Refocused Purpose Week 10
Refocused Purpose Week 10: Esther 10 & Proverbs 28-31
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.
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 10 Key Verse
Esther – Chapter 10 (Scene 10)
Setting: The Final Chapter
Time: Reign of King Xerxes, around 472 BC
This is it, friends! We’ve made it all the way through to the last faith-filled, God-breathed, awe-inspiring chapter in the book of Esther.
This powerful book of the Bible has shown us what a life full of commitment and action is all about. It’s also shown us that no matter what God is always in control working the scenes for His glory.
As we explore the last chapter in Esther, all I can say is what a promised-filled ending to a book we’ve already gleaned so much from!
Facts gathered from Esther chapter 10…
What we learn in Esther chapter 10…
Check out how God works!!
Isn’t it so cool to know that God knew how Esther’s story would end way before it even began?!? He set His plan into motion before time began and worked “behind the scenes” to see it through! God was there making a way the entire time. With each and every page turn we see Him weaving together a beautiful tapestry full of hope, love, and constant assurance. Each and every thread was delicately chosen by His very own divine design. His work is perfection!
AND, WHAT’S EVEN COOLER?!?!
God’s “behind the scenes” work continues sweeping through time! There is no stopping His plans! He will see every last detail through until the very end when He calls all His children home.
“For by Him all things were created, in Heaven and on Earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – ALL THINGS were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV)
Proverbs – Chapters 28-31
As we wrap up the book of Proverbs I’d like to remind readers that this book hones in on two different ways we can choose to live out our lives. We can either be a Haman or an Esther/Mordecai!
Haman – A Foolish Life
A foolish life is filled with pride and ignorance that harbors wickedness. A fool chooses to ignore God and go about their business only thinking of themselves. Over and over again the book of Proverbs warns us about this kind of life and how it will lead straight to destruction. Haman puts these proverbs into play as we see his life spiral out of control based upon a long-standing generational hatred toward an entire nation. His ego-pumped, money-hungry attitude was the source of his downfall, and his prideful, arrogant ways lead him straight to his grave.
“Those who trust their own insight are foolish…”
Proverbs 28:26a (NLT)
Esther/Mordecai – A Wise Life
Proverbs teaches us that a wise life is filled with humility, discernment, and understanding. It tells us that a wise person takes the time needed to listen, surrendering their all over to God. Friends, when a person chooses to walk in wisdom it means they choose to live out what their Heavenly Father instructs. They apply the lessons to their own lives!! Because Esther and Mordecai kept their faith planted in the Lord they trusted Him with each and every step. Friends, they knew God!! AND…it’s because of this relationship with Him that they were able to gain the understanding needed to live out their faith!
“…but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.”
Proverbs 28:26b (NLT)
It’s Our Choice
So, when we take the words found in Proverbs and lay them side-by-side the book of Esther we gain even more understanding!! Esther and Mordecai leaned into God and allowed God to lead them along the narrow path. Haman, on the other hand, took his own path, which lead him further and further away from God. It’s a choice we all have! So, allow the words of Proverbs to really sink in and choose wisely.
“Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.”
Proverbs 29:23 (NLT)
Where’s your heart?
As we refocus our attention on God’s purpose, friends, the state of our hearts matters!!
“Nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord’s will, whatever it may be. When one is truly in this state, it is usually but a little way to the knowledge of what His will is.”
George MΓΌller
So, how do we go about doing God’s will?!? Well, it starts with time spent with Him. Friends, we have to take the time to get to know Him. AND, we do this every time we open up our Bibles! Every time we go to Him in prayer! Every time we look for Him, searching Him out in our every day life! The more time we spend with our Lord and Savior the more our hearts fill with what matters most. AND with a heart filled comes the wisdom needed to go about doing God’s will!!
HE IS OUR GREATEST TREASURE AND THE KEEPER OF OUR HEARTS!!!
“You must keep all earthly treasures out of your heart, and let Christ be your treasure, and let Him have your heart.”
Charles Spurgeon
“Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.”
Proverbs 28:14 (ESV)
God’s love, guidance, and protection is available to any and all hearts ready and willing! It’s never too late for a heart makeover. It’s never too late to turn your heart over to Him! If you are ready to turn away from the world and fall into His arms, know He is near and eagerly waiting for His child to come home!
Where’s your commitments?
Alas, we have made it to the final pondering of where our commitments lie!
Friends, depending on the season, it sure can take a lot of refocused purpose to constantly keep our eyes fixed on Jesus! But, when we get there, to the place where our eyes are fully opened and our hearts are ready and willing, we experience moments just like Esther and Mordecai did!! Over and over again, because He does not disappoint!!
“Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.”
Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
As I sit and ponder my own commitments, I want to remind us all that it’s not about a perfect streak! Friends, we’re human, we make mistakes! But, God is abounding in mercy and grace and it’s never too late to repent. So, if you’ve wandered down the wrong path – HALT – turn around and run towards your Savior today! It’s when we are in the will of God that we find His divine peace and strength to carry on.
“If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth.”
Proverbs 30:32 (NKJV)
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 28-31!
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 28-31. So, what are you waiting for?!? Open up your Bible and keep digging!
Know God
To know God is where it’s at, friends! The only real, true way to get to know Him is to spend time with Him. Open your Bible and fill your heart!! Allow the good ole Gospel Truth to flood your soul! AND, remember building a relationship takes time, so dive in daily!!
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.
Keep Exploring…
That’s a wrap for this Bible study! If you just landed here, CLICK HERE to be redirected to the full collection of Refocused Purpose Bible Study Material! You can also keep scrolling for more information about this Bible Reading Plan!
For those that just wrapped up the Refocused Purpose Bible Study I pray that you were able to find the refocused purpose your heart was seeking out. I pray that God’s “behind the scenes” work in the book of Esther spoke to your heart in beautiful, powerful ways. AND, most of all I pray you are now able to walk away from this study with a rekindled desire to live out the wisdom gleaned from God’s Word.
AND…don’t stop reading, friends! Continue to open your Bible and fill your heart up each and every day.
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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OPEN YOUR BIBLE
FILL YOUR HEART!
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