Who Knows?

Today’s Passages – Esther 1-5; Proverbs 3

(Second Milers also read – 2 Corinthians 5 – 8; Memorize – Proverbs 13:3)

“Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13 – 14)

Esther was in a tough spot here, wasn’t she. She had to risk the good thing she had going in order to confront the King regarding the impending destruction of her people, the Jews. Mordecai reminded her that the very reason why God had placed her in this position was for this very purpose. She had an opportunity given her by God to represent Him; to be His ambassador.

Did you ever find yourself in a situation where you knew that God had placed in a specific place at a specific time for a specific purpose? There have been a few times like that in my life. Sometimes I call them Divine appointments. To think that the God of the universe has chosen you for a particular part of his plan. It sends shivers down my spine. Sometimes, when something unexpected or even unpleasant comes your way, it could be that “it’s a God thing”. In other words God is positioning you to do something wonderful for Him. So be careful how you react to those negative situations that come your way.

I also wonder, though, how many times that God has strategically positioned me to fulfill His will, and I missed it. Maybe, I just did not recognize the opportunity; maybe I was not sensitive enough to the leading of the Spirit of God; maybe I was just downright disobedient to His will. I know that as I sit here this morning writing this thought, it is my desire to be used of God in these situations. I want to be given more opportunities by my redeemer to represent Him on this earth. It is my prayer that He will use me.

It’s A “God Thing”

Today's Passage - Esther 1 - 5 Second Milers also read - 2 Corinthians 9 - 12; Psalms 11 - 15; Proverbs 3 "Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. For if thou…

June 3, 2012

In "Thoughts from Esther"

For Such A Time As This

Today's Passage - Esther 4 - 6 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from…

June 9, 2010

In "Devotions"

For Such a Time as This … by Hannah Erickson

June 3, 2020

In "Devotions"

Phil Erickson

Pastor Phil Erickson has been the pastor of Jersey Shore Baptist Church since January of 2002. Having grown up in Ocean County, Pastor Phil has always had a burden for the south Jersey area. After graduating from Bible College in Longview, Texas, he and his family moved to Galloway Township with the vision of digging in and serving the Lord and the people of Atlantic County. Pastor Phil and Cindy Erickson have been married since 1985. They have four children and ten grandchildren. Their oldest son, Phil Jr. and his wife Katelyn are serving the Lord in Egg Harbor Twp., NJ. Their oldest daughter, Melissa, is married to Wesley Clayton who is in the Air Force and is currently stationed in New Mexico. Samantha, their third child, is married to Justin Mears and they are both serving the Lord at the church in Galloway. Hannah, the youngest, is married to Lucas McCollum, and they are also serving here in Galloway. In preparation for ministry, the Lord led him through a variety of educational experiences that have equipped him to serve the Lord and His people. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Georgian Court University, a Bachelor of Biblical Studies in Pastoral Theology from Texas Independent Baptist Seminary (formerly Texas Baptist College), a Master of Religious Education in Bible from West Coast Baptist College, and a Master of Biblical Studies from The Crown College. More recently, he completed a Graduate Certificate in Biblical Counseling and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Veritas Baptist College. He is thankful for these opportunities to study God’s Word more deeply, and counts it a privilege to use whatever knowledge the Lord has given him for the building up of His church. In addition to pastoring, the Lord has given Phil the wonderful privilege of teaching as an adjunct professor at Vision Baptist College in Berlin, NJ and Veritas Baptist College.