Esther Reading Plan – W10D5
Check out all the previous Esther readings here.
Esther Reading Plan | Week 10 | Day 5
Prayer
As you come to spend time with Jesus, calm your mind and body until you feel fully present. Thank God that he has forgiven you of all your sins and you can live for Him in freedom today!
Bible Reading: Colossians 3:12-17
Read these verses three times slowly.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Reflection & Questions
Yesterday we read about things as Christians we are to “put to death” in our lives. Sins that are holding us back from truly living the life that Jesus has given us. Today’s reading is the next section of Paul’s letter to the Colossians, and here he tells them what to “put on” – actions that we are to intentionally build into our lives now that we know Jesus.
He says we are to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, forgiveness, love, peace, and thankfulness. These are the kinds of “clothes” or actions that we are to wear as Christians. Like yesterday, Paul gives us reasons why. We are “God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved”. Jesus forgave us. We are members of one body (and our actions impact others). And finally, everything we have is a gift from God!
Paul wants the Colossians to take their lives seriously, knowing that God wasn’t playing games when He sent Jesus to save us. God has given us new lives and so it’s important that we don’t continue living in the sewer, when God has given us a whole new life!
- Which of the actions that Paul refers to do you need to be more intentional about building into your life? How could you do that today and this week?
- Which of the reasons for putting on new actions speaks to you today? Why? How can you remember this as you encounter resistance to living your new life in Christ?
Prayer
Pray in response to today’s reading.
Worship Song
You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:
Prepare to Meet with Jesus
Find a quiet place to read and pray. Make sure there are no devices around that will distract you. Pray and ask God to help you concentrate. Ask Him to help you understand what you read.
Bible Reading: Esther 8:15-17
Read these verses three times slowly.
Mordecai left the king and went on his way. Mordecai was wearing royal clothes when he went. They were blue and white. He was also wearing a large gold crown. And he was wearing a purple coat. It was made out of fine linen. The city of Susa celebrated with great joy. The Jews were filled with joy and happiness. They were very glad because now they were being honored. They celebrated and enjoyed good food. They were glad and full of joy. That was true everywhere the king’s order came. It was true in every territory and every city. Many people from other nations announced that they had become Jews. That’s because they were so afraid of the Jews.
Reflection & Questions
What a great celebration! The Jews went from feeling like they were going to all die to being conquerors! Can you imagine the celebration when they heard the good news?
Have you ever had an awesome reason to celebrate? Birthdays and weddings are fun, right? But what about a basketball or baseball game that was against a really difficult team where you tried your best and won?! Or maybe you worked really hard on your piano song and when you played for your recital, you didn’t make one mistake?! Those are great things to celebrate.
When God is on your side, there are many reasons to celebrate. He can turn a bad day into a great day. He can help you accomplish something that you felt was impossible. He can help you feel brave when you are feeling weak. He is a great friend to have with you all the time!
- What is an event that you celebrated in style?
- Have you ever had a time in your life where you just knew that God was on your side? What did that feel like? Ask a parent or trusted adult to share a story with you of how God showed up in their lives to help them be victorious. How did they celebrate?
Pray
Our God is an awesome friend. Thank him for all the times in your life when He was there to help you. Ask him to help you see the reasons to celebrate and to look for good.
Check out more Bible Reading Plans here.
Questions?
Ed Applegate
