Hi All,
Sorry it took so long for me to get this out to those who would like to participate, but with school, work and Avianse (my son) putting this together has fallen on the wayside.

The first listen is a 9 Chapter studies on building Character Under Pressure. The reading will come out of the book of Esther.

SUMMARY OF THE BOOK OF ESTHER:
In the book of Esther we see the lives of several characters played out. There are those people who are selfish and prideful, seeking only personal recognition, and there are those who risk everything for others and choose integrity in the face of great opposition. Ester is a book about developing godly character. In the midst of a culture that does not emphasize doing what is right, this book speaks to us in profound ways.

As we read through the events of Esther, we are given a description of what godly character is and what it is not. But there is another very strong theme that weaves in and around the theme of character: God is working in the circumstances and events of people's lives to bring about his plans. God is the director, the conductor, and the weaver. As God works in our lives, we must choose what is right so that we can be a part of God's plan.

DEAR GOD,
I ASK THAT YOU WOULD OPEN OUR HEARTS AND EARS TO HEAR THE MESSAGE YOU HAVE FOR US. FATHER, WE KNOW IT IS YOUR WILL FOR US TO HAVE A GOOD CHARACTER AT ALL TIMES. FATHER, I ASK THAT WE BUILD A STRONG CHARACTER UNDER PRESSURE. I ASK THAT THROUGH THE BOOK OF ESTHER WE WILL LEARN A LESSON, AND APPLY IT TO OUR LIVES. DEAR GOD GIVE US WISDOM, UNDERSTAND AND KNOWLEGDE. DEAR GOD WE KNOW WITH YOU WE CAN HAVE A GOOD CHARACTER. FATHER I PRAY FOR THOSE WHO WILL PARTICIPATE, THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO BUT CAN NOT AND FOR THOSE WOULD WILL NOT. I ASK THAT YOU BLESSS EACH READER, DOER AND HEARER OF YOUR WORD.
AMEN


Title: A Little Respect
Group Discussion: Think of one person you respect. Describe some characteristics of this person and what he or she did to gain your respect.
Read: Esther 1

1. Try to imagine yourself at this banquet. What would you be experiencing (sights, sounds, smells and so on)?

2. Describe the various people we encounter in this chapter.

3. Why might the king have given such an extravagant party (vv.2-8)?

4. What might be the reason King Xerxes ask Queen Vashti to come to him (vv.10-11)?

5. The king's request places Vashti in a difficult position. What factors would she have been weighting in her decision (v. 12)?

6. What can we observe about King Xerxes' character so far?

7. Think of a time when you were asked to do something you were uncomfortable doing. How did you feel?

8. Why did the wise men perceive Queen Vashti's refusal to be dangerous to the kingdom (vv.16-20)?

9. How does each of the main characters in this chapter (King Xerxes, Vashti, the wise men) view gaining and maintaining respect?

10. How does respect actually develop between people?

11. What are some ways you have been trying to gain respect that are not godly or helpful?

12. Describe one thing that you can do this week to show someone respect?

Thank God for those in your life who you respect, or pray that God will help you show respect to those around you.

PERSONAL GROWTH:
Journal about some of the times you have disrespected people in your life. Pray through each of those experiences, asking God for forgiveness. If needed, write a note to those people asking for forgiveness.



MAY GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU!

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

~Amazed By His Grace~
~Tanya~

Tanya,

I'll begin by adding my comments to your first questions – I appreciate your effort. Esther is one of my favorite books.

This was a very opulent banquet, unlike any one I have ever been too! The description of this festivity gives us a glimpse of the culture. King Ahasuerus must have prided himself in his wealth and in having the very best. The palace was decorated in jewel tones of red, blue, green, purple giving a rich look. I suspect the food and wine itself was as good as any, and can you just imagine the aroma from the spices that came from that region? Curry comes to mind.

I love beautiful and good things myself and having fellowship, though it appears this was a time of over indulgence. Can you imagine the drunkenness, including the King himself, after seven days of those who could not control their appetite for fine wine?

Of those mentioned in this chapter are King Ahasuerus, who ruled a wide range of territory from India to Ethiopia. Among his most trusted servants were Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar and Carcas. And Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memucan, the seven nobles of Persia and Media who had special access to the king and were highest in the kingdom. And Queen Vashti, who refused the King's request.

Queen Vashti's response to the King's request and Memucan's answer for the King is an indication of the status women had in this culture. It appears their main purpose was to please men. Queen Vashti showed courage when she refused to be paraded as a token of beauty before a party of drunken men, regardless of their status in society. One would have to read between the lines for other motive. It is indicated by Mermucan's response she may have had some rebellion in her heart. Refusing a request of the King was a very serious offense that was often punished by death.

We have good reason to praise our King that He is not as severe with us and lovingly brings us back in relationship with Him when we do not always do as He asks. He treats us as His precious children, and even though we make mistakes, He gives us opportunities to be restored.


Blessings,

Chelki

Exodus 34:6

Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth;"

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" -- Jesus, the Messiah!

[This message was edited by Chelki on November 21, 2003 at 05:31 AM.]

[This message was edited by Chelki on November 21, 2003 at 05:38 AM.]

Tanya and Chelki,

First of all Thank You for you efforts and to make the time to lead the Bible Studies. God loves a faithful servant.

Thank You Chelki for responding from the spirit of God. May the Lord continue to bless your soul, as you walk as a vessel of God's Word.

Tanya,
I pray I would make time to be active in the lessons that our brought to the board.

God Bless You and Keep you!!!!

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, My strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

John Trevino

[This message was edited by JOHN TREVINO on November 25, 2003 at 01:33 PM.]

My answer to question No. One

When I think about the atmosphere in the palace, the first thing that comes to my mind immediately is the very beautifully decorated palace. Gold, silver, pearls, rubies and other jewels everywhere. Experience marble pillar, hanging linen and other material. This was one of the most beautifully decorated places I had ever seen.

Then there were people every where; I know this because in verse 5 it says that people from the least to the greatest where in the enclosed garden of the king's palace. I imagine there was probably hardly any run to move around, with all those people in the palace. I also noticed the smell of the beautiful flowers in the enclosed garden.

Like Chelki, I noticed the drunkenness. They were drinking royal wine and were given it liberality, according to verse 7. And it was severed out of goblets of gold. (WOW). I wonder if it tasted better coming out of the goblets of gold (smile).

Why do you suppose the Queen did not want to go when the king summons her? I think it was because she knew the King was of high spirits from the wine and he would act less then polite. I am sure he was going attempt to impress his friends with the Queens beauty. Sometimes men do that (smile) especially when they have a beautiful wife.

I realize the Queen disobeyed the law, however, I feel the Queen, the King and the wise men all had motives. On the other hand I have seen how God will allow things to happen, because he is setting something up for his children. It is kind of like we are puppets and he is the puppet master pulling our strings.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

~Amazed By His Grace~
~Tanya~

Question No. Two

2. Decribe the various people we encounter in this Chapter.

Beside King Xerxes and Queen Vashti, we encounter the military leaders of Persia and Media, the princes and the nobles of the provinces.

Also there was the kings seven eunuches, who were Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar and Carcas. Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memucan who were the wise men that the king were considered experts the king consulted with.

Mumucan is the one who told the king "Queen Vashti has done wrong, not only against the king but also against all the nobles and the peoples of all the provinces of King Xerxes." These words convinced the King to issue a royal decree, regarding the disrespect and discord they felt Queen Vashti had done and would cause.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

~Amazed By His Grace~
~Tanya~

Question No. Three

3. What might the king have given such an extravagant party?


The King gave this party to show off his wealth, and power. Also I think he was trying to show his guess his authority, by summoning Queen Vashti.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

~Amazed By His Grace~
~Tanya~

Question No. Four

4. What might be the reason King Xerxes asks Queen Vashti to come to him (vv. 10-11)?

The wine and the party led to the request. The king had displayed all of his wealth and possessions and now desired to display his most beautiful treasure. His motive seems to have been to impress his guests further by showing off his wife's beauty. The motivation for the request seems tied to his desire for the praise of people.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

~Amazed By His Grace~
~Tanya~

I think the king was very eccentric, a drunkard and he wanted to show off his beautiful wife and gain respect from all the people. The queen was a forerunner to today's liberated women! It took courage for her to refuse the king.

In this environment, it really was the exception for a woman to defy her husband, much less the King. Since she was able to escape with her life, I think the King must have still had affection for her. In contrast, the Israelites respected their women and allowed them to rise to their potential. Deborah, the Judge, is a case in point. Proverbs 31 clearly indicates the value of women in Israelite society, as well. It was a Roman-Greek environment where women were treated like property, that Jesus was born into, though He also continued to show respect for women in His day.

Exodus 34:6

Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth;"

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" -- Jesus, the Messiah!, our salvation.

Tanya, thank you for beginning this study. You have done a great job of describing this scene.


I'll give my thoughts on Questions 5 & 6:

By the seventh day the King was already under the influence of alcohol, as were others in attendance. This undoubtedly was a key factor in Queen Vashti's decision to refuse to come to their banquet. I'm sure she weighed her decision against what she thought the consequences might be. If her decision was based on what she thought the King, himself, might have done, she may have felt secure in her position. However, it was Memucan who influenced the King and others that her royal position should be given to another. In fact, a new law, which could not be repealed, was written to address the situation. It seems precarious to me to be making laws that cannot be revoked when you have been drinking!

The King was obviously a man of great pride – in his wealth and all that he possessed, including a beautiful wife he wished to put on display. Pride is the spiritual root of many sins and one reason for the King's anger. Since Memucan's recommendation pleased him, we can also assume his attitude of women was one of total submission. Women want to honor their husbands in their authority and their ability to make objective wise decisions, but in an atmosphere of mutual submission, not one of total dominance .

Exodus 34:6

Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth;"

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" -- Jesus, the Messiah!, our salvation.

Answer for questions 5 & 6

There are several aspects to Vashti's predicament. The request is not a noble one. The king wants her to appear in front of his drunken guests only to display herself. To obey the request would mean degrading herself in front of the guests. At the same time, refusing to obey the king's command would most certainly bring about serious consequences. Her disobedience, especially in front of the people the king was trying to impress, would place Xerxes in an awkward position as well; his authority would be questioned. It is unlikely that Vashti would have refused the king without careful thought. She must have felt strongly enough about the situation to risk the consequences for disobedience. Vashti's decision is an important element in the book. Because of Vashti's refusal, there will be a search for a new queen, which allows Esther to enter the story and save her people. Place yourself in Vashti's position and wrestling with the decision she faced.


Even though we have only read a few verses so far on which to base speculation about the king's character, it is possible to make some initial comments. Because of his extravagance and the nature of his request to Vashti, King Xerxes seems to be a man caught up in his own wealth and power. He appears to be a prideful man whose worth rest in praise and recognition from others and in his possession. Further, in his request of the queen, King Xerxes show that he doesn't respect Queen Vashti as a person.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

~Amazed By His Grace~
~Tanya~

Question No. 7

Think of a time when you were asked to do something you were uncomfortable doing. How did you feel?

About six-to-nine months ago, a friend of mines asked me to lie for her to help her get a job. I explained to her that was wrong and she told me I was acting as if I was better than she was. I explain to her that it made me feel uncomfortable and I was just plain right afraid of God. Needless to say, she and I did not speak for about six months after the incident. Once we did speak again, I explain that I am living to please God, not her or anyone else, and the fact that she asked me to do that was not pleasing to God. She apologized and we are still friends, however, things will never be the same. She has a lot of issues with the bible and is constantly trying to find things in the bible that is contradictory according to her, so I would ask that you would pray for her, her name we will just say "B". Thanks so much.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

~Amazed By His Grace~
~Tanya~

Question No. 8
Why did the wise men perceive Queen Vashti's refusal to be dangerous to the kingdom. (vv.16-20)

The wise men were being prideful men. They felt because the Queen who is the mightiest women in the land refusal or disobeyed the King command, surely their wives and all other women in the country would feel they could do the same thing. The wise men felt the Queens refusal was disrespectful and perhaps other Kings would see King Xerexes as being a weak king and possible would try to bring down his kingdom.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

~Amazed By His Grace~
~Tanya~

Answer Question No. 9

How does each of the main characters in this chapter (King Xerxes, Vashti, and the wise men) view gaining and maintaining respect?

Respect for authority is healthy and necessary, but the process of gaining that respect is viewed differently by the characters.

King Xeres used wealth and power to try and impress others as a means of gaining respect. The wise men think respect is something that must be demanded and gained through forced obedience, not mutual respect and appreciation. Vashti is willing to take a stand on something she feels strongly about, which is a respectful choice.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

~Amazed By His Grace~
~Tanya~

Tanya, you did the right thing in being truthful and honest with your friend. I believe God will honor your commitment to live for Him, regardless of what it might cost.

Abba Father,

We are thankful that Your truth is from everlasting to everlasting. There is no shadow of turning with You for You never change and Your Word will forever remain. Father, it is in our hearts to pray for "B" and her friendship with Tanya. We ask Father, that any doubt in You and Your Word would be replaced with a growing faith. We pray that any thoughts of doubt and confusion would be exchanged for truth. We pray this friendship will be a part of Your plan to reveal to "B" Your more excellent way. We ask that you show Jesus' great love for her. May she see the difference Your presence makes in Tanya's life and help her to realize she needs you too. To the One Who brings salvation, we give You all praise. Amen.

Exodus 34:6

Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth;"

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" -- Jesus, the Messiah!, our salvation.

Hi Tanya and Everyone,

Thankyou for this study and opportunity to remember Esther. I will think on the questions as I like to take time and go deeply into what is presented. Here are a few musings

A couple of things I found interesting about this chapter that the King gave a dinner and it lasted for seven days. Creation was also a seven day event.

Queen Vashti had a bit of nounce and had a dinner for women at the same time as the King's dinner. That must of taken a bit of courage and was a bold character. Perhaps she was tired of the King's social acquaintances and drunkeness. Also she didn't want to be paraded around and being seduced into the vanity agenda or being treated like a posession, I can respect her stand, her dignity and integrity.

I am wondering why Queen Esther's dinner was not pointed out in the questions and discussions.

I found it interesting their reasons for getting rid of Queen Vashti that the Women might stop respecting and honouring their husbands, however there is no talk of honouring and respecting the wives. It also amazes me that these wise men can give advice out of fear or a limited belief system which I would have to question the validity of them being wise. It also amazes me that these men and the King who had rule over 127 territories could possibly be worried about the influence of one women over many women, that these women may stop respecting and surrendering to their husbands and that they feared change to their social order, or social Hierarchial system. When u think of it, it shows the fraility of their characters. They also didn't deal with the matter at hand fairly or with good communication skills, instead they practised exclusion because of Queen Vashti being a perceived troublemaker or who would not comply. To think that society can still operate in this way, how sad.

This chapter also shows me how insecure the King was and that he needed to get conselling or advice in this matter, he depended on what others thought. Yet Queen Vashti was secure & strong within herself she would not put herself through any public display or people looking at her because of her beauty and she came across as a person who didn't worry about public opinion.

I am reading a book at present called "The Verbally Abusive Relationship" how to recognise it and how to respond...in this book it talks about two powers operating in this world, power over and personal power...King Xerxes is a good example of someone that practices the first one (domination) and Queen Vashti is a good example of the second one. Also the King complained to his advisers not to Queen Vashti, which shows me that he was a person that was passive aggressive and also he burned with anger (Esther 1:12). Queen Vashti may also be a rebel and also passive aggressive.

I note the verse "Also let her position as Queen be given to someone who is better than she" (Esther 1:19), that statement discredits and puts down the Queen. Queen Vashti was replaced with someone who would be more compliant to the King and it amazes me that this practice can still goe on today in relationships with divorce and seperation...

love and blessings in the Lord,

Serenity

Serenity,
I think you pointed out some very good points. As for Queen Esther not being pointed out in this discussion, that is because she has not entered the picture as of yet. The next few chapters will focus on the character of Esther.

I too feel the king was passive aggressive, and i feel that the reason the wise men thought this one women Queen Vashti would make an impact on the other women was because the other would probably would say if she can do it so can it. I think it is human nature for people to think it worked for someone else it will work for me.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

~Amazed By His Grace~
~Tanya~

Hi Tanya,

Ooops I made an error I meant to say Queen Vashti's dinner. I agree with your thinking on the wise men...this woman had to go according to them, couldn't have the wives empowered. What is also amazing that came to me today while I was gardening is about the third power that comes to us: that is the power that is of God through the Holy Spirit and Esther represents this power because she followed her inner promptings and helped Mordecai and the Jews, because of Esther Haman's plans were not brought into fruitation. Thus Good overcame evil.

The story of Esther could also be used as inspiration for people going through the experience of deceptive and abusive relationships, by bringing dishonest actions into light. Well done Esther for your boldness, courage, compassion, action and love...May we all claim these gifts of the Holy Spirit, Amen

Love and Blessings in the Lord,

Serenity

I agree with you about the book of Esther. I have read the entire book several times and I just love how God works. As we go through the lesson for those who are not familiar with the store will see how the Holy Spirit works.

Our next lesson is entitled Trusting God's Work. The reading comes from Chapter 2 of Esther. I will post the questions this week after I complete all my finals. I am currently in school and the semester is coming to an end, and the week of finals always seems to drive everyone crazy. I must say I have remained relieved common this semester. I will get the question posted this weekend for sure (that's if it is Gods will).

I thank you for taking your time to dig deep into this story with me. I have been looking at things from another point of view. I am praying that through this lesson on Esther we build character under pressure. I pray not only those who are participating learn something, but also those who just do not have time to participate also learn something.

May God bless the readers and doers of his word. Amen

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

~Amazed By His Grace~
~Tanya~

Question 10 & 12

Respect is a mutual thing. It is developed when we show consideration and special attention for another and it is returned in kind. In our generation I see a great need to show respect for the elderly. We can do this by offering to help them in small ways before they have to ask.

Our business is such that the elderly make up most of our client base, so we have been learning to understand some of the problems they might have and provide things that are easy for them to use. For example, when we set up appointments we provide a map detailing how to get to our office and parking space available. We provide ceramic coffee mugs, rather than styrofoam cups because they are easier to grasp. We provide large round pens that are heavy at the tip for them to write with. These are just a few of the things we do to make them feel welcome and comfortable in our office. They do notice the special attention, which engenders a respect for us.

Blessings,

Chelki

Exodus 34:6

Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth;"

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" -- Jesus, the Messiah!, our salvation.

Chelki,
I have to agree with you about the elderly. I have been visiting an elderly lady (Ms. Clara Davis) who is 78 years old. She is a very sharp lady and as I am there is see a lot of elderly who are treated badly. I pray for those who are missed treated and I pray for those who miss treat anyone.

Respect is so many things to different people. I pray to God that I allow respect everyone I come in contact with.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

~Amazed By His Grace~
~Tanya~

Hi Tanya,

I know u have moved on to Chapter 2, however I find this interesting and thought someone else might to. In this Chapter, the proclamation that goes out across the land is: Every woman will treat her husband with proper respect whether he is rich or poor (v20). It goes on to say "that every husband should be the master of the home and speak with final authority" (v22). I have come across several religious teachings that still convey the man is to have final authority and master of his home. I have always felt uncomfortable about this because of Christ's beautiful truth we have freedom in Christ and we are one. I can see that oppression in the home and relationships, inequality and domination in traditional relationships that society imposed on us is the result from the decree made by King Xerxes and his men made out of fear and lose of control. We have a God of forgiveness and love, not of fear ...I surmise that this teaching people have been passing off as coming from God, really resulted from King Xerxes and his cronies and has done a lot of damage to women through the centuries and still continues to hurt them.

love and blessings in the Lord,

Serenity