Refocused Purpose Week 3
Refocused Purpose Week 3: Esther 3 & Proverbs 7-9
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 3 Key Verse
Esther – Chapter 3 (Scene 3)
Setting: The King’s Gate and Surrounding Area of Susa
Time: Reign of King Xerxes, around 474 BC
In Chapter 3 we meet the villain of the story, and we get to learn a lot about him in just a few verses.
Facts gathered from Esther chapter 3…
What we learn in Esther chapter 3…
Check out how God works!!
God’s “behind the scenes” work is evident again, my friends! In chapter 3 we read about Haman casting lots to come up with the best date to carry out his evil plan. The date selected was almost a year later! Why so long?! Well, it’s evident…God’s plans were making a way! In order for the heroine to save the day, she needed time and that’s exactly what God gave her!!
This chapter is reminding us that while the bad guys are sitting around, planning out all their evil schemes, God is in control! When things get dicey, just remember God has the last say in it all. He’s holding the winning play and He will swoop in at just the right time because His plans cannot be stopped! His plans will always prevail.
What a wonderful reminder!!
God is in control!! Hallelujah!!
Even if you can’t see it, He IS working!!
God’s “behind the scenes” work is just as important as His “in-your-face” kind of work!!
So, let me ask you a few questions. Have you had a chance to “refocus”? Have you been able to see God’s hand at play inside the pages of Esther? Are you seeking out the renewing only God can provide? Have you been able to boldly claim that God is in control?? In control of it all?? Because…friends, He is!!! And, how do we know this? Because our trust is rooted, down deep, in our Savior and Lord!
“My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge.”
Proverbs 8:9 (NLT)
Proverbs – Chapters 7-9
It’s time to gain the wisdom and insight needed to keep walking in the truths discussed above! Proverbs 7-9 doesn’t disappoint, friends!! Let’s take a peek together!
“For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it.”
Proverbs 8:11 (NLT)
Where’s your heart?
Refocused purpose starts with our hearts, friends!
The third chapter in Esther introduces us to the hardship the Jews continued to face amongst those who harbored a long-standing hatred towards God’s people. We learn a valuable lesson in this chapter that goes beyond one person’s hatred though! We see a Godly example of how we, as Believers, are to respond when faced with oppression. When actions cause us to dishonor God, we have to take a stand. Mordecai shows us how! He chose to honor God by not bowing to Haman. His response is a great example to follow. (To dig in deeper, read 1 Peter 3:13-17.)
“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.”
Proverbs 9:10 (NLT)
A heart filled with love and respect towards the Lord is where it starts!!
“Follow My advice, My son; always treasure My commands. Obey My commands and live! Guard My instructions as you guard your own eyes. Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.“
Proverbs 7:1-3 (NLT)
Where’s your commitments?
Where our hearts are planted sets the course of how our commitments take shape. Whoa!! That’s heavy, friends!! But, it’s the truth. Remember the verse I repeated last week?!?
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Our hearts matter!!!
Each day we choose to open our Bibles and fill our hearts we gain knowledge, understanding, and the wisdom needed to stay the course. As we stay the course we grow closer and closer to our Heavenly Father. Our relationship with Him flourishes and those *trust* roots He’s been working on in us just keep growing deeper and deeper, stronger and stronger. With trust comes connection and with connection comes devotion. The kind of devotion that helps a heart be committed. Committed to serving, loving, and honoring God above all else.
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 7-9!
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 7-9. So, what are you waiting for?!? Open up your Bible and keep digging!
Know God
Wisdom and understanding leads to a life filled with purpose, good judgement, and growth!
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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