Author: Alfonso Maldonado

Job 2, never lose sight of GOD!

Job 2:4-5, So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Skin for skin! YES, ALL THAT A MAN HAS HE WILL GIVE FOR HIS LIFE. BUT STRETCH OUT YOUR HAND NOW, AND TOUCH HIS BONE AND HIS FLESH, AND HE WILL SURELY CURSE YOU TO YOUR FACE!”

Satan said that Job would give up everything as long as he keeps his life! There is some truth to this statement; remember Peter when he was scared; he denied knowing JESUS!

Mat 26:74, Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I DO NOT KNOW THE MAN!” Immediately a rooster crowed. 

Job 2:6-7, And the LORD said to Satan, “BEHOLD, HE IS IN YOUR HAND, BUT SPARE HIS LIFE.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD, and STRUCK JOB WITH PAINFUL BOILS FROM THE SOLE OF HIS FOOT TO THE CROWN OF HIS HEAD.

Job’s pain was relentless (Job 30:17), he lost his kids, his wealth, and he brought down to nothing! YET he still held fast to the LORD!

Job 2:9, THEN HIS WIFE SAID TO HIM, “DO YOU STILL HOLD FAST TO YOUR INTEGRITY? CURSE GOD AND DIE!” 

Job’s wife was also suffering, BUT I BELIEVE THAT THIS WAS SATAN SPEAKING THROUGH HIS WIFE! REMEMBER WHEN PETER REBUKED CHRIST! JESUS SAID TO PETER!

Mat 16:23, BUT HE TURNED AND SAID TO PETER, “GET BEHIND ME, SATAN! YOU ARE AN OFFENSE TO ME, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” 

JOB HELD FAST TO THE LORD FOR HE KNEW HIS GOD! IN ALL HIS AFFLICTION HE DIDN’T SIN WITH HIS LIPS. JOB NEVER LOST SIGHT OF HIS GOD FOR HIS MIND WAS FIRMLY PLANTED ON THE LORD!

Col 3:2, SET YOUR MIND ON THINGS ABOVE, NOT ON THINGS ON THE EARTH.

Job 1, a view behind the curtains!

Job 1:7-8, And the LORD said to Satan, “FROM WHERE DO YOU COME?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” THEN THE LORD SAID TO SATAN, “HAVE YOU CONSIDERED MY SERVANT JOB, …

1Pe 5:8, BE SOBER, BE VIGILANT; BECAUSE YOUR ADVERSARY THE DEVIL WALKS ABOUT LIKE A ROARING LION, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR. 

We need to remember that the LORD is ALL KNOWING ALL SEEING. The LORD knows that Job has entered the mind of satan; THE LORD CAN CLEARLY SEE SATAN’S THOUGHTS!

Job 1:12, And the LORD said to Satan, “BEHOLD, ALL THAT HE HAS IS IN YOUR POWER; ONLY DO NOT LAY A HAND ON HIS PERSON.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

GOD had a hedge of protection around Job and all he had, but now GOD gave him permission to touch the life of HIS servant Job! Satan took his servants, his wealth and killed his kids! He lost everything in a single day!

Job 1:16,19, While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “THE FIRE OF GOD FELL FROM HEAVEN AND BURNED UP THE SHEEP AND THE SERVANTS, … and SUDDENLY A GREAT WIND CAME FROM ACROSS THE WILDERNESS AND STRUCK THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE HOUSE,

By their perspective this was a judgement of GOD; Fire from heaven, a great wind! For us, we are given a view of what was happening in the background! It was allowed by GOD, but the work was carried out by satan!

Job 1:20-22, THEN JOB AROSE, TORE HIS ROBE, AND SHAVED HIS HEAD; AND HE FELL TO THE GROUND AND WORSHIPED. And he said: “NAKED I CAME FROM MY MOTHER’S WOMB, AND NAKED SHALL I RETURN THERE. THE LORD GAVE, AND THE LORD HAS TAKEN AWAY; BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD.” IN ALL THIS JOB DID NOT SIN NOR CHARGE GOD WITH WRONG.

Job lost everything, BUT HIS FAITH IN GOD REMAINED STRONG! Not everything that happens to us is from the LORD. We live in a fallen world filled with sinful people; YET OUR EYES SHOULD ALWAYS BE FOCUSED ON THE GOD WHO CAN CHANGE ANY CIRCUMSTANCE! NEVER LOSE YOUR FAITH IN HIM; FOR HE IS FAITHFUL!

Esther 10, HIS Providence!

Est 10:3, FOR MORDECAI THE JEW WAS SECOND TO KING AHASUERUS, and was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, SEEKING THE GOOD OF HIS PEOPLE AND SPEAKING PEACE TO ALL HIS COUNTRYMEN.

Mordecai came from nothing to be second in command of Persia. Like Joseph, who was sold as a slave to Egypt and became second in command of the land!

Psa 75:6-7, For exaltation comes neither from the east Nor from the west nor from the south. BUT GOD IS THE JUDGE: HE PUTS DOWN ONE, AND EXALTS ANOTHER.

And the story ends without the mention of GOD’s name, Yet we clearly see the work of HIS hands!

IT WASN’T MERE LUCK that Queen Vashti lost her position. IT WASN’T LUCK that Esther won a beauty contest and made Queen in Vashti’s place! IT WASN’T JUST COINCIDENCE that Mordecai heard of the plot to kill the king!

In a sleepless night GOD ARRANGED king Ahasuerus to read a book of records only to find that Mordecai wasn’t honored for saving the kings life!  

Spurgeon said “ESTHER IS A BOOK OF WONDERS WITHOUT A MIRACLE”, FOR GOD WORKS SUPERNATURALLY IN THE NATURAL!

Psa 77:14, YOU ARE THE GOD WHO DOES WONDERS; YOU HAVE DECLARED YOUR STRENGTH AMONG THE PEOPLES.

AS BELIEVERS WE SHOULD NEVER ATTRIBUTE ANYTHING TO LUCK FOR GOD IS ALWAYS WORKING ON OUR BEHALF! WE DON’T NEED TO SEE A MIRACLE HAPPEN JUST TO SAY THAT WAS FROM THE LORD; FOR HE ARRANGES EVERYTHING AROUND US! DO YOU KNOW YOUR GOD, HIS POWER HIS STRENGTH?

Dan 11:32b, … BUT THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW THEIR GOD SHALL BE STRONG, AND CARRY OUT GREAT EXPLOITS. 

Exo 33:14, And HE said, “MY PRESENCE WILL GO WITH YOU, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.” 

Joh 21:25, AND THERE ARE ALSO MANY OTHER THINGS THAT JESUS DID, WHICH IF THEY WERE WRITTEN ONE BY ONE, I SUPPOSE THAT EVEN THE WORLD ITSELF COULD NOT CONTAIN THE BOOKS THAT WOULD BE WRITTEN. AMEN.

Esther 9, from Mourning to Joy

Est 9:2-3, The Jews gathered together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could withstand them, BECAUSE FEAR OF THEM FELL UPON ALL PEOPLE. And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and all those doing the king’s work, helped the Jews, BECAUSE THE FEAR OF MORDECAI FELL UPON THEM.

Deu 2:25, … I WILL BEGIN TO PUT THE DREAD AND FEAR OF YOU UPON THE NATIONS UNDER THE WHOLE HEAVEN, WHO SHALL HEAR THE REPORT OF YOU, AND SHALL TREMBLE AND BE IN ANGUISH BECAUSE OF YOU.’ 

The LORD can put a thought in their head, and fear their hearts! YET BELIEVERS IN HIM SHOULD NEVER FEAR BECAUSE HE HAS GIVEN US A DIFFERENT SPIRIT!

2Ti 1:7, FOR GOD HAS NOT GIVEN US A SPIRIT OF FEAR, BUT OF POWER AND OF LOVE AND OF A SOUND MIND. 

Est 9:22, as the days on which the Jews had rest from their enemies, as the month WHICH WAS TURNED FROM SORROW TO JOY FOR THEM, AND FROM MOURNING TO A HOLIDAY;

Whatever situation that were in HE can change it for good! REMEMBER JOSEPH!

Gen 50:20, BUT AS FOR YOU, YOU MEANT EVIL AGAINST ME; BUT GOD MEANT IT FOR GOOD, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

Psa 30:5, …WEEPING MAY ENDURE FOR A NIGHT, BUT JOY COMES IN THE MORNING. 

We are limited in our thoughts and understanding, yet HE KNOWS ALL. We may not know why something has happened but HE can change use anything to HIS gain! HAVE FAITH IN TIMES OF TROUBLE FOR HE IS ALWAYS WORKING ON YOUR BEHALF!

Rom 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 

Psa 30:11-12, YOU HAVE TURNED FOR ME MY MOURNING INTO DANCING; YOU HAVE PUT OFF MY SACKCLOTH AND CLOTHED ME WITH GLADNESS, To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD MY GOD, I WILL GIVE THANKS TO YOU FOREVER.

Esther 8, He is always there!

Est 8:1-2, On that day King Ahasuerus GAVE QUEEN ESTHER THE HOUSE OF HAMAN, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told how he was related to her. SO THE KING TOOK OFF HIS SIGNET RING, WHICH HE HAD TAKEN FROM HAMAN, AND GAVE IT TO MORDECAI…

Haman was a rich man who lost everything including his life because he was determined to kill the people of GOD! EVEN THOUGH THE LORDS NAME IS NEVER MENTIONED IN THIS BOOK, EVEN THOUGH WE DON’T SEE HIM, HE IS ALWAYS NEAR US WORKING FOR OUR GOOD!

Psa 121:4, BEHOLD, HE WHO KEEPS ISRAEL SHALL NEITHER SLUMBER NOR SLEEP. 

The decree which Haman wrote is still hanging over every Jews head, but now they were giving the rights to defend themselves!

Isa 54:17, NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST YOU SHALL PROSPER, …

IN THIS WORLD WE WILL HAVE TROUBLES, AND WEAPONS WILL BE FORGED AGAINST US. WE MAY NOT SEE HIM NOR SENSE HIM, YET THE LORD IS ALWAYS THERE TO HELP THOSE WHO SEEK HIS FACE! HE IS FAITHFUL!

Ecc 12:13-14, LET US HEAR THE CONCLUSION OF THE WHOLE MATTER: FEAR GOD AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS, FOR THIS IS MAN’S ALL. FOR GOD WILL BRING EVERY WORK INTO JUDGMENT, INCLUDING EVERY SECRET THING, WHETHER GOOD OR EVIL.

Esther 7, the high price of sin!

Est 7:3-4, Then Queen Esther answered and said, “IF I HAVE FOUND FAVOR IN YOUR SIGHT, O KING, and if it pleases the king, LET MY LIFE BE GIVEN ME AT MY PETITION, AND MY PEOPLE AT MY REQUEST. FOR WE HAVE BEEN SOLD, MY PEOPLE AND I, TO BE DESTROYED, TO BE KILLED, AND TO BE ANNIHILATED. …

The 2nd day of the banquet and Esther gives her request before the king!  

Est 7:5-6, So King Ahasuerus answered and said to Queen Esther, “WHO IS HE, and WHERE IS HE, WHO WOULD DARE PRESUME IN HIS HEART TO DO SUCH A THING?” And Esther said, “THE ADVERSARY AND ENEMY IS THIS WICKED HAMAN!” SO HAMAN WAS TERRIFIED BEFORE THE KING AND QUEEN.

Psa 7:14-16, Behold, the wicked brings forth iniquity; Yes, he conceives trouble and brings forth falsehood. He made a pit and dug it out, And has fallen into the ditch which he made. His trouble shall return upon his own head, And his violent dealing shall come down on his own crown.

Est 7:9, NOW HARBONAH, ONE OF THE EUNUCHS, SAID TO THE KING, “LOOK! THE GALLOWS, FIFTY cubits high, WHICH HAMAN MADE FOR MORDECAI, WHO SPOKE GOOD ON THE KING’S BEHALF, is standing at the house of Haman.” THEN THE KING SAID, “HANG HIM ON IT!” 

GUILTY HAMAN DIED IN PLACE OF INNOCENT MORDECAI, YET OUR KING JESUS DIED FOR THE GUILTY!

Rom 8:3, For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, GOD DID BY SENDING HIS OWN SON IN THE LIKENESS OF SINFUL FLESH, ON ACCOUNT OF SIN: HE CONDEMNED SIN IN THE FLESH, 

Psa 53:3, EVERY ONE OF THEM HAS TURNED ASIDE; THEY HAVE TOGETHER BECOME CORRUPT; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, NO, NOT ONE. 

THE PRICE OF OUR SIN WAS PAID BY THE FATHERS ONLY SON!

Esther 6, Perfect Timing!

Est 6:1, That night the king could not sleep. So one was commanded to bring the book of the records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

Not a coincidence that he couldn’t sleep, it was from the LORD! NOTE: THE LORD ALSO HAS A BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE! ARE YOU ON IT?

Mal 3:16, …And the LORD listened and heard them; SO A BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE was written before Him FOR THOSE WHO FEAR THE LORD AND WHO MEDITATE ON HIS NAME.

Est 6:2-3, AND IT WAS FOUND WRITTEN THAT MORDECAI had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, the doorkeepers who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. Then the king said, “WHAT HONOR OR DIGNITY HAS BEEN BESTOWED ON MORDECAI FOR THIS?” And the king’s servants who attended him said, “NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE FOR HIM.”

THIS IS THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD! THE KING IS NOW WANTING TO HONOR MORDECAI FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE KING!

Est 6:4, … Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king’s palace TO SUGGEST THAT THE KING HANG MORDECAI ON THE GALLOWS THAT HE HAD PREPARED FOR HIM. 

Pro 26:27, WHOEVER DIGS A PIT WILL FALL INTO IT, AND HE WHO ROLLS A STONE WILL HAVE IT ROLL BACK ON HIM. 

BOTH MORDECAI AND HAMAN WILL REAP WHAT THEY HAVE SOWN! ONE HONOR AND GLORY AND THE OTHER SHAME AND DEATH!

Est 6:6, So Haman came in, and the king asked him, “WHAT SHALL BE DONE FOR THE MAN WHOM THE KING DELIGHTS TO HONOR?” Now HAMAN THOUGHT IN HIS HEART, “WHOM WOULD THE KING DELIGHT TO HONOR MORE THAN ME?” 

Pro 18:12, BEFORE DESTRUCTION THE HEART OF A MAN IS HAUGHTY, AND BEFORE HONOR IS HUMILITY.

THE HEART OF MAN IS DESPERATELY WICKED AND HAMAN IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF IT! GOD WILL ONE DAY REVEAL ALL THE HIDDEN THINGS THAT WE HAVE IN OUR HEARTS AND THEY SHALL BE BROUGHT TO THE LIGHT!

Ecc 12:14, For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil. 

Esther 5, pride comes before the fall!

Est 5:1-2, Now it happened on the THIRD DAY that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, …SO IT WAS, WHEN THE KING SAW QUEEN ESTHER STANDING IN THE COURT, THAT SHE FOUND FAVOR IN HIS SIGHT, AND THE KING HELD OUT TO ESTHER THE GOLDEN SCEPTER THAT WAS IN HIS HAND….

It took great courage to go before the king knowing that she could have been killed for it!

Psa 56:3-4, WHENEVER I AM AFRAID, I WILL TRUST IN YOU. In God (I will praise His word), IN GOD I HAVE PUT MY TRUST; I WILL NOT FEAR. WHAT CAN FLESH DO TO ME?

Esther invited the king and Haman to a banquet, but it wasn’t the right time! THIS IS ALSO OF GOD! FOR THE LORD RESTRAINED HER; HE WAS STILL SETTING THINGS UP!

Est 5:9-10, SO HAMAN WENT OUT THAT DAY JOYFUL AND WITH A GLAD HEART; but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, and that he did not stand or tremble before him, HE WAS FILLED WITH INDIGNATION AGAINST MORDECAI. nevertheless Haman RESTRAINED himself and went home, …

Haman had riches, and was being honored by the king and queen of Persia, Yet his heart was filled with Anger because of just one man! THE RICHES AND HONOR OR THIS WORLD CAN’T SATISFY A MAN’S HEART, ONLY THE LORD CAN! THE HEART IS DESPERATELY WICKED WHO CAN KNOW IT! JER 17:9

Both Esther and Haman restrained themselves, The LORD has HIS timing! IN TIMES OF TROUBLE WE WANT THE LORD TO ACT QUICKLY ON OUR BEHALF, WE GROW ANXIOUS AND WORRY! HE IS NEVER LATE!

Mic 7:7, Therefore I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me. 

HAMAN BOASTED ABOUT HIS RICHES AND INFLUENCE TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS, YET LITTLE DID HE KNOW THAT THIS WAS HIS LAST NIGHT ON EARTH!

Pro 16:18, PRIDE GOES BEFORE DESTRUCTION, AND A HAUGHTY SPIRIT BEFORE A FALL.

Pro 18:12, Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility.

Esther 4, for such a time as this!

Est 4:1, When Mordecai learned all that had happened, HE TORE HIS CLOTHES AND PUT ON SACKCLOTH AND ASHES … HE CRIED OUT WITH A LOUD AND BITTER CRY. 

Mordecai knew it was because of him that the decree to kill all the Jews went out in the first place! But once written it cannot be changed!

Est 1:19, … and let it be recorded in the laws of the PERSIANS AND THE MEDES, SO THAT IT WILL NOT BE ALTERED

We should always be in communion with the LORD thru prayer Especially in times of trouble! HE IS OUR FATHER WHO LOVES US AND IS WILLING TO HELP US IF WE ASK!

Est 4:11, “… know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, WHO HAS NOT BEEN CALLED, HE HAS BUT ONE LAW: PUT ALL TO DEATH, EXCEPT THE ONE TO WHOM THE KING HOLDS OUT THE GOLDEN SCEPTER, that he may live. …

WHAT HAS THE LORD CALLED YOU TO DO? ESTHER WAS NOW IN A POSITION TO HELP HER PEOPLE, YET SHE WAS PLACED THERE BY THE LIVING GOD FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS!

Psa 75:7, BUT GOD IS THE JUDGE: HE PUTS DOWN ONE, AND EXALTS ANOTHER. 

Est 4:14, FOR IF YOU REMAIN COMPLETELY SILENT AT THIS TIME, RELIEF AND DELIVERANCE WILL ARISE FOR THE JEWS FROM ANOTHER PLACE, but you and your father’s house will perish. YET WHO KNOWS WHETHER YOU HAVE COME TO THE KINGDOM FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS?” 

Mordecai trust was in the faithfulness of GOD, not in Esther. Man is easily pushed from side to side, BUT THE LORD IS OUR STEADFAST ROCK AND HIS PROMISES ARE FAITHFUL!

2Ti 2:13, IF WE ARE FAITHLESS, HE REMAINS FAITHFUL; HE CANNOT DENY HIMSELF. 

HE HAS A PLAN FOR EACH AND EVERYONE OF US, TRUST IN HIM! THERE IS A REASON HE HAS YOU WHERE YOUR AT NOW!

Jer 29:11, FOR I KNOW THE THOUGHTS THAT I THINK TOWARD YOU, SAYS THE LORD, THOUGHTS OF PEACE AND NOT OF EVIL, TO GIVE YOU A FUTURE AND A HOPE.

Esther 3, the battle against the flesh!

Est 3:1, After these things King Ahasuerus PROMOTED HAMAN, the son of Hammedatha THE AGAGITE, and ADVANCED HIM AND SET HIS SEAT ABOVE ALL THE PRINCES WHO WERE WITH HIM.

Psa 12:8, THE WICKED PROWL ON EVERY SIDE, WHEN VILENESS IS EXALTED AMONG THE SONS OF MEN. 

Remember even this is from the LORD; when a wicked man such as Haman is promoted to power! Haman was a descendant of Agag who was the king of the Amalekites!

Exo 17:14,16, THEN THE LORD SAID to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, THAT I WILL UTTERLY BLOT OUT THE REMEMBRANCE OF AMALEK FROM UNDER HEAVEN.” … for he said, “BECAUSE THE LORD HAS SWORN: THE LORD WILL HAVE WAR WITH AMALEK FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION.” 

Amalek, for the Christian, is a type of flesh that we battle on a daily basis! THE BATTLE BETWEEN THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT!

Est 3:2, And ALL THE KING’S SERVANTS who were within the king’s gate BOWED AND PAID HOMAGE TO HAMAN, for so the king had commanded concerning him. BUT MORDECAI WOULD NOT BOW OR PAY HOMAGE. 

AS CHRISTIANS WE WILL ONLY BOW DOWN TO HIM WHO IS WORTHY OF PRAISE, NOT TO CORRUPTIBLE MAN!

Php 2:10, that at the name of JESUS every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 

Est 3:5-6, When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, HAMAN WAS FILLED WITH WRATH. BUT HE DISDAINED TO LAY HANDS ON MORDECAI ALONE, for they had told him of the people of Mordecai. Instead, HAMAN SOUGHT TO DESTROY ALL THE JEWS …

TODAY, MEN RIOT AGAINST ALL THE POLICE FOR THE ACTIONS OF BUT A FEW JUST AS HAMAN SOUGHT TO KILL EVERY JEW FOR THE ACTIONS OF JUST ONE!  THE STAGE IS SET

Gal 5:17, For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.