James 1:12-14

If you recall from earlier in this book, it is a joy to meet trials of various kinds. It is not only a joy to meet these trials, but the one who endures is blessed. These people who remain steadfast will receive the crown of life. We know this because God has promised it to those who love him. It seems that those who remain steadfast are those who love God. This is another encouragement to remain steadfast, knowing the crown that we will receive and trusting in what God has said.

It may happen to some that they blame God. Perhaps they are being tested and they point the finger at God, blaming him for bringing this temptation upon him. This is wrong, because God doesn't tempt anyone. He cannot be tempted with evil and does not tempt anyone. The fact of the matter is that those who are tempted are enticed by their own desires. It's not God, but your own desires that are to blame. So if you're going to point the finger, know what is really to blame.

James 1:8-11

So there's this guy that is somewhat different from the man who lacks wisdom and in faith asks God for wisdom. Instead, this man doubts and should not expect to receive anything from God. What is said about this man is that he is double-minded. Why is this man double-minded? Well, first of all, he is asking God for wisdom, so he acknowledges God in some way, shape or form. However, he seems double-minded about God because he doubts. There are two sides he is playing on in his mind because he appeals to God, but at the same time, he doubts God. Playing both sides causes him to be unstable in all his ways, because he is not sure or sticking to one or the other.

Moving on to the next passage, there is a lowly brother and a rich brother. The lowly is to boast in his high position, and the rich is to boast in his humility. The reason for this is given through an illustration of a flower of the grass that passes away from the scorching heat of the sun. This is related to a rich man who will fade away in his pursuits. Another translation relates the boasting to God's honoring of them and God's humbling of them. This seems fairly God focused, and that makes sense because these two people are brothers. The natural thing for people to do is for rich people to boast in their exaltation. However, doing such a thing would be just like the world. In addition, it seems less of a focus on God, even though you can still boast in your riches with respect to them being given to you by God. Regardless, the point is that these high positions will eventually pass away. Those who boast in those things will fade away. Do not be like those people who being rich, boast in their wealth.

James 1:7

So there's this person who lacks wisdom and asks God for it. God is generous and is without reproach in this situation. In asking, this person should ask in faith, expecting that it should be given to him. The thing is that, if he does in fact doubt, he's not going to get anything. It is described here as one who shouldn't even expect to receive anything from God. This is yet another reason why you should ask in faith, though it was perhaps implied by the previous verses.

James 1:6

The thing is that when you ask for wisdom, you need to ask in faith. The opposite of this would be doubting, so you need to ask without doubting. Besides, you don't want to doubt because that is like the surf of the sea, being tossed back and forth by the wind. You don't want to be like that, being pushed here and there by the wind. Ask for wisdom and ask for it in faith. God is generous and will give you wisdom without reproach.

James 1:5

You should ask God for wisdom, assuming you are lacking wisdom. I'd venture to say that all of us are lacking in wisdom, and those who say otherwise are unwise. Sometimes we may be afraid to ask for things. This isn't the same thing, but I've often heard teachers encourage students to ask questions. Sometimes, teachers will even say that "there is no such thing as a stupid question" to encourage people to not be afraid to ask questions. It is a bit different when asking to receive something rather than clarification on a question, though I guess you are asking to receive teaching or instruction of some sort. Sometimes we may fear not receive what we ask for. There can be various reasons for not receiving what we ask for. However, we do not need to fear because God gives generously to all. In addition, he gives generously without reproach. It's not like you'll be shamed in your request for wisdom. God will give generously and will not reproach you. This is really amazing and comforting. It makes me think that I should ask for wisdom all the time.

James 1:2-4

There is no such thing as a life without trials. Some people's lives seem quite easy and carefree. Perhaps some seem quite tame compared to the fiery furnaces you may face. It may not always have trials and thus have times void of trials. Regardless, there are trials; you can't escape from trials in your life. What should you do when you are faced with trials? Here's what James says: consider it joy. It is apparently a joyful thing to have trials, thus, you should treat them as such. This is because steadfastness is produced from the testing of your faith. Trials certainly test you.

The producing of steadfastness should be embraced and fully worked out. The result of it is to be made perfect and complete. This is the process of sanctification, and thus growing more and more into Christ's likeness.

James 1:1

I’ve been reading a lot of Paul for the past long while, so it might be a good change to read something other than Paul. James is also in the New Testament and a letter, so this letter shares some similarities with Paul's letters. However, some may think that it is in some ways at odds with the things Paul talks about. The "greetings" of this letter is not particularly special or different. It is from James and he describes himself as a servant of God. It seems fairly open ended, as he is addressing the twelve tribes all over the world. It's not like Paul's letters which are addressed to a specific church or person.

Proverbs 24:16

Today's sermon was on this passage. It seems a bit of an odd passage for a Good Friday service. However, it's interesting that the righteous fall. Being righteous doesn't mean that you never fall, but here it talks about getting back up. Then again, this isn't an excuse for you to fall. Regardless, the righteous do fall and it's not like it never happens to them.

When I survey the wondrous cross

Ephesians 2:10

The fact that we are saved by grace is not an excuse to go on sinning. He created us and he saves us. We are his workmanship and we are created for good works. This is actually applied to being "in Christ Jesus", which may point to good works being done in Christ Jesus.

This also isn't something God just made up recently. It's not as if we're saved by grace, then God thought up that we should do good works. Instead, God had already prepared this beforehand. He prepared long time ago that we should do good works and live in that manner.

Ephesians 2:9

Clearly, we are not saved by works. If we are saved by grace, then it cannot be by works. God is the one who makes us alive, not ourselves. We don't work for our salvation. If we don't work for it, then we have nothing to boast about. If you did something in it of yourself, then it's something you can boast about. But as far as our salvation goes, we don't work for it at all. It is by grace, through faith that we are saved. God makes us alive and we don't work for it. Therefore, do not boast in any way, shape, or form in yourself with regards to salvation at all. Instead, boast in the Lord.

Ephesians 2:8

God is the one who does the showing off. We don't show off. If perhaps we were not saved by grace, but by our own doing somehow, then maybe we'd have something to boast about in ourselves. However, that is not the case. We are saved by grace, through faith. The faith is in Jesus Christ.

The saving work is a gift. You don't work or merit it. It's not like you pay for a gift, but it is given. If you offer to pay for a gift, it might be a terribly rude act towards the giver. It is a gift and it is free. We are saved by grace.

Ephesians 2:7

So what is the reason for this? Why are we raised with him and seated with him in the heavenly places? It's for the showing of his grace in kindness towards us. It's like it's on display for all to see in the ages to come. It's like how you build a large monument to honour someone for something great that they did, so that future generations will know. What God did for us through Christ Jesus trumps all the things that any mere human and every mere human ever did combined together? These monuments or tributes built to the remembrance of people certainly are nice and I mean no disrespect towards them. However, those monuments don't last forever and eventually people forget. But here in this passage, we're talking about the immeasurable riches of his kindness towards us.

At first I thought of it as showing off. However, showing off has negative connotations. But God is showing off, but it's not negative for him. God is worthy of all our praise. He can back it up and won't eventually slip up and embarrass himself. I'm sure there's so much more to it that I don't understand, but its okay. I look forward to what he'll teach me in the future.

Ephesians 2:6

We are raised with him. God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. He also raises us up with him. Not only that, but he seats us with him. We know that Jesus will be seated in glory and in a place of honor. He is highly exalted and at his name, every knee will bow. However, somehow, we are seated with him. It is also in the active present tense or something like that. It's not just that we will be seated in the future. The seating is described as present tense. At this moment, our position, as one who has been made alive in Christ, we are currently positioned as seated with Christ. This is crazy and hard to comprehend, but it is also really amazing and cool in whatever little bit of it I think I can grasp.

Ephesians 2:5

If the "But God" wasn't enough, Paul reminds us of what we were like before. Even when we were like what we used to be, we were saved. Even though we were dead, he made us alive. This being made alive is something that is done together with Christ. God raised Christ from the dead, and we are raised with him. It is also added that we are saved by grace. This is brought up again in verses 8 and 9, but I guess Paul couldn't help saying it now.

Ephesians 2:4

The first three verses are fairly grim. Paul lengthens on about our previous state before being alive in Christ. However, that tone is cut by the words "But God". These words have been described as being the gospel summed up in two words. Without God stepping into the picture, we would still be dead in our trespasses and sins. But God steps in and does something.

What's interesting is that what God does isn't really explained in this verse. It's not until later that we read about what God actually does. However, what's described are some of God's qualities and reasons for this intervention. First of all, God is rich in mercy. We certainly need mercy if we are dead in our trespasses and sins. Without mercy, there would be no withholding of fair and due punishment for the sins we commit. But because God is rich in mercy, there is some sort of withholding of something that we deserve. Fortunately he is rich in it; otherwise it would be expended according to how dead we really are in our sins.

The next thing is his love. The reason precedes the actual action. The reason for the action that is coming up is because of his great love for us. He loves us. And that's really cool too because we are dead. We are dead and filthy and are by nature children of wrath. Yet, God loves us and it is because of his love for us that he is motivated to do something. Not only that, but his love is described as great. His love is not small or miniscule. His love isn't mediocre or just average. There is so much in this word great, and it describes his love for us.

What's interesting is that later in Ephesians when his love is referred to again, it is described as having dimensions. There is breadth, length, height and depth to his love that we try to comprehend. It's really cool, to say the least.

Ephesians 2:3

Now Paul really focuses in on how we once were like those who are in the world. We used to be like that, even though we are now alive. We must not forget that. The first two verses used the word "you". However, now in verse 3 the word "we" is used. These things apply to us. These terrible dirty things we "carried out" and actually did ourselves. This was our very nature, which is hard to make excuses for. It's not like you can say you were having a bad day, because your nature is like your inclination regardless of luck or the particular set of circumstances. There's no running from it; we were like that as well.

Ephesians 2:2

This is the way those alive in Christ used to walk. We used to walk in deadness in our trespasses and sins. This is the course of the world, that which we followed. Who is the world following? They're following the prince of the power of the air. This is Satan, who is at work leading the world astray. He is at work in these people who are also called the sons of disobedience. They disobey, that's what they do. As much as we can point and look at them and their miserable state, we cannot forget that we used to be like that. We were led astray like them following the path the world takes. We were like that, and it's quite sad seeing them following this in their deadness knowing that we are no longer dead, but alive.

Why you do what you do: Achievement Vs sense of belonging

As a man, we always have a desire to achieve something BIG in life, whether it is the money you want to make, a company you want to build, a status or a degree you want to get, your rank at work, or doing good things like community works and etc. The fact is that somehow we are made to have the desire to achieve so that in the end of the day we will feel that our life is worth living for. That’s where all the mission statements, visions, or millstones really comes from in organization, because these things drive it and without those things the organization is just dead.

But interestingly, during most times, what we say we want to achieve is not really what we want to achieve. Some people say they want to earn a lot of money, but what they really want is not the money, but the happiness they think they could buy with it. Some might have decided to devote their whole life to do something good like helping kids who cannot read, but most (but not all) of what they really want is the self-fulfillment and the recognition from the society; I might sound silly here but I think this list can go on and on.

As Jim Carry, one of Hollywood’s highest paid actors said: “I wish everyone could get rich and famous and get everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that's not the answer.” He is saying that what we thought it was the answer is actually not, because what we are trying to achieve is not where we want to get in life, but something else. So what is this something else? It is important to find out why we do what we do, otherwise everything is just meaningless clothed with artificial meaning.

What we try to achieve is really the sense of belonging. This is in fact everything in life. When we feel a sense of belonging, we feel happy, honored, and/or motivated to move on. Our money, or time or effort is not an issue anymore when we feel that we are accepted, we are being respected by others and ultimately we feel that are loved. We want to feel that sense of belonging, and we will search until we find someone or something that actually accepts our existence, and this is what really drives our lives. If one thing doesn't work, we try another thing. It might mean switching companies, changing life goals, changing wives or girlfriends, and new houses, new cars, etc.

However, the problem is that no matter what we do, and how hard we try, everything we try doesn't really get us anywhere. The saddest part is that sometimes I would hear people saying how they only realize this fact until they are too late on their dead bed, and their time is short.

What is the answer then? A lot of people try so hard to be the person who they hate just so that they can feel accepted by their surrounding, their peers, and/or the society. But let's think out of the box here. Do you know that the truth is instead of belonging to the created thing, we suppose to belong to the creator God alone? God wants us so much and that's why He has created the world for us, but because we have turned away from God with evil thoughts, it makes us become unclean and this uncleanness has separated us from God. However the good news is since He wants us so badly, He did one very “irrational” decision to pay all our debt through his only righteous Son Jesus Christ by dying for us so that we may live. Jesus has the power to do that because He alone is God, sent by God with authority even over death, becoming alive again in 3 days. This is indeed “irrational” why God does this, but the only explanation is because God is Love. He so loved the world and us, he did it anyways for everyone, so that we may be purchased back to Him where we are supposed to belong, as long as we believe in what Jesus has done for us. We are saved and already have that sense of BELONGING -- not because what we have achieved or who we are, but of our faith alone. And this is just a simple love story.

As a Christian like me, I have already received the true sense of belonging. This is where we are supposed to belong: the Kingdom of God, and now I am no longer the slave of performing or doing achievements. As a Christian, it is not about what we have achieved anymore, but instead we are just so satisfied by being part of the picture of God's love story. Now we are so in love and are given a new heart with a new desire to do God's will, which is continue to share this love story to others so that they may be saved as well; and during this walk with God, we are slowly becoming the person who we meant to be. Most importantly, I finally know where I truly belong, and it is by grace, not by my own work.

Ephesians 2:1

I've been trying to memorize this lately and I wonder how would be the best way to describe this to a non-Christian. It's easier for us to understand in general that we used to be dead for those of us who are now alive. However, I guess it's difficult in general to tell someone who's dead that they're dead. They may even acknowledge their trespasses and sins, but it's quickly followed by a comparison with the rest of the world. Isn't that priding yourself in your moral standing compared to the sinfulness of others? Even in this act of admitting to sin one is still able to remain in their trespasses and sins. As followers of Christ and ones who used to be like that, we must not forget how we once were. We were dead, and we were no more deserving of being alive than those who are dead now.

2 Corinthians 1:1-22

Paul writes this letter to the church in Corinth. We have 1 Corinthians as one of the letters Paul has written previously to the church in Corinth. In addition, we know that 1 Corinthians is at least the 2nd letter and that there may have been letters in between 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians. Regardless, there is communications between Paul and the church at Corinth. The first thing Paul brings up is about comfort. There is suffering and comfort through Christ. We suffer as Christ suffers, but we are also comforted through Christ. This connection also applies between believers. As believers we share together in suffering but are also sharing in comfort.

Paul then shares about the trouble he faced in Asia. They even worried for their own lives, but this was so that they would not trust in themselves, but trust in God. They were delivered by God. Paul also extends his thanks for those who were praying for him.

Paul was open and honest with them in the way he conducted himself. He didn't hide or say more than needed to be said. He knows that on the day of the Lord, he will be proud of them as they will be proud of him.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul had to deal with some who didn't think that Paul was coming to them. Though Paul had expressed a desire to come to them, he hadn't showed up and some were throwing Paul into disrepute. Paul mentions that though he had expressed a desire to come to them, he wasn't lying if he didn't actually come. Instead, his "yes" and "no" has always been "yes" in the Lord. Regardless of his desire to go to them or not, his will and desire has always been a desire to follow God and do what he says. In the same way, the message that was preached to them was the same message of "yes" in Him. Having our "yes" in him, God saves us and keeps his own. He gives us his Spirit as a guarantee to those who are actually his. We are his and we know it because he has already given us his Spirit as a deposit.

1 Timothy 6:17-21

Paul doesn't leave the rich alone and addresses them once again. They shouldn't be proud or setting their hopes on riches, but on God. They seek riches in order to be richly endowed, but it is God who richly provides. Having been richly endowed, they should be rich in good works. I love how Paul continues to use the word "rich" with respect to things other than material possessions.

Rich people who seek after material wealth store up for the present age. However, those who seek after God who richly provides and themselves become rich in good deeds will be rich in heaven. They are not storing up for wealth in the present but instead for the future. Doing so will allow one to take hold of what is truly life, for amassing wealth for the present is not truly life.

Timothy is charged with guarding the deposit entrusted to him. This is said in accordance with the charge to avoid irreverent babble and contradictions. Those things are wrongly considered to be knowledge. Doing such a thing is what some have done and caused them to swerve from the faith. Guarding the deposit has something to do with something important to keeping one steady and on course. What else other than the gospel to which Paul had entrusted to Timothy. Paul talks a bit more about this deposit in 2 Timothy. Finally Paul simply ends by saying "Grace be with you".

1 Timothy 6:11-16

Addressing Timothy again, he urges Timothy to flee these sinful desires and to pursue righteousness. Doing so will not be easy, but it is like a fight. Therefore, in doing such a thing, Paul encourages Timothy by saying to fight the good fight. You don't want to just surrender and give up, at least put up a fight and fight for victory. He is even encouraged to take hold of eternal life. There is a sense in which we need to take hold of it instead of idly receiving it. Those who are called by God are not those who sit idly by twiddling their thumbs. Paul once again charges Timothy with this and he breaks out into doxology. Wow, God is so good. There are kings, but he is king of those kings. I particularly like that and the ending, saying that it is to him be honor and eternal dominion. It's not like the president or prime minister how they change every 4 years or something like that. His dominion is eternal.

1 Timothy 6:1-10

It seems that the name of God and the teaching may be reviled if slaves do not regard their masters as worthy of honor. Being a slave is your position in society and it is somewhat like your job. If you are one who does grumbles about your master and doesn't respect him, you are living in a way that is in contrast to God and his teachings. There were slaves in that day and some slaves and some masters were believers. As a result, it was highly possible for a believing slave be slave to a believing master. In those situations, some may be tempted to treat their master with disrespect, but this is not right. Instead, the slaves should serve their masters with greater diligence. This makes sense because those who benefit from the work are believers.

Near the beginning of the letter to the Galatians, Paul warns them against those who teach a different doctrine. Those people are to be accursed. Here in 1 Timothy Paul addresses those who teach a different doctrine as well. This time Paul mentions that they are puffed up and without understanding. Paul goes on to describe a number of other bad things about them. The last one in particular is interesting. Paul says that these people think that godliness is a means of gain. I couldn't agree more, godliness is good and it certainly is beneficial. However, Paul seems to imply that this is a bad thing. Apparently, NIV translates it to "financial gain". If it is "financial gain", it makes more sense.

Paul continues on to talk about godliness. He probably needs to clear up the confusion some (including myself) may have with implying that godliness is a means of gain. Godliness paired with contentment results in great gain. Though this world is only temporary, having things like food and clothing brings contentment. However, the desire for money and riches is really bad, leading to a great number of terrible temptations and harmful desires. It is even mentioned that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. Through this craving many have wandered away from the faith. It is really bad and has caused great trouble, so you should stay away from it. This is probably part of why it is so difficult for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God as Jesus said.

1 Timothy 5:22-25

I stopped short of this verse last time because I didn't quite understand it at first. I still don't quite understand it. But at the very least, Paul is continuing his point about not prejudging. If you prejudge, you might be quick to lay your hands on someone. The confusion comes when tying the laying of hands with something "bad". I guess prejudging applies to both good and bad things. I guess this could also be something completely separate from prejudging and merely another instruction being given by Paul. Perhaps the laying of hands isn't something that is done hastily in general, and if that is the case then that isn't correct. They laid hands on Timothy and he was given a gift by prophecy.

It certainly makes sense to not take part in the sins of others. By doing such a thing along with other things Paul instructs, one does it to remain pure. Perhaps that applies to not hastily laying hands on someone. Paul then instructs Timothy to use wine for his ailments. In those days, alcohol was sometimes used for medicinal purposes.

I'm not sure how this ties in with the wine, but obvious sins certainly ties in with purity. Not all sins appear immediately but sometimes appearing later. Good works are the same, some are obvious and those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden. This should dissuade others from secret sin, since it will appear later if it is not obvious. In addition, perhaps it will spur others to continue in good works that are not obvious. Sometimes those good works are discouraging because encouragement and recognition is hard to come by with something that is unknown. However, knowing that it cannot be hidden may be some encouragement. Hopefully not encouraging people to seek the praise of men, but it can be disheartening at times.

1 Timothy 5:17-21

Elders who rule well should be considered worthy of double honor. This applies especially for those who preach and teach. This may seem out of place considering that Paul has been talking about widows. However, elders are those who have to deal with widows and probably the qualification for who is really a widow. Deuteronomy 25:4 is quoted as backup for these elders deserving double honor. For the work an ox does, it should not be hindered from enjoying the fruit of its labor by being muzzled.

Still on the topic of elders, charges against elders should not be entertained. However, this doesn't apply if there are at least two or three witnesses. So there are charges that are to be taken seriously and this leads to elders who sin. There is a process and way in which to deal with elders who sin. This isn't necessarily open rebuke, but it is open rebuke if they persist in sin. The purpose for the open rebuke is for the rest to stand in fear. It is quite possible for elders and others to become comfortable and possibly prideful.

Paul warns against prejudging. This is so important that Paul charges Timothy in the presence of God, Jesus and the elect angels. Paul has given rules to Timothy and it's easy to prejudge someone before applying these rules. People may ask for exceptions and it may be hard especially if you know that person personally. However, these rules are there for a reason and Paul charges Timothy not to prejudge.

1 Timothy 5:9-16

There's more to being a widow than simply being widowed. Rather, there is an age requirement and a reputation requirement. The age requirement is because younger widows may be compelled by their passions to marry even though they may have already decided to enroll in the church as a widow. In addition, certain people who are not truly widows may learn to be idlers, gossiping and busybodying. Yet again, Paul reminds them that if widows have relatives, their relatives should take care of them.

1 Timothy 5:1-8

There are certain ways you are to treat one another. You don't treat all in the same way, apparently. Each type of person is related to as a member of your family. Older men are fathers, and younger men are brothers. Older women are mothers and younger women are sisters. In all of these you are do so in purity. We are all children of God and part of the body of Christ. It's quite interesting how we are to relate to one another as family members.

With regards to widows, they are to be honored if they are in fact widows. There are certain people who are not truly widows and certain circumstances keep them from being truly widows. For example, if they have children or grandchildren then hopefully their children or grandchildren would take care of them. Obviously there are some who are not left alone, so ones with families should be taken care of by their families. Warnings against those who do not do this are those who are worse than an unbeliever. These who are truly widows are those who are left all alone and have set their hope on God. They continue in prayer constantly. However, the opposite or the contrast to this person is one who is self-indulgent.

Esther 9-10

What's interesting is that as they defeat these people, they don't plunder them. It was even in the order that they are allowed to plunder these people. However, the Jews did not. This is somewhat in line with their instructions from God when the Israelites were defeating all these different peoples and nations. Sometimes when facing off against their enemies and defeating them, God would instruct them not to plunder them. It's interesting because we read nowhere here in Esther that God instructed that, but this is still what they did.

The story of Esther ends talking about the celebration that the Jews hold. In addition, we read of Mordecai who writes these things down. On top of that, we read of the greatness of Mordecai, who is second in rank to the king.

Esther

Was going to read Hosea, but I came across Esther and had a desire to read Ether instead. So there's this king, King Ahasuerus. Apparently, in some translations, he's called Xerxes. They seemed to be doing well because he had this feast and showed off the riches of his royal glory of the splendor and pomp to all his officials and servants. This actually occurred for 180 days. After that was over, there was another feast for all people present in Susa that lasted 7 days. All this eating seems to be a little bit excessive. There was even another feast held by Queen Vashti for the women in the palace.

On the seventh day, which was the last day of the seven-day feast, the king was happy and he called to bring Queen Vashti before him. The purpose was to show off to those with him her beauty. Apparently, she refused his request. This insulted both the king and those with him at the time. The king asks the wise men with him at the time what should be done in response to this great insult. Memucan, one of the wise men there, suggests that a royal order be sent out that Vashti is to never come before King Ahasuerus ever again. In addition, her royal position of queen should be given to someone else. The purpose for this is apparently to make sure all women would give honor to their husbands. I guess if they let this slide, women would think that it's okay to disrespect their husbands in the same way Queen Vashti did.

Anyway, a queen needs to be chosen. So they go out through the land finding the most beautiful young virgins to bring them before the king. Eventually, Esther finds favor from the king and she is the new queen.

There's also this guy named Mordecai who is Esther's uncle. He looks after Esther as his own daughter. Mordecai finds out that there is a plot to kill the King by these two guys, Bigthan and Teresh. He makes it known to the king and those two are dealt with.

A guy named Haman is promoted. Apparently, people all bow down to him, but Mordecai does not. Haman learns of this and he becomes angry with Mordecai. Instead of getting back at only Mordecai, Haman sought to get back at all the Jews. Through the king, Haman gets a decree sent out to destroy the Jews.

Mordecai learns of this and is quite saddened by it. He tears his clothes and putts on sackcloth and ashes. Esther hasn't heard of this yet and is curious as to why Mordecai is acting this way. So, Mordecai tells her through a messenger she sends. She is also urged to do something about this as the queen, but she is afraid because she could be put to death if she goes to the king without being summoned. However, she knows she has to do this so she does.

She actually finds favor in the eyes of the king who is curious as to what her request is. Actually, he asks her already offering to grant it up to half his kingdom. This phrase seemed quite familiar as it was also what Herod said when he was pleased by the dancing of his wife's daughter. She proposes a feast for the king and Hamon. At the feast, she is asked once again for her request and she suggests another feast with the king and Hamon.

Hamon going home from the feast to his wife and friends recounts all his successes in life. However, he still is angry at Mordecai. So, his wife and friends suggest he builds a tall gallows to be used to hang Mordecai. Hamon was happy with this idea and he had the gallows made.

The King recalls the nice thing Mordecai did for him in revealing the plot on the king's life. Nothing has been done for Mordecai in return for this kindness, so the king is searching for something nice to do for Mordecai. He sees Hamon in the court and asks him what should be done to one the king wishes to honor. Hamon thought the King was referring to Hamon. Hamon suggests that this person be clothed with royal robes, placed on the king's horse and fitted with the king's crown. Then, the king's most noble officials are to dress this man up and lead the horse around the city proclaiming the king's delight and honor for this man. Then, Hamon is instructed to do this for Mordecai. I had a good laugh when I read this because it is hilarious. Hamon is forced to do this to the man he hates. He is so sad that he goes home crying with his head covered.

This busy day has not yet come to an end. Hamon still has to attend the second feast for which Ester has invited him to. At this feast the king yet again asks for Esther's request. Esther asks for her life and the life of her people because they have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated. To this the king asks for the one who has done this and Esther simply reveals that this evil person is Hamon.

One person reminds the king of the gallows that Hamon built to hang Mordecai. They use those gallows to hang Hamon. After this, Esther begs the king to avert Hamon's plan against the Jews and a new order is written to revoke the old one. The new order was given, saying that the Jews were allowed to gather and defend their lives, to destroy, to kill and annihilate anyone who dares attack them. They were also allowed to plunder them.

With this new order given, the Jews annihilate their enemies and many people fall at the hands of the Jews. Another request is given to Esther and she requests that this order be extended to the next day. In addition, she asks for the sons of Hamon to be hanged as well. The Jews also appoint a day of rest where they begin to feast and also continue to hold this day as a holiday.

1 Timothy 4:11-16

There are a number of instructions and things to do that are given to Timothy by Paul. Not only is Timothy to do them, but he is also to command and teach these things. As a younger man, it may be difficult to teach and have people listen to you. However, Paul encourages him not to let that get in the way. It doesn't matter if he's younger; rather he is to lead by example. Paul continues on with a few other instructions including the public reading of scripture. He is also reminded of his gift which was given to him by prophecy at an earlier occasion.

Mainly he is to follow this instruction, teach it and be an example to others. Doing so will be of benefit to yourself and those who hear you.