Decisions, active or passive, affect our lives every day. The decisions you make, the decisions others make, they channel our lives towards certain outcomes. That can leave us feeling helpless at times, particularly when the bad decisions of others negatively impact our prosperity or peace.--But in the story Esther God reminds us that He is behind the scenes determining human decisions - not making them, but providentially guiding the affairs of creation. And since He is a good God, Believers can take great comfort in knowing human decisions are not arbitrary

The antagonist of the story, Haman, the man that set out to destroy the Jews through ruthless genocide, has failed in his mission and in fact, the tables have turned so much now, that he is the target of destruction. He's lost his position and after appearing to attack Queen Esther, he's going to lose his life.--God was not surprised by this turn of events. His providence allowed every action to work towards His sovereign plan. It demonstrates God's faithful and the power of His character, and it shows us just how to behave toward and support God's chosen people

The story of Esther is reaching its climax and the plot twists are reversing the fortunes of many key characters. Haman, who appeared to be rising in triumph, is now plummeting to his doom. And Mordecai and the Jews, who were to be the target of ruthless genocide are finding their vindication. But just as important, God's sovereignty is on display. His plans will not be thwarted.--This brings us comfort in several ways, but particularly in the fact that God's promises are trustworthy. Even when it appears all is lost and there's no way out, God always comes through and proves Himself to be faithful, as we'll see in today's message from Pastor Pierre.

We've already noted some unique features in this story. For example, it's surprising that God's name is never mentioned, though He's clearly at work in every detail. And prayer is not specifically mentioned, though the practice of fasting among the Jews is closely tied to prayer.--We'll learn about one other person that's not mentioned in this Old Testament book, and we'll be reminded that God's promises are sure. No one will make God a liar. And that should make every believer less anxious, even when we encounter truly anxiety inducing circumstances. God will see us through.

Nobody likes to be overlooked. It makes our indignation boil over and stirs us to demand what rightly belongs to us- We crave the position or prize we have earned - to the point that this outrage can eat us alive and make us bitter beyond belief.--Today we'll be reminded that God is the ultimate rewarded and that proper recognition for our actions will come - though not necessarily on this earth.

You know a lot of books have been written and videos produced and seminars given to help us solve basic human problems like anxiety, hurt, and bitterness. Some of those are great because they expound on the Word of God as the foundation for life. Others are just a rehash of the same human-centered, self-centered views that probably got us into trouble in the first place. Peter offers us some practical advice for healthy living – it's all based on transformed thinking. And not thinking that matches the world's patterns, but thinking that matches God's, as we'll discover in the second half of today's message

Peter has spent much of his letter to this point, talking about submission. We've covered that thoroughly and learned we have a long way to go to reach God's standard of righteous submission. Now Peter turns to the topic of suffering. Suffering is something we all grapple with, and it's true: suffering is a part of life. But in reality, our suffering is nothing like what the early Church was about to encounter. Yet the principles are the same. God has a plan and a purpose for suffering, and He's also given us a strategy for suffering, as we'll learn in today's message

Peter has turned his attention to the topic of suffering. No one likes to suffer, though we often understand that is part of life and we willingly suffer for people and ideas we hold dear. But it's helpful for Believers to know what God asks of us when we suffer. In this passage, we learn about the ABCs of suffering. We started last week with A – Active your Courage. It's where we begin and that makes sense because suffering often requires courage – the kind of courage that can only come from God. But let's continue now with the rest of the ABCs, as we'll listen to the rest of today's message

What should we, as Christians, pursue? Self-improvement is a popular goal, and there are worthy outcomes in that, to be sure. But much of what we're after is what the Bible calls "striving after the wind," according to Ecclesiastes 2:11. Beginning in verse 8, Peter lists a series of traits worth treasuring. When Christians embrace these traits, with God's help, they mesmerize their society and point the way to Christ. Now, in verses 9-12, we learn about a kind of character that's worth cultivating. It's what makes it possible for joy and suffering to coexist in the life of the Believer, as we'll learn in today's message

What should we, as Christians, pursue? Should we pursue wealth? Personal fulfillment and satisfaction? Perhaps peace? The Bible is clear that Christians prioritize things differently than the world in general. We are countercultural, applying principles that run contrary to our human nature. Our lives should substantiate the claim that we belong to Christ, and not ourselves. Beginning in verse, Peter lists a series of traits worth treasuring. When Christians embrace these traits, with God's help, they mesmerize their society and point the way to Christ, as we'll learn in today's message