Esther — Real men make a difference

Did you ever stop to think how much easier it would be if you were single again? No wife. No kids.  Just you and the dog. What a cake walk! That’s where Mordecai was at when Esther’s parents died. But he was a Godly man—a stand up and deliver guy. He adopted his niece and raised her to be a God fearing woman who loved and respected her uncle and even more— God.

He was an encourager. When Esther was called to the king to be considered as queen, Mordecai was always at the gate waiting to hear how she was doing so he could help her in any way he could. He gave her advice and was available if she needed him. He sacrificed his time and pleasure to help Esther in difficult times.

He was an example of Godliness. Mordecai would not compromise his beliefs and bow down to a man. (Haman). He risked death rather than do what was expected of him by men. It was faith lived out in the face of danger.

He encouraged Esther to stand up for her people and her God—even if it risked death. He had earned the right to do so by his own example and Esther—because of the faith she was raised with and by the example of Mordecai—took a huge risk based on faith.

He was an honored man. Mordecai had exposed a plan to assassinate the king and looked for nothing in return. But God, who forgets nothing, brought his good deeds to the kings attention at exactly the right time—a time when it not only saved his life from a murder plot by Haman, but allowed him to be empowered to save Gods people.

So here’s the big question—where are we at as men in our lives today? Are we going out of our way to make a difference for the Lord or are we going out of our way to avoid responsibilities and difficulties? Married or single, does the Lord really matter most in your life? – Steve Schmidt is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and serves on the full-time ministry team at America’s Keswick

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 16-17; Acts 12

Quote of the day: The will of God is found in the Word of God. The more a person grows, the more he begins to think instinctively and habitually from a divine perspective. Howard G. Hendricks

Verse to Memorize: Your promise is well tried and your servant loves it. I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts. Psalm 119:140-141 ESV