Walk With God

SCRIPTURE: Esther 1:10-22 

SHOW NOTES: This story is set in a vast empire under the rule of a pagan king. Described as one who ruled the entire known world, the king spent half a year engaged in strategic meetings with his government officials and military leaders. Now, King Ahasuerus hosts a lavish seven day banquet for these leaders while Queen Vashti hosts a feast in the palace for the women. 

In Esther, chapter one we read, “On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha and Abagtha, Zethar and Carkas, the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, to bring Queen Vashti before the king with her royal crown, in order to show the peoples and the princes her beauty, for she was lovely to look at.” 

However, the queen refused to appear before the king and all of these men who were “merry with wine” after seven days of feasting. Her decision to defy the command of King Ahasuerus stirred great anger in his heart. The counsel of seven advised that Vashti would never again come before King Ahasuerus and her royal position should be given to another woman. 

What has happened here? This is a king who ruled with an iron fist and demanded complete obedience. 

We read in 1 Peter 2:16, “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” 

SONG: "King of Kings" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of5IcFWiEpg

SCRIPTURE: Esther 1:1-9 

SHOW NOTES: As we begin this new season – A Crown with Purpose – it’s important to share some of the historical and cultural setting. “In those days King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa, the citadel, in the third year of his reign he gave a feast for all his officials and servants. The army of Persia and Media and the nobles and governors of the provinces were before him.” This is a powerful king who ruled over the largest kingdom (127 provinces) in the known world and yet he wanted more. 

The book of Esther is included in the Old Testament even though some scholars have debated and argued against this book’s inclusion. God’s name is not mentioned anywhere in the book and yet as faithful students of the Word of God pour over these chapters and verses; they see God’s fingerprints in the story. We will see very clearly that the big theme of this book is the providence of God. God is operating “behind the scenes” to accomplish His purposes and to preserve His people. His providence is all inclusive. No person or detail of life escapes God’s control. 

SONG: "Our God Is In Control" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xj3jf-8Sj8

SCRIPTURE: Ezekiel 47:1-12 / Zechariah 14:1-9 / Revelation 22:1-2

SHOW NOTES: Water. As part of creation, a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden. And, in the book of Revelation, the river of the water of life will flow from the throne of God. The prophets, Ezekiel and Zechariah, speak words of hope and encouragement to the Jewish captives in Babylon. A day is coming when living waters will flow from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem – flowing down to the Dead Sea and the sea will be brought to life. 

The hope is presented that everything lost in the Garden of Eden, due to man’s sin, will be reversed. God will reverse the curse on the earth! It is also His desire to reverse the curse of sin in your life and in my life. Jesus said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them” (John 7:37-38). 

SONG: "Wonderful, Merciful Savior" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMZdxEe_Qms  

SCRIPTURE: Luke 5:1-11 

SHOW NOTES: Jesus is teaching the crowd from the shoreline, and He gets into Simon’s fishing boat. He continues to teach from this floating pulpit as the crowd presses in to hear Him. Then, the Lord speaks to Peter, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” These men labored all night, and they are tired. Fishing is their livelihood and they caught nothing last night. Simon answered Jesus, “But at Your word I will let down the nets.”

When they dropped their nets, many fish were caught, and the nets began to break. Remember, it is daytime. It is not the time to fish. These professional fishing men were astonished at the catch. They KNEW it was more than a lucky day of fishing. Simon Peter fell down before Jesus and worshiped Him. This miracle proclaims Jesus’ power over fish and nature. He is worthy of our worship! 

SONG: "You Are The Lord" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udtq_8AqfHM

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 14:22-33 / Mark 6:45-52 / John 6:16-21

SHOW NOTES: The crowds of people have followed Jesus and His disciples around the Sea of Galilee, and it has been a long day of ministry. Caring for the disciples, Jesus puts them in a boat, He dismisses the people, and He goes off to spend time alone with His Heavenly Father in prayer. Once again, the disciples experience the strong wind and powerful waves as they struggle to row to the other side of the Sea.

Sometime after 3:00am, Jesus comes walking toward them on the water and they are terrified! Jesus offers these words of assurance, “Do not be afraid.” Peter asks if he may come to the Lord and Jesus invites him, “Come.” However, in his fear and doubt, Peter cries out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus invites each of us to walk with Him but so often our weak faith causes us to be overcome with doubt and fear. 

SONG: "Part The Waters" – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fP5KE5H3d-U  

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 8:23-27 / Mark 4:35-41 / Luke 8:22-25  

SHOW NOTES: A famous body of water found in the pages of Scripture (and one of our favorite places to visit in Israel) is the Sea of Galilee. Matthew 11:20 says, “Jesus performed most of His miracles” in this area of Israel. Three of the Gospel writers include today’s story in their written accounts of Jesus’ earthly ministry.

As Matthew, Mark, and Luke share their accounts, readers gain insight into this powerful event experienced by Jesus and His disciples. These men have “worked” on this Sea for their entire lives. They are not afraid of the Sea but in this storm, they realize their lives are in danger! Yes, they might be the “men of the Sea,” but Jesus is “the Lord of the storm.” 

SONG: "Trust In God" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOY5EmWsVV0

SCRIPTURE: John 4:1-42 

SHOW NOTES: Jesus had a God-ordained appointment. He departed from Jerusalem, stopped at the town of Sychar, and sat down beside Jacob’s well. Then, a woman of Samaria came out to draw water in the middle of the day. She was surprised when a Jewish man asked her for a drink of water and this conversation, literally, changed her life. Yes, she came to fill her waterpot at the well but she had a much greater thirst in her life. She was truly thirsting for legitimate and authentic relationship.

Jesus was able to discern the real need of this woman’s heart and he offered living water that will satisfy her thirst and will spring up to eternal life. The woman ran back into Sychar and told everyone, “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?” 

SONG: "God Help Me" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zKhWjxFniU

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 3:1-17 

SHOW NOTES: John the Baptist was preaching in the wilderness of Judea and people came from Jerusalem and all the region around the Jordan River to hear him. They confessed their sins and were baptized by him in the river. John’s message included, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” He called people to repentance and a life that would bear fruit. 

As people came to the Jordan River, they identified with John’s message of repentance in preparation for the coming King and His Kingdom. Their water baptism was an outward sign of their inward desire to live a different life. At the heart of the matter, it’s always a matter of the heart. Am I willing to humble myself and ask the Lord to reveal those areas – what actions, what thoughts, what words are sin filled?

SONG: "The River" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5o23U2eZTk

SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 2:1-19 / Hosea 14:9 

SHOW NOTES: Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, was given a difficult assignment – share God’s message of judgment with the wayward people of Israel. Israel was chosen by God, set apart, and holy to the Lord. God rescued them from slavery in Egypt and He brought them “into a plentiful land to enjoy its fruits and its good things. But when you came in, you defiled my land.” 

With privilege comes responsibility, God will discipline His children’s irresponsible behavior. God’s people have committed two evils – forsaken the One True God and created cisterns, broken cisterns. It is evil and bitter for you to forsake the Lord your God. You do not “fear Me” or “reverence me.” And that is why, Jeremiah is telling the Jewish people they will be taken into captivity by the Babylonians. 

For the ways of the Lord are right, And the righteous will walk in them. (Hosea 14:9)

SONG: "Let Your Mercy Rain" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SA-pc4cP8i0

SCRIPTURE: Joshua 3 & 4 

SHOW NOTES: Joshua is God’s choice for their new leader. The people of Israel are camped on the east side of the Jordan River, waiting for God’s instructions. He promises to lead and guide their steps. Then, Joshua provides these instructions, “Consecrate yourselves.” The people are to prepare themselves and prepare their hearts because, “Tomorrow, the Lord will do wonders among you!” The priests walk before the people and, in faith step into the Jordan River as it is flowing swiftly at flood stage.

As they carry the ark of the covenant, they are told to, “Stand still. Stand firm.” The people cross the Jordan River on dry ground. Friends, we do not walk alone. We can trust God. The hand of our Lord is mighty. Even the waters of the Red Sea and the Jordan River obeyed His every command. 

SONG: "Never Walk Alone" – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlBKx8hlFp4