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?

Esther- If I Perish, I Perish

By Mary Vee
Esther 4

From Hathach's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Hathach. I have been appointed to serve Queen Esther by King Xerxes. 

She sent me to speak with a man sitting in the open square by the king's gate. Apparently she was bothered by the sackcloth and ashes on him.

The man told me about a plan made by Haman to kill all the Jews. 

I was only the messenger. Still I knew this Haman was not a man to be challenge. He loved power and enjoyed his new position as second in command in the empire. I'm not so sure Esther was powerful enough to influence the king over Haman.

Any way, the man told me to tell Esther the situation then asked that she go to the king and plead for her people. 

Esther was very upset. She acted like the wishes of this man called Mordecai had to be honored. She sent me back to the man with a new message. The man still sat in the same place, weeping and lamenting.

"I have a message from the queen," I said.

Mordecai faced me. "Yes? What did she say?"

"She said, 'All the king's officials and people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law. That he be put to death. There is but one exception. The king can extend his gold scepter and spare the person's life. But, thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.'"

Mordecai sat quiet for a moment. I think he was formulating his answer. Then he said, "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone--of all Jews--will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place. But you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

As a servant, I am not allowed an opinion, or to change the message even one bit. So I delivered Mordecai's message exactly as he spoke it.

Not surprisingly, Esther was deeply upset. The poor thing felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. She sent me back to Mordecai with her answer.

I walked out to Mordecai and said, "The queen sends these words, '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.


...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. Why was Queen Esther upset?
2. What did Mordecai want her to do?
3. What did Queen Esther ask Mordecai and all the Jews from Susa to do?
4. What were the last words of Esther's message?
5. Would the king really kill her? She was the queen.

Amy Carmichael-The Best Birthday Present Ever

By Mary Vee

Year: January, 1925

Amy Carmichael: 59 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.

I had prayed for more missionary workers to come help. The need was great. A few came, one couple felt they should take charge, and while they meant good, the rules they expected others to follow and also preached in church offended the Hindus. 

If they continued, we could run into legal issues forcing us to close down the mission. What this couple didn't understand is that we must first show the Indian people that God loves them and is worthy of all our praise. They wanted to get into doctrinal disputes, which only offended. Sadly, I had to ask them to leave. 

One day I received word from Godfrey Webb-Peploe, the doctor who visited on his way to China. He had developed a lung problem and had to leave his work in China until he was healed. He asked to come to India. I of course welcomed him.

I asked God, again, to let Godfrey come on staff here in Dohnavur. Then I felt guilty. What right did I have to take him away from the China ministry? 

Godfrey settled in and helped as he could. The boys clung to this godly man who played games with them, taught them lessons, and cared for them like a father.

I tried so hard not to get my hopes up, especially after he reminded me again and again that he would be returning to China once he was well.

In December, the night before my birthday, Godfrey pressed a note into my hand. The note said, I would like to request to become a part of the Dohnavur Fellowship. My eyes teared. I could barely see the rest of the words on the paper. They said, I have doubted my abilities to help the mission to the level that is needed. Yes, I am a doctor, but did I have the skills to lead these boys. I have prayed and prayed asking God what He wanted me to do. God has given me peace to try. I hope this will also meet with your approval.

Was he kidding???? He didn't know I had been asking God. Could I have had a better birthday present? No way.



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-The Power of the Golden Scepter

By Mary Vee
Esther 4

From Hathach's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Hathach. I have been appointed to serve Queen Esther by King Xerxes. 

She sent me to find a man named Mordecai, who was dressed in sackcloth and ashes and sitting in the open city square, and ask what troubled him.

The man gave me a copy of an edict written by Haman, a new high ranking advisor for King Xerxes. The edict said all Jews would be executed in the twelfth month. I returned to her chambers with the news and the paper.

She stumbled back after hearing the news. I helped her to sit and waited for her to sift through her thoughts. 

This queen is very respected in our land. She is not only beautiful, but also kind and has a good heart for the people. I could barely stand to see her so upset. I brought her a cup of water. 

Mordecai said something about "her people". Did that mean she, too, was a Jew? Surely she would not be included in this edict.

She accepted the cup and drank. "Hathach, I want you to go back to Mordecai. Tell him all the king's officials and the people of the royal provinces know that any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned by the king will be put to death. This is the law of the land."

Her eyes were wide with worry. She stood again and paced. She didn't speak for a time, weighing her thoughts as she massaged her hands. She wiped a tear. "The only exception to this is for the king to extend the gold scepter to him or her. By this, he alone can save the person's life."

She picked up the cup and drank then walked to the window overlooking the wide city square. "Tell him thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king."

I knew exactly what that meant. With so many days having passed since the king has asked to see her, he may not extend the gold scepter.

She paced more, then looked at me. "Go. Tell him all I've said."

I bowed. "Yes, my lady."

...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. What key words did Hathach remember Mordecai saying?
2. What did they mean?
3. What is the king's law about visitors?
4. Esther was the queen--why did this law scare her?
5. What did Mordecai ask Esther to do that she was very afraid to do?