Cultivating Character by Chuck Swindoll Esther 4:9-14 Now, before you frown and entertain thoughts of self-righteousness, thinking that you would never have responded like that, remember, you’re surrounded by friends in a safe and unthreatened environment where there are no armed soldiers outside and governmental protocol to obey. Furthermore, chancesRead More …

Watch Your Words by Chuck Swindoll Esther 4:1-8 Have you noticed how suffering brings people together? Have you watched how people join forces to respond to disasters? Hardship forces us to grab hands with one another and pull up closer together. Suffering never ruined a nation! Hardship doesn’t fracture families.Read More …

Make a Difference by Chuck Swindoll Esther 2:19-3:15 Only one missionary invests his whole life in a remote area, and an entire tribe is ultimately evangelized. Only one statesman stands for right, and a country is saved. Only one strong-willed and determined citizen says, “I stand against this evil,” andRead More …

Ask and Trust by Chuck Swindoll Esther 2:12-18 God does not mock us with the things He includes in His Word. He isn’t in the business of making His people squirm under some unrealistic expectation that they can never attain—something that is totally unique to one person but remains forRead More …

A Charming and Graceful Spirit by Chuck Swindoll Esther 2:15-17 Esther modeled a kind winsomeness, regardless of her surroundings. And Esther found favor in the eyes of all who saw her. So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus to his royal palace in the tenth month which is the monthRead More …

Modesty and Authenticity by Chuck Swindoll Esther 2:12-14 Esther exhibited an unselfish modesty and authenticity. Think of it: no job, no responsibility, no cooking, no clean-up, no washing, no ironing, no errands, no budget-watching, no holding back in any area. Imagine! Pampered and indulged, in this self-centered harem of Persia,Read More …

Servant-Hearted Leaders by Chuck Swindoll Esther 2:10-20 Esther sustained a continually teachable spirit. “Mordecai had instructed her that she should not make them known . . . Esther had not yet made known her kindred or her people, even as Mordecai had commanded her, for Esther did what Mordecai told her asRead More …

Strength and Dignity by Chuck Swindoll Esther 2:8-11 Esther exhibited a grace-filled charm and elegance. In this verse, the literal translation of the original language says, “She lifted up grace before his face.” Isn’t that a beautiful expression? Though she was brought to the harem and participated in these thingsRead More …

Mundane and Miraculous by Chuck Swindoll Esther 2:1-7 Woven through the tapestry of this wonderful story we find at least three timeless lessons thus far. The first has to do with God’s plan. The second has to do with God’s purposes. And the third has to do with God’s people.Read More …

Not Forgotten by Chuck Swindoll Esther 2:1-7 God’s presence is not as intriguing as His absence. His voice is not as eloquent as His silence. Who of us has not longed for a word from God, searched for a glimpse of His power, or yearned for the reassurance of HisRead More …