Esther-The Banquet for the King

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From Esther's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Esther. I am the queen of Babylon. 

I just did something scary. I invited the king and Haman, the man he appointed second in charge for the empire, to a banquet.

Me. Little me. A former slave girl who somehow became queen. What is even more frightening is the king said yes and ordered his second in charge man to come to the banquet, too. Can you believe it?

I figured I would let the king and Haman eat their fill, then tell the king about the problem. The one about Haman planning to kill my people.

I rushed to the banquet room ahead of him to check on the preparations. I stopped one of the servants, "How are things going?"

"Oh, we've done everything as you asked.  The king will sit at the head of the table, Haman to his right and you to the left. The servers know the menu and are prepared to bring extra of any dish. Oh and there is plenty of drink. The glasses will be kept full."

"And the decorations?"

"Yes. The entire hall has been decorated exactly as you requested. Don't worry, your highness, everything is all prepared. Did you want to see?"

"Yes." 

She bowed to me and smiled then said, "Follow me."

I walked in the banquet hall. I had not attended any formal meals in this room and didn't know what to expect. I took a deep breath. "Oh, my! This is beautiful! Look at the dishes." I touched the edges. "And the goblets." I ran my hand over the tablecloth. "This is lovely. Perfect for the king."

A guard knocked on the door. "My Lady. The king is here."

I pressed my hands to my face. The servant bowed and whispered, "Everything is ready. Don't worry."

I felt better. I bowed to the king. "My king."

King Xerxes and Haman walked in the room. The servants showed them to their seats, and me as well.

The king had such a happy look on his face, I decided to waited until the meal was over to discuss Haman's evil plan. A full stomach should help him know what decision to make.

...come back to read what happens next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. What scary thing Esther do?
2. What was Esther nervous about?
3. What had the servants done?
4. What did did Esther decide to wait to talk about?
5. Why?

Esther-If Ever a King Could Feel Like a Little Boy, Pleased...

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From Esther's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Esther. I am the queen of Babylonia. 

How I became queen is quite a story, I can hardly believe it myself. But I've already told you that part.

At this moment, I am in the presence of the king of Babylon. The man who has power to allow a person to live and the power to condemn a person to death.

He looked tired when I first appeared at his chamber. Then he looked my way and saw me. He suddenly smiled. Color came to his face. I was so happy I had pleased him.

I didn't go to his presence just anytime I wanted. Only a fool would do that. I hadn't seen him in thirty days. This time was special. I was sent to perform a task. One of epic proportions. I was sent to influence the king to save my people.

King Xerxes invited me to approach his throne. I did as he asked then bowed. He extended his scepter to me and I placed my hand on the tip, so happy to be able to speak to a man of such power.

He asked me to tell him my request. The poor man. Is that all people did? They only came to him to ask for things. Didn't anyone ever come for any other reason? When these thoughts came to me I realized I should not blurt out what that evil Haman had done. Not yet.

I was nervous but didn't want to make him feel bad. I closed my eyes and slowly drew in air and let it fall back out my lips. I looked at him and smiled. 

He smiled back at me.

I said, "If it pleases the king, let the king, together with Haman come today to a banquet I have prepared for him." It may sound weird to speak like that, but I was expected to say words that way to the king.

His eyes widened and he pressed his hand on his chest. "Really? You're inviting me to a banquet?" His surprise made me happy. It was like he was saying...you don't want me to give you something? You're not here to gain anything? You just want me...me to join you for a meal? His excitement continued when he called for his servants. "Bring Haman at once," he said to them. "Bring him so that we may do what Esther asks."

If ever a king could feel like a little boy, pleased with a gift, this was it. 

And God is the one who gave me the ideas. I am so very thankful.



...come back to read what happens next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. What power did the king of Babylon have?
2. What happened that made the king smile?
3. Why did Esther feel sorry for the king?
4. What did she decide not to say right away?
5. What did Esther ask?
6. How did they king respond? Why did he do that?

Amy Carmichael-My Dream Spoken in Prayer

By Mary Vee

Year: January, 1928

Amy Carmichael: 60 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Amy Carmichael. I am a missionary in India. 

The construction for our mission's hospital began. Watching the boards going up, the floor poured, each day a little more was completed.

This may sound ridiculous, but several years went by while we watched the hospital being built. 

I was never discouraged. I loved watching it blossom from the foundation up to the roof. The children and staff all felt the same way. Each day we prayed. Each night we thanked God. 

The monsoons did not tear it down. The work continued inch by inch. I knew one day I would see the finished building being used by those in need. Both physically and spiritually. 

One day babies will be born here and Indian patients will see that there is a living God who loves them so much, that He sent His one and only Son to take the punishment for our sins and make the way for us to go to heaven to live with Him forever.

The building was nearly completed the morning I stood outside looking at what God gave us. A thought popped in my head and I spoke to God about it. "Wouldn't it be nice, Jesus, to have the staff positions filled by the children who have grown up here? They would ave the greatest understanding of the necessity to show loving care for the little ones?

"Of course, Father, they would have to be trained as doctors, nurses, hospital staff, and counselors. This is so much to ask, but Almighty God I believe this could happen. These children who will have grown to be adults can become the missionaries to carry on this work that you started. Not only can they minister to the children, but also to the villagers all around us." 

I wiped a tear of joy just thinking about the possibility. "Oh, loving God, I never imagined anything like this could be considered when I first came. Now I believe you could make this miracle happen."

A visiting man walked near me. He was speaking with one of the workers. The man asked, "So you're saying that all of these buildings in this mission are paid for? The mission has no debt?"

The worker answered, "That is true."

"That is remarkable. Tell me, how did this happen?"

The worker looked at me then back at the man and said, "You see, this is only one of many complete impossibilities that have become not only possibilities, but miracles here at this mission. They all happened because of the great faith lived and practiced by a woman who lives by example her belief in the one, true, living God before all of us." 


Come back next week to read more of Amy Carmichael.



Resources used for this series:. 
Benge, Janet, and Geoff Benge. Amy Carmichael: Rescuer of Precious Gems. Seattle, WA: YWAM Pub., 1998. Print.
Davis, Rebecca Henry. With Daring Faith: A Biography of Amy Carmichael. Greenville, SC: Bob Jones UP, 1987. Print.
Dick, Lois Hoadley. Amy Carmichael: Let the Children Come. Chicago: Moody, 1984. Print.
Meloche, Renee Taft., and Bryan Pollard. Amy Carmichael: Rescuing the Children. Seattle, WA: YWAM Pub., 2002. Print.
Wellman, Sam. Amy Carmichael: A Life Abandoned to God. Uhrichville, OH: Barbour Pub., 1998. Print.

Don't forget to comment! 
Let Amy hear from you!

Esther-What is Your Request?

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From Esther's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Esther. I am the queen of Babylonia. My title doesn't give me many privileges other than to live in the King's palace.

I don't make important decisions for the kingdom, I basically am available to visit the king or do something for him when he asks.

Everyone knows that visiting the king without his permission could result in death. I was no exception.

I stood at the door to his throne room and trembled. He sat on his throne looking very sad. The guard called to him. The king looked up at me. Quite to my surprise, a smile poked on his face. I didn't know why. I only hoped he wouldn't be displeased I came to speak to him without his permission.

Sweat made my hands moist. A guard in uniform, holding his weapon, stood next to me. I didn't know if the king would sentence me to death or not.

I stood still, waiting to see what he would do.

He looked down at his hand with the scepter then back at me. Like he forgot he needed to give the signal for me to approach his throne or be hauled off to be killed.

He smiled even bigger and held his scepter out to me. "Please approach, Esther." 

I did as he asked. I walked down the long aisle toward his throne and at the mark on the floor stopped. I bowed. 

"What is it, Queen Esther?" the king asked. "What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you."

Oh. The Almighty God has rescued me! He has let me approach the king's throne and given me permission to speak to the king. My heart was so happy I could barely answer the question.

...come back to read what happens next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. What power did Queen Esther have?
2. Why did she have to stand at the door and wait for the king's permission?
3. Did the king give her permission to approach the throne?
4. What did he say to her?

Esther-My Beautiful Esther

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From King Xerxes' Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is King Xersxes. I am king of the Babylonian empire. 

Today started out like any other day. Complaints to deal with, edicts to approve, decision to make, meetings with advisors. 

Being a king isn't as easy as it seems. I can't take a vacation. Even when I'm sick I have to tend to matters of the empire.

Work. Work. Work.

Just once I'd like to have something special happen. I don't really know what that would be, but some gesture of kindness without me asking or ordering someone to do it. Can you understand?

Even the man that I promoted to second position, Haman, brought complaints to me. Blah. Blah. Blah. The man was so passionate about his problem that I simply said, go ahead. Do what you want. What I meant was, leave me alone.

At least he has left me alone and gone off to fiddle with whatever project he had.

But alone isn't really what I want. I would really just like to see a happy face. One that would soothe my soul. I'd give them anything, if only someone would think of me instead of what they wanted from the king.

I leaned on my arm and waited for the next problem to walk in the door.

The guard cleared his throat then said, "My king." 

I looked up--then I saw her face. 

She looked so nervous. That's when I remembered the power of my scepter. The law stated if I didn't reach it out to her she would be taken away and killed. All because I hadn't asked her to visit.

Oh, not my beautiful Esther. My queen. The one who brought me the greatest joy just when I needed it most. I shouldn't have to ask her to visit. She should have the right to visit me anytime she wants.

I didn't care the reason that brought her to me at all. I was so happy to see her lovely face. I held my gold scepter out to her and urged her to approach my throne.


...come back to read what happens next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. Why was the king bothered?
2. Why did he let Haman have his way?
3. What did King Xerxes expect to see at the door?
4. Who came to visit him?
5. What was the punishment for visiting the king uninvited? 
6. What did King Xerxes do when he saw Esther?

Amy Carmichael-The Gift That Helped Many Babies Survive

By Mary Vee

Year: January, 1928

Amy Carmichael: 60 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Amy Carmichael. I am a missionary in India. 

Now that I am getting older, my heart's desire is to make sure every part of this mission has someone who can take care of it. Someone to care for the boys. Someone to care for the girls. Doctors. God has supplied some wonderful people to come and stay.

I also hoped we could have a hospital. This facility would attract Muslim and Hindu people who needed medical help. While in the hospital we will be able to tell them about Jesus.

Once we drew up the plans, though, we found out the cost was incredibly high. Even for the simple facility we wanted. 

All the children, all the staff, even those who sent support money knew of the need to raise money to build the hospital. The little children, they were so sweet, went out each day to gather fruit and sell it to people passing by. They turned their coins in to a jar set aside for the hospital. 

Slowly, so slowly the money trickled in. 

Some of the staff became concerned about how slow the money came in. They talked among themselves then came to me with an idea.

"If, and we'd like you to really think about this. If we were to eliminate the maternity ward from the hospital plans, the costs wouldn't be so unreasonably high."

"What?" I was shocked they would say this.

"Oh, wait. We aren't saying that we couldn't let women have their babies here. We would simply have them go to one of the regular rooms. Do they really need to have their own section of the hospital?"

The two doctors and I stood there with our jaws open. We shook our heads. I was so happy they agreed with me. Dr. Powell spoke first. "No. These women need special care. The needed equipment must be available immediately in rooms designed to give each baby a chance to survive. We never know when a baby decides to be born."

"I agree," I said. "God has the money. He will give it to us at the right time. We must pray and be patient.

I didn't know this when the staff brought up these concerns, but a Christian man who lived far away happened to be praying at this same time. God spoke to his heart and told him to give a gif of one thousand English pounds to our mission. What made me cry was the man said he wasn't rich. What made me laugh with joy was the man said, "The money just came to me out of the blue. I never expected it."

This money paid for one tenth of the hospital. All the money needed for the maternity ward and more.

Oh my. God has his ways doesn't He? I think He especially loves to surprise us and watch us smile and laugh, and cry tears of joy.

We really do have a good God.


Come back next week to read more of Amy Carmichael.



Resources used for this series:. 
Benge, Janet, and Geoff Benge. Amy Carmichael: Rescuer of Precious Gems. Seattle, WA: YWAM Pub., 1998. Print.
Davis, Rebecca Henry. With Daring Faith: A Biography of Amy Carmichael. Greenville, SC: Bob Jones UP, 1987. Print.
Dick, Lois Hoadley. Amy Carmichael: Let the Children Come. Chicago: Moody, 1984. Print.
Meloche, Renee Taft., and Bryan Pollard. Amy Carmichael: Rescuing the Children. Seattle, WA: YWAM Pub., 2002. Print.
Wellman, Sam. Amy Carmichael: A Life Abandoned to God. Uhrichville, OH: Barbour Pub., 1998. Print.

Don't forget to comment! 
Let Amy hear from you!

Esther-For a Brief Second I Wanted to Run

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From Esther's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Esther. Three days have gone by.

My maids, servants, and I have prayed and fasted. I'd like to say I'm not worried, but deep down in my heart there is an uneasy feeling.

The king has the power to kill me. Even though he chose me to be queen over all of the other women in the empire.

My uncle, Mordecai asked me to go before the king. Plead with him to undo the terrible act Haman has done. What did that awful man do? He convinced the king to sign an edict to kill all the Jews in just a few months. Mordecai seemed to think I can get the king to change his mind.

I don't know what to say. I don't know what to do.

My maids, attendants, all the Jews in Susa and I have prayed these three days and still the words have not come to me. 

But it is time. Three days have gone by.

"My lady," one of my maids walked toward me. "Here is your royal robe as you requested."

I slipped my arms through the sleeves and rotated my shoulders to help the cloth fall smoothly down my body. I asked my attendants to fix my hair. 

I absolutely had to look pleasing to king if there was any hope of him extending his scepter...and saving my life.

They added makeup, jewels, everything available that would please the king. When they finished I stood straight. "So, will I please the king?"

Their smile told me the truth. "Yes, my lady. He will be very pleased."

I hoped so.

I walked out to the inner court of the palace in front of the king's hall. I could barely breath. I knew Almighty God had this. I trusted Him completely. That didn't mean I wasn't scared on a human epic level. 

The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. 

I saw him and for a very brief second wanted to run back to my chambers. Breathe. God will help you. Many people have prayed for this moment. Must be strong. Oh Lord, have mercy on me.


...come back to read what happens next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. How many days have gone by?
2. What did the maid bring her?
3. How did Esther feel about going to see the king?
4. Why?
5. What did her maids and attendants feel about all of this? 
6. When Esther stood before the king what did she want to do?

Esther-The Maids and Attendants Agreed To Help in the Cause

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From Esther's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Esther. I am still so surprised that I was chosen from all the girls and women in the country to become the queen.

I am not anything special. Others seemed more beautiful than me.

Perhaps the recent news from my uncle Mordecai will let me know why the Almighty has allowed me to live in the palace.

I live in the women's quarters of the king's palace. Everything of mine is separate from the other women living in the palace since I am the queen. I have my own special maids and attendants. The one thing I don't have is access to Mordecai. Not personally, anyway.

I saw him sitting out in the gate wearing sack cloth and ashes. I've never seen anything upset him so much to wear these clothes. I sent my attendant to him and learned something awful had indeed happened.

Shortly after Haman was promoted to second highest in the kingdom, he went to the king and asked that all the Jews in the empire be executed. Apparently he gave some reason that convince the king. The edict was processed and announced all over the empire. 

Mordecai asked me to go to the king and ask his favor. The problem is, if I go to the king when he hasn't asked for me, he could order my death. I didn't know what to do. I sent this message to Mordecai asking him to have all the Jews in the nation fast and pray for three days. I would do the same with my maids. At the end of this time, I would go to the king.

I called Hathach and asked him to bring all my maids and servants to my room. They all gathered in with puzzled looks on their faces.

"I want everyone of you, to pray and fast with me for three days. We will be praying for me as I go before the king with a very serious matter."

"But my lady, he hasn't called for you in thirty days," said one of the maids.

"He could order your death," another said.

"Yes, I know. This is why we need to pray and fast. I need all of you to join with me."

"The matter must be very serious."

If only she really knew. The Jews have been slaves in the country. We are considered lower class, not important. At this point, I wanted them to pray and fast with me about going before the king. From there, God would see to the rest. "Yes, this is very important."

"We will do as you ask, my lady."

"Good. Let's start right away."


...come back to read what happens next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. Why was Queen Esther surprised?
2. What did she see out her window?
3. What did Haman do?
4. What did she ask Mordecai to do?
5. Who did Esther call to her chambers? 
6. What did she ask them to do?

Amy Carmichael-How Can We Get THAT Much Money?

By Mary Vee

Year: January, 1928

Amy Carmichael: 60 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Amy Carmichael. I am a missionary in India. The work here in Dohnavur has become everything I'd ever dreamed.

Godfrey ended up helping more than he imagined. 

My current goal was to set up people to head each area of the mission. Godfrey led the boys. They didn't take long to look up to him as a father.

May Powell, a new female doctor arrived to serve in Dohnavur Fellowship. She, too, fit in well and helped with the girls. And sweet Arulai who was now a woman, remember her amazing story from several posts ago? She teamed with May Powell to work with the girls. 

Having these three in charge gave me more time to devote to prayer and the administrative work. God had truly blessed this mission in India. 

We still really needed a hospital. With a place to give medical care, many Hindus and Muslims would be willing to receive care. They could hear about the God who loves them. I asked everyone in the Dohnavur to help me pray for a hospital. The first step was to get a full time doctor. This doctor would be assisted by Godfrey and May.

After many days praying I received a note from Godfrey's brother, Murray, who served in China. The civil war threatened their mission. The missionaries were told to leave until the war ended. 

Murray had stayed with us for one year before going to China. He helped and was willing to do whatever we needed. And he is a doctor. Of course I said yes.

Murray arrived and settled into his quarters. The mission staff held a meeting. We told him about the ideas of building a hospital. "You don't know how long I have prayed for a hospital. The need is great here."

"I'd be happy to help. Let's draw up some plans."

We designed a simple building, nothing fancy. Everyone agreed a prayer room was essential and named it The Place of Heavenly Healing Hospital. We took the plans and sent them to find out the cost. The answer surprised us. 

"Ten thousand British pounds!" Murray said. "How will we get that much money?"

It was a lot of money. 

I didn't want to discourage anyone. God could supply if He chose. I said, "Each one of us needs to pray together and on our own."

We prayed for several weeks then came together again. I read I John 5:14-15, "And this is the confidence that we have n him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."

I wrote on a card-Trust the Lord for ten thousand pounds and asked any from the staff who wanted, to sign their name. Each one did.

Come back next week to read more of Amy Carmichael.



Resources used for this series:. 
Benge, Janet, and Geoff Benge. Amy Carmichael: Rescuer of Precious Gems. Seattle, WA: YWAM Pub., 1998. Print.
Davis, Rebecca Henry. With Daring Faith: A Biography of Amy Carmichael. Greenville, SC: Bob Jones UP, 1987. Print.
Dick, Lois Hoadley. Amy Carmichael: Let the Children Come. Chicago: Moody, 1984. Print.
Meloche, Renee Taft., and Bryan Pollard. Amy Carmichael: Rescuing the Children. Seattle, WA: YWAM Pub., 2002. Print.
Wellman, Sam. Amy Carmichael: A Life Abandoned to God. Uhrichville, OH: Barbour Pub., 1998. Print.

Don't forget to comment! 
Let Amy hear from you!

Esther-Mordecai Rallies the Jews

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From Mordecai's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Mordecai. I have been Esther's guardian since her parents died. 

I am convinced that God chose her to be the queen at this time. How she became queen is such a long story. You can scroll down to read about that. But for now I will tell you what is happening.

I had changed my clothes to sackcloth and rubbed ashes on me. This is a symbol to anyone looking that I am distressed about something.

Esther saw me from her room up there. See? Across the court and up in the women's quarters of the king's castle. I didn't know who all would see my actions, but I had hoped it would make a difference. Do you realize the Jews have been condemned to death in only a few months.

That miserable Haman did this. The man King Xerxes promoted to second in charge of the kingdom.

BUT the Almighty God...the one who chose the Jewish people, is in charge. What He does with the situation will be for the best.

Esther asked me to gather all the Jews in Susa and pray. She asked that we pray and fast for three days. I am very proud of her. She has learned what God would want her to say and do.

Once I heard the news from her servant, I immediately got up and went to the part of the city where the Jews lived. 

I stood in the middle of the road, "Please, everyone gather close. Listen to my words."

Men, women, and children walked out of their homes, curious looks on their faces. Their eyes were sadden, red from crying. They knew what was to come with the edict. 

When a crowd formed around me I spoke. "Listen. I have spoken with Queen Esther through her servant and have informed her of the new edict declaring all Jews be killed in a few months. She sent this following message to me:

Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."

I did't have to say more. The people rallied as I knew they would. 

They shouted, "We will fast and pray as Queen Esther has asked." Their solum faces turned to ones of hope. They hugged each other. This had given them a plan. Something they could do. Pray...Ask God for help. Was that all? Yes. Because only God could put such an evil plan to work. To show their sincerity, their conviction that only God could help, they would fast.

"Go, find your brothers and sisters and tell them. Make sure every Jew in Susa knows what to do. We will unite and call on God for His mercy, His salvation, His protection, His blessing."

The people left cheering. Not weeping. 

Because we believe in the Almighty. The One who saves.


...come back to read what happens next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. Why did Mordecai dress in sackcloth and ashes?
2. What did Queen Esther ask him to do?
3. When he delivered the message to the Jews, what did they do?
4. What last instruction did Mordecai give them?
5. What would they ask God to do?
6. Did the Jews have power to save themselves?