Having been made Queen, Esther now faces a time of horrendous testing. The king’s most senior adviser, Haman, has issued a decree to eliminate the Jews from every corner of the country.

Fearful for herself and her family, she defies the law that says no-one can enter the king’s presence without being summonsed, and goes in to him, hoping he will hold up his golden sceptre. He does that, and offers her anything she wants, up to half the kingdom.

Esther invites him to lunch, with Haman, and when they arrive, she asks Haman in front of the king why he is trying to kill her and her family.

Outraged that Haman has tricked him, the king orders that Haman must die instead. Esther’s uncle Mordechai becomes cheif advisor to the king.

Psalm 81 is a lovely song of praise to God, in which God responds about how all we have to do is open our mouths and he will feed us. Why do we worry so? We should seek Him first and He will take care of us.

Dear God, Thank You for Your love. You love and care for us so much. Help me to feel and know Your love deep inside me, please heal all the hurt in me that lack of love has caused in the past. Father You know me better than I know myself. Please give me hope and joy and peace from Your neverending supply, love me and help me love others. Thank You that P’s operation seems successful. Please watch over his healing, and please also show my father You love him. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen