This is such an important story. It tells me that each of us was born for this moment we are in. It reminds me God moves history towards its climax with or without me. It also tells me that I need to pray always before responding. Discernment of God's will is not always easy.
I so love the book of Esther because it seems to be giving me an example of how I have mostly experienced God in my story. Not in clear messages to me but somehow orchestrating my life. Some bad things have happened and some amazingly good things have happened or even come out of the bad? I don't know but I am convinced God exists and is active in my life, despite a lack of clear messages, except upon occasion.
What a wonderful accounting of God's plans set in motion with the knowledge younhave the free will to act upon it or not ... what could happen if you follow it and what could happen if you don't!! The bottom line is that God has a plan & WILL set the plan in motion to be done according to His will .... but the question remains..... Are you going to be a part of it or not? So when you feel that prompting of the spirit, you could be part of His plan to help! What an honor & a privilege 👏 ❤
Glory to God. Hallelujah! Thank you N.T Wright. One of my favourite books of the Bible. Although God or the devil are not mentioned, we do see and feel the tense Spiritual Warfare taking place.
Trusting God can make impossible things happen if it is His will. Just read God's Smugglers, by brother Andrew, to see his remarkable achievements, and the impossible happen in our lives today.
Our adopted daughter's middle name was changed by her when the adoption was made final. Jamie has always loved the story of Esther. Her son is profoundly autistic and I remind her all the time that she is here for such a time as this. Jace loves his mama❤ God be praised🙏🏻🕊💙
We never know when we will be called to do a task for the Lord, but we need to have open ears and hearts. I have been led towards a special task for the Lord, which I am sure will bear fruit. Your podcast with Justin has been an enormous help, and I have just completed your Udemy course on Luke. Amazing resources. God bless you, especially with your recent diagnosis. I hope he continues to use you for many years to come too. 🙏
Thanks for your encouragement. Glad to hear you found the course to be useful in your studies. We'd love to hear more about how you're using what you're learning in your specific context or ministry.
I am always stirred by the story of Esther. In time where nothing seems to be happening, I find those times are times of positioning. I love your words today. 😊
As always, listening to or reading Dr Wright is like streams of consciencious of God's presence cascading upon me. Gratified.
This is such an important story. It tells me that each of us was born for this moment we are in. It reminds me God moves history towards its climax with or without me. It also tells me that I need to pray always before responding. Discernment of God's will is not always easy.
Good words. Pause, pray, proceed!
Gods presence hovering in the background, that resonates with me….and I love NT Wright….always learn something new!
Amen. Glory to God.
I so love the book of Esther because it seems to be giving me an example of how I have mostly experienced God in my story. Not in clear messages to me but somehow orchestrating my life. Some bad things have happened and some amazingly good things have happened or even come out of the bad? I don't know but I am convinced God exists and is active in my life, despite a lack of clear messages, except upon occasion.
Prayer changes things.
For such a time as this - those words ring in my mind. God uses His people for great purposes during difficult times.
Amennn in Jesus Christ Mighty Name 👋🔥🕊️🎚️🇧🇯
Prayer at perfect timing…reminds me of Nehemiah 2, especially verse 4. And thus was the Temple rebuilt.
Indeed, to engage prayerfully with God as we engage with others is faith seeking understanding in practice.
🙏 Amén
What a wonderful accounting of God's plans set in motion with the knowledge younhave the free will to act upon it or not ... what could happen if you follow it and what could happen if you don't!!
The bottom line is that God has a plan & WILL set the plan in motion to be done according to His will .... but the question remains..... Are you going to be a part of it or not? So when you feel that prompting of the spirit, you could be part of His plan to help! What an honor & a privilege 👏 ❤
That we would have listening hearts to hear and discern what God is saying to us.
Glory to God. Hallelujah! Thank you N.T Wright. One of my favourite books of the Bible. Although God or the devil are not mentioned, we do see and feel the tense Spiritual Warfare taking place.
Trusting God can make impossible things happen if it is His will. Just read God's Smugglers, by brother Andrew, to see his remarkable achievements, and the impossible happen in our lives today.
Our adopted daughter's middle name was changed by her when the adoption was made final. Jamie has always loved the story of Esther. Her son is profoundly autistic and I remind her all the time that she is here for such a time as this. Jace loves his mama❤ God be praised🙏🏻🕊💙
This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
We may not see God part the Red Sea but no telling how many times "the King could not sleep" has changed the course of history. Thy will be done!
Yes, we can often look back and find big changes at work in the day (or night!) of seemingly 'small things' (Zech 4.10).
We never know when we will be called to do a task for the Lord, but we need to have open ears and hearts. I have been led towards a special task for the Lord, which I am sure will bear fruit. Your podcast with Justin has been an enormous help, and I have just completed your Udemy course on Luke. Amazing resources. God bless you, especially with your recent diagnosis. I hope he continues to use you for many years to come too. 🙏
Thanks for your encouragement. Glad to hear you found the course to be useful in your studies. We'd love to hear more about how you're using what you're learning in your specific context or ministry.
Thank you. This was a blessing to hear.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you. It is never cheap to answer His call. But it's vastly enriching.
To engage with God is to be enriched. Thanks for this reflection!
This passage and all that you have said has spoken into my situation and circumstances. Thank you.
We are thankful for this and glad you're here.!
I am always stirred by the story of Esther. In time where nothing seems to be happening, I find those times are times of positioning. I love your words today. 😊
Thanks for this wonderful image of a faithful and receptive posture of positioning! (or, perhaps, being repositioned!)
great!
Can we just pause to appreciate Tom’s fingerless gloves? 😂
Indeed, we can! Prof. Wright's compression gloves have been very helpful for arthritis.