Psalm 126 - 6.16.25

Scripture

Psalm‬ ‭126:1-4, 6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, LORD, like streams in the Negev....Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”

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Observation

We’ve been set free from captivity because of Jesus Christ! 

“The Psalmist sang of a time when God set His people free from their captivity, and they were restored to Jerusalem (aka Zion).” -(Source: enduringword.com)

God wants to bring back captives from their sin, not so that He can bless us with more material possessions or fortunes. When this passage talks about restoring fortunes in verses 1 and 4, it is talking about bringing back the captives and being set free from bondage/slavery.

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” -1 John‬ ‭2:15-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

True joy is a result of a personal and deepened relationship with Jesus. Being free from captivity to our sin is the greatest gift we have received. 

Application 

Pursue true blessing and wealth through Jesus Christ and share that blessing with others. 

May we pursue what truly matters. Share the “wealth” He has given us with others so that they would be wealthy in the Lord as well.

“As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”” -Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.”” -Isaiah‬ ‭49‬:‭23b NIV‬‬

Who can I share the Good News of Jesus Christ with this week? 

Prayer

Dear Lord, 

Thank You that if we have a relationship with You, we already have every blessing that we need. Please help us to not keep it to ourselves, but to be salt and light to those around us. Please open our eyes to everyone in our circles who need You today. May we be bold to unashamedly proclaim You Jesus. Amen. 

-Michelle Gaddi

2 Corinthians 2 - 6.13.25

Scripture: 2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬-‭15 NIV‬‬

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”

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Observation:

The word “captives” stood out to me as I read this.  Usually the triumphal procession stands out and I read it as we are victorious in Christ.

Now looking at it, I realize more depth because we follow Christ as captives.  This gives it a bit different meaning. As captives we are subject to His will, obedient to him, and follow His every move. 

We are to spread the knowledge of Him everywhere. We are pleasing to God. 

This is described as an aroma. There is one thing about smells, you can’t hide them easily and they flow throughout the space. 

Application:

I want to be so captivated with Christ that I am his captive.  My desire is to follow Him wholeheartedly and go where He leads me. When He leads me, I can walk triumphantly. His plan is for us to spread the knowledge of Him everywhere. May I remember that as I share Jesus, it will flow like an aroma and I will be pleasing to God.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you so much that you not only sent Jesus to die for our sins, but to lead us as triumphant captives. May I not take that calling lightly. For as Paul says in the next verse, to some it will bring life. May I be so full of your love, it is a pleasing aroma to those around me.  Thank you that you send your people out and provide for what we need.  Amen

- Cindy Howard

Esther 6 - 06.12.25

SCRIPTURE: Esther 6:1-3

“That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him. It was found recorded there that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s officers who guarded the doorway, who had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. “What honor and recognition has Mordecai received for this?” the king asked. “Nothing has been done for him,” his attendants answered.”

OBSERVATION 

The King had sent out a royal decree into all the provinces of his empire, giving the order that all Jews—young and old, including women and children—must be killed, slaughtered, and annihilated on a single day. Although there are various estimates, Warren Wiersbe puts this number at about 15 Million Jews scattered across the Persian Empire.  The date was scheduled for March 7th of the next year. The property of the Jews would also be given to those who killed them. (Esther 3:13)

This massacre of epic proportion was instigated by Haman. The King’s right hand man who had become incensed that Mordecai, a Jew,  would not honor the King’s command that all should bow down before him. Haman was so enraged that punishing Mordecai was not enough. Haman looked for a way to destroy all of the Jews because of his anger. Since King Xerxes was completely sheltered he relied heavily on Haman for advice in directing his affairs. So the King didn’t think twice when Haman said, “This people have laws that are different from all those of other people” (Esther 3:8). How correct Haman was. For these people were God’s Chosen people—following God’s holy Law from His Own Hand (Deuteronomy 4:8).

Now a King’s Royal edict was irreversible.

The Jews are in complete despair, wailing and fasting.

Mordecai has gotten word to Esther and she has agreed to go to the King without an invitation even though it could mean her death. She has asked Mordecai to tell the Jews in Susa to join her in a 3-day fast.

Haman is rejoicing because he believes not only will Mordecai die and be put in his place—but ALL Jews will be taught a lesson. Everyone will Know WHO they must bow down to. 

The Book of Esther shows us how God’s Providential Hand is at work for His People in so many details—you could play a game to SEE how many people and places You can Find God’s Intervention at work.

Also, an incredible reminder how God uses the ONE…many times a person who we may gloss over—but God does Know who the person is and has chosen them for their willingness and ability to serve Him—also for such a time as this. 

APPLICATION 

You are Born For-Such a Time as This.

The King can’t sleep so he orders the Kingdom chronicles to be read to him. Seriously! He could have asked for music, or dancing, or a midnight snack. Or a storyteller. But it was the Kingdom Chronicles of daily events. Now the attendant can pick from any book of 127 provinces and choose any page—but he selects the very book and very page that recorded Mordecai’s service to the King five years before—when he uncovered an assassination plot against the King and reported it to Esther. God’s Hand!

The King asks what has been done to honor Mordecai for saving my life? 

“Nothing has been done”, the servant replies. 

This happens JUST as Haman makes his way in to relay to the King his special arrangement to have Mordecai impaled on a particularly high pole. 

The King tells Haman that Mordecai is to be especially honored in a parade for his service and that Haman is to make the arrangements and see to every detail. God’s Hand!

Now Esther made her way in to see the King and he received her with great Joy.

Esther was given God’s wisdom to know “how” and “when” to reveal her true identity the King. She did not share her request to have her people spared immediately. But invited the King to two separate banquets.

The second banquet included Haman where she revealed her request that Haman wanted her death. What shocking news this was for the king AND Haman. The very pole he erected for Mordecai he, himself was impaled on.

“…who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this ?”” (Esther 4:14 NIV) 

Who is Hathak?

“Hathak went back and reported to Esther what Mordecai had said.” (Esther 4:9 NIV)

Hathak was one of the King’s eunuchs assigned to Esther. He was trusted by Esther AND Mordecai as they both reveal the truth about Esther’s Jewish heritage to him. He is carrying extremely important news back and forth. Remember—Esther and Mordecai never actually see each other or talk in person. 15 Million people’s lives are held in the balance over this one man’s integrity and ability to carry information faithfully. 

Every child of God is exactly where God has placed him (her) for some purpose.

We may ask ourselves “For what practical purpose has God placed us where we are now?”

Have you been wishing for another position where you could do something for Jesus?

Do not wish anything of the kind, but serve Him right where you are. 

You, Too, are Born for such a time as This.

Like Mordecai:

If you are sitting at the King’s gate there is something for you to do there.

Like the Attendant -reading the Chronicles (whose name we do not know-God Knows) :

If you are serving as an attendant there is something for you to do there.

Like Hathak:

If you are serving as a messenger, there is something for you to do there.

Like Esther:

and if you are serving on the queen’s throne, there is something for you to do there.

Trust God! Right where you are. In His Kingdom, Christ cares not what Your earthy office is…HE cares only…

Did we fulfill the task we were assigned.

The Parable of the bags of Gold is not about the amounts…it’s about what we do with what we are given. (Matthew 25:14-30)

“For we are His Masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

PRAYER

Lord Jesus,

Thank YOU in Your Sovereign Plan You have ordained each one of us to be where we are at this moment in time. Help me Father to Hear Your Voice. 

I am unworthy and so Thankful You brought me out of darkness into Your Salvation.

May I be an attendant, May I be a Gatekeeper, May I be a messenger that brings honor and glory to Your Name—whatever office YOU Call me to. 

May I be Your Willing servant—for such a time as this.

Thank You for Your Word that continues to show Your Love, Your Mercy, Your Grace-and our desperate need of You. We can do nothing apart from You.

Thank You that in your goodness You choose to partner with us. May Your Love be revealed in us Today. In Jesus Name. Amen. 

Tina L Kudelka