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Beth Moore, the author and creator of the series
called "Esther: it's tough being a woman" walked us through the book of Esther in a 10 week course. What an amazing study it was! Week One, I especially enjoyed the statement:
'God is not going to fulfill my destiny without me!'
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Week Two, we learned that it's tough being a woman
in a world where beauty is a treatment. Psalm 90:17 says "And
let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us," Week Three was full of meanness! It's tough being a woman in a mean world! Why are people mean? "There
is nothing meaner than a coward"... When someone is mean they feel threatened, insecure, fearful, angry, just like Haman
did. We also read Romans 12: 17-21. Meanness
is curable!
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Week Four, this is good... "God's time is prime
time". What does human perspective have: umm, it has unreasonable expectations for one thing. One of four
points. I came away with a bigger desire to KNOW God and to know HIS plan for me.
"One of the most important
parts of fulfilling our destiny is transparency"...
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Week Five, the most common command in the Bible is
"Do not be afraid!" and "Fear not!" Esther had a choice, to be used by God or not. She faced her
fear and took the courage to do what God was leading her to do. "It's tough being a woman in the tight fist of fear".
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Week Six, timing is everything. Whether we are
doing or waiting it's all about time! It's tough being a woman who can balance passion with patience.
Ecc.
3:1,7 says "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven ... a time to be silent and
a time to speak". Esther did both.
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Week Seven, 'chiastic structure'... say what? It is
the reversal of structures to emphasize an overwhelming point. Here's a short example: "I eat to live, not live to eat",
another one: "I'm not scared to fight, I fight because I'm scared". In Esther 6:6-11 it shows the sudden turn
of events that reverses the intended outcome. What Satan means for evil, God intends for good.
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God loves to turn around something Satan planned for evil against
us. Week Eight
- Every turn around starts with 'a' step. The reversal of destiny starts with one step, and then another, going
in the right direction. 2 Peter 2:9 "The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trails", I love this
from Beth: "It's not the wait, without the longing", how I can relate to that!
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Week Nine, 'Am I strong or just spoiled?' well, can
I be both?... Seeing purpose in tough situations increases the trust required for a turnaround. "The reason we fear so
much is because we feel so much!" The Jews were not just delivered, they were empowered.
I
want to live my life empowered by God! not 'just' delivered!
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Last Class, "to attack my womanhood, you attack
who I am"... God did not intend for Esther to accomplish the salvation of the Jews all by herself. Mordecai could
not have done it alone either. It took action with unity, partnership and God. Be
a great woman of God, Eat Healthy! and thrive right where you are!
"But trust reverses the detours of adversity into highways of destiny".
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So back to the Celebration Dinner... with Jewish
flavor: - Lamb cooked with Rice, Apricots
and special spices
- Roasted Chicken
- Eggs and Hummas
- Vegetables with Green Beans
- Salad
- Wonderful variety of Apple desserts
Mahalo
Jesus for such a fulfilling and meaningful celebration! I love my Ladies! my Ohana!
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