Scripture: Colossians 1:12–17

Summary:

We live in an age where everything tells us to put ourselves at the center—build your brand, chase your comfort, carry your own greatness. But God never designed us to hold the weight of our own glory; he designed us to reflect his. In Colossians 1, Paul reminds us that Jesus must not just be important in our lives but preeminent, first place above everything, because he is our Savior who rescues us from the power of darkness, brings us into his kingdom, redeems us by his blood, and completely forgives our sin. When Jesus moves from the edges of our life to the throne of our life, spiritual dryness is replaced with purpose, and our decisions begin to line up with the One we were created for.

Key Takeaways:

• Jesus is not meant to be part of your life; he is meant to be the center of your life.
• Our greatest problem is sin, and Jesus alone is the Savior who delivers, redeems, and forgives.
• God has transferred believers out of darkness into the kingdom of his beloved Son.
• Jesus is the Creator and Sustainer—everything exists by him, through him, and for him.
• It is “reasonable service” to surrender every area of life to Christ’s preeminence.

Scripture: Esther 9:1–32; Esther 10:1–3

Summary:

In Esther, God turns a death sentence into a day of joy, and his people respond by creating Purim—a yearly rhythm to remember that their “lot” in life isn’t random, it’s ruled by a faithful God. Just like Canada pauses to remember the costly gift of freedom, followers of Jesus are called to intentionally remember the far greater deliverance we’ve received through Christ. When we rehearse God’s goodness, our own hearts are strengthened and the watching world sees a hope they don’t have. When we remember what God has done, others discover who God is.

Key Takeaways:

• God alone determines the “lot” of His people; nothing is left to chance.

• Remembering past deliverance gives strength for present trials.

• Rhythms of remembrance (like Purim, the Lord’s Table, baptism) are God-honoring, not optional extras.

• Public joy in God’s rescue becomes a powerful witness to those far from Him.

• Do something intentional to remember: mark dates, set reminders, tell the next generation, and refuse to forget the goodness of God.

Scripture: Esther 8

Summary: When Haman falls, Esther and Mordecai receive honor, but Esther isn’t satisfied with personal safety—she pleads for her people. The unchangeable decree remains, so the king authorizes a counter-decree that empowers the Jews to defend themselves, and hope floods the empire. That picture calls us to gospel urgency: rescued people intercede and act so others can find rescue in Christ. And unlike Esther’s day, our victory is already secured—Jesus has defeated sin and death—so we fight from confidence, not fear, with joy that endures.

Key Takeaways:

• God often honors integrity in His time; stay faithful.
• Salvation fuels mission; rescued people rescue people.
• We fight from victory, not for it, through Christ (1 Cor. 15:57).
• Use your position and voice to intercede for others.
• Hope produces courage and visible joy in dark places.

Scripture: Esther 7

Summary:

Esther steps into the moment with wise, prayer–soaked courage and asks for her life and her people’s, exposing Haman’s wicked plot. God’s hidden hand flips the script: the gallows built for Mordecai become Haman’s end, reminding us that justice may feel delayed but is never denied. Sin kept in the dark tightens its grip, but dragged into the light it starts to die, and grace meets repentant hearts. So we confront evil with truth and trust the God who works in the shadows for His glory and our good.

Key Takeaways:

• Courage is for God’s purposes, not our platform.

• Hidden sin entraps; confessed sin is disarmed.

• God’s justice can be slow, but it is sure.

• Confront evil wisely; don’t avenge yourself.

• Weakness is the doorway for Christ’s power.

Summary:

Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples of all nations” is the heartbeat of every believer. While billions still haven’t heard the name of Jesus, God is still working, still calling, and still using ordinary people who live by faith. The same Spirit who empowered the early church is ready to empower us today if we’ll pray, surrender, and give ourselves fully to God’s mission. Our task is simple: believe that God is at work, depend on His Spirit, and release what He’s entrusted to us for His glory among the nations. The gospel still works, and God still chooses to work through willing hearts.

Key Takeaways:

• Missions is not a program—it’s the posture of every disciple.

• Renew your faith that God is still working and able to use you.

• Rely on the Spirit through consistent, surrendered prayer.

• Release your time, gifts, and resources for God’s mission.

• The mission isn’t finished until all have heard.

Scripture: Esther 5–6

Summary: After three days of fasting, Esther steps into risk with a quiet, prayed-up courage, and God opens the king’s heart. Instead of rushing her request, she moves with wisdom, inviting Xerxes and Haman to two banquets while God arranges the unseen details. That same night, the king “just happens” to read how Mordecai once saved his life, and Haman is forced to honor the very man he hates. Pride buckles, providence stands, and we learn that God’s timing is never late and His hand is never absent, so obey first and trust Him with the outcome.

Key Takeaways:

• Pray first, then step in faith (Esth. 4:16; 5:1).

• Wisdom uses timing, not panic (Esth. 5:4, 7–8).

• Pride accelerates downfall (Prov. 16:18; Esth. 6:10–12).

• God works while you wait (Esth. 6:1–3).

• Obedience is your job; outcomes are God’s.

Scripture: Esther 4

Summary: When Mordecai mourns and Esther hesitates, we see our own fear of risk, yet God positions ordinary people for key moments. Mordecai’s charge: “for such a time as this”—pushes Esther from self-preservation to obedience, and her “If I perish, I perish” shows faith that trusts God with the results. They fast, they act, and God moves. Obedience first, understanding later.

Key Takeaways:

• God is present even when unseen.

• Delayed obedience is disobedience.

• Your placement is providential, not accidental.

• Fast and pray, then act in faith.

• Aim for faithfulness, leave outcomes to God.

Mordecai’s faithfulness looked forgotten, Haman’s evil looked unstoppable, and a roll of the dice set a death date—yet “the lot is cast… but its every decision is from the Lord” (Prov. 16:33). God records what others overlook, restrains what evil intends, and turns delays into deliverance. So don’t quit doing what’s right; in Christ, “all things work together for good” (Rom. 8:28). When life feels out of control, trust the God who’s always in control.

Scripture: Esther 2:19-3:15

(00:31) Introduction

(03:27) When faithfulness feels forgotten

(15:23) When evil is in command

(36:02) When life looks left to chance

(40:36) The God of details

When God seems quiet, Esther 2 shows he’s anything but absent. In a corrupt empire and a messy story, the unseen King is turning hearts and moving pieces to place his Esther where his people need her. Esther didn’t choose her circumstances, but God used them, pointing us to Jesus who redeems our guilt and heals our shame. The same God who ruled in Esther’s day rules ours.

Scripture: Esther 2:1-18

(00:00) Introduction

(05:36) A Defeated King

(09:59) A Depraved Culture

(21:33) A Directing God

(45:21) Trusting God's Plan in Difficult Times

When things get darker, we don’t shrink back, we look up and remember God’s still writing the story. Esther’s world was messy too, yet the unseen hand of providence placed her right where grace could break in. What others mean for evil, our God can bend for good, shaping us to look more like Jesus and advancing his purposes. So we humble ourselves under his mighty hand, pray, and take the next faithful step. Trust this today—God sees, God cares, and God is at work even when you can’t see how.

Scripture: Esther 1:1-22