Esther-You Will Come to Ruin, Haman

By Mary Vee
Esther 6

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Haman. I am King Xerxes' second in command for all of Babylon. 

I rounded the last corner of the city and led the king's horse back to the king's gate where Mordecai was first placed on it.

I still can't believe that I had to parade him though the city shouting those ridiculous words, "This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor." 

The guards helped Mordecai off the horse then took the king's robe and the horse back to the palace. Mordecai went back to his seat at the gate and I went home.

Tired. Humiliated. Hungry. And angry.

I couldn't wait to get home. Zeresh, my wife, was the only one who'd understand. 

I walked through the front door and found her working.

"Haman, why are you home so early? Did the king give you permission to hang Mordecai?"

Permission. Hah. I only wish. I asked my advisors to join us and explained the whole story. "No. In fact, the day turned out far worse than I planned." I sat in my favorite chair and told them everything from the king's question of how he should honor someone, to my answer--if only I hadn't given that answer--to parading Mordecai around the city on the king's horse.

"Oh, Haman. This is terrible." They all said.

"I know. I know."

"Since Mordecai is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him. You have already set up that decree to have all the Jews killed in the twelfth month. You will surely come to ruin!"

Just this morning everything was going so well. Absolutely nothing went well now. The gallows still weren't finished. And now this problem with Mordecai being a Jew and honored by the king. What am I going to do?

We discussed all the possibilities for fixing the problem. We had plenty of ideas but nothing seemed to be best.

Someone knocked on the door. "Haman, we've come to take you to Esther's banquet." They barged into our house and led me to their chariots. Zeresh and my advisors watched me with worried faces.

Oh, if only I could start this day over.

We rode to the city, through the gate, and ton o the palace. The guards didn't give me a chance to sneak away. They walked me through the corridors to the king's chambers.

"Your highness, Haman is here."

The king nodded and held his scepter out to me. "Come Haman. We have a banquet prepared for us.

Unfortunately the story has much more to tell...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. Where did Haman take Mordecai?
2. Where did Haman go afterwards?
3. Why was he upset?
4. Where the gallows finished?
5. What did Zeresh and Haman's advisor say was the problem?
6. Why did the guards come to Haman's house?


As a reminder, Haman dislikes Mordecai because Mordecai the Jew feels he should only bow down to the living God. Haman wants Mordecai to bow down to him.

Amy Carmichael-I Didn't Have To Worry. God Took Care of Everything

By Mary Vee

Year: September -1948

Amy Carmichael: 80 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

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

Did you notice my age. Yes. I am quite old. My bones are brittle. I never fully recovered from the accident, I'm sure that injury didn't help me.

On June 23, I was standing in my room. I had only taken a step and slipped. On nothing. I just slipped. I grabbed the bedpost with my right arm (my left arm was still numb). I fell to the floor. I had hoped nothing would come of the incident other than a bruise or two.

I begged the nurse not to tell anyone, that I would heal. But she didn't listen. She called the doctor. After my examination he shook his head and gave the news. I had a broken arm and thighbone, and I had injured my hip--how bad, he couldn't tell yet. 

My injuries kept me completely in bed.

I knew my time here at the mission was coming to a close. I thought of all the people I had set up to take over the needed positions. Godfrey, the leader of the boys, became terribly ill and went to be with Jesus. Mimosa and her sweet sister Arulai went to be with Jesus. Ponnammal left a long time ago. I was so worried what would happen to this ministry.

That was my problem. 

I tried to solve a problem God had long taken care of. He had chosen the people who had youth and commitment. They had been trained here at the mission and had seen what showing the love from the living God can do for a life. 

Even with all the horrible wars breaking out. Japan attacking. The uprising against England here in Indian and England's leaving. The Hindus and Muslims fighting. We were so afraid. So many people needed to know the living God. This mission needed to keep going.

In my bed, God showed me Ponnammal's daughter, Purripu showed herself as a real leader. Rajappan, Mimosa's son also committed his life to working at the mission. They were young and eager to serve.

God in His great mercy had cared for the mission. I didn't have to worry.

By the time I turned eighty-three I could barely move. God had once told me He would let me go to Him in my sleep. No weepy goodbyes. I told the entire staff that no big procession should be held for me. No headstone. No ceremony. The glory all needed to go to the one true living God for the life He gave me.


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-Haman's Humiliation

By Mary Vee
Esther 6

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Haman. I am King Xerxes' second in command for all of Babylon. 

The king asked me, I couldn't believe I was saying this, he asked me to honor Mordecai.

Yes. The thorn in my side. The one who refused to bow to me. The one I wanted to hang on the gallows.

My orders were first to get one of the king's robes and a horse. I had them brought to me then walked to, did I have to say his name again? You know his name.

I crossed the court to the gate where he sat. All the men sitting there looked up at me. All but Mordecai instantly bowed to me.

"Mordecai." I forced myself to say. 

He tipped his head and looked at me. His eyes showed the confusion I expected. "The king wishes to honor you for saving his life."

As I expected, Mordecai sat there, silent. His confusion remained on his face.

"The king wishes you to wear this robe of his and ride on this horse which the king has ridden. You will be paraded through the streets so that all may know the king is honoring you."

Two guards walked to Mordecai's side and brought him close to the horse. The robe was draped on his back and he was lifted on top of the horse. 

The men who had been in his company and still bowed, cheered for Mordecai. Such misguided voices shouting for Mordecai. It stirred my anger immeasurably.

I took the reins and led the horse out the gate and into the city streets announcing, "This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!"

Men, women, and children poured out of their homes. They listened to what I said then cheered for Mordecai. Up and down the streets until my feet ached horribly I had to endure this torment. Didn't these people understand my pain?

I had never been so humiliated in my entire life. Mark my word. Mordecai will receive his just reward and I will be honored above him.

Oh, my back. 

My sore feet. 

I need a cup of cool water.

Unfortunately the story has much more to tell...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. What was Haman supposed to get?
2. What was he to do with those objects?
3. What did Haman do all that afternoon?
4. What did he shout to the people in the streets?
5. Why did this bother Haman?


As a reminder, Haman dislikes Mordecai because Mordecai the Jew feels he should only bow down to the living God. Haman wants Mordecai to bow down to him.

Esther-Hamon: I Could Have Been Hung!

By Mary Vee
Esther 6

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Haman. I am King Xerxes' second in command for all of Babylon. 

The king had asked me,  "So, Haman, what should be done for the man the king delights to honor?"

Naturally, I assumed he meant me. I mean who else would he mean? Think about it, in all of Babylon could there be anyone more deserving of the king's honor than me?

No. I didn't think so either.

So I answered. It took only seconds to come up with my perfect reward. Something that would show Mordecai, that bothersome thorn in my side, how truly worthy I am to be respected with bows from the masses. Including him. 

I think I smiled. I couldn't help it. My plan was brilliant! 

I said, with the most humblest voice, of course "For the man the king delights to honor, have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king's most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor, and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, 'This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!'"

I watched the king's face for his reaction. Had I asked for too much? No. Impossible. I waited to look up then took a chance. The king had a smile so wide he burst into laughter. I knew it. I knew it. 

The king said, "Well done, Haman. Go at once. Get the robe and the horses and do just as you have suggested--"

Yes. My name would be spoken next. I nodded my appreciation. And then he spoke.

Wait. That's not my name. What was he doing? This is impossible.

Mordecai the Jew? The one who sits at the king's gate? That disrespectful Mordecai?

I wanted to pound my fist in the air and scream "NO!" And, "You're honoring the wrong man!!"

But I couldn't. To my right and left the king's guards stood with their weapons. Could any moment be worse? I faked my understanding and approval, bowing to the king. As I turned to follow the most ridiculous command ever, the king stopped me.

"Oh, and Haman. I am very pleased Mordecai saved my life, so do not forget anything you've mentioned."

I took a deep breath and counted slowly to five before turning to the king. "Yes. Yes, your majesty. I will do so right away."

I walked out of the palace and didn't care who heard me any more. I screamed, "How could this happen? To me?"

This should have been my epic day. Hang Mordecai on the gallows. Eat with the king and queen at a banquet. Oops. I didn't ask permission to--I pressed my hand against my face. What would have happened to me if I had asked before the king spoke his wishes?

I--

I could have been hung instead. I pressed my hands around my neck and swallowed. 

Across the court sat Mordecai. Like usual. 

Well, he may get this honor...but one day soon, I will get mine. I laughed, a satisfying dastardly laugh.


Unfortunately the story has much more to tell...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. Who did Haman think the king was talking about?
2. Why was Haman angry?
3. Why didn't Haman tell the king he was mad?
4. What did Hama forget to ask?
5. What would have happened if he had remembered?


As a reminder, Haman dislikes Mordecai because Mordecai the Jew feels he should only bow down to the living God. Haman wants Mordecai to bow down to him.

Amy Carmichael-The Gift Kohila Flower

By Mary Vee

Year: September -1939

Amy Carmichael: 70 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

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

Everyday God's love could be seen.

I would like to get my mind off of the pain in my leg and back. Would you mind if I shared just one more story of God's blessing?

You wouldn't? Good.

Take a seat. This is a short one, but one that will touch your heart and remind you of the work God has done here at the Dohnavur Fellowship mission.

A long time ago, it has been about twenty-eight years since, a little girl came to the mission. She was adorable. Curly hair. A real cutie. 

Her name was Kohila. She had a temper and was very strong. Our soft words did not tame her rough spirit. 

Children came to the mission with anger or shy problems. All had been rescued for terrible situations. The poor little things didn't know how to live with the harsh memories from the time before they arrived.

Little Kohila was the same. She refused to share her room. She braced her arms in the doorway and held the frame tightly. Fortunately the older and stronger children understood. They had once been that way, too. The question became, would little Kohila overcome this anger?

Because she hurt other children and destroyed things, we placed her in a place on her own. To protect her as well as the other children. This seemed to start her healing process. 

She listened to the Bible stories and watched the other children work with a happy heart. Soon she wanted to be like the other kids. She offered to do chores. She sang songs with the other kids as they worked. She became a happy child. 

She stayed with us. I'm so glad she did. Her desire to learn more about Jesus grew by leaps. She studied God's Word, prayed, helped where ever needed and asked God to give her a passion for souls. What a sweet teen she became.

She chose to stay and work at the mission when she could have left. She grew into a lovely young woman with a strong desire to learn more about Christ and to live for Him. She studied nursing and became the head nurse at the hospital here at the mission.

One of her favorite duties was to decorate the room for the child celebrating her Coming Day. A while back I told about celebrating the day the child came to the mission to live. Most of the kids had no idea when there birthday was and there were no records to find out this information. Instead of celebrating a birthday we didn't know, we celebrated each child's Coming Day.

That morning, Kohila decorated the children's rooms who would be celebrating their Coming Day. One of the "kids", she was actually about the same age as Kohila, was celebrating that day. Kohila and she were best friends. 

Kohila wanted to do something special for her friend. She told the staff she was going up to the Gray Jungle where there were these gorgeous purple flowers. They were special because they grew on a high, rocky slope. To reach the flowers, one had to make the dangerous climb. But her best friend was worth it. And she had climbed rocky slopes before. She knew what she was doing. 

Kohila made her way up the rocks, grabbing carefully and finding her balance. The flowers were only a little higher. She took her time and placed her feet on firm rocks, pushing her higher. She reached, leaned farther and stretched her fingers until she had one in her hand. Kohila was so happy!

The brief distraction created a problem. She wobbled on the rock and slipped. She tried to grab onto another rock but it loosened and fell to the ground. The sky twirled above her head. She fell backwards to the earth.

When the staff looked for her, they found her with the precious flower in her hand. Sweet Kohhila lived to the age of twenty-eight and had been such a precious gift from God to us. She is with Jesus now. I will miss her giving and kind spirit. One that helped heal other children who came with the same problems.

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-Hamon's Idea for The Perfect Reward

By Mary Vee
Esther 6

From Xerxes' Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Xerxes. I am the king of Babylon. 

Last night I couldn't sleep at all. I asked the scribe to bring the scrolls with the chronicle of events in the land to entertain me. 

He read for some time, several hours in fact, while I lay awake until he happened to mention an event about a man who had reported the plans for an assassination. 

Apparently, the man had never been rewarded. This was the kind of behavior I wanted to continue. Good. Upright. 

When I discovered he hadn't been rewarded, I was too tired to come up with a something suitable for him. It should be something big. Something that would let the entire kingdom know how much the king appreciates and honors those who are loyal to the kingdom.

There was only one man who had a mind to think of the richest rewards. He was a bit arrogant, but smart. And when the servant told me he was the only one in the court at the time I was quite pleased. 

Haman appeared at the door and I immediately gave him approval to approach. No need for ceremony. "Haman," I said. "Come here. I have a question."

He approached the throne. A smile had spread across his face. Something made him very happy. I didn't know what it was, and at this moment didn't care. I wanted his advice. "So, Haman, what should be done for the man the king delights to honor?"

The smile on Haman's face grew wider. His eyes drifted to the side and up. There was a great plan working in his mind and I couldn't wait to hear what it was. "So? What do you suggest?"

Haman bowed and said, "For the man the king delights to honor, have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king's most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor, and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, 'This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!'"

I looked at him amazed at his creativity. Only someone as pompous as Haman could think of such a reward. I liked it. I liked it a lot. He was a genius. Of course the most entrusted noble prince would have to be him. Yes. This was the perfect way to reward the one who saved my life.

I smiled, I think I even laughed. "Well done, Haman. Go at once. Get the robe and the horses and do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king's gate. And be sure to not neglect anything you have recommended."


Unfortunately the story has much more to tell...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. Why did the king want to reward Mordecai?
2. Who did he ask for help to think of the best reward?
3. Who did Haman think was getting the reward?
4. Since he thought that, what reward did Haman suggest?
5. What did the king think about Haman?
6. What did the king think about Haman's idea?

Esther-The Unfinished Gallows

By Mary Vee
Esther 6

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Haman. I am the second highest ranked person in the empire. The famous Babylon Empire. Yes, yes, I am very important and that is why I must tell my story.

I got up early this morning and inspected the gallows. My wife Zeresh and my friends came up with a brilliant beyond brilliant way for me to get rid of that disrespectful Mordecai. I ordered gallows built right by my house that would stand seventy-five feet tall.

I told the crew to work through the night. They needed to be finished by today. The problem was, no one could be executed in the land without the kings approval. That I planned to get when I saw the king this morning. 

Any way, I walked outside and saw the men sleeping. Really? Sleeping instead of doing the job I ordered. Didn't they know who I was?  "What are you doing?" I bellowed loud enough to wake them all. They must have been asleep for a long time based on the work that still needed to be done. "Why aren't the gallows done? I ordered you to work through the night."

"Yes, lord Haman. We're sorry." They scurried about and got back to work. 

"I want to know the second these gallows are finished." I lowered my voice threatening them, "And make sure they are sturdy. If they can't hold the weight of the man ordered to be hung, you all will be strung on better gallows."

Their eyes widened. "Yes, lord Haman." They bowed and returned to their work.

My wife walked out the door. "Haman, you could still ask the king. The gallows should be ready by the time all of that is done."

She was right. Her words made me feel much better. "Yes. That's a great idea." I climbed on my horse and road to the palace. There I left the horse at the stable and walked to the court. 

Half way across the court toward the palace entrance, one of the king's servants approached me and stopped. He bowed. "Lord Haman, the king asks me to escort you to his chambers."

Me? This was wonderful news. Already he depends on me for counsel. Maybe he wants to honor me with more. Oh, this is the perfect moment to ask his permission to hang Mordecai from the new gallows. "Yes, of course." 

I followed the servant and was allowed in the king's chambers without any question.

The king said, "What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?"

I knew it. Who is there that the king would rather honor than me? I'll not only ask to hang Mordecai, but this is my chance to receive what I deserve. Yes!



Unfortunately the story has much more to tell...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. Why did Haman have the gallows built on his own property?
2. Who did he want to hang?
3. Who did he have to get permission from to hang this person?
4. What were the workers doing when Haman went to check on the gallows?
5. What did Haman's wife encourage him to do?
6. What happened when Haman arrived in the court?

Amy Carmichael-God Gave Me A Sense of Value

By Mary Vee

Year: September -1939

Amy Carmichael: 70 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

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

The days continued to drag by. Pain had become an unwelcome companion. I could walk a few steps but that was it.

The doctor came back to check on me. It was at this examination when he found I had also hurt my back in the fall. Or maybe  I hurt it when we were thrown from the truck on the rainy road. It didn't matter. Nothing could be done to help my back. I had become a cripple. In time my left hand and arm became numb and I had trouble seeing out of one eye.

I called my room the Room of Peace. Over the years, friends had sent me books that I never had a chance to read....until now. The staff built an aviary on the veranda. That is a walk in bird habitat where finches and canaries could fly freely. Sometimes I asked her to open the door so they would fly around my room. I fed them from my hand.

The workers and children kept the gardens outside my room filled with wonderful flowers. The scent flowed in my room. It smells so good.

One day, God gave me a great idea. I remembered the times that workers and supporters ask me to write about this mission. I had written a letter here and there, but nothing had been recorded in one book. Huh. God had blessed us more than we could have imagined with His miracles, a book should be written to glorify Him. So I did. I called the book Gold Cord.

After I finished Gold Cord I wrote several other books, one told the story of sweet Arulai and called it Ploughed Under. Arulai still lives and works here. She has been a constant blessing to me from the day she first came. 

Arulai was forty-nine years old the day I broke my ankle. I and all the other missionaries here believe God wanted her to be the one to take over the mission. Sadly, she came down with a horrible case of small pox while I was in the hospital for my fall. She recovered somewhat.

Arulai had days when she became weak, so weak she had to stay in bed. She was put in the room next to me. I had so much fun passing notes to her. We'd write Bible verses, prayer requests, and just chatted. Although I was sad to see her sick, her company was really welcomed. 

The next three years, Arulai spent more time in the room next to mine. Then the news came that I expected. Arulai went to be with Jesus in May of 1939. Her body was buried in God's garden with other children from the mission who had died in the past. Sweet, sweet Arulai is with Jesus.

Some day I will see her again. And guess what? You will be able to meet her one day! Anyone who believes in the living God. The God who loves them so very much that He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to pay for our sins and make the way for us to go to heaven. All we have to do is believe Jesus died for us and ask Him to be our Savior. God really does love you.

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 Scroll With a Trigger

By Mary Vee
Esther 6

From King Xerxes Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Xerxes. I am the king of the Babylonian Empire. My land spreads as far east as what you call Iran and west to what you call Turkey.

I went to bed this evening but couldn't sleep. I couldn't see any reason why. I had a great meal, prepared by my queen, good company. True the morning wasn't that great, but that was this morning. 

No matter what I tried I couldn't sleep. I ordered my servant to bring me the book of chronicles which had the record of my reign and a scribe to read it to me. 

This record had lists of facts and events. Either something will trigger my memory, let me solve the problem and get back to sleep--or the reading will bore me to sleep. Either way, I'll go back to sleep.

"Your Majesty, I have the book of chronicles." The scribe said.

"Yes. Good. Bring it here and read to me."

"Where would you like me to begin?"

"Somewhere in the middle." I didn't know how long it would take for me to get bored enough to sleep.

The scribe opened the scroll and read. It seemed he read for hours when the name Mordecai was spoken. "Wait. Read that part again."

"On this day, two of the king's officers, Bigthana and Teresh, guards for the doorway, have been found guilty of conspiracy to assassinate King Xerxes. Mordecai has been granted the credit for exposing the guards and thereby saving the life of the king."

"Is that all to that entry?"

The scribed looked at the page. He even scrolled up and down to make sure of his answer. "There is nothing else recorded, Your Majesty." 

"There is nothing that tells what honor and recognition had been given to Mordecai for his actions?" How could I have let this slip?

The scribe shook his head. "No your majesty. Nothing has been done for him."

I couldn't believe the man hadn't been rewarded for saving my life. t looked out the window and saw morning had come already. "Fine. Who is in the court?"

The attendants walked out of the room. They returned a little while later. "Haman has just arrived."

"Good bring him here." 

"Yes, Your Majesty."

I don't know how I missed rewarding Mordecai. I'm so tired I can't think of what would be best to give him. Saving my life is no small thing. This man deserves a great reward. Haman should have an idea. I'm glad he is the one who is here.



...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. What did Xerxes do when he couldn't sleep?
2. What name perked Xerxes' attention?
3. What wasn't in the book?
4. Who was in the court?
5. What is Xerxes going to ask Haman?