Reflective Bible Study

¹³ Mordecai sent this answer back to Esther, “Do not imagine that just because you are in the king’s palace you will be any safer than all the rest of the Jews. ¹⁴ The fact is, even if you remain silent now, someone else will help and rescue the Jews, but you and your relatives will die. And who knows, you may have gained your royal position for a time like this.”

Read Esther 4:13-14 in context and/or in other translations on BibleGateway.com!

¹⁰ A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.¹² For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

¹³ Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.¹⁴ Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. ¹⁵ For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. ¹⁶ In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. ¹⁷ Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Read Ephesians 6:10-18 in context and/or in other translations on BibleGateway.com!

¹¹ This is what the Lord said with his powerful hand on me.

He warned me not to follow the ways of these people:
¹² “Don’t say that everything these people call a conspiracy
    is a conspiracy.
    Don’t fear what they fear.
    Don’t let it terrify you.”
¹³ Remember that the Lord of Armies is holy.
    He is the one you should fear
        and the one you should be terrified of.
¹⁴ He will be a place of safety for you.
    But he will be a rock that makes people trip
        and a stumbling block for both kingdoms of Israel.
        He will be a trap and a snare for those who live in Jerusalem.
¹⁵         Many will stumble.
            They will fall and be broken.
            They will be trapped and caught.

¹⁶ Tie up the written instructions.
    Seal the teachings among my disciples.

¹⁷ I will wait for the Lord,
    who hides his face from the descendants of Jacob.
    I will hope in him.
¹⁸ I am here with the children that the Lord has given me.
    We are signs and symbols in Israel
        from the Lord of Armies, who lives on Mount Zion.

¹⁹ People will say to you, “Ask for help from the mediums
    and the fortunetellers, who whisper and mutter.”
    Shouldn’t people ask their God for help instead?
    Why should they ask the dead to help the living?
²⁰ They should go to the teachings and to the written instructions.
    If people don’t speak these words,
        it is because it doesn’t dawn on them.
²¹ They will pass through the land when they are hard-pressed and hungry.
    When they are hungry, they will be furious.
        Then they will look up, cursing their king and God.
²² They will look at the earth and see only distress and gloom.
    They will go in anguish and be forced into darkness.

Read Isaiah 8:11-22 in context and/or in other translations on BibleGateway.com!

¹ My child, do not forget my teaching,
    but keep my commands in mind.
² Then you will live a long time,
    and your life will be successful.

³ Don’t ever forget kindness and truth.
    Wear them like a necklace.
    Write them on your heart as if on a tablet.
⁴ Then you will be respected
    and will please both God and people.

⁵ Trust the Lord with all your heart,
    and don’t depend on your own understanding.
⁶ Remember the Lord in all you do,
    and he will give you success.

⁷ Don’t depend on your own wisdom.
    Respect the Lord and refuse to do wrong.
⁸ Then your body will be healthy,
    and your bones will be strong.

⁹ Honor the Lord with your wealth
    and the firstfruits from all your crops.
¹⁰ Then your barns will be full,
    and your wine barrels will overflow with new wine.

¹¹ My child, do not reject the Lord’s discipline,
    and don’t get angry when he corrects you.
¹² The Lord corrects those he loves,
    just as parents correct the child they delight in.

Read Proverbs 3:1-12 in context and/or in other translations on BibleGateway.com!