Service for August 23rd, 2020. Preacher: Pastor David Elliott continuing a series in the Book of Esther.
Video
Sermon Audio
( mp3 file: 20200823_Esther_8_Changes.mp3 )
Notes
(Printable version: 9-Change-Esther-8.pdf )
1. RESIGN YOURSELF TO THE FACT THAT THINGS ARE GOING TO ____________________.
2. REMEMBER THAT GOD CAN CHANGE WHAT APPEARS TO BE ______________________. (vs.1-2)
The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes. (Proverbs 21:1) (NASB)
3. REFUSE TO WASTE TIME AND ENERGY TRYING TO ____________ WHAT IS UNUNDOABLE. (vs. 3-6)
Then the men went as a group to King Darius and said to him, “Remember, Your Majesty, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.” So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”
(Daniel 6:15-16)
4. REFOCUS YOUR ATTENTION ON WRITING A BETTER _____________________. (vs. 7-14)
He wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, and sealed it with the king’s signet ring, and sent letters by couriers on horses, riding on steeds sired by the royal stud. (Esther 8:10) (NASB)
5. REJOICE THAT GOD CAN TURN A ______________ INTO A _____________! (vs. 15-17)
You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!
(Psalm 30:11-12) (NLT)
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. (Revelation 21:4)
6. RELEASE ________________ OF YOUR LIFE TO JESUS CHRIST. (v.17)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Digging Deeper
(For use in personal/family devotions or with your care group)
Q1: What are some things in your life that you like to change regularly? What are some things that you do not like to change…things you prefer just the way they are?
Q2: When people face transitions they often go through various stages: denial, resistance, exploration and commitment. Think of a change you are facing in your life right now. What “stage” are you at? If stuck, what might you do to move ahead?
Q3: Study Isaiah 6:1-8. What change was the nation facing? How did Isaiah respond to the challenging transition facing him and the people of God?
Q4: When it comes to striving to create positive change in your life are you more prone to pick up an eraser or a pen? Explain…
Q5: Think of one biblical character that was faced with the challenge of change. What specific transition confronted them? How did they respond? Was God glorified? How?
Q6: Has there ever been a time in your life when God turned a “dirge” into a “dance”? If so, explain.
Q7: Is there a specific change you sense God wants to make in your family? …school? …workplace?…church? If so, explain, and ask others to pray with you about it.