As we navigate the hurricanes of life with the guidance of the Sermon on the Mount, this week we focus on the “Beatitudes.” Jesus describes the Happy Ones or Blessed Ones as those who have bought into His way of life. The disciples that Jesus describes are not happy or blessed because of what they do but rather who they are and the attitudes they exhibit.

"Location, Location, Location” they say are the three most important factors in real estate. How about in life? Are you happy with your location? Where you live? Where you are in life? Or would you be happier somewhere else? If we are not happy where we are, does God change our circumstances? Or does He change us? Or maybe; both...

Circumstances can bring about great happiness or crushing pain and anxiety. But God is a source of Joy in every circumstance. As we worship Him, we find joy and show others how Worthy He is.

They say, “All’s well that ends well.” Is that really true? What if the road to a “Happy End” was fraught with so many difficulties and challenges that we come out differently than how we started? When God walks  us through something, it is for a bigger purpose. His desire is not just to return all that was taken from us in the journey. He desires to strengthen us for bigger journeys ahead!

Our heroes have been backed into a corner. After all of their faithful service for the king and for their people, it looks like it won’t be enough to save the day… And then it happens! The most incredible turn of events takes place and justice is served. It’s almost as if someone had been "pulling the strings" all along!

Sailors will tell you, “It’s always darkest before the dawn.” That may be true out on the open ocean, but is that true in our lives as well? As we continue to walk through the story of Esther and Mordecai, we see them pushed further and further into a corner. Is this the end of the story, or is God orchestrating an epic turn of events? If God can do that for our heroes, can He do that in your life as well?

Freedom is not free. Our freedom as a nation was fought and paid for by the sacrifice and leadership of men and women who have come before us. Do we understand the opportunity this affords us? What about our freedom in Christ? Do we fully understand the spiritual freedom we have because of His sacrifice for us? What does it look like to live a truly Free life?

The first 2 chapters of Esther read like a fairytale. An orphaned jewish girl wins a beauty pageant, marries the king and moves into a palace! That was the easy part… now we begin the hard part. Now begins the battle against the forces of evil. The enemy is coming, and he is coming fast!

Mordecai didn’t get everything right. He wasn’t perfect, but because he led and cared for Esther well while she was in his home and even while she was in the palace of the king, she went on to save  her entire people. We fathers are a lot like Mordecai. We don’t get everything right, but if we care for and lead our kids well, they can have a huge impact for the Lord later in their lives.

Ever since the writer of the Book of Esther asked the question, “Perhaps you were sent for such a time as this?”; believers have been wondering if they are going to miss an opportunity sent by God. How can you be sure that you won’t miss an open door that God created just for you? How can we live like Esther ( or Alexander Hamilton) and "not throw away our shot!"