Refocused Purpose Week 9
Refocused Purpose Week 9: Esther 9 & Proverbs 25-27
A Heart Filled Fall Bible Reading Plan
I’m so excited to be sharing this Bible Reading Plan with all my readers!
Let’s look at what it’s all about…
Refocused Purpose – A Bible Reading Plan For The Fall – allows readers to dive into both the books of Esther and Proverbs!! Weaving these two books of the Bible together into one Bible Reading Plan does wonders for the heart!!
It’s a Bible Reading Plan that’s designed to help refocus our attention on God’s ways, purpose, and wisdom.
Each week, throughout the fall 2024 season, I’ll be posting study material to go along with the weekly reading. Below I’ve broken the study material down into three sections: one for the book of Esther, one for the book of Proverbs, and one for the treasures found in Proverbs. You can jump ahead to a specific section by clicking on the following links:
Week 9 Key Verse
Esther – Chapter 9 (Scene 9)
Setting: The Provinces of the Empire of Xerxes
Time: Reign of King Xerxes, around 472 BC
In this chapter we see the actions of the faithful – lead by God Almighty – protect a nation from annihilation. Victory and celebration floods the pages of Chapter 9 in powerful, God-inspired ways!
Facts gathered from Esther chapter 9…
What we learn in Esther chapter 9…
Check out how God works!!
Did you catch how God’s “behind the scenes” work swept through the land in this week’s chapter?!? Again, like the theme throughout this entire book, so many wonder-working miracles take place. In just 32 verses we see God’s protection pulse out across the province of this empire. The humble defense taken by the Jews – lead by God – puts an end to Haman’s evil plans.
In true God-fashion we see hearts flipping complete 180s! The Jews are joined by “all the nobles of the provinces, the highest officers, the governors, and the royal officials” as they fight for their freedom. (Esther 9:3) King Xerxes’ heart continues melting for his queen as he is still stuck on this idea of giving her whatever she wants. (Esther 9:11-12) He sure has come a long way since the first few chapters of this book thanks to God’s “behind the scenes” work!
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”
Proverbs 19:21 (ESV)
Only God can take plans meant for evil and turn them into celebrations of victory for those being persecuted!! What a wonderful, mighty God Esther served…Mordecia served…WE SERVE!!
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
Proverbs – Chapters 25-27
Walking in wisdom gains immeasurable blessings, friends! And, what better of a place to fill our hearts with such wisdom than the book of Proverbs!
“Be wise, My child, and make My heart glad.”
Proverbs 27:11a (NLT)
God is speaking to each and every one of us in this verse! When we seek out wisdom and live our lives accordingly it makes His heart glad!! Friends, it’s when we’re this close to God that we’ll see His gracious blessings all around just like Esther, Mordecai, and the Jews did at the end of this week’s chapter!
“Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to the Jews near and far, throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes, calling on them to celebrate an annual festival on these two days. He told them to celebrate these days with feasting and gladness and by giving gifts of food to each other and presents to the poor. This would commemorate a time when the Jews gained relief from their enemies, when their sorrow was turned into gladness and their mourning into joy.”
The heroes of this story were grounded in wisdom! They knew their Creator, trusted in Him fully, and followed His leading faithfully. Because of this they lived another day. AND, not only that but they were filled with God’s peace as He turned their sorrow into gladness and their mourning into joy! What a blessing – a blessing that spread throughout the land!!
“Letters wishing peace and security were sent to the Jews throughout the 127 provinces of the empire of Xerxes.”
Esther 9:30 (NLT)
Where’s your heart?
When a heart is prepared, ready, and willing to serve God beautiful things happen!!
I just love when I stumble upon a verse that includes the word – H E A R T!! It’s one of God’s ways of drawing my full attention in! Check out what Proverbs tells us this week about our hearts!
“Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds.”
Proverbs 27:23 (NLT)
“Because life is uncertain, we should be all the more diligent in preparing for the future. We should act with foresight, giving responsible attention to our home, our family, and our career. We should be responsible stewards, like a farmer with his lands and herds. Thinking ahead is a duty, not an option, for God’s people.”
Life Application Study Bible Notes, ©2004, p. 1052
WOW!!! Isn’t this “Life Application Note” spot on, friends?!? When we put our hearts into caring it changes things! It makes us more aware of what God has entrusted us with!
Have you noticed how Esther laid this heart lesson out for us?!?
Her story shows us that her heart was devoted to caring for her “herd”! Friends, again and again her choices aligned with God’s will.
“For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”
Philippians 2:13 (ESV)
God had placed Esther where she needed to be for such a time as then. Because this was His will, and she took her responsibility seriously, He equipped her with everything she needed along the way!
Where’s your commitments?
Queen Esther understood caring for her people was the task she was called to do and because her heart was planted in faith she was committed to action. In turn, her actions preserved a nation and that nation was then able to pass along a solid assurance for generations to come – including us!!
“Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.”
Proverbs 25:25 (ESV)
“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.”
Proverbs 25:11 (NIV)
Precious Gems Found In Proverbs
Each week I’m going to include treasure gleaned from the chapters read in Proverbs that help to beef up the lessons learned in the book of Esther. The following are found in Proverbs chapters 25-27!
Sit with them, study them, and store them in your heart!
WOW!!! Proverbs is packed full of treasures just waiting to be found!!
Listed above are only the ones that tie in with the lessons learned for this particular Bible Reading Plan. More can be found if you open your Bible and fill your heart with Proverbs 25-27. So, what are you waiting for?!? Open up your Bible and keep digging!
Know God
For when we know God we know His loving nature is for us, not against us. When we get to this point in our relationship with our Lord and Savior we then understand what our responsibilities in life are all about and we willing follow His lead. Because, it’s when we know God that we see Him in every scene! And, when we see Him in every scene His blessings come flooding in!
Remember, the words we read in the Bible are words straight from God’s mouth. He speaks to us, friends!! How exciting!! He speaks truth straight to our hearts every single time we open our Bibles up!! AND…the words found in Proverbs help us gain the wisdom needed to know God! The gems I’ve added to the list above are included in His Word to help guide us as we make our way through life, side-by-side our Savior and Lord.
Looking Ahead…
As we continue to make our way through the book of Esther we’ll get to continually see how God works in the lives of those who are ready, willing, and committed. These are the kinds of examples worth imitating as we seek out our own refocused purpose. So, embrace the time you spend reading through this Bible Reading Plan. Make it count! Quality over quantity, friends!!!
As you read through each chapter, ask God to renew your mind and help you to know and understand Him more and more each day. Friends, allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through you as you make your way through your own refocused purpose!
Is this your first stop here at A Heart Filled? Want to learn more about the Refocused Purpose Bible Reading Plan, including the reading schedule? Keep scrolling!
It’s Time To OPEN YOUR BIBLE & FILL YOUR HEART
The Full Bible Reading Plan Details
We read the Bible to KNOW GOD! And, that’s just what Refocused Purpose – A Bible Reading Plan For The Fall is all about!
Refocused Purpose is a 10-week Bible Reading Plan that focuses in on two books of the Bible. Each week there is one chapter to be read in Esther and then 3 chapters to fill up on in Proverbs. My thoughts when I set up this Bible Reading Plan were simple. Read how God works behind the scenes in the lives of those who are faithful – Esther and Mordecai – and then back that amazing, wonderful truth up in Proverbs as we learn how to apply the same wisdom to our own lives!!
It’s refocused purpose, friends!!
This Bible Reading Plan not only gives readers an opportunity to dive into two great books of the Bible, but it gives readers an opportunity to grow closer to God! It’s a renewing Bible Reading Plan that’s meant to help us refocus on the new season ahead. A time to rekindle our trust in the Lord and gain the wisdom needed to keep walking close beside Him.
As you make your way through the book of Esther look for God and His miracle-working ways. Watch Him unfold His divine plans for Esther and Mordecai’s lives right before your very eyes. Be amazed and encouraged!! AND THEN, as you dive into Proverbs, open up your heart and allow God to work the scene and accomplish His work inside you.
BE READY!
BE WILLING!
BE FAITHFUL!
Friends, when we walk closely beside our Savior, we gain the wisdom, courage, and strength to live out what God teaches us in His Word!
Refocused Purpose Reading Plan Schedule
Refocused Purpose – A Bible Reading Plan For The Fall gives readers some wiggle room to work the reading schedule out however they like, throughout each week. However, studies show that if you take the time to read the Bible at least four days a week you’ll notice the biggest difference. I can testify to what it does in my own life, and, friends, it’s so worth it!! So, as you start this plan I encourage you to spread the weekly chapters out and make sure you’re opening up your Bible at least four days each week – if not, MORE!
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT – Each week, through the 2024 Fall Season, I’ll be posting weekly study material for the plan! Make sure to check back at the end of each week! AND…if you are interested in receiving email notifications on when these new posts drop SUBSCRIBE below!
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Extra Bible Reading Resource Recommendations
Wanna really go deep with this Bible Reading plan?!? I recommend getting your hands on a good study Bible – it’s a great tool to have! If you have the right one, it will help you understand more clearly what you are reading so you can fill up on every single drop of goodness! Make sure to check out my favorite study Bible post to find out which study Bible I recommend. It’s a great help when making your way through the pages of God’s Word. And, don’t forget your HIGHLIGHTERS & a journal! It’s great practice to jot down all the things the Holy Spirit stirs your heart with while you read God’s Word.
Looking For More Renewal This Fall?
If you’re looking for MORE renewal this fall, A Heart Filled Renewing Scripture With the Major Prophets is a great place to look! Here’s a quick glimpse…
Inside the pages of the Major Prophets hearts are able to fill up on a tremendous amount of renewing Scripture. These five books of the Bible do not disappoint!! There is so much wisdom and guidance to glean from these books of the Bible. As you make your way through these intense, powerful books of the Bible you’ll have the opportunity to focus in on some bold, revitalizing truth. The kind of truth that a heart needs to hear. The kind that hits hard, seeps down deep, and really helps to get a willing heart back on track! It’s Scripture worth repeating often! For more info CLICK HERE!
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It’s time to
OPEN YOUR BIBLE
FILL YOUR HEART!
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