Proverbs Bible Sketches

Wisdom in Proverbs

God gives wisdom to remind me I can be absolutely sure Christ straightens my path which leads to Him

Life is like a road trip over an unknown number of days from hospital to home, church, work, shop, recreation, celebrations to funerals and many experiences in between. We go uphill, downhill, flat earth straight ways, curves, slow over speed bumps, slippery slopes, broken ice—bypass dangers of getting stuck in sand, snow, mud, roadblocks—on detours for times of repair and building up construction. Thankfully, we may give heavy baggage to the Lord and travel light!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Proverbs 3:5-6

I am not required to understand every detail of every turn on the road trip, nor is it in my power to control traffic or timing

God’s humble wisdom provides everything good and needed—direction, forgiveness, safety, healing, and assurance in His Word. No one will be lost unless they reject the power of the Holy Spirit. God’s Peace Source (GPS) points to Jesus—the way, truth and life. In my weakness, I’m perfectly strengthened to live with protection of angels commanded to guard my ways until the Last Day. The Comforter mercifully reminds me when I am empty, steers me to repentance, fuels me with forgiveness, navigates to wayside rest. My Savior washes me clean, renews by grace and restores confidence to go forward. God provides faithful friends who are praying God-speed for me. Sermons and various audio snacks feed me reminders that, in the death of Jesus, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Jesus rose to life, lives within me, gives Himself for me to taste and digest in The Lord’s Supper. Trusting Christ’s work, my final eternal destination will be with Him, eternally rescued from from sin and its torturous consequences. 

“And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Proverbs 8:32-33

Proverbs 8:32-33

My Creator gave me ears and an amazing sense to listen, hear His instruction, not neglect His wisdom 

Isn’t it wonderful that the God of the universe wants to communicate?! Praying out loud with others, group Bible studies, singing hymns, listening to sermons in person or video with my congregation as well as radio internet streaming and audio bible formats are designed to bless me habitually and actively encourage me to keep God’s ways. Along with other believers, I confess sin, meditate, pray—with thanksgiving—that the Holy Spirit will come upon me and give me desire to be faithful in the works that Christ has done in perfection for me.

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

Proverbs 15:1

I pray

Oh Lord, harshness coming from another person does make me angry and sad, especially when it is spoken from an unmerciful, ungracious, ungrateful and confused heart. Thank You for understanding me even when my communication with another falls on deaf ears, is ignored and interpretation is twisted or responded to with degradation. Keep giving me kind, soft answers and fill me with Your patience. Protect my heart when others abuse me with bitterly cold words and actions. I wait for charitable, mutual understanding during each opportunity for conversation You provide. Encourage me during difficult times when others tempt, reject, threaten, blame and shame me. Thank You that You know truth and help me grow and shine among darkness and doubt in this world. Help me love and forgive others, in Jesus Name—just as You assure me of forgiveness, good purposes and promises. Amen.

A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.

Proverbs 15:13

Proverbs 15:13a

My spirit is crushed; yet, I have hope!

Life is hard. Others express disappointment regarding their expectations of me. I can’t please them as I wanted and expected that I would. Everyone, including myself, falls short of the perfect people God designed and created us to be. I am sorry and sad when I see my own faults and inadequacies. The Bible teaches me that I’ve sinned, even in ways which I don’t even recognize in myself. I am thankful for the promise of hope in Jesus. This makes my heart glad—my face smiles, knowing Christ is near with His cheer, never will he leave me! Why should Cross and Trial Grieve me? (lyrics), (audio)

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Proverbs 16:24

Proverbs 16:24

I pray

Dear Heavenly Father, I want to treat others with healthy, sweet, gracious words, thoughts and deeds. Thank you for sweetness for my soul and health for my body which You provide though Your Son and by placing me among gracious brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.

The intelligent person restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a man of understanding. Proverbs 17:27

Proverbs 17:27

I pray

Sovereign King, thank You for my brain, tact, insight, compassion and empathy for others going through challenging times. Increase patience for every process of Your plan for me. I am happy to be here sharing Good News. Amen.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Proverbs 22:6

Trusting Jesus Christ is the way to the heavenly places He rules

I’m equipped in baptism. Mom lead prayers, devotions, read the Bible. Teachers filled me with knowledge and skills. Pastors and Christian friends encourage me in spiritual matters. By grace, I have been pulled back from straying, grown in faith to maturity; forever guided and sustained until my time in this broken world ends. Out of gratitude I seek opportunities God provides to share!

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Proverbs 25:11

Proverbs 25:11

I pray

Lord, thank you for every person who communicates the authentic language of Your nourishing love. I appreciate the gifts of artistic talent You give Your dear ones to portray Your genuine mercy at the cross. Because You forknew fallen darkness in me and every person, You planned and carried out Your suffering, death and resurrection to save all who believe. Thank You for cleansing me from all sin—my own and those committed against me. Help me live in Your light to share the mercy and grace You have shown me. Amen.

One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. Proverbs 29:23

Proverbs 29:23

Fallen human nature’s blind spot of arrogance, pride, and know-it-all attitude hides the truth that only God is omniscient, omnipotent and completely honorable.

Often, people blindly think salvation is accomplished by something good they do or by virtues they have. Such prideful attitudes as well as rude, grudge-holding behaviors and tendencies of entitlement, all lean on selfish power trips to domineer someone or manipulate a situation. Degrading ways infect and spread skepticism, sorrow, chaos, and confusion.

Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 26:12

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye. Luke 6:41-42

Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin. Proverbs 21:4

We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. Isaiah 64:6

Honestly, we cannot save ourselves no matter how much we think we can or how hard we try. Only Jesus saves us from our messes. He is worthy of our praise for His saving work! The Holy Spirit helps us show gratitude by leading us to use His gifts.

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Proverbs 30:5

Proverbs 30:5

Beautiful Truth for all people! 

God wants us to be consistently humble and gracious in all we think, say and do—with complete trust—giving all glory and honor to our Savior who died for the sin of the world. He provides faith and growth in the Word.

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:30-31 

God cares! We may trust that Jesus took all sins upon Himself in His perfect holiness to save mankind from hell. Christ hears prayers of humble repentance and intercedes to rescue and shield all who believe Scripture is entirely true. Healing, peace, joy and praise belong to those who fear God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. In thanksgiving for His blessings and promises, we strive to love our neighbor as ourselves as we look forward to the endless day with Jesus in perfection beyond imagination!

More on Proverbs of the Bible

Go deeper into the gift of God’s Proverbs

• Listen to or read 31 chapters in the Bible, book of Proverbs
• Listen to Issues Etc podcasts on The book of Proverbs with Pastor Jonathan Fisk
• Listen to Thy Strong Word hosted by Rev. William Weedon – Proverbs 16
  
• Listen to Thy Strong Word hosted by Rev. William Weedon – Proverbs 1 “The Beginning of Knowledge”
• Listen to KFUO various program archives on Proverbs
  
• Listen or read book Demystifying the Proverbs 31 Woman
• Listen or read book Provoking Proverbs: Wisdom and the Ten Commandments

Psalms Bible Sketches

Inspired by the Psalms

Draw, listen to, read, meditate on, memorize, pray and sing the Psalms

Sketching Psalms draws me close to God who allows my body, soul, mind and spirit to absorb His Word. My desire is to

• exercise artistic gifts God created in me
• wisely use time He gives me to live and grow
  
• receive the Holy Spirit’s work in me
• share the Good News
  

Psalm 4:8

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

Praise the Lord for sleep, peace, and safety.

Psalm 12:5

“Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the Lord; “I will place him in the safety for which he longs.” Psalm 12:5
Behold, I will gather them from all the countries to which I drove them in my anger and my wrath and in great indignation. I will bring them back to this place, and I will make them dwell in safety. Jeremiah 32:37

We cannot trust and obey God by ourselves. Our Heavenly Father creates faith which supports faithful living. Belief in Christ saves us from hell. He sent the Holy Spirit who leads us through Scripture to learn of sin and to repent. Thank Jesus for defending His faithful—forgiving, providing safe places and protection.

Psalm 16:6

The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. Psalm 16:6

God provides His children an inheritance of paradise through the sacrifice and victory of His perfect Son.

Psalm 16:11

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

My gratitude goes to the Holy Spirit keeping me in His presence—through good and bad times—filling my life with joy and certainty of eternity with Him.

Psalm 19:1-2

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. Psalm 19:1-2

When I look at my unworthiness next to God’s expectations and promises in the Bible, it is obvious to me that our Creator is amazingly gracious and merciful. 

Psalm 19:12-13

Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Psalm 19:12-13

I thank my Savior for knowing me better than I know myself; He forgives and protects me.

Psalm 19:14

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Praise God for encouraging me to want my heart and words to be right, showing my need to repent, and forgiving when I fall short.

Psalm 26:3

For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness. Psalm 26:3

I praise the Lord for revealing that I can trust Him to love me unconditionally. God has called pastors and friends to not only remind me that I need Him, but also to reassure me how true and faithful His promises are.

Psalm 29:11

May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace! Psalm 29:11

Glory be to the Lord for blessings of strength and peace in Jesus.

Psalm 32:1

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. Psalm 32:1

Perfect, innocent Jesus took my punishment for my sin so I can be forgiven. I am blessed when He says, “It is finished.”

Psalm 33:20-22

Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you. Psalm 33:20-22

While I wait, I rest at night in merciful forgiveness and wake up with newness each day. His gifts of patience, help, shielding, and gladness of an eternity to come are for all who trust Him.

Psalm 34:19

Good people suffer many troubles, but the Lord saves them from them all; Psalm 34:19

Praise God’s goodness! He never disappoints those who look to Him and He rescues them from danger.

Psalm 49:15

But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. Psalm 49:15

I can’t save myself. There is a God and I am not Him. Praise Christ our Savior!

Psalm 50:15

and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Psalm 50:15

Glory be to God who hears prayers through Christ interceding for believers.

Psalm 51:6,10,15

Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. … Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. … O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. Psalm 51:6,10,15

Jesus cleanses, renews, and gives me His power to repent and praise Him!

Psalm 56:8

You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? Psalm 56:8

You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? Psalm 56:8

Praise our Creator for designing us with ability to cry and release our anxious tears of broken hearted sadness. Our loving Comforter hears prayers of those who trust Him. He cares about every single moment of our lives.

Psalm 62:1-2

For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. Psalm 62:1-2

We can’t live perfectly—not even close to it (no one can); yet, God stands with those who are waiting for Jesus to return. He gives power and increases strength in His children (whom He purchased in Christ) who rely on Jesus in a life marked by repentance.

Psalm 73:26

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

Thank the Lord for Christ’s strength when I am weak and fail. It is His power that gives me a contrite heart, mercifully forgives me, and guides me to forgive others.

Psalm 73:28

But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works. Psalm 73:28

God who cares for me in His perfection, works through me to take care of myself so I may bless others. I thank my Heavenly Father for those who helped and prayed for me. I pray He would guard and keep each of us to praise Him for eternity, yet I leave that to His providence, content to be in His care as I rest in Jesus’ name.

Psalm 90:17

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! Psalm 90:17

God’s favor means approval or affection tied to the concept of grace. We thank Him that the burden of work, that comes from the first sin, is replaced with enduring service in His wisdom and name!

Psalm 94:19

When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. Psalm 94:19

Thank the Creator who will not stop loving His wounded people.

Psalm 108:4

For your steadfast love is great above the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Psalm 108:4

I boldly and courageously praise our worthy Savior who has forgiven past sins, remains with me presently, and promises to keep my steps steady in the future!

Psalm 118:5

Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. Psalm 118:5

The Lord is on our side. We can trust in Him for enduring love and help. We take refuge—not in ourselves or in man and princes—only by grace we receive mercy through Jesus Christ.

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 GW

Jesus is the light and the way.

Psalm 136:1-3

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; Psalm 136:1-3

Many thanks!

Psalm 139:9-10

If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:9-10

How precious and wonderful is my Lord who knows my heart and thoughts—He leads me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:13

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13

Thanking our Creator for the gift and miracle of life.

Psalm 145:15-16

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. Psalm 145:15-16

I pray you will page or scroll through a Bible to read, or use the audio feature to listen to, more of the book of Psalms 150 chapters with 2,461 verses (someone counted them, according to my web search).

Jesus loves you. If you don’t go to church, I pray you will go—and by grace receive His gifts at the house of the Lord. God gives faith which assures those who are repentant that Christ’s death and resurrection saves from sin’s curse, forgives and restores. He sent the Holy Spirit to empower, comfort and give us peace as we trust our Savior’s finished work for us.

“The Psalms have a way of connecting with the daily concerns of our lives and guiding us in heartfelt prayer and worship. For these reasons, they remain the most devotional portion of Scripture and the inspiration for hymnals and prayer books. … They teach so much about the blessings and challenges of walking in the Lord’s ways.” The Lutheran Study Bible

During times of distress or uncertainty, remember Psalm 23: Christ Is Our Shepherd.

Job Bible Sketch

2020 is an example

“By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast.” Job 37:10 ESV Bible verse hand lettering marker sketch.

 

Life’s journey includes meeting and passing through unexpected experiences.

Expectations may happen as we plan; yet, out of the blue, we are sometimes surprised! Situations come up without warning, or they may creep in gradually—for obvious or unknown reasons—prompting us to redirect our steps and take a sharp turn.

 

Atrocious events of 2020 have been surfacing like never before. Covid pandemic, vandalism, and derechos made news headlines exposing worldly evil, injustice, calamity, lies, fears, confusion, weakness, frailty and uncertainty. Through thoughts and actions, people react or adapt to changes by

• power trips to manipulate and control, fear or impose fear by abuse, numb with alcohol, indulge self-pity, self-isolation or mandate isolation, destruction, unfairly punish, blame-shift and inappropriate stubborn ways stemming from immaturity, pride, anger, and selfishness
  
• prayer, volunteering, creativity, kindness, compassion, helping, encouraging, sorrow, confessing wrong doings/thoughts, repenting, gratitude, and receiving/offering forgiveness are ways to reflect love—not earning—celebrating mercy and salvation in Christ
  

Each person has a unique combination of positive and negative behaviors. Emotional, physical, mental and spiritual health conditions may be all over the place at various intensities. We may become carelessly stuck or we may grow stronger in adversity.

On Superbowl Sunday I went outside to wander. Leisurely passing time before a social gathering, I remembered Kansas friends who would be cheering for the Chiefs. Fishing is a common sport for food and fun on Minnesota lakes—from shorelines, docks or boats in summertime and through a hole drilled in thick winter ice. What a positive thrill it is to notice the bait nibbled and bit! To successfully reel in the catch requires knowledge and skill; yet, often bait is untouched and sometimes fish get away. Those of us who don’t hunt and fish still enjoy outdoor adventures all year. The day was exceptionally mild for February so I skipped snow boots and put on walking shoes instead. I began to seek nature photography when I spotted a breathtaking scene—the sun beautifully lit a little village of ice fishing houses out on Lake Waconia. Roadways were plowed through the snow to accommodate traffic on the lake. Unknowingly, I crossed a spot where a shack had been parked and accidentally stepped into a slush covered ice fishing hole. Yikes—my leg was suddenly submerged below knee and I was extremely startled!  

Generally in this world, embarrassing, difficult situations, pain and suffering are the result of our sin and the sins committed against us. We are ignorant, fail to watch where we’re going, we take the wrong path, we are confused about multiple problems that pile up, we lack will-power, we become complacent, lazy or apathetic, we react badly and make decisions that aren’t good for others and for ourselves. Sometimes the reason we suffer is obvious, other times, we have no clue why bad things happen and we must suffer. Sometimes it is easy see the reasons other people suffer, yet we are blind to what brings about our own suffering. Things don’t sync as we’d hoped they would. We make mistakes, fall, become ill and suffer. Many aspects of suffering and horrible complexities we are faced with cannot be naturally explained or controlled. Evil is not rational.

“God isn’t the cause and source of sin and death. Yet God Himself makes use of the curse of sin—suffering and death—for His good purposes. In doing so, He most often works in a  hidden way.” —Matthew Harrison in Does God Will Suffering and Affliction?

Amazingly, there are things to be thankful for during unpredictable hard times. Praise our Creator!

 

Gratitude exploded within when it dawned on me that my accident could have been much worse. Instead of venturing further out to get the perfect shot I’d envisioned, this was the turn-around point of my journey. I re-focused, changed plans, turned around and walked home in squeaky, soaked shoes with a bloody skinned shin under the fabric of my icy cold lake water drenched pant leg. I’d remembered the incidents I’d heard of where people have died from falling into open water. Thankfully, I’m safe, I didn’t drop my camera, the painful wound is cleansed, the garments washed and dried with the convenience of two appliances I often take for granted. I have a new appreciation for the person who invented a new kind of clear bandage sticker I happened to have on hand because several months earlier I’d accidentally burned my arm on the oven door. Like my bad arm burn, I was able to address the problem without a big expense. I had time to add more rest to my routine while my bad leg scrape eventually healed over a long period of time, leaving only a scar and a memory to share.

 

We need the Bible to remind us what lasts and what doesn’t. 

 

To God be glory—in church we receive the faith that assures us we can submit our difficulties, pain, fears, frustrations, scars, resentful hearts and sorrows to our merciful Jesus who totally gets it, took our sin and died to save us. Hope is found in His sacrificial work and Him presently interceding for those who humbly receive His body and blood. When do we seek Him most? It’s when we are suffering. More often than we realize, God’s angels are protecting and delivering people from evil spirits, dangers and temptations that are part of the brokenness of the world and our own sinful desires. 

 

We need God’s Word to feed and remind us that there are mysteries our Creator has not revealed. God is almighty and is in complete control. Whew—we don’t need to explain and know it all! We only need to be honest and trust our Savior in everything. He provides faith which offers the ability to admit faults, rebuild, nourish, and persevere—all that is needed to keep moving forward. 

 

The Holy Spirit fills us with awesome gifts of grace, patience and healing. Faith works within us to push us to try hard to build up others and ask for forgiveness when we cause problems or fail to do all that we could’ve, would’ve, should’ve done. Christ suffered on behalf of all sinners. Those who don’t reject this gift of faith are enabled to joyfully continue the journey with sufficient strength for one day at a time.

“Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. … He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. … He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs; who can stand before his cold?” Psalm 147:1,3,17 ESV

 

The Bible invites us to look deeply into the troubles of life through eyes that trust in the merciful hope we have in Jesus.

In the light of Christ, freedom to be truthful is enjoyed. Aspects of Christian life may be compared to figure skating choreographed to a theme. Easy? Not at first—it takes practice—it becomes easier, yet requires effort and endurance. Creative, skillful, graceful movements to a dynamic rhythm in musical harmony is observed, learned, practiced, performed, celebrated. This excellence is not self-taught, but beginning the day we are physically delivered into earthly existence until the the day we exit and pass into the next life, we depend on parents and others to teach us about Jesus, support and help us move honestly through life’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges. Christians need church in order to belong and remain devoted to God—to join in and participate within a supportive network.

• Listen to a talk titled Elihu Proclaims God’s Majesty
• Watch a great video summary illustration of the book of Job

“The Lord shows He is our Redeemer, despite what we may suffer in this life.” The Lutheran Study Bible on the book of Job

Not all receive the prize. Great power, justice and pardoning love belong to us only by grace.

Some are waiting for a man-made vaccine, a cure for covid-19, or a variety of things to go their way before they go about living on the terms they perceive as how things should be. 

Our Creator provides man with knowledge and means to come up with solutions sometimes, yet this is not always so. We don’t know if the Lord will or won’t provide a vaccine or cure before He returns. We do know He patiently directs our steps as we trust in Him. His broad plan is to bring sinners to the Light and how He accomplishes this is beyond our speculation. God’s goodness is incomprehensibly immeasurable. We either reject His gifts or we respectfully receive them, pray and go about life as the Lord wills.  

A team of judges at an Olympic figure skating competition determine who receives the gold metal. On the Last Day, God is the one and only judge for the fallen people he created. He does not regard any who are wise in their own conceit; He rewards sinners who by Christ’s mercy and grace are eventually delivered into an eternal life with Him.

I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! Job 19:25-27

Pray.

Dear God, replace our pride and fears with courage and Truth. Thank You for supplying Your perfect Son as our Savior and for faith to fully trust Your mercy. Amen.

Esther Bible Sketch

Who knows how to live these days?

Do you wonder what your purpose is in such a time as this?

“And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14b ESV Bible verse hand lettering marker sketch.

Day-to-day complexities of life’s relationships and personal responsibility to care for our own spiritual, emotional, mental and physical health cannot be managed alone. 

 

Thankfully, our patient Savior provides all that is needed to face each moment of each day. His perfect plan and timing is over our head. We may simply receive help, forgiveness and comfort by trusting Jesus has already won the victory over sin, death, and evil. Abundant opportunities surround us on every side to seek Biblical wisdom, practice patience, and pay-it-forward by sharing Good News, grace and mercy.

“Sometimes life seems as if we are on an incredible journey—and then suddenly, the bus breaks down. We feel trapped in a desert of delay with no way to move on. And in the in-between, it seems God isn’t doing anything to fix our situation. We’re tempted to complain and pout. To grumble and grow bitter. That’s when we need to remember the story of Esther and how God worked behind the scenes to rescue her people. We wait well when we remind ourselves that even while we’re waiting, our Lord is paving the way ahead, scheduling exciting experiences, and booking new destinations for our lives. That’s when we need to choose to rest in God’s providence.” Sharla Fritz in her book: Waiting—A Bible Study on Patience, Hope, and Trust

The Holy Spirit moves faithful people to encourage and listen to each other. He knows each person’s unique roles in personal and community relationships—lays out opportunities, provides guidance—and carries out His promise to defend, protect, and deliver those who seek Him. The only help we can offer each other is in full light of His Word and gifts revealed in Christ crucified for us. We may sow many seeds, share our faith everywhere we go, yet it is not us—it is our Creator who provides nutrients and growth to each individual who is willing to honestly receive His Word. Trusting God’s powerful love, we confidently pray to our Advocate. We may live by grace throughout life’s storms until the Last Day when He makes final judgement and harvests His crop of humble, repentant believers to live forever with Him.

“His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Luke 3:17 ESV

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:5–6 ESV

God knows His purpose and plans. Our Heavenly Father offers salvation to bring all souls out of trouble through faith which brings repentance and trusts Jesus is the way to peace beyond understanding.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 ESV

Book of the Bible dedicated to Esther

“Esther is the heroine of the biblical book that bears her name. Her Jewish name was Hadassah, which means ‘myrtle.’ Her beauty, charm, and courage served her well as queen to King Ahasuerus. In that role she was able to save her people from the mass extermination that Haman, the king’s chief advisor, had planned (2:19–4:17). Esther’s efforts to uncover the plot resulted in the hanging of Haman on the very same gallows that he had built for Mordecai, her uncle and guardian. Then the king named Mordecai minister of state in Haman’s place. This story is an example of how God intervenes on behalf of his people to deliver them from evil, as here through Esther he preserved the Old Testament people through whom the Messiah would come.”

Commemoration Biographies

Scripture speaks about uncovering lies and evil in several instances. Jesus is all about truth.

Helpful resources

• Play from the website: Serving the Lord as a Young Adult: Esther, or learn about getting this podcast formatted for your device
• Listen to a conversation about Esther Agrees to Help the Jews
• Bible Study audio about Mordecai Persuading Esther to Help
• Read a youth source blog post Girl Talk: Seize your Esther Moments
• Learn Five Powerful Leadership Lessons From the Book of Esther
• New for the to-read list: Callings for Life: God’s Plan, Your Purpose

Pray

Lord, thank you for safely bringing me to this day. Teach and lead me in your grace and truth. Amen.