Esther 5:9-13
Paraphrase:

Haman was thrilled that he had been invited to dinner with the King and Queen. That is until he saw Mordecai sitting at the King’s gate ignoring him. ( Mordecai refused to bow to Haman.) Haman held it together until he got home and then went on a rant about all his accolades. The one thing that continued to plague him was the fact that Mordecai didn’t bow for him.

Principles:

Don’t miss all the blessings you have because of one thing that you don’t like.

Don’t be so full of yourself that you think everyone should treat you like royalty.

Promises: NA

Ponder:

What preoccupies my heart and mind so much that I am not conscious of what God is doing?

How am I filled with self- glory or thoughts that I should be treated with some kind of recognition?

Prayer:

Dear God forgive me for how I can be more consumed with other things than your desires for me. Forgive me the amount of time and energy that goes into non-kingdom dreams instead of what you want. I pray that you keep my heart and mind stayed on you. Help me to set my affections on things above, on things of Christ. I pray that I would not succeed at anything other than worshipping you.
In Jesus’ name, Sobeit.

Preserve:

Distractions can be deadly.

Parallel:

Luke 12:15, Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 3:1-3, Matthew 6:33

Points:

Haman’s Hubris
Haman’s Hang-up
Haman’s Hanged

Practice:

Keep your mind focused on spiritual, godly things.

Don’t think more highly of yourself than you should.

Be content with whatever station you have in life.

Praise:

Praise God who is over all. Praise God for being in complete control. Praise God who knows my heart and is able to bring to my attention things that don’t please Him.
Praise God Who alone is worthy of worship. Praise God who is gracious and kind. Praise God Who sustained all His people through all kinds of tribulations!