Refocused Purpose Week 8
Refocused Purpose Week 8: Esther 8 & Proverbs 22-24
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 8 Key Verse
Esther – Chapter 8 (Scene 8)
Setting: The King’s Palace at Susa
Time: Reign of King Xerxes, around 473 BC
Chapter 8 issues in a new decree to protect the Jews! This is all made possible because Esther continues to show us what it looks like to keep stepping out in faith.
AND…
It’s because God’s plans will always prevail, friends!! He doesn’t give up! He keeps moving forward with His divine purpose, because that’s His very nature. (Isaiah 46:10) The Creator of the Universe set His plans in motion before time began, friends! AND, they just keep unfolding before our very eyes!!
Facts gathered from Esther chapter 8…
What we learn in Esther chapter 8…
Check out how God works!!
This story!!! WOW!! Just, wow!! God’s “behind the scenes” work is on fire, friends!! He just keeps clearing the path for the faithfully committed!! Each and every scene we’ve studied so far was made possible because our God is bigger!! He is stronger!! He is ALMIGHTY!!
God’s work can be seen spread throughout the details of this entire story. How exciting is that?!?
HE IS IN THIS STORY!!
HE IS IN YOUR STORY!!
HE IS THE STORY!!
What a wonderful reminder the book of Esther gives us! Our God is part of it all because He is the Alpha and Omega!! (Revelations 1:8) Our God was, is, and always will be. It’s His story!
Friends, when we take the time to open the Bible and fill our hearts we see this!! We see Him more clearly. We understand it’s His work all around us. We realize He’s the One making it all possible. AND, this is all we need to keep pressing forward, stepping out in faith, seizing the moments before us, and wholeheartedly committing to a life in His presence for His will.
“Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to My instruction. For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips.“
Proverbs 22:17-18 (NLT)
Proverbs – Chapters 22-24
Are you ready for some more Proverbs goodness to go alongside another incredible chapter in Esther?!
YES, PLEASE!!!
God’s Word is a powerful source, profitable, living and active just waiting for us to feast upon it! SO, let’s dive in!!!
“Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge.”
Proverbs 23:12 (NLT)
What do you say?? Are you willing to commit? Are you willing to listen? Check out what my Life Application Study Bible notes have to say about Proverbs 23:12!
“The people most likely to gain knowledge are those who are willing to listen. It is a sign of strength, not weakness, to pay attention to what others have to say. People who are eager to listen continue to learn and grow throughout their lives. If we refuse to become set in our ways, we can always expand the limits of our knowledge.”
Life Application Study Bible Notes, ©2004, p. 1042
What a well-written note to help apply this Proverb to our own lives!!! Don’t you think?!? Listening leads to growth, leads to an abundance of knowledge…if we are willing.
Where’s your heart?
A willing heart is what it takes, friends! I’m talking about a heart that allows God in. A heart that allows God free reign to work His wonders in and through us as He reveals Scripture to us in beautiful, amazing ways. A heart that is continually being fueled each and every time we open up our Bibles!! It’s about a heart that’s committed and actively pursuing a genuine, honest relationship with our Lord and Savior!!
“O My son [O My daughter], give Me your heart. May your eyes delight in following My ways.”
Proverbs 23:26 (NLT)
God longs to have this kind of relationship with each and every one of His children! But, it’s up to us! We have to put in the work. We have to be the one that commits!!
“The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.”
Proverbs 24:5 (NLT)
It’s with this kind of knowledge we get the opportunity to live out what James tells us! We get to be “doers of the Word”!! (James 1:22)
Where’s your commitments?
When we become “doers of the Word” our commitments will follow suit! We see how this kind of living plays out in Esther and Mordecai’s lives. What a wonderful example they both are! Because they were willing, God used both of them for His purpose – for His glory – and the results were EPIC!!
“The Jews were filled with joy and gladness and were honored everywhere.”
Esther 8:16 (NLT)
Because of the commitment of two faithful servants an entire nation was able to rejoice knowing they were safe. Thanksgiving flooded the area! Not only that, but those around took notice. Friends, because of the faithful actions taken by Queen Esther and Mordecai they were able lead others to the one true God.
“I am teaching you today – yes, you – so you will trust in the Lord.”
Proverbs 22:19 (NLT)
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 22-24!
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 22-24. So, what are you waiting for?!? Open up your Bible and keep digging!
Know God
To know God means to understand His ways, and to understand His ways means we must put in the time to get to know Him. Once we get to know Him the more we’ll want to know about Him. As we learn more and more, filling our hearts up with the good ole gospel truth, we begin to understand what it means to be “doers of the Word”. AND…when we get to this point of the journey there’s only one thing left to do – WE ACT!!
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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