s word as I have obsessing over my outer appearance!…but, there is still time to change that – for all of us, as long as we have life and breath!
Praise God!
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Be sure to check out the comment I just added for you on yesterday’s notes. ;)
Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
This devo kind of makes me sad to think of how women are, and have been since the beginning of time, so objectified. It is worse now more than ever with social media. I fear for our young women who have to fight the social media highlight reel and “Fakebook” posts. I know if I spend 5 minutes on FB I can get into a head of comparison and how amazing everyone else’s lives/kids/families/marriages are compared to my own. Since I know this, I avoid social media but many young people don’t have that discernment. Today I pray for our young women to see their true value in Christ – to set their standards on God’s values and not the world’s values which will always leave them feeling lacking. I pray this for us too!
Rhonda – I was laughing at the flappy triceps comment.
Wendy – loved what you said about obedience
❤️Amen. I appreciate your thoughts, Tami. In addition to my 2 daughters, I have a few young women/young Mom’s that I mentor and spend time with. I am always praying that they would see themselves through the Lord’s eyes, seek Him first and not get caught up in the comparison game.
Yes and Amen to all you said! ❤️
Esther saved the nation of Israel, and the line to the messiah. An incredibly brave women. God is not mentioned in Esther,but God is everywhere in Esther.
Indeed, Sandi!
I remember a sermon I heard many years ago on Esther. The pastor asked us to repeat,” I am Esther. Esther is us.”
He said, “Every born again believer has access to the throne room. G-d has held out his golden scepter to us through Christ Jesus. We can go boldly to the throne of grace and plead for a people under a death curse. The people of the world are under a curse of death. God gave us this access not for a new boat not for a house with more square feet, not for a bigger SUV. (He can certainly do those things).Just like the Jews were under the edict of death the people of the world are destined for an eternity in hell without Christ. We, the people of God,are called to go before the throne for them .” That stayed with me! I was a young teen when I heard this message.
All the biblical women in Genesis seemed to be Miss Universe contestant material except Leah. Sarah,Rebecca,Rachel. However Proverbs 31:30 says,” Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.”
Excellent,Tanya.
Love this Tanya. I copied it into my notes. I had not made the connection of us being able to come before the King for others.
Me either,Tami. I love that. Thanks for sharing,Tami.
Amazing how certain phases from sermons can stick with us for a lifetime. I have always loved the story of Esther. I read beyond the suggested readings today. Esther courage is amazing.
Forgive the typos today. I’m a druggy!! This rainy weather is killing me.
Esther foreshadowing Christ as our intercessor.
Love this, Tanya❤️
The restrictions on approaching the king vs. our freedom to go to God anytime stood out to me more today than before! Your sermon quote about seeking favor on behalf of the lost of this world is so powerful! Thanks so much for remembering that so you could share it here today- such a time as this! ❤
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Ah, well, Rachel was depicted as comely. And Jacob did work 7 + 7 years to wed her. Smitten by her beauty.
Love this Tanya, thank you..❤️
Amen. Holy Spirit fill me with courage and the Word when I need it most to the glory of Jesus Christ. Amen
It’s moving to read Esther’s response to her uncle calling her out, reminding her that she herself is one of the Jews being targeted. She understood her situation and gathered the troops, so to speak, of those willing to fast on her behalf as God guided her to do her part for her people.
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The Lord was also working (as He always is!) on the king’s heart and mind in chapter 6, bringing her Uncle Mordecai’s past loyalty to light – right on time (as He always is!) in the midst of Esther setting the stage for God’s plan.
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For such a time as this … Lord, please guide us to recognize when You have placed us in a situation for a special part of Your plan, that we may be strong and courageous.
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Sisters, let’s start each day prepared to stand strong:
Ephesians 6:11-13
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
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The armor of God, it lifts us up instead of weighing us down:
Truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit – the word of God. All that, and pray without ceasing.
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GWINETH52 ❤️
CEE GEE – weeds, temptation,sin, ongoing battles that we rise above by the grace and strength of the Lord. This clicked with me, thank you. Thinking of Phil Wickham’s Battle Belongs.
SANDI ❤️ new beginnings, brought to us by God
RHONDA J ❤️
WENDY B ❤️
Yes, we have the Armor of God! That was our study yesterday at jail ministry! It was for “such a time as this” for them!
Amen ❤️
Amen and amen, sister! Your encouragement each day is such a blessing! Love you!
Agreeing with you here Cee-Gee, Searching always the encouraging sister.. and our prayer warrior..❤️
Amen – don’t walk out the door without your armor, unprepared for battle!
So good Searching..Armour of God…❤️
Amen
We know that God looks at the heart while the world is looking for beauty in all things. Esther’s beauty was the reason she became queen but her faith is what saved her people. Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this, Esther 4:14.
She’s I pray our faith can be stronger that’s our fears as we follow the Lord. Blessing’s to each of you today as we follow God’s plans for us.
Beautifully said Lucille!
Yes, Lucille!
Faith over fears.
On even our worse hair days!!!
Lord help us to lives where we are known for our heart for you more than what we look like and how much attention our posts on social media garner. May we be known for loving you and being faithful to your calling on our lives.
“character and commitment to Jesus have eternal value in the loving hands of [my] Father in heaven.”
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Thank you for this reminder Alex!
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It is right and good to honor this young woman, who was orphaned, taken from her family (the gathering of the virgins was not voluntary), and made to submit to rituals for “concubinage,” and summoned to the king for one night (like Bathsheba). Then her selection to be queen to a man easily angered and manipulated by his officials was not necessarily like hitting the jackpot. Yet God moved through her to bring justice to her people.
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Praying for your requests ❤️
Good points, Kelly! We continue to see these kings were only wise in their own eyes, easily manipulated as you pointed out and prone to making rash and impulsive decisions.
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Thank you Kelly. Please pray for a meeting I have today with my church and our outreach to a
I prayed your meeting will go well!
Excellent points KELLY!❤️ I think it can be easy to lose some of these details.
❤ Thank you, Kelly!
Yes Kelly – thank you for pointing out those very good points! ❤️
Great points Kelly! Beautiful actually..❤️