Unique for many reasons, the book of Esther is a story of God's providential hand even in the shadows of life. Before we get into the narrative, it is important to know how we got to where we are both in the story of Scripture and the story of humanity as a whole.

Many people are already somewhat familiar with the story of Jonah. For a lot of us, our understanding of this epic story comes from our childhoods. However, the version of the book of Jonah we were given as kids is not the whole story.

Under the surface of this account is the story of God's providence - how He is actively involved with His creation to bring about His purposes. 

Many people are already somewhat familiar with the story of Jonah. For a lot of us, our understanding of this epic story comes from our childhoods. However, the version of the book of Jonah we were given as kids is not the whole story.

Chapter four is a whirlwind. Jonah is angry about God's mercy on the Ninevites and exiles himself to watch everything unfold in Nineveh. What we see is a microcosm of Jonah's life so far. A life of self-righteousness and a distorted view of how God's mercy works. But in a cliff-hanger of an ending, we are left to figure out what to do with this story.

Many people are already somewhat familiar with the story of Jonah. For a lot of us, our understanding of this epic story comes from our childhoods. However, the version of the book of Jonah we were given as kids is not the whole story.

In chapter three, Jonah is given a second chance to follow the call of God on his life and he does it...sort of. But what we see is the powerful grace of God to save even those far from Him.

Many people are already somewhat familiar with the story of Jonah. For a lot of us, our understanding of this epic story comes from our childhoods. However, the version of the book of Jonah we were given as kids is not the whole story.In chapter two, Jonah finds himself even deeper in the pit than he was before. He cries out to God but under the surface of his prayer is a self-righteousness that prohibits true repentance.

Many people are already somewhat familiar with the story of Jonah - which is not always a good thing. For a lot of us, our understanding of this epic story comes from childhood. But, the version of the book of Jonah that we were given as kids is not the whole story. As the story takes off, we find out a lot about Jonah and the spiritual darkness he is walking in. But the Lord is relentless in His pursuit of Jonah - but not just Jonah. God is calling the hearts of every person Jonah's life impacts.

Many people are already somewhat familiar with the story of Jonah - which is not always a good thing. For a lot of us, our understanding of this epic story comes from childhood. But, the version of the book of Jonah that we were given as kids is not the whole story. In the first three sentences of the book we come face to face with the depth and complexity of this powerful book. It requires a different sort of focus and understanding to see that God is using the story of Jonah to reveal our own "Jonah-like" tendencies in our own lives.

In the conclusion of his letter, James lands somewhere most modern Bible readers may not expect him to land. He has seen the suffering in the church begin to cause division and isolation and he finishes his letter reminding them of the power the church has to save and to heal and to restore.

The Book of James is a letter to struggling Christians encouraging them to stay faithful in the face of great suffering. It is  full of practical wisdom and truth to help us know and follow God's plan for our flourishing.In James 5:1-12, James brings everything to a head and sounds a lot like an Old Testament prophet in his call to the Christians to live like they are following Jesus.

The Book of James is a letter to struggling Christians encouraging them to stay faithful in the face of great suffering. It is  full of practical wisdom and truth to help us know and follow God's plan for our flourishing.In James 4:11-17, James gives his readers great wisdom on how to steward the gift of each day.