Are You Different in 2011?

Every January 1^st most people declare this year they will be different, they will do something different, they will say something different; essentially they are Resolved to a grandiose endeavor.  By January 15^th all the glitz and glamour of the New Year has passed and the Resolution has instead become a distant memory.  We have made no change.  There are several theories as to why we are unable to change, why we are not motivated, and why we can so easily slip back into our old ways.

NO ACCOUNTABILITY!!!!

With that said, the women of The Courts of Esther want to support you!!!!  We have declared 2011 the year of change and the change is going to start with each one of us.   We are going to support each other as we begin to better understand how to love ourselves and to love those around us. 

We will be studying Reduce Me to Love by Joyce Meyer.  Please join us in reading, studying, and discussing this topic.  We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at our monthly meetings.

https://shop.joycemeyer.org/estore/products/JMM/PID-BK82.aspx

Stay Blessed

Why Do I Praise?

Our topic for the Courts of Esther this month is, “Why Do I Praise?”. The purpose of this study is not only to determine why you Praise but also when do you Praise. As you begin to study the Word and reflect on your own life, we hope this topic will reveal itself to you. I too will be studying and will post my feedback however as we dive in, let us look at these definitions below:

As defined by www.dictionary.net

Praise:
1. To commend; to applaud; to express approbation of; to laud; -- applied to a person or his acts
2. To extol in words or song; to magnify; to glorify on account of perfections or excellent works; to do honor to; to display the excellence of;
3. To value; to appraise

As defined by New Illustrated Webster's Dictionary

Praise:

Verb: 1. To express approval and commendation of; applaud, eulogize. 2. To express adoration of; glorify (God, etc).

Noun: 1.Commendation expressed, as of a person for his virtues, or concerning meritorious actions; utterance of approval; honor given; also, applause. 2. Thanksgiving for blessings conferred; laudation to God; worship expressed in song. 3. The object, ground, reason, or subject of praise.


Stay Blessed…
Tanika

Why is Esther Important?

1. There is a preparation time
She allowed herself to be prepared for the task. God's preparation time can sometimes be long and uneventful. The refining of our characters is very essential to God's plan for our life. God cannot use a proud woman (or man).

2. We need the favor of God
Esther found favor with the King and so did Mordecai. Even Jesus grew in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). When you live a life pleasing to God, by obeying His will you will find favor with Him.

3. God works in His own time and season
Esther got her timing right. Maybe God has put it on your heart to do something for Him. Don't just jump into it but wait for his time. God will move in His time when we remain faithful and alert to His leading.

4. Your background does not hinder your future with God
Esther was an orphan. God still exalted her and used her. Some of Jesus' disciples were fishermen, tax collectors and one was a doctor. Your background does not determine what God can do with you. Your faith does.