Many of God's people through the ages have been called to endure times of hardship, loneliness, and suffering. Some, such as Daniel and Esther, were even members of a race carried away to a foreign land that had never heard of the God of Israel. Their lives were not easy, but even in the midst of trials, these men and women discovered that God was with them—and that He was actively leading the events in their lives. In this study, pastor John MacArthur will guide you through an in-depth look at the historical period of Israel's exile, beginning with the prophet Daniel being carried off to Babylon, continuing through the rise of the Persian Empire, and concluding with Esther's reign as queen. Studies include close-up examinations of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar, Esther, Haman, and others, as well as careful considerations of doctrinal themes such as "Standing Boldly for God" and "God's Sovereignty Over the Future." —ABOUT THE SERIES— The MacArthur Bible Study series is designed to help you study the Word of God with guidance from widely respected pastor and author John MacArthur. Each guide provides intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture by examining its parts and incorporates: Extensive, but straight-forward commentary on the text. Detailed observations on overriding themes, timelines, history, and context. Word and phrase studies to help you unlock the broader meaning and apply it to your life. Probing, interactive questions with plenty of space to write down your response and thoughts.

This debut YA romance by Patrick Raymond follows a young musician struggling with being defiant until he falls in love with a beautiful girl from Australia as the rest of the world faces the looming threat of war. Moody, defiant, and recently expelled from his last school, Daniel, a musically talented teenage boy, finds himself at Dartington Hall, a progressive school in England. Even with a fresh start, the teachers at his new school find Daniel rebellious and difficult, and it’s not long before he’s in serious trouble. But when Daniel meets Esther, a new, younger girl from Australia, her proud, distant beauty captures his heart. Initially, Daniel finds himself getting into even greater trouble trying to impress Esther until he falls under the guidance of a German composer. Even as Daniel becomes less defiant, the world around him and Esther begins to crumble with the constant threat of war forcing the two of them apart. “In his first YA novel, British writer Raymond evokes the desperation of first love with such gripping immediacy that it takes the breath away.” — Publishers Weekly

Staying faithful when the pressure was most intense. That’s what these two did. The Jewish people had reason to be depressed. Their nation had been conquered. Their hometown was in ruins. They were living in captivity. Yet from the ashes, God raised up two key figures to preserve the Jewish race. Daniel was among the first of the captives carried away by the Babylonians. Although he lived in a culture opposed to God, he was always faithful to the Lord – even in the face of death – and ultimately was able to influence kings and rulers. Esther was in exile during the time of the Persian Empire. Like Daniel, the Lord also placed her in a position to influence those in power. God also called her to step out in faith and risk her life to foil a plot against her people. As a result of her bold actions, the entire Jewish race was saved from annihilation. As you read, study, journal, and discuss the books of Daniel and Esther, watch for these key themes that Max will unpack throughout the book: God leads in our lives even in difficult circumstances. Sometimes faithfulness is rewarded by miracles. God will be faithful to his people in the future as he has in the past. The Life Lessons with Max Lucado series brings the Bible to life in twelve lessons filled with intriguing questions, inspirational stories, and poignant reflections to take you deeper into God's Word. Each lesson includes: An opening reflection on the Bible book you’re studying. Background information to deepen your understanding of the cultural and historical setting. An excerpt of the text (from the NIV and the NKJV). Exploration questions with plenty of room to write your own thoughts and notes. Inspirational thoughts from Max as well as a closing takeaway for further reflection. The Life Lessons series is ideal for use in both a small-group setting or for individual study.

The Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible advances the assumption that the Nicene creedal tradition, in all its diversity, provides the proper basis for the interpretation of the Bible as Christian scripture. The series volumes, written by leading theologians, encourage Christians to extend the vital roots of the ancient Christian tradition to our day. In this addition to the acclaimed series, two respected scholars offer a theological exegesis of Esther and Daniel. As with other volumes in the series, this book is ideal for those called to ministry, serving as a rich resource for preachers, teachers, students, and study groups.

This book situates the book of Esther in the intellectual history of Ancient Judaism and provides a new understanding of its purpose.

It’s easy to say we trust Christ for everything, but are we living that truth? We’ve been given clear instruction in a powerful promise for parents. God tells us in Deuteronomy to “teach our children diligently.” This passage and many others give us great insight as to how to do that and enjoy the promised blessing that always accompanies the mandates we are given. Learn the practical view of discipleship parenting, what God expects from parents, and how to put these truths into actionSee how parenting with the vision of teaching them diligently will intentionally bear fruit and affect change in your own life as wellMove beyond giving lip-service to what you believe, and make the conscious choice to rely on the wisdom of God’s holy instruction for your life and parenting. So, why are we as Christian parents still uncertain? Why do we live in fear? Why are we losing our children in record numbers? What can we do about it?

LIFE LESSONSFINDING SPIRITUAL HARMONYYou are about to embark on a very emotional journey, Life's ups and downs the rollercoaster that many of us wish to get off and then those times that we wish we never got on in the first place, but life has a lot to offer even though there are times we have no understanding of why and why did it happen to me. This book is about getting in touch with your true inner self and feeling those emotions run wild realising who you really are and that we are human after all and that carrying emotional baggage will only bring you down in later years if not dealt with swiftly and put at rest. Life is a rollercoaster yes but most important life is for living and a will to live to love you should enjoy every moment till your very last breathe.Life presents the most beautiful situations, only if you allow them to be present in your life. To be closed is a selfish person; to be open allows others to appreciate who you are.

The events of Esther and Daniel are well known, popular, and share many common threads: Both share the same setting: the exi Both assume prominent roles in the palaces of foreign kings; Both remind us that the forces of evil may prevail for a season, but ultimately God will be victorious; Esther recounts a recent threat against God's peop Daniel predicts a future threat; Both point to a lifestyle of faith at all times but especially during times of distress; Each book is integrally related to an important Jewish festival; Both are enduring characters because of the providence of God in their lives. Through fasting, prayer, and confession both Esther and Daniel discover the tenacious resolve of faith, its uncompromising purity, and the security of its shelter. These are a man and woman of faith. They challenge us to follow their lead. Dr Mangano examines these two wonderful books and provides evidence of how the Hebrew God cares for his people and ultimately his church. Book jacket.

A classic bestseller that's been in print for over 20 years, this gripping YA thriller follows a teenage girl caught in a religious cult. Imagine that your mother tells you she's going away. She is going to leave you with relatives you've never heard of - and they are members of a strict religious cult. Your name is changed, and you are forced to follow the severe set of social standards set by the cult. There is no television, no radio, no newspaper. No mirrors. You must wear long, modest clothes. You don't know where your mother is, and you are beginning to question your own identity. I am not Esther is a gripping psychological thriller written by New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards-winning children's writer Fleur Beale. In Esther she creates an enthralling and utterly compelling portrait of a teenager going through her worst nightmare.