Esther-Hamon's Honor

By Mary Vee
Esther 3

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Haman. 

Over the course of time I have risen in ranks in the king's work. I guess I'm doing a good job.

Today, the king called me into his chamber, and before his other officials he said, "You Haman have please me. Your work and attitude is exactly what this kingdom needs.I am hereby elevating your status above all the nobles in this room and in my kingdom. You are to have a seat of great honor in my empire.

I was surprised, but felt I deserved the honor. I bowed. "Thank you, your majesty. I will seek to serve you." Then left his chambers. 

Just think, honor will now be given to me everywhere I go in the kingdom. All the people will have to bow down to me when I walk past. I will be given a robe to wear and that way every man, woman, and child on the street know exactly who I am. 

I have longed for this day. And definitely deserve it. I mean, I have done everything to please those who have been in place over me. Shouldn't I be honored?

I couldn't wait to see my new power in action. I first walked out to the gate where the important men from the city gathered to discuss topics.

As I approached, the men turned and saw my robe. I squared my shoulders back and lifted my chin. They stood together, it was wonderful! Then they bowed to me. "My Lord," they said as I walked past. I couldn't believe my ears! 

And then I saw all the men had indeed stood, except one.

I eyed this man and wanted to know who he was immediately. How dare he show me such disrespect. I turned to the servant near me. "Find out the name of the man who did not bow to me. Get that name now."

He bowed and said, "Yes, my Lord."

He returned shortly after, "His name is Mordecai, my Lord."

Mordecai was it. Mordecai would be a name I would remember. I planned to search into his family history and learn everything I could.

We'll see if this Mordecai has the nerve to continue such disrespect to a high ranking official of the king. Especially me.


...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. Who is Haman?
2. Why did the king call Haman to his chambers?
3. How did Haman feel about this news?
4. What did Haman do to test his new job?

Amy Carmichael-India's Robin Hood Captured

By Mary Vee

Year: January, 1921 

Amy Carmichael: 54 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

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

The man Indian people called "Robin Hood" had been hunted by the police for quite some time. I received word the police found him and a friend hiding in the mountains. They were bound and hauled off to jail.

I prayed asking God if I should go visit Jambulingam, the man known as Robin Hood. I prayed asking God to help this man believe in Him. I sensed right away that God wanted me to speak with him again. 

It was two months before I was allowed to speak with Jambulingam.

When the police finally let me in the jail to see him I asked, "How are you?"

"I am tired and beaten," he answered. "But I have news for you, missionary lady. I have given my life to the living God. I have spent a lot of time learning about Him and want everyone to know my news. I want to be baptized."

I was so excited to hear his enthusiasm. "I'll make arrangements and let you know when you can be baptized."

I contacted a missionary man and explained Jambulingam's request to be baptized. He agreed to help. He contacted the jail, spoke with Jambulingam then baptized him.

The police became suspicious of all visitors after the baptism. They refused to let me visit Jambulingam any more before the trial. Only one Indian Christian received permission. 

The time came for his trial. He pleaded guilty to the robberies in the mountains and innocent to all the charges that he did not commit. The trial dragged on a long time.

The Indian Christian continued to visit Jambulingam, reading the Bible to him. One day the visitor read from Acts 12, the story of Peter's escape from a prison. 

Jambulingam listened closely. "This Peter escaped with the help of the Lord? If the Lord will do that for one of His children, wouldn't he do it for another?"

All night he plotted a way to escape. The next morning he and his friend followed the plan and ran away. "Praise the Lord," Jambulingam shouted. "He has helped us escape."

That was not true. Jambulingam did it on his own. 

I was very upset when I heard what he'd done. He was showing Indian Christians that they can disobey the law. It will be a terrible testimony for other Indian Christians. I should have prayed for him more. Taught him more. 

I bowed and prayed, asking God to show me what I could do.


Come back next week to read what happened to India's Robin Hood.



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's News

By Mary Vee
Esther 2

From Esther's Journal

My name is Hadassah. I am also called Esther. 

I was very surprised to be chosen as queen. I don't really understand all that has happened in my life. What I have done was learn to ask questions and be kind to those who can show me what to do.

I went out to the women's quarters with the other women. Mordecai, who has been my guardian since my parents died sat with other men discussing topics. 

He saw me and signaled for me to come close. I obeyed and went to him. 

"Esther," his eyes were concerned, maybe troubled about something. "Listen carefully.  I have heard two of the king's officers talking. They stood duty by the gate only a short time ago. Apparently they are very angry with something the king has done. They made a plan to assassinate the king. There names are Bigthana and Teresh. You must report this to the king right away. Go now!"

I did as he said and rushed into the palace. Hegai stood in the corridor. Good, he was a man I could trust. "Hegai, I must speak to the king. I have urgent news."

He bowed to me. I didn't know if I'd ever get used to that. "Yes, my queen. Follow me."

We walked through the corridors leading to the king's chambers. Two guards opened the door. 

King Xerxes looked up from his work and saw me. A smile spread and his whole face brightened. "Esther. Come. Come in."

The guards escorted me to the king. I bowed as I had been taught.

"What can I do for you, Esther?"

"I come with news."

"Go ahead. Tell me this news."

My uncle often sits at the gate and discusses topics with the men of the city. While there this morning, he overheard two of the king's officials plotting an assassination of the king."

He sat up straight, no longer with a look of amusement on his face. "Who were these officers?"

"My uncle said their names are Bigthana and Teresh."

The guard standing near me eyed the king. "I'll take care of it, my king, and bring a report."

King Xerxes touched my chin. "Stand. Your loyalty and service once again proves why you should be queen. What is your uncle's name?"

"His name is Mordecai." 

"When you see your uncle again, give him my thanks."

"Yes, your majesty." The guard escorted me out of the king's room.

Two days later a report was given to the king, confirming Bigthana and Teresh's devious plot. 

Hegai knocked on my door. "I thought you'd like to know that Bigthana and Teresh have been found guilty and were hung on the gallows this morning. The event has been recorded in the king's chronicles. You have done well, my queen. I must say, I'm not in the least surprised."

My uncle had saved the life of the king. Maybe I was made queen for this occasion. The news might not have reached the king in time. I asked my maids to leave me. Then I kneeled and praised God for his goodness.

...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. Who is Mordecai?
2. Why did he want to speak with Esther?
3. What did Esther do with the news?
4. Whom were the accused?
5. How did the king respond?
6. What did the report say?
7. What happened to the accused?
8. What did Esther do after she heard the news?

Esther- The New Queen Is Chosen

By Mary Vee
Esther 2

From Esther's Journal

My name is Hadassah. I am also called Esther. 

I have lived in the women's quarters of the king's palace for ten months. During this time I was given special lotions, hair treatments, palace food, clothing, and lessons on how to behave in front of a king as was many other girls.

I asked the king's servant, Hegai to choose what special item I should bring when I went before the king. 

I was escorted to the King's chambers and followed the instructions I had been given. I stood in my place until the king invited me to walk toward him.

He smiled.

I was honored to please him.

"What is your name?" he asked.

"My name is Esther." I had been told that this was the name to say.

His eyes brightened and he appeared happy. "Esther, you are the loveliest woman I have seen, more than any other woman who has appeared before me."

He turned to his servants. "I want to see no more women. I have made my choice. Esther pleases me more than any other woman. She will be my queen."

"Come here, Esther."

I obeyed then bowed.

"You, Esther, are hereby appointed queen in Vashti's place. In your honor I will give a great banquet, Esther's banquet. I will invite all my nobles and officials."

He turned to his advisors. "Call the scribe. I am proclaiming a holiday throughout the provinces in honor of Queen Esther. Presents are to be given to all. Do not hold anything back. Queen Esther is to be honored in all the land."

All the women who had lived in the women's quarters of the king's palace gathered together into court by the gate. 

I need to say that I had followed my uncle's instructions to not tell anyone about my family background. He had always watched out for my welfare. Of course I did as he said.

At the same time that the women gathered, my uncle Mordecai sat at the king's gate. Two guards, Bigthana and Teresh, became angry about something the king had done. They made plans to assassinate King Xerxes. Uncle Mordecai heard the entire plan and waited for the right time to speak to me.

He saw me a little while later and waved. I went to him. 

"Esther, my daughter, I have heard two men plotting to assassinate the king, their names are Bigthana and Teresh. You must get word to the king right away."


...come back next time to read what happened.

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

1. Did the king see all the women who were schedule to appear in his chamber?
2. Which woman did King Xerxes choose to be the new queen?
3. What did the king do first for the winner?
4. What did the king set aside for the whole nation?
5. What kind of gifts did the king give and to whom?
6. Where was Mordecai sitting?
7. What did he hear?
8. Who did he tell?
9. What instructions did Mordecai give?

Amy Carmichael-India's Robin Hood Needs Help

By Mary Vee

Year: January, 1921 

Amy Carmichael: 54 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

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

The man Indian people called "Robin Hood" had leaped out from a bush while I was walking home. He scared me at first because I didn't expect him, second he had other men with him. I honestly didn't know what would happen.

He said he needed someone to care for his children. The police searched for him everyday. He couldn't take the little ones on the run. His wife just died so she could not care for them.

I agreed to take the children in at the mission if he agreed to never use his gun. He agreed with the condition that he would use it only to protect his own life.

The bargain was made. I asked him to surrender to the police.

"You don't understand. The Indian police are corrupt. They will say a man is guilty even if he isn't Then if that man pays the police bribery money they will let him go. They are accusing me of things I have not done to get bribery money."

I saw his point. "What if you turned yourself into a British officer?"

He smiled. "You are kind, missionary lady. But I cannot trust any police officer. I am not safe."

"If you trusted in God to care for you, He would," I said.

He looked confused. "Which God?"

They have so many Hindu gods, the man did understand about the living God who would love him and help him. "Jesus Lord. The living God of the universe who created all things including you. This God loves you. Listens. Cares. Protects. He sent His Son Jesus to pay for all the sins we have done so that we could go to heaven. We only have to believe in Him."

Jambulingam, known as Robin Hood listened to everything I said. "This is very interesting. I have never heard of this living God. "Will you pray for me?"

"Yes, of course." I knelt and he knelt. We bowed our heads and prayed asking God to help him.

He and his friends left after the prayer. I walked the rest of the way to the mission thinking about him. For days I continued praying that this Robin Hood would truly believe in the living God who loved him. I asked God to give him courage to turn himself in to the police. And even more I asked God to not let the police punish him for crimes he had not committed.

In the meantime, his three children lived in the mission. They heard Bible stories, had food to eat, were loved, played with other children and found their smiles.

I received word one day that the police found Robin Hood.



Come back next week to read what happened to India's Robin Hood.



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-One Year of Preparation

By Mary Vee
Esther 2

From Esther's Journal

My name is Hadassah. I am also called Esther. 

Shortly after I arrived in the women's quarters of the king's palace, the king's servant, Hegai, gave me seven handmaids and showed me to my room.

It was a beautiful room, large, and with exquisite decorations. The handmaids fussed about every day, giving me baths, rubbing special oils into my skin, serving delicious foods that I had never seen before, and working with my hair. 

I did all that I was told, but felt a bit awkward. I had been a helper for my uncle, caring for his needs as long as I could remember. Here in the women's quarters, I was told to rest and allow the handmaids to prepare me for my visit to the king.

Mordecai sent messages to me through the servants. He wished me well and told me he prayed everyday. I looked from my window out at the gate and saw him. He continued to care for his business while watching out for me. I am so blessed.

The year was almost at an end. I had six months of oil of myrrh treatments and six months with perfume treatments. I didn't know when I would be called to go before the king. I knew I wasn't first, though. 

Hegai stood before the crowd of women and said, "You may take whatever you wish from the women's quarters with you when you go before the king.

One by one the young women were called to go to the king. When she returned, she was taken to a different building for the women and placed under the care of Shaashgaz, a servant of the king. She would not return unless the king called her by name.

One night, Hegai came to me. He said, "Esther, the time has come for you to go before the king. What would you like to take with you?"

I looked around the room and tried to imagine how my uncle would want me to answer. My words needed to show respect and honor to God. I turned to Hegai and said, "I ask for nothing but what you, Hegai, the king's servant, the custodian of the women, advises."

The other women stopped chattering and looked at me with great respect in their eyes. Hegai did the same. Hegai chose a necklace for me. "I recommend you take this." He called one of my handmaids over to put the necklace on me. 

"Are you ready?" He asked.

"Yes." I followed him to the door. 

So, in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of the king's rein, I walked with the servants to the King's palace room. 


...come back next time to read what happened next.

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

1. What preparations were given to Esther over the year?
2. Who kept an eye on Esther from a distance?
3. After visiting the king, none of the women could return unless he __________
4. What could the women take with them to the King's palace room?
5. What did Esther choose to take?

Esther-Mordecai Paced in the Court

By Mary Vee
Esther 2

From Mordecai's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Mordecai. I have taken care of Hadassah as a daughter ever since her parents died. Just so you know I sometimes called her Esther as well.

Even though many Hebrews from Judah were taken here as slaves, God has blessed us. I was able to provide a nice home and food for both Esther and myself.

You may have heard that the king banished his wife, Queen Vashti, from the kingdom and is in the process of selecting a new queen. All the unmarried women were required to go to a selection where some were then chosen to go to the palace. From these women, the king would choose a new queen.

Esther cried when she told me the news. Since the order to appear before the commissioner was an edict by the king, she had to go. I saw in her eyes she really didn't want to go. The poor thing was afraid. But I knew she'd been trained in the proper and expected manners of a young woman. And, to tell the truth, she was beautiful. 

Knowing the great punishment for refusing to obey the edict, I encouraged her. I told her God would always be by her side and protect her.  She looked at me, not convinced. "Esther, you will do fine. If you are sent home then God has spoken. If you are chosen to be the new queen, then--God has spoken. You will only be happy by obeying what God asks you to do." 

I hugged her. "One instruction I will give you before you go. Don't let anyone know who your people or family are. Trust me. This is for the best. Now, you know I spend time at the city gate everyday. I will keep watch. If you need anything, send word to me."

She nodded "I will, Uncle Mordecai." 

After she left, I became concerned for her welfare. Not upset. God would care for her. But I also knew in my heart that I had been given charge of her welfare. So I prayed. "Almighty God, please protect Esther in the palace. Give her the words to say. Let her meet the right people who will not harm her. Take care of my girl."

Even with the prayer I couldn't allow myself to be irresponsible. I went to the court of women's quarters everyday and asked the maids and servants who came outside, "How is Esther. Is she well? Is she happy?"

The servants gave the same response every time  "She is well and seems happy. The man in charge of all the young women's  care, Hegai, has been very pleased with her answers and manners. He gave her the best room and the most honored maids. She has been given the most attention over all the others." Then each servant leaned close and whispered, "I can see why. She is kind and respectful. She never imposes her own way, but asks the opinion of those who have worked in the palace."

I was so happy to hear these reports. Still, I went to the court of women's quarters every day and kept checking on her. For one full year, while she completed all the required preparations, I did this everyday.

I don't know why God has allowed this situation. I am a bit curious. I am also confident whatever is to come, God will care for us.

...come back next time to read what happened next.

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

1. Who is Mordecai
2. What did he encourage Esther to do? Why?
3. What special instruction did he give her?
4. After she left, what did he do?Why?

Amy Carmichael-India's Robin Hood

By Mary Vee

Year: January, 1921 

Amy Carmichael: 54 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

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

New buildings have been built to house rescued boys, God has blessed our crops, and now I am bringing to God our need for a hospital here at the mission.

I had a special place in the woods nearby where I frequently went to pray. We had a small building made to use as a retreat. Often I brought the older children and missionaries with me.

One day, shile feeding the children, a worker started up a conversation about an Indian man who robbed from the rich and gave to the poor.

"So he is a Robin Hood?"

"I guess you could say that. The poor people love him," she answered.

This news surprised me. The other workers joined in the conversation saying this man could leap over wells that were twenty feet across and escape from any prison. He takes what he needs. 

"What is his name?" I asked

"Hi name is Jambulingam."

An inspiration to pray for Jambulingam took over my thoughts. "Would you pray with me that I could meet Jambulingam and tell him about Jesus?"

They agreed and stopped their work to pray.

What I didn't know was Jambulingam and the men traveling with him had been watching me travel to the forest to pray and back to the mission for several days. I usually traveled with other workers and children, but one time I went alone to pray. 

On my walk back to the mission, several men leaped out from some bushes. They frightened me. Their hair was scruffy and their clothes dirty. I stopped, afraid for my life. But the men kept their distance.

"We have been waiting for you."

"Why?"

"I am known as the Red Tiger."

That must be the name used instead of Robin Hood by the Indians. "I've heard about you, and have wanted to meet you. The police are looking for you."

He nodded. "Yes, I know." He waved his arms like he was erasing the words. "The police are corrupt. They live for bribery money. If they aren't paid, they throw even innocent people in jail. Can I tell you my story?"

I didn't even have to think. He deserved to be heard. "Of course you can."

"A man accused me of a crime I did not do. The police saw this as an opportunity to get money from me. If I had paid what they asked, I would have been set free. But I didn't have the money. I ran away. Soon others began to tell lies about me, saying I had done this and that crime--when I wasn't even in the area! I ran to the mountains to hide. In truth, I don't think I could ever have a fair trial."

He looked at the ground and shuffled his feat in the dirt. "I had a wife and three children. I just received word my wife died." He looked up at my eyes. "There is no one to care for my children. I can't bring them to the mountains where we would have to hide. That is no life for them."

I agreed. The children needed a loving, stable home. He didn't have to say the next words. I knew what he was asking. "You want me to take the children to the mission, don't you?"

He nodded and lowered his head. Maybe afraid of my answer.

I wanted to help the children, but I also wanted to help this Robin Hood. "If you will agree to my condition, I will."

He tipped his head. "All right. If I can do what you ask, I will."

"Good. I want you to never use your gun."

The men with him laughed. The Robin Hood held his hand up to silence them. "I will promise to never use my gun except when I need to protect my own life."

This seemed a reasonable request. "All right. You may bring your children to the mission."

He smiled. "You are good, missionary lady."

"So, Robin Hood, will you surrender to the police and end this chase?"



Come back next week to read more about our Robin Hood.



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-Hegai Meets Esther

By Mary Vee
Esther 2

From Hegai's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Hegai. I am in the service of the king and am the appointed one in charge of the young women arriving from the empire and who will appear before King Xerxes.

The first group of women arrive not long ago. Not surprising, these women were from our province of Susa, right outside the palace. What noise! These women chatter and giggle so. I can't imagine the sound when all the other women arrive. 

Very few of these ladies have had occasion to come inside the palace before. Clearly, very few have learned how to behave in the king's palace. I see I have my work cut out for me.

To give their enthusiasm some direction I led them to the wardrobe room and freed them to explore. I may have been mistaken about this soothing their excitement. The young women raced to the dresses, scarves, jewels, belts, sashes, shoes oogling over everything they touched.

One young woman did manage to stand out to me. She didn't act silly like the others and had a beauty that would please the king. She stood back with a grace I might have seen in Vashti a long time ago. I did like Vashti as queen. She was beautiful and had the blend of leadership for her duties along with an understanding of her place under the king's rule. That is, until the banquet the other night. I'm going to miss her.

Ah, well. As I was saying, this new young woman caught my eye. I walked to her and asked, "What is your name?"

She gave a small curtsy. "Hadassah, although some call me Esther."

A good answer. Simple. To the point. And with grace. This young woman might be the one. I decided then to help her in any way I could.

"Would you come with me?" She didn't think twice, but followed my instructions. Not with her head hung as if shy and not with her nose held high as if pompous or vain. She walked as if she'd been schooled. 

I led her down the corridor to a room that would be given to her. Along the way I commanded seven handmaids that I selected just for her to join us. Esther walked into the room. Her eyes widened. "These handmaids will see you receive the finest foods in the palace, beauty treatments, and any clothing you need."

She bowed. "You have been very kind to me and I appreciate all you have done. I am confident your choice in dress and anything else I need will be what is best."

Her words stunned yet pleased me. I honestly didn't believe any of the young women from the other room would have given up their opportunity to dictate a choice in dress or other provisions. "I leave you to your handmaids for now, Esther."

She bowed.

As I closed the door I was confident I had made the right choice to give Esther of Susa the best of all the rooms, the most qualified handmaids, and will offer her the best of anything else she will need. 


...come back next time to read what happened next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version  

1. Who is Hegai and what is his job?
2. What did Hegai think of Esther?
3. What did he give Esther?
4. Why did he want to help Esther so much?