As we continue to look into the story of Esther, we'll be reminded

that God has us where we are at...for a reason. So when times are

good...or times seem rough...God is with you. And believe this

Christian: He has you there for HIS purpose! He wants OTHERS to

see His amazing work of grace in your life. And by our obedience to Him, God will be glorified.

Believer, we are ALL in the ministry of God. He's given us His Word.

He's given us talents, revelation and understanding. He's equipped us to minister to those around us. But are we taking HOLD of these

opportunities? Are we listening for HIS leading? Are we WILLING

to step out in faith and walk in obedience to HIS Word?

As we come to a close in our study of the book of Second Timothy,

we'll be reminded that Paul looked FORWARD. He didn't allow life's

circumstances to deter him from focusing on the goal. And that

GOAL...was to serve God. Paul had an eternal perspective. He

knew that no matter what life threw at Him, God was in control.

In today's message, we'll begin our glimpse into the life of Esther.

Through her story, we will learn how God can use us, right where

we are. This means that regardless of the circumstances we find

ourselves in, no matter how bleak they may seem, God is in control.

And if we'll submit to Him, He can use us to do great and mighty things.

Do you trust the Lord? Do you believe that He will do...what He SAID He will do? Well in our lesson today, we'll see by Esther's actions, that she DID believe. She had faith that God can and would work through her. How about you, believer? Are YOU willing to be used by God? Are you listening for His voice? Are you waiting for a divine opportunity to step out in obedience?

The Scriptures teach us that Satan prowls like a roaring lion, waiting

to devour. His plans are always meant for deceit, death and

destruction. But our God, can take the plans that were meant for

EVIL, and turn them into something good! He can take what was

meant to HARM His people and turn it into a blessing.

Christian, do you realize that your life is no longer your own? You

have been bought with a price. Your will, your agendas, your own

ideas and understanding are irrelevant...when it comes to living the

life of a believer. You see, as disciples of Jesus, we're to live for

Him...according to His Word. It should be our delight...and our heart's desire...to do what pleases the Lord.

The Bible, much like any other book, can be taken out of context.

You can pull individual verses out and twist them to prove a point

that might not even be Scriptural. So how do we avoid this? By

rightly dividing the Truth. Don't just read one verse at a time.

Study the Word as a whole. Search for cross references, do word studies. LEARN the Word of God.

Most of us carry our Bibles to church. We might even bring them

with us to work. But REALLY...how important ARE the Scriptures?

Well in Psalms we learn that the Word is a lamp to our feet and a

light to our path. Later on in the book of John we learn that Jesus

IS the living Word of God. And with that being said, the Bible...is

VERY important.

As Christians, we understand that one day, Jesus will return for His

bride. We also know that there will be troublesome times

surrounding His return. In our message today, we'll talk about the

signs that are present in the world. Signs that COULD mean we're heading into the last days. But regardless of WHEN Jesus returns, YOU must be ready now.