Weekly Guide：Week 42
November 11, 2018
Forward
We started on the Book of Ephesians last week. This week, we’ll complete that reading and start on the Book of Philippians.
The Book of Ephesians we are studying explained the question of our identity in Christ. The faith of Christians is in Christ. It is the new life coming out of our relationship with Christ in which, instead of being individuals, we are parts of Christ’s body that all our actions impart on His body and must be consistent with our identity.
To understand the identity has nothing to do with philosophy nor theology but has everything to do with the knowledge of who we are. Our identity, consciously or not, defines our spiritual life and material awareness. It is from Christ’s grace we received our identity and privileges as a new creation that we cannot boast of. To connect with Christ does not cut us off from the world as an escape from reality. Let the new identity motivate us to transform us even as we live in this world. The new identity does not make an insistence on perfection nor ignorance on sins as we don’t want to be self-pitying and arrogant but, as a new creation, the proper response is to worship and be obedient. It is not the law but our identity that we shall not do wrongful things. Faith is not limited to just believing truth, but also the connection with Christ. Living in Christ is living against evil, is a zealous life knowing that being part of Him would bring a total turn around in conduct and moral.
May God’s word renew you all each day!
Question
What is our responsibility in God’s Kingdom?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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God’s calling to Paul was to make the Gentiles disciples and through Jesus Christ made known to him the mystery to unit Jews and Gentiles with God. For this reason, Paul was not afraid of facing life threatening dangers that encouraged the troubled Ephesians believers. Because he knew for our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all..
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According to God’s design, His power is displayed through and in all believers. In one way, it is through the spiritual gifts to each held together by every supporting ligament, at the same time, of the same body, same spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God being the foundation of all disciples’ unity.
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It is The Holy Spirit gives us the gift of unity but it is up to us to make every effort to keep the unity.
Meditation: My Story
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Community - God does not want a growth just for us as individuals but one with Christ being the head, church being the body, and all disciples connect to Christ together growing as one. Am I willing to accept help and assistance from others or just mind my own business? How should I grow with others to understand the vastness and the depth of God’s love?
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Fidelity - The gifts God gives to individuals are to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. Therefore, we would see ourselves without bias and put ourselves to proper use as God intended only if we view our gifts through the view point of building up Christ’s body. How am I seeing my gifts?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What areas of my life need to be renewed?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Those who reconnect with God would have a life different from their former way of life. This is because the old self is corrupted by deceitful desires, but the new self is created to be like God.
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We are children of light in the Lord and shall live in the light (goodness, righteousness, and truth) as well as to find out what pleases the Lord.
Meditation: My Story
- Integrity - The Bible teaches us that connecting with God brings out a renewed life. Have I experienced recently a transformation of my life brought about by my renewed heart? We are often motivated by the decision to change and experience the joy of change. However, we sometimes forget the change and go back to business as usual. It is a long process to transform to the new life. How should I build a regular habit of devotion, immersion in God’s word and His light to truly transform my life to have the God like character?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How should Christians face the spiritual wars?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Christians face many kinds of wars in their lives from earthly authorities, the spiritual forces of evil, and their own desires.
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God gave every Christians a full armor that is sufficient to win any war, to stand up to anything, and that God’s will may be accomplished through us.
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To win in the spiritual wars, we need to rely on God’s power and pray often for ourselves as well as all Christians.
Meditation: My Story
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Walking with God - Let me read in depth this passage: The full armor for the spiritual war begins with dependence on His mighty power and completes with praying by the power of the Spirit at all time with all kinds of prayers. This emphasized the importance of reliance on God’s power for the spiritual war.
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Integrity - It is undeniable that we are facing wars in our life. What God has built up in us reflects in our reactions toward these wars. When our characters are more like God, we become more capable to face these wars in accordance to His will and liking. Thus, God can be glorified through His disciples. Let me pray to God to equip me with all His armors: truth, righteousness, good news of peace, faith, salvation, God’s word.
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Fidelity - To be a warrior of Christ, my service must go past benefiting myself. Pray to God to help me to serve in: 1. Prayer and support to all Christians; 2. All areas of society and culture not yet following God.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What is Christian value?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Paul prayed and was grateful for all who had joined him in spreading the gospel.
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Paul being chained in prison was made beknown to all as a witness for Christ and helped spread the gospel.
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Paul’s value: to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Meditation: My Story
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Identity - Pray to God to help me root deeply in my heart that it is my connection with Christ and realization of my new life that I would find my life is Him and to die is also a gain.
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Community - Paul was thankful every time he remembered those who joined him in spreading gospel and was always happy to pray for them. Pray to God to remind me to pray and be grateful for my fellow Christians often.
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Fidelity - Paul had no reservation for everything thing happened to him had helped spread the gospel. Pray to God to help me know and understand that gospel is not just for my own benefit alone but for the benefit of God’s kingdom.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How should Christians live?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Christians shall live in a way that’s worthy of the gospel of Christ. Stand firm in the one Spirit and striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
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Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.
Meditation: My Story
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Identity - Pray to God to help me connect with Christ and work together with my fellow Christians in one Spirit so that we may stand firm and, with my new life, being one body in Christ.
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Community - What in my life is making me proud? Where in me do I see myself being above the others? Pray to God to help me worry less of myself but more of the others.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What are the characteristics of a Christian’s identity?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Rejoice in the Lord and pray often.
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I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.
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Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
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My brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way.
Meditation: My Story
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Identity - How does it help me, knowing that I belong to the Kingdom of God and waiting for Christ’s coming at any time? Where and how am I placing my hope, in the material world of today, or in the eternal transformation of my life?
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Integrity - We are not being complacent because of the promises we’ve already gotten from God. Paul said it clearly, forget what’s behind but push hard toward what’s ahead toward the goal to win the prize that God had already promised. How am I being encouraged by this so that I would push hard to live my life to glorify God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Scripture Reading
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What is the purpose of the spiritual gifts from God?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Spiritual gifts are given to individuals by the will of the Holy Spirit.
+ We are all members of one body, baptized by one Spirit into one body, and all made to drink into the one spirit.
+ Without love and not used to benefit others, gifts, no matter how great, are nothing.
+ What we know and what we prophesize are limited. Only when that which is perfect has come, then there will be no more limits.
+ It is a spiritual gift to be able to speak in tongues but it is of no benefit if the listener cannot understand.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Community** - What is love? Am I loving my Christian brothers and sisters by God's standard?
+ **Fidelity** - Every member of the body has their unique gifts. What are my spiritual gifts? Am I willing to benefit the church with my gifts?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Why is Jesus' death and resurrection so significant?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Paul reiterated the gospel to correct the false view of those who did not believe Jesus' resurrection.
+ The resurrection of Jesus demonstrates God's power.
+ Paul persecuted the church then became the smallest of the apostles. Through God's grace, he became an important vessel of God's purpose.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - How do I see death? Do I believe in resurrection? Why?
+ **Fidelity** - Paul reminded us to stand firm, let nothing move us. Always give us fully to the work of the Lord, because we know that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. Am I serving the Lord with such a strong mind and faith?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How should we assist each other?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Paul reminded the Corinthian church to collect donations to assist the church in Jerusalem.
+ Paul reminded the church of Corinth to not hold any bias against Timothy for they might look down upon him.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Can I stand firm on the truth? Do I have a mature spiritual life or is it still in its infancy?
+ **Integrity** - Do I have the love to assist financially those brothers and sisters who are in need?
+ **Fidelity** - The household of Stephanas were devoted to the service of the Lord's people. Am I following their example?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How do the outer suffering from outside and the inner misery enrich those who have faith in God?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ God is the Father of compassion and God of all comfort. As we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. With this suffering and comforting we may comfort those who are suffering.
+ We are not to grieve each other, but with a firm love, bring joy to each other in the Lord.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Christian life is not always smooth sailing. What is suffering in Christ when the distress comes? How do I submit to God's purpose and become comfort for others?
+ **Community** - Is the joy in the Lord for the other Christians the goal of my relationship with them? Do I prioritize my own defense when being wronged? When others have done wrong, do I prioritize the enforcement of righteousness on them over their repentance and acceptance of God's salvation?
+ **Integrity** - What should the source and basis of my plans be? What promises can I give to others? What should the basis of my promises be?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How do we demonstrate Christ's glory and aroma as Christians under thew New Covenant?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Paul and his co-workers spoke of Christ before God with sincerity, as those sent from God. And God led them as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and used them to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere.
+ Paul and his co-workers are ministers of a new covenant, of the Spirit, of the righteousness, and of the long-lasting glory. The Spirit of God causes us to be like Him with His glory upon glory.
+ We are to preach Christ as Lord God so that the light of His glory may shine in people's hearts.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Whether others believe or not what we preach, we'd have the aroma of Christ as long as we preach Christ with sincerity before God. What does "before God with sincerity as sent from God" mean? What does this remind and encourage me in my service and preaching? Do I boast for their conversion? Am I depressed for their resistance?
+ **Fidelity** - What is the difference between the glory of Moses and the glory of the ministry of the New Covenant? What is the result of the glory of the ministry of the New Covenant? What hope does it bring to me for knowing this everlasting and life transforming glory? How does this hope help me preach the truth with courage? What does "commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God" mean?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What should I keep in mind to have a God pleasing life?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ This is Paul's life: carry with him Jesus' death so that Jesus' life may be revealed; while his body is decaying but his heart is renewed each day; set his focus on the eternal glory instead of temporary troubles; gaining the heavenly building in place of destructible earthly tent.
+ Disciples of Christ must commit to live for the Lord, to please God, and give glory to Him.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - The one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. This verse assures us while on earth, we may taste the joy of God's grace when we are surrounded by the temporary troubles so that we may be strengthened in faith and have hope for the eternal glory. The commitment of our hearts and the works of the Holy Spirit are inseparable. Do I have such experience? Is the Holy Spirit working or has worked in me to help me set my sight on the eternal home?
+ **Integrity** - For we live by faith, not by sight. This verse clearly tells us to view lightly the troubles we see on earth but set sight on the eternal glory. What problems am I seeing? How are these problems troubling me and causing me to lose focus on the eternity?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What is the purpose of the spiritual gifts from God?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Spiritual gifts are given to individuals by the will of the Holy Spirit.
+ We are all members of one body, baptized by one Spirit into one body, and all made to drink into the one spirit.
+ Without love and not used to benefit others, gifts, no matter how great, are nothing.
+ What we know and what we prophesize are limited. Only when that which is perfect has come, then there will be no more limits.
+ It is a spiritual gift to be able to speak in tongues but it is of no benefit if the listener cannot understand.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Community** - What is love? Am I loving my Christian brothers and sisters by God's standard?
+ **Fidelity** - Every member of the body has their unique gifts. What are my spiritual gifts? Am I willing to benefit the church with my gifts?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Why is Jesus' death and resurrection so significant?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Paul reiterated the gospel to correct the false view of those who did not believe Jesus' resurrection.
+ The resurrection of Jesus demonstrates God's power.
+ Paul persecuted the church then became the smallest of the apostles. Through God's grace, he became an important vessel of God's purpose.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - How do I see death? Do I believe in resurrection? Why?
+ **Fidelity** - Paul reminded us to stand firm, let nothing move us. Always give us fully to the work of the Lord, because we know that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. Am I serving the Lord with such a strong mind and faith?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How should we assist each other?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Paul reminded the Corinthian church to collect donations to assist the church in Jerusalem.
+ Paul reminded the church of Corinth to not hold any bias against Timothy for they might look down upon him.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Can I stand firm on the truth? Do I have a mature spiritual life or is it still in its infancy?
+ **Integrity** - Do I have the love to assist financially those brothers and sisters who are in need?
+ **Fidelity** - The household of Stephanas were devoted to the service of the Lord's people. Am I following their example?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How do the outer suffering from outside and the inner misery enrich those who have faith in God?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ God is the Father of compassion and God of all comfort. As we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. With this suffering and comforting we may comfort those who are suffering.
+ We are not to grieve each other, but with a firm love, bring joy to each other in the Lord.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Christian life is not always smooth sailing. What is suffering in Christ when the distress comes? How do I submit to God's purpose and become comfort for others?
+ **Community** - Is the joy in the Lord for the other Christians the goal of my relationship with them? Do I prioritize my own defense when being wronged? When others have done wrong, do I prioritize the enforcement of righteousness on them over their repentance and acceptance of God's salvation?
+ **Integrity** - What should the source and basis of my plans be? What promises can I give to others? What should the basis of my promises be?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How do we demonstrate Christ's glory and aroma as Christians under thew New Covenant?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Paul and his co-workers spoke of Christ before God with sincerity, as those sent from God. And God led them as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and used them to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere.
+ Paul and his co-workers are ministers of a new covenant, of the Spirit, of the righteousness, and of the long-lasting glory. The Spirit of God causes us to be like Him with His glory upon glory.
+ We are to preach Christ as Lord God so that the light of His glory may shine in people's hearts.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Whether others believe or not what we preach, we'd have the aroma of Christ as long as we preach Christ with sincerity before God. What does "before God with sincerity as sent from God" mean? What does this remind and encourage me in my service and preaching? Do I boast for their conversion? Am I depressed for their resistance?
+ **Fidelity** - What is the difference between the glory of Moses and the glory of the ministry of the New Covenant? What is the result of the glory of the ministry of the New Covenant? What hope does it bring to me for knowing this everlasting and life transforming glory? How does this hope help me preach the truth with courage? What does "commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God" mean?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What should I keep in mind to have a God pleasing life?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ This is Paul's life: carry with him Jesus' death so that Jesus' life may be revealed; while his body is decaying but his heart is renewed each day; set his focus on the eternal glory instead of temporary troubles; gaining the heavenly building in place of destructible earthly tent.
+ Disciples of Christ must commit to live for the Lord, to please God, and give glory to Him.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - The one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. This verse assures us while on earth, we may taste the joy of God's grace when we are surrounded by the temporary troubles so that we may be strengthened in faith and have hope for the eternal glory. The commitment of our hearts and the works of the Holy Spirit are inseparable. Do I have such experience? Is the Holy Spirit working or has worked in me to help me set my sight on the eternal home?
+ **Integrity** - For we live by faith, not by sight. This verse clearly tells us to view lightly the troubles we see on earth but set sight on the eternal glory. What problems am I seeing? How are these problems troubling me and causing me to lose focus on the eternity?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How was Esther selected as queen?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ In the third year of King Xerxes reign in the citadel of Susa, he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials.
+ When the attendants delivered the king's command, Queen Vashti refused to come. Then the king became furious and burned with anger.
+ Vashti was removed from her position as queen.
+ Xerxes searched for beautiful young virgins and Esther was taken to the king's palace.
+ Esther was taken to King Xerxes in the royal residence and the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, so he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - If Vashti did not disobey the king's command, would the Israelite be saved in later day? God's mind is higher than our own. Am I willing to see God's work in everything I encounter?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did the possibility of annihilation come about to the Jews?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Mordecai reported the conspiracy of two of the king's officers who guarded the doorway. All this was recorded in the book of the annals in the presence of the king.
+ Because Mordecai would not kneel down or pay honor to Haman, he was enraged and looked for a way to destroy all Jews.
+ Haman advised King Xerxes to issue a decree to destroy all Jews while he would give ten thousand talents of silver to the king. The king said to Haman to do with the people as he pleased.
+ They wrote out commands in the name of King Xerxes to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews, and to plunder their goods.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Mordecai insisted on not kneeling down to Haman, upholding his principle and not to subjugate himself to the social norm. What struggle did Mordecai experience? Can I not submit myself to the society for the truth?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Who could change the fate of the Jews?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Mordecai tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, wailing loudly and bitterly.
+ Mordecai instructed Esther to go into the king's presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people.
+ Esther asked all the Jews: "To fast for three days. When this is done, I would go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."
+ When the 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.
+ Haman set up a pole in preparation to kill Mordecai.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Fidelity** - Mordecai asked Esther to risk her life to help him. Why didn't he ask God to help? How does God prepare us for the struggles we face today with questions like this?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How was the Jews rescued by miracles?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Through chronicle, the King learned of Mordecai's honor and recognition he did not receive.
+ The king ordered Haman to robe Mordecai, lead him on the horse through the city streets, and proclaiming before him, "This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!"
+ The king asked Esther what her petition and request were. Esther asked the king to save the Jews.
+ The king impaled Haman on the pole he had set up for Mordecai.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Haman conspired to kill Mordecai but ended up in giving him the honor and recognition. What do I think about this surprising outcome? How should I view God's control of my life?
+ **Identity** - Esther did not speak for the Jews immediately but waited for the next day when the king asked her. How would the outcome be different if she had done otherwise? Am I willing to wait for God's timing?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What great honor did Mordecai get?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ King Xerxes gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman. Esther appointed Mordecai over Haman's estate.
+ Esther asked the king to overrule the dispatches that Haman had sent out. The king's edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves; to destroy, kill and annihilate the armed men of any nationality or province who might attack them and their women and children, and to plunder the property of their enemies.
+ The city of Susa held a joyous celebration for Mordecai.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - The thirteenth day of the month of Adar turned from a day of annihilation into a day of retribution. How do I view suffering under God's control?
+ **Fidelity** - For the welfare of the Jews, Esther and Mordecai were not satisfied with honor, recognition, and Haman's execution. Am I willing to other's needs above mine and seek each other's blessings?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did the Jews kill and destroy those who hated them?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ On the thirteenth day of the Adar month, the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them. In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men and the ten sons of Haman.
+ Mordecai wrote to the Jews to have them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, their sorrow turned into joy and their mourning into celebration. The days are as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor.
+ Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Fidelity** - The Jews assembled and fought together to turn sorrow into joy. God's protection is in His miraculous plan but we also need to do our part and work together to fend off our enemies. Are we still lacking in any area of our defense? How may I pray for it?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses