Refocused Purpose Week 5
Refocused Purpose Week 5: Esther 5 & Proverbs 13-15
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 5 Key Verse
Esther – Chapter 5 (Scene 5)
Setting: The King’s Palace, Queen Esther’s Private Quarters, and Haman’s Home
Time: Reign of King Xerxes, around 473 BC
Chapter 5 is where more of the action unfolds. Queen Esther knows what needs to be done, and after the fasting she steps out in faith! She shows us what a life confident in the One who holds it all together looks like. Her complete trust in God is all it took.
Friends, remember what Esther said at the end of chapter 4?? (Esther 4:15-16) She knew what God was calling her to do and surrendered it all over to Him. She clearly understood the sacrifice she was about to make. AND, now in chapter 5 we read how God’s plans became her plans. Not only did God make a way, but He became her courage, strength, and voice!!
Facts gathered from Esther chapter 5…
What we learn in Esther chapter 5…
Check out how God works!!
God’s “behind the scenes” work is on fire in this chapter!! Seriously, only moving into the second verse and we already see Him working it out according to His plans. The king welcomes Esther…no, ifs, ands, or buts…just a golden scepter and a warm welcome. THIS IS GOD!!!
Did you catch what King Xerxes told Queen Esther after welcoming her into his presence?? “What is your request? I will give it to you, even if it is half the kingdom!” Whoa!!! This is a God move, friends!! King Xerxes’ moods are known for being all over the place, and just stepping foot into the inner court could have lead to Esther’s death. But, this was a guided path God was leading Esther down and because she was faithful, surrendered it all over to God, and took the appropriate action needed she caught Xerxes is a very good mood.
AND…let’s not forget the very first words we read in this chapter – “On the third day of the fast…“. God’s people have confident trust in Him and knew the only way to move forward was through prayer. When fasting went down, the prayers went up!! It’s these prayers that paved the way for Esther to put on her royal robe and approach the king. These words really tell us all we need to know!
Prayer is vital!
“Wise people think before they act; fools don’t – and even brag about their foolishness.”
Proverbs 13:16 (NLT)
Proverbs – Chapters 13-15
As we make our way through the book of Esther we learn about the contrast between prideful, conceited hearts and willing, godly hearts. Then, as we dig into Proverbs we gain understanding needed to know how these different types of hearts shape lives. It’s words written to parallel the lives of both Esther and Haman, Mordecia and King Xerxes, the righteous and the arrogant.
“From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things, but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.”
Proverbs 13:2 (NIV)
There is so much to glean from the words found in Proverbs, friends! Words full of wisdom and guidance a willing, godly heart needs to fill up on. It’s time to open your Bible and fill your heart.
Where’s your heart?
Did you catch this week’s key verse? Proverbs 14:33 tells us, “Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools.” Enshrined means to cherish as sacred. So, the key verse is telling us that if our hearts are opened to the understanding we gain when we spend time with our Lord, we fill up on a wealth of wisdom we cherish!!
As our hearts fill up on this cherished wisdom we begin to see things in a new light. We begin to live a life according to His purpose which in turn gives more thought to our steps!
“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.”
Proverbs 14:15 (NIV)
Friends, it’s with this kind of heart that we too can step out in faith, like Esther did. We understand that when we approach the King of kings, fully committed to a heart of service, there’s only one thing left to do – ACT!! With commitment comes action rooted in trust. A trust we gain as we continually fill up on His cherished wisdom.
“The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.”
Proverbs 14:18 (NIV)
Where’s your commitments?
What does a fully committed heart of service look like? James 2:17 tells us that, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” So a fully committed heart is paired with action!! An action that keeps us moving about being God’s hands and feet in this world. An action we were predestined for! An action the Holy Spirit stirs about within us!
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
Our faith makes it all possible, friends. We act because we want to! Because, when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior this very nature becomes a part of us, and we can’t help but “do”!
“We cannot earn our salvation by serving and obeying God. But such actions show that our commitment to God is real. Deeds of loving service are not a substitute for, but rather a verification of, our faith in Christ.”
Life Application Study Bible Notes, Β©2004, p. 2118
Oh friends, do not ignore the guidance and direction from the Holy Spirit! If you feel a calling for action take hold of it and step out in faith. God will see you through, all He needs from you is a committed heart.
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 13-15!
Sit with them, study them, and store them in your heart!
WOW!!! Proverbs is packed full of treasures just waiting to be found!!
This list includes verses that talk about “the fear of the Lord”. To read more on this topic CLICK HERE!
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 13-15. So, what are you waiting for?!? Open up your Bible and keep digging!
Know God
Wisdom is gained with a heart set on fire for Jesus!! When a heart strives to know God, leaning into understanding, action comes naturally. We too can live lives like Esther and Mordecai when we choose a life committed to our Lord and Savior!
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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