At the first banquet nothing untoward happened.  They enjoyed one another’s company and the King looked quizzically at his beautiful wife waiting for her to share her secret request.

Nothing was said, except that they were invited tomorrow for another feast at her favour.

Haman was so confident in himself that he would carry out the King’s edict, he went home and built Gallows upon which he would hang Mordecai and boasted to his family how honoured and favoured he had become.

HER REQUEST.

At the second banquet, the king turned toward Esther, took her gently by the hand, looked into her eyes, and asked her, “What is your request, my love, my precious Queen?”

He was amazed to learn that it was a plea for her life to spare her from impending danger and death and also a request for the lives of her people.

Then tears flowed from her eyes, and she began to shake.  “We are to be sold, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish!” The astonished king 👑 glanced at his lovely wife, who now is deeply wrought with emotion, and angrily spoke,

“Who is this man, and who is he that has presumed to do so?”

What made Esther so courageous, especially when there is no mention of God in this book.? From where did she find the strength to be willing to die to save her beloved people? From where did she have the audacity to face wicked Haman?

It is not from where, but from whom! She was a devout Jew and her upbringing with Mordecai would have given her a strong faith in Jehovah God. She would have been very familiar with the Torah where she would know that the faith of Patriarchs before her had brought great victories for her people, the Jews. There was Father Abraham, and his sons Isaac and Jacob. Then courageous Moses brought Israel out of Egypt. God was leading and guiding them to obey Him no matter the cost.

Remember the promise that God gave to Joshua.

“BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS! DO NOT BE AFRAID OR DISCOURAGED. FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO.”

Joshua 1:9.

I can imagine that Esther like Joseph said to herself as she slowly walked down the Palace corridors.

“The LORD IS WITH ME. The LORD IS WITH ME ,WITH ME …”The Lord is with me… “

All of us face very difficult times in our lives and we cannot do a thing without the presence of God and our complete reliance upon him for every trial and suffering.

Christian!! Your time is coming and now is near when you will have to stand alone for Christ. We will face persecution, rejection, from friends and family.

IT COSTS TO BE A REAL CHRISTIAN. IT MAY COST YOU YOUR LIFE!!

Don’t be afraid. He is with you even unto death!

Esther raised her eyes and steadfastly looked at Haman, not changing her gaze from the right hand to the left. She pointed right at him

“THIS IS THE MAN (Haman recoiled). HE IS OUR ADVERSARY AND ENEMY, THIS WICKED HAMAN!”

The shocked king, so distraught, agitatedly strode into the garden outside, mumbling to himself …”My wife? “Her people! Oh, my gods!”

Haman, in a frenzy of cowardly terror over, stepped the boundary of Persian etiquette and fell upon Esther’s couch, pleading with her to spare his life.

The re-entering King was surprised to find him in such a position and immediately saw it as an immoral action.

He hastened to call his attendants to remove Haman from the room and cover his face. The Persian custom is that a person is no longer fit to ‘see the light.’

Haman never saw the light of day again. He was sent to his doom and hung mercilessly on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai!  Fifty cubits are about 75 feet high. The Hebrew word for gallows means a ‘tree.’ This tree was on the grounds of his house.

The King’s soldiers hung him before the gaze of his family, and; soon, his ten sons would follow!

This outcome reminds us of, a warning in the book of Numbers.

“BE SURE YOUR SIN WILL FIND YOU OUT. “ 

Numbers 32:23.

No one can sin and get away with it!

THERE IS A WONDERFUL REMEDY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SINNED AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD!

Jesus Christ, the sinless Son Of God, paid the price for all your sins by shedding His Blood upon the cross of Calvary, then He rose again on the third day.

You must admit you are a sinner and invite Him to save you. Ask Jesus to save you right now!  

Pray. “Lord Jesus, I am a sinner, and I believe you died for me and rose again. Please forgive me and Save my soul. Then fill me with your Holy Spirit to empower me to live my life for you.”

NOW YOU HAVE BEEN BORN AGAIN.!

If you sin again, confess it immediately, then: 

“The BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST, GOD’S SON, WILL CLEANSE YOU FROM ALL SIN.”

1John 1:9.

Congratulations!

May the Lod bless you and keep you in His loving care.

Amen.                  

To comment: Heather Dalzell SMS. 6104 17 545 814

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MORDECAI heard about Haman’s plot against his Race. He tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, left the city, and ‘wailed’ in a bitter cry!

The Queen found out that there was a great mourning among the Jews, weeping and wailing. Many were lying in sackcloth and ashes.

Esther sent clothes for Mordecai, but he would not receive them. Please read Chapter 4. of Esther.

Esther called a nationwide fast for three days and three nights so she could plead before the king and expose wicked Haman’s plot.

Fasting and praying was a form of prayer where people would deny themselves food and Water to draw closer to God together to find His Will in a matter of great importance. This form of prayer was practised in the Old and new Testaments at any time as agreed by the people. A STUNNING  RESULT WOULD be the outcome

Christians who are dedicated should practice doing this themselves.

It is denying oneself from anything that would take the place of God.

Fasting is not used to get something from God, but we fast to make ourselves ready to hear from God.

To know His will on a matter or draw closer to Him to know his mind.

The law excluded her, from coming unauthorized before the King, but she had to be willing to intrude into the king’s court at the risk of death. She, with great courage, said, 

“IF I PERISH,              I PERISH!”

ESTHER APPEALS TO THE KING.

Now Esther on the third day of the allocated fast, decided this was now the time to present herself before the King.

Esther was ready to throw herself. unsummoned at the mercy of the King regarding this matter.

After much preparation spiritually, mentally, and physically as a royal woman would adorn herself so beautifully. She was ready to walk the palace corridors and enter the inner court.  

Can you ever imagine the tenseness of that moment as she began to walk slowly and carefully, trying to keep her balance? I can feel her hands trembling!

                                           She cautiously, and graciously moved until she entered the inner court of the Palace. Her heart beat wildly; her hands trembled uncontrollably. She felt weak and dizzy from not eating or drinking fluids for the last three days.

Then she paused, looking stunning, and paused again at the gate opposite the King’s Throne room, waiting patiently for the King to notice her.

Now King Ahasuerus sat on his throne and gazed down the pillared vista deep in thought. Surprised, he looked up and saw the graceful, beautiful figure of his young wife meeting his gaze.

Immediately he extended his golden scepter (a symbol of authority) toward her.

He kindly spoke, “What is the trouble, my precious Queen? Why have you come before me?” He could read a sense of need in her moist, beautiful large brown eyes. Then he spoke again. “My treasure, I will give you half of my kingdom.”

Esther had gained the King’s favour and generosity. She breathed a sigh of relief and began to relax. Then she invited him and Haman to join her for a banquet the following day.

Haman was beside himself with extatic pride that Esther had invited him on hid own to join them

Note the change in the King’s character. No more is he aggressive and evil. This reminds me of the Verse I read in Proverbs just this morning.

Proverbs 20:28.            UNFAILING LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS  PROTECTS THE KING; HIS THRONE IS ESTABLISHED BY LOVE. ❤️ 

Dear friend, allow me to ask you. Are you afraid to come before the King of Kings? The King of all creation, the Lord our God? Do you feel ashamed of your past failure, mistakes, and willful sin?

I have excellent news for you. The path to God’s glorious throne is wide open for you to enter His presence. Hallelujah!

You have a great High Priest who died, was resurrected from the dead, and then ascended and passed through the Heavens.

JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD.

He understands your weakness, infirmities, and failures. He paid the price for your sin so you can boldly come before God’s throne in any circumstance, in any time of need.

At the throne of God, you will find Mercy and Grace because you are His treasure, and He loves you dearly.

I would love you to read Hebrews chapter 4:16-18.

Yes, dear reader, the way is open through the shed blood of Jesus. All you need to do is come, repent of your sins, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. Ask him verbally to forgive and save you. As He promises,

“WHOEVER COMES TO ME, I WILL NEVER CAST YOU OUT. ”       

ALL BECAUSE HE DEARLY LOVES YOU.

Once you have prayed to Him, He saves, cleanses, delivers, and heals you.

Why don’t you Pray right now…. “

Lord Jesus I believe you died for me.  And rose again on the third day.  Come into my life and make me whole Spirit Soul and Body. I exchange my life for your life. Please fill me with the Holy Spirit to empower me to live in obedience to you.”  Amen.

      YOU ARE NOW ROYALTY! A CHILD OF THE KING OF KINGS.

To comment:  Heather Dalzell SMS 6104 17 545 814

To support this ministry financially: Email me for information.

heatherdalzell777@gmail.com

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HER BACKGROUND.

Esther was a Jewish orphan girl. She was the daughter of the deceased Abihail, the cousin of Mordecai the Jew. He was also carried away from Jerusalem with the captives when Nebuchadnezzar took Jehoiachinn, the king, into Babylon. 

She was stunningly beautiful, and her beauty surpassed other adorable women. She possessed inner loveliness also.

See 2 Kings Chapter 24:6.

Mordecai took her into his family as his daughter.                       

The book of Esther Chapter. 2:7,9,15.

Esther’s Hebrew name  was HADASSAH, which means. “Myrtle” while the Persian name was Esther which means a “Star.”

Upon reading this, the realization of your beauty will encourage you the next time you look into that horrid mirror and instead of negative effects, you will see the true beauty that was there all the time. 

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL IN HIS EYES” 

Most of us can’t see any beauty in our reflections in a mirror.                         We notice all our flaws and imperfections. Why?  Because we see ourselves through the criticisms of other people.                            We compare ourselves with the perfection of fake images of the females we view in the media.

You see, ‘Beautiful One:’  God created you in His Perfect Image. You are His ‘Masterpiece’! He desires you.

Please. do not hide yourself from your spouse. It is a cruel form of rejection.  They do not see you as you see yourself. Come out of the closet and be confident that the:

LORD BELIEVES THAT YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.

He should know!!

IN ALL OF MY 80 YEARS OF LIFE. I HAVE NEVER MET ANYONE WHO IS SATISFIED WITH THEMSELVES OUTSIDE OF KNOWING JESUS. EVEN THEN, MANY CHRISTIANS WANT TO CHANGE WHO THEY ARE OR HOW THEY LOOK.

Tell ‘me’ about it!

SATAN HAS BLINDED THEIR EYES TO THE WORD OF THE LORD. 

“YOU ARE ACCEPTED IN THE BELOVED”    

Ephesians 1:6.

Do the best you can to look attractive, then take your eyes off yourself, concentrate on Him and worship Him.

There is an inner beauty within your soul that comes from your relationship with Christ.

Culivate that Christlike radiance. Then work on your appearance.       Esther accomplished this in her being ready to meet the King.

Inwardly she was a sweet, submissive, loving, humble and God-fearing Woman of God.

A woman of courage and dignity.

Most of all … we should beautify ourselves not for the acceptance of men or other women. We don’t wear a mask to cover up our flaws, we use make-up to enhance what is already ours.

We don’t have to wear the latest in fashion to be noticed by the world. Dress in your personal taste that is uniquely you!

Don’t make comparisons,  Paul says that is unwise.

WE BEAUTIFY    OURSELVES FOR THE KING OF     KINGS!             

Please allow me to say this. Men, your wife, and your daughters always need you to confirm their appearance with meaningful compliments every day.  For women, the reverse is significant too.

I promise that yourconfidence will explode! When you concentrate on what the Lord thinks of you. When he/she compliments you, please do not throw it back in their face.  Graciously accept compliments and return them with a warm thank you.

At the end of your life or when the Rapture happens: This prophesy will be fulfilled in its entirety.

You will be presented as,

“CHRIST’S GLORIOUS BRIDE, NOT HAVING SPOT, WRINKLE, OR ANY SUCH THING.”

Eph 5:27.

You will be presented-

• “FAULTLESS BEFORE HIS PRESENCE IN GLORY WITH EXEEDING JOY.”

The Story so far… After the dethronement of VASHTI, a few years passed, and AHASUERUS began to regret his decision concerning her.

The kings servants who ministered unto him suggested that all the beautiful young virgins of his kingdom be brought into the custody of Hegai, who was in-charge of the Harem for purification which was, twelve months of beauty treatments! Nice!!

This treatment included six months of Olive oil mixed with Myrre to exfoliate the skin removing sun and wind damage. For the following six months, they used various ornamental cosmetics and beauty preparations. The goal was perfection. All this purification was successful in the life of the already beautiful Esther.

The maiden who pleased the King made it into the King’s Harem for the next stage of beautification. Then the maiden was brought forth before him and if she pleased him she was invited to spend time with him alone.

                          The King was enamoured when he laid eyes upon beautiful Esther.

She had the whole package!!

Then the King chose her to become Queen instead of VASHTI.

This suggestion pleased the King.

Read Chapter two for more detail. Esther was chosen, and the king loved Esther more than all the other women.

She obtained Grace and favour in his sight.   

Read verse 17.

Esther as a protection measure, was instructed not to make her Parentage known, as it was against Persian law for her to reveal herself as a Jew, so she kept her nationality a secret.

Chapter 2:10.

Hey ladies, it’s ok with God that you pamper yourself with beauty preparations and be the best “You” you can afford.

Do not forget to work hard on your inner beauty. Learn about the fruit of the Holy Spirit.                            LOVE, JOY, PEACE,  PATIENCE, HUMILITY, AND GRACE. ETC. 

God bless you, beautiful people with His Grace and Mercy.

Be gorgeous for your husband and delight his eyes. Feel good about yourself, no matter what shape or age you are. God makes no mistakes. He wonderfully created you.   Furthermore, this is the way to attract a single man. Don’t overdo it; enhance your natural attractiveness.

Old Age does not cancel any effort to look attractive. You can look like a frump at any age.

So, without a doubt,  look gorgeous!

The Lord bless you and keep you.

He makes no mistakes!

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AHASUERUS AND VASHTI.

Who was this Persian King that ruled over one hundred and twenty Provinces stretching from India and Ethiopia?

Studies have shown him to be XERXES. He was a ruthless man, cruel and most immoral. He possessed a furious temper. He punished and slew many people though innocent of any crime.

It helps us to understand his treatment of gorgeous VASHTI. Her name means,

“BEAUTIFUL WOMAN,” who defied his drunken whim.

He commanded her to expose herself in front of his intoxicated guests. She refused, and at the advice of his High Council, they dethroned her.

This refusal of Vashti was a breach of Persian etiquette. But the King, in a cruel outrage, disgraced her, the one whom he should have protected above all others.

‘His wife.’

The queen’s refusal was courageous and fully justified.

Though we can understand that her rebuff in public to one who was an absolute Monarch and vain glorious to the extreme must have felt humiliated and exasperated as was richly deserved.

Read more of this account in,

Chapter 1:1-22.

Sometimes you have to stand alone for what you believe and suffer the consequences.

What happened to this dear Queen, we do not know. When we stand alone for what is right, the Lord will bless the outcome.

Vashti, though judged and condemned, denounced and utterly rejected, she would live the rest of her life with a clear conscience.

I am sure the Lord would have given her a rich, satisfying life. Dear friend,

DO RIGHT TILL THE STARS FALL. DO RIGHT TO THE LAST CALL. DO RIGHT WHEN NO ONE WILL STAND BY YOU. JUST DO RIGHT!!

You are ‘never’ alone. The Lord is with you, and He will vindicate you.

God may have a different direction for you, better than the previous one. God is no man’s debtor, and He always has something or someone better ahead for you.

YOU ALWAYS WIN IN THE END… THE BIBLE SAYS SO!

“WE ARE MORE THAN A CONQUERORS. THROUGH HIM WHO WHO LOVED US SO. THE CHRIST WHO DWELLS WITHIN US, IS THE GREATEST POWER WE KNOW. HE WILL FIGHT BESIDE YOU, THOUGH THE ENEMY BE GREAT.”

“WHO CAN STAND AGAINST US, HES THE CAPTAIN OF OUR FATE.”

THEN WE WILL CONQUER NEVER FEAR, SO LET THE BATTLE RAGE. HE HAS PROMISED TO BE NEAR, UNTIL THE END OF THE AGE.

“WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS; THE CHRIST WHO DWELLS WITH US IS THE GREATEST POWER WE KNOW!!” (A song that I love to sing).

IT REALLY WORKS!

Amen.

You may like to read other studies from my Website lightinthedarkness 152884863.Wordpress. com

Blessings!

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To comment:  SMSHeather Dalzell SMS. 6104 17 545 814.

THE BOOK.

Covering this book may take some time as there are crucial Characters mentioned here. Each person has something to teach us

Before we look at the main characters in this true story, we note that God is not mentioned in this book. But you will see He is in the shadows watching over His own.

One Commentator has recommended that we should read the whole book twice! Will you?

The story is a crisis, a drama. It’s not fiction but fact. The author set it on the stage of natural history, and it centers around real people.

We will look at five figures;

AHASUERUS, The Persian Monarch;

VASHTI, The deposed Queen;

WICKED HAMAN, The Jew hater;

MORDECAI, The Jewish leader;

ESTHER, Who became the Queen.

The events occur in Susa, the principal Persian capital, and cover twelve years.

THE PURPOSE OF THE BOOK is to demonstrate the PROVIDENTIAL CARE of God over His People.

There are no supernatural miracles as we see in other books.

We see:

PROVIDENTIAL OVERRULING, as distinct from SUPERNATURAL INTERVENTION.

PROVIDENCE comes from the Latin word.

‘PROVISO’ PRO… meaning ‘BEFORE’

And ‘VIDIESO’ is interpreted as. ‘I SEE.’

SO PROVIDENCE means… ‘FORESIGHT.’

God is the only one with foresight, so He has Foreknowledge, and He uses His Power over all the Works of His Hands.

I am not going to answer the critics about the non-mention of God. It is established in history that God is involved in the outworking of all circumstances and all people involved in preserving the Jewish Nation.

Through this drama, l hope you catch the realization that for you, Roms 28:8 is a great Scripture to learn and study to give you the confidence that, through the bad times, though brutal and unrelenting circumstances, what Paul said is actual.

”FOR WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THOSE WHO ARE THE CALLED, ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE.” Romans 8:28.

WHY?

“THAT WE WOULD, THROUGH TOUGH TIMES,  BE CONFORMED  TO THE IMAGE OF JESUS CHRIST.”  verse 29.

God’s purpose for allowing all kinds of trials and temptations is to:

MAKE YOU LIKE JESUS!

Satan may use them for evil, but when you are yielded and surrendered. God turns it for good and brings glory to Himself, where it belongs.

We must trust God in the dark. We must trust God when we lose control.

We must trust God when we do not understand why. Trust Him under Persecution. Poverty. Disappointment. Guilt and Shame. Sickness, sorrow, and Pain.

Becoming a Christian does not exempt you from suffering.

With Christ in your life and its complications, you are never alone. He is ‘always‘ with you and will ‘never abandon you.

He still cures your sickness and wipes away your tears of grief and sorrow.

“After you have suffered a while, He will strengthen, help and settle you.”

Praise His Glorious Name!

Without you even knowing it, He molds you into a perfect vessel of honour.

You come out with more strength, faith and patience, love, and forgiveness. You have been changed into His likeness and image.

PRAISE GOD!

To comment: Heather Dalzell. SMS. 6104 17 545 814

To support this ministry financially, please email for directions.  Email Address heatherdalzell777@gmail.com

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A GEM OF A BOOK.

Nehemiah is a gem of a book in the spiritual sense, teaching us how, under Nehemiah’s leadership, the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt by those who had returned to rebuild Jerusalem.

Also, he instructed the people once more in the Law given to Israel by Moses. Ezra, as we learned in our previous study, drastically corrected the people from their intermarriage practices and pending idolatry due to the influence of those heathen people who worshipped another god rather than the Lord God of Israel.

And now, when Nehemiah came to Jerusalem, another twelve years after Ezra, circumstances were far from reassuring. The walls and gates of Jerusalem were in ruins, and the people were in great trouble and distress.

The poorer people were mortgaging some of their families to better-off Jews (verses 3-5.) There was also a laxity toward Sabbath keeping and other covenant obligations.

ESRA WAS A BOOK OF RESTORATION. NEHEMIAH A BOOK OF RECONSTRUCTION.

THE NEXT BOOK OF ESTHER IS A BOOK OF PRESERVATION.

As we watch this strong, earnest, godly hero, Nehemiah, in the first part of the book, he rebuilds the walls and the gates against the opposition of his adversaries.

Then, in the book’s second part, he resists the compromise and laxity of the Jews and conspires with great enthusiasm.

There is a tremendous spiritual message for us as Christians if we take heed.

THERE IS NO WINNING WITHOUT WORKING AND SPIRITUAL WARFARE.

WITHOUT SPIRITUAL OPPOSITION. THERE IS NO OPEN DOOR.

THERE IS NO OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE THE LORD. WITHOUT MANY ADVERSARIES TO OBSTRUCT OUR ENTERING IT.

Please read:

1 Corinthians 16:9.

Here, Paul mentions the many adversaries against the Gospel.

When God commands you to share the gospel of Salvation with a problematic person, the warfare begins in your mind; you find every reason possible why you cannot do it.

Tear down those walls of resistance with the blood of Jesus and do as He commands.

If you ‘do not’ share the gospel and warn the wicked of death and hell, their blood is on your head. 

Nehemiah stands out conspicuously as a man of action, a man of faith, a man of courage, and a man of action.

Pray, “Lord, make me intensely spiritual but keep me perfectly natural and thoroughly practical.”

The trials and tribulations you endure, God will use to bring out the best in you. The things you felt were breaking you were making you. We only discover this when we look back.

I encourage you to read the whole book of Nehemiah in one sitting. It is full of beautiful outcomes when God leads us.

He was a Cupbearer, a Wall Builder, and became a Governor.

He sought the Lord through prayer and fasting.

We don’t fast and pray to obtain something from Him but to become ‘more like Him.’ (The Image of His Son.)

Plain Speaking…

Nehemiah’s enemies were Sanballat and Tobiah. He was scorned, despised, hated, and threatened.

He just kept on praying and kept on building! “Hear our God,” he prays; “For we are despised.”

“So we built the wall … for the people had a mind to work.”

The best way to meet scorn is not by counter-scorn.

Their hatred began to make them look smaller and smaller and more stupid as the walls of Jerusalem grew higher and higher.

The best way you can overcome the Worlds scorn is to pray for the filling of the Holy Spirit and His anointing to empower you to keep on striving to win souls for Christ!

As Governor Nehemiah’s downrightness and forthrightness stand out in this role of governing Israel. We may disagree with his methods of handling difficult people and situations. His motives were clear as noon and sound as a bell.

Look at his outstanding qualities here-

Clear thinking,

A firm dealing with Israel in a God-honouring way.

There are many lessons for us to learn from his impeccable life.

1. God is Sovereign over all difficulties.

2. God’s presence in every place.

3. God hears and answers each sudden call.

Dear Christian, the Lord is with you every place you go. He hears every SOS of your soul, every cry for strength, every prayer for guidance, and every secret known only by you.

Every day keep in touch with Him again and again. He will keep your heart steady, and you will experience the mind of Christ. Then you can do what He has called you to with peace, confidence, and joy.

It will bring a thousand streams of blessings into your life from the hills of God.

I love Nehemiah’s answer to those of his enemies who tried in devious ways to obstruct the rebuilding of the walls.

“I CANNOT COME DOWN; I AM DOING A GREAT WORK FOR THE LORD!!”

Allow this to echo in your heart as you face your opposing enemies.

To comment: Heather Dalzell SMS 0417 545 814

To support this ministry financially: Email for directions.

Email Address heatherdalzell777@gmail.com

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So build your life upon the Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

THE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL!

The restoration of the Jews happened under the edict of Cyrus, the King of Persia.

Again Israel had turned her back on the One True God. He who had brought her out of Egypt and placed her in the Land of Promise to live in other people’s houses they had not built in a land that flowed with milk and honey.

In this chosen place, they rebelled against God and did not obey His Law or Commandments. (How it grieved God so.)

They worshipped other gods and bowed down to them, the gods of the nations they did not drive out as God commanded.

They married their women and gave their daughters as wives. These sins included adultery and idolatry, a regular practice of the heathen.

Over and over, God warned them through His Prophets of impending punishment from the North, and they would be carried away to Babylon as captives foretold by Jeremiah the Prophet. 

Jeremiah 10: 7-10.

With all this, there was a Promise of return. The Median Persian Empire! Nebuchadnezzar ruled Babylon, succeeded by Cyrus, the King of Persia, who now ruled the whole country. During this time, the book of Ezra opens.

God stirred up Cyrus to proclaim to permit the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, yet to remain under his rule.

Cyrus’s proclamation was remarkable:

“JEHOVAH, the God of Heaven, has given me all the Kingdoms of this earth and charged me to build Him a House at Jerusalem which is in Judah.”

“JEHOVAH THE GOD OF ISRAEL, HE IS THE GOD.”

What I find unique and exciting is that this mandate was prophesied over 200 yrs earlier by Isaiah the prophet. King Cyrus was named in this foretelling as the one who would make this massive change for Israel.

Keep this in your mind.

GOD HAD “CAST THEM OUT.” He did not “CAST THEM OFF!” Nor does He cast off you.

He made a WAY and a RETURN and a RESTORATION for all who would avail themselves of it.

These speak deep comfort concerning the restoration of Christian Believers who become bewitched by this Present Evil World or snared by satan’s devices and fall into backsliding.

How close are you to God? What does it mean to backslide?

It means: You have not made time to spend with Him by reading His Word and spending time in prayer and worship. Also, not including Him in every decision of your life.

He longs for you to allow Him to be an integral part of your plans, goals, dreams, and desires. It saddens Him to see you so busy with more essential things of this world than He.

It is similar to a married couple who are so entangled in different interests and are like ‘ships in the night’, just passing life apart from the intimacy they onetime enjoyed. They are leaving themselves open to all kinds of temptation and worldly attractions.

Falling into sin always has its consequences and causes much grief.

God always makes a way of return and restoration if you return to Him. He pleads with you in the book of Malachi.

“RETURN TO ME, AND I WILL RETURN TO YOU” Translated: “IF YOU WILL TAKE ONE STEP TOWARD ME AND I WILL TAKE ONE STEP TOWARD YOU.”

When you turn back to the LORD, you turn back into His BLESSING, PEACE, AND PERSONAL SATISFACTION.

Sometimes if we remain stubborn and strong-willed, God has to use extreme measures to draw us back.

GOD IS TENDER-HEARTED AND FULL OF GRACE. HE IS PLEADING, “COME HOME! MY DEAR CHILD, COME HOME, BACK TO GOD, NOW!”

It would help immensely if you forsook your backslidings, returned and repented, and surrendered your life afresh to Him. You will prosper in every area of your life.

We all have a free will to choose to:

“LOVE THE LORD WITH ALL OF YOUR HEART, SOUL, AND ALL OF YOUR BEING.”

Amen.

To comment:Heather Dalzell SMS 0417 545 814

To support this ministry financially:Email address heatherdalzell777@gmail.com

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THE BOOK OF THE DISPERSION.

The great empires of East Assyria, Babylon, and Persia will almost exclusively occupy our attention. They all alike exercised the most significant influence upon the destiny of ancient Israel.

In the records of those great World Kingdoms, the confirmations are so numerous and so convincing that the critics have to confess that here at least,

THE BIBLE IS RECOGNISED AS HISTORY!

The critic must retire confounded and ashamed.

Israel, at this point, has become steeped in infidelity and moral degradation until, finally, the measure of their wickedness becomes full, and judgment falls upon them.

Pitiless foes wreak havoc and vengeance upon them and drag them from their land into the land of captivity. In chapter 25, we see Jerusalem sacked, the Temple burnt, and the Southern Kingdom (Judah) entering detention, from which only a remnant returned.

Though the captivities were a hundred years apart, they are associated together as one captivity called,

THE DISPERSION.

We cannot read the second book of Kings without remembering the words of Solomon’s proverb.

“THE WAY OF THE TRANSGRESSOR IS HARD”

Then Paul’s words, “THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH.”

It is demonstrated nationally and declared justice for all to see and notice. SINNING despite warning brings RUIN without REMEDY.

Abused privileges bring increased PENALTIES.

The deeper the GUILT, the heavier the STROKE.

PEOPLE MAY RESIST CORRECTION, BUT THEY CAN NOT ESCAPE RETRIBUTION.

Keep this verse ever before your eyes,

“WHATSOEVER A MAN SHALL SOW, (or a nation) THAT WHICH HE SHALL ALSO REAP.”

In 2nd Kings, we see Israel hauled through the streets behind the chariot wheels of their heathen conquerors; we cannot indeed fail to see that the central message of this book is that:

WILLFUL SIN BRINGS A WOEFUL END!

We note that in the second book of Kings, 17 Kings rule for 250 years (over the ten tribes of Israel). Judah, who had only 10 Kings, continued for 390 years from when they split from Israel.

EACH KING, CHARACTERIZED BY THE STANDARD SET BY KING DAVID, FELL SHORT.

Speaking of Solomon: “His heart was not perfect before the Lord, as David, his father. 1 Kings. 11:4.

Read about King Asa.

1 King 25:11.

“Asa did not do that which was right in the eyes of the Lord, as did David his father.”

Despite his sins, which marred his life, David’s trust in God, his general Integrity and his zeal for Divine honor, and his responsibility as a king under God made him be called,

“A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART”

And as the pattern for those who would succeed him. Through many troubled times, God preserved David’s line of Kings. Come with me into the lives of those whom God protected to carry out His Will for Israel and, finally, down to us.

1. Jehosheba, the daughter of Jehoram, saved JOASH. 2 Kings 11: 1-3.

God intervened and healed Hezekiah when he was sick unto death. 2 Kings 20: 1-10.

3. God continued to preserve the line through Nathan the Prophet.

4. After the Captivity, the line continues with Zerubbabel, under whose leadership they rebuilt the temple. Zerubbabel preserved the genealogical line of David down to the birth of JESUS CHRIST THE LORD.

Who is David’s Son in whom the Davidic line is NEVER ENDING, EVERLASTING, CONSTANTLY, NEVER TO BE INTERRUPTED!

Jesus, by His second coming, will set up David’s throne on this earth in the city of Jerusalem in fulfillment of the Covenant promise made with David by God long ago.

He is the true HEIR according to the Scriptures in both the OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS!

JESUS IS KING! JESUS IS KING! TRUE KING OF ISRAEL;

DAVID’S GREAT-SON; HOPE OF THE FATHERS;

HEIR TO THE THRONE;

LION OF JUDAH;

LAMB THAT WAS SLAIN;

TRUE KING OF ISRAEL;

YET HE SHALL REIGN.

JESUS IS KING! JESUS IS KING!

….. J S Baxter.

IS JESUS THE KING OF YOUR LIFE?

You must confess Him as Lord of your spirit, soul, and body. Allow him to rule in every area of your life. It will help if you put aside your selfish ways. Paul preached in the book of Galatians.

“MY OLD SELF IS CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST.”

“IT IS NO LONGER THAT I LIVE, BUT CHRIST THAT LIVES IN ME.”

Galatians 2:20.

Yes, we must reckon (count) ourselves dead indeed unto sin and alive unto Christ.

With Paul, we declare: “I DIE DAILY” TO MY SELFISH WAYS.”

The promise of a victorious life will follow when you submit to Christ’s Lordship.

“KING OF MY LIFE, I CROWN HIM NOW, THINE THE GLORY BE. MAKE MY LIFE A LIVING SACRIFICE, CRUCIFIED FOR THEE.”

Amen.

A MARRIAGE MADE IN HEAVEN.

“THE WEDDING OF BOAZ AND RUTH.” Beautiful RUTH, adorned in her Fine White Linen wedding garment (sewn by Naomi, of course), made her way to handsome Boaz’s side. A stunning couple indeed!

This part is so Romantic! It was an outdoor celebration to accommodate the whole town, and they were there! Filling the air with Joy and excitement!

Naomi was beside herself with pure joy at the Goodness of God. Yes,

THE LORD GOD HAD JOINED THEM IN MATRIMONY in the tenderest of love, yet following Jewish tradition and requirements of the Law.

Ruth was now “GRAFTED IN” to GOD’S PEOPLE. Her marriage to Boaz signifies.GOD’S MERCY and GRACE! This story BEGAN with famine, death, and so much grief and ENDED with FULLNESS, NEW LIFE, and much rejoicing!

So Ruth and Boaz lived happily joined together by God.

Of course we cannot forget to mention…

THE BABY!!

Scripture tells us, “Boaz took Ruth as his wife, and went in unto her ( made sexual love), and the Lord caused her to conceive, and she bore him a son.”

Oh, how precious 💞 is that.

He was the Father of Jessie…

The Father of King David…

The Ancestor of JESUS CHRIST.

The Saviour of the World. 🌎

This lovely story has its thanks to Naomi, who in a foreign land was able to call forth love and a confession of God like that of RUTH as pure as the 🌹 Rose of Sharon, and led her to know the,

‘TRUE and LIVING LORD.’

Dearest reader… His eyes are upon you! Your END will be better than your BEGINNING!

ADVICE FOR THOSE WHO ARE SINGLE.

“THERE IS HOPE IN THE END… AND YOUR EXPECTATION SHALL NOT CUT OFF (disappointed).”

1. Choose wisely.

2. Be led by the Holy Spirit.

3. Only marry a committed Christian ✝️.

4. Partner with one who loves God and His Word… And obedient to it.

5. A person, with whom you can pray and read the Bible. Rather than just physical attraction.

6. And take time to get to know each other.

7. Choose one who has a servant’s heart and sweet spirit, and possesses a sense of humour.

8. Love each other with a pure heart fervently.

So my advice is…

❤️ LOVE GOD.

❤️ LOVE YOURSELF.

❤️ LOVE YOUR GOD-GIVEN MATE THROUGH GOOD AND BAD TIMES, TOTALLY AND ETERNALLY DEPENDENT UPON THE LORD JESUS WHO GAVE HIMSELF FOR YOU.

Then you will enjoy the Promised land He has for you.

I waited for 37 years to meet my God given man…

IT WAS WORTH EVERY MOMENT OF WAITING!!!

RICH BLESSINGS UPON YOU. H.DALZELL.

To comment: HEATHER DALZELL.

SMS Heather Dalzell 041754581

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