Queen Esther, faced with the destruction of her people in Persia, put her life on the line. Her example can be an inspiration to all of us.

Mordecai, a Jew living in the Persia capital, faithfully guided Esther through a time of potentially great trouble. Such character is in our reach as well.

Some regard approaching the Bible as literature to be demeaning, yet the literary approach can be a powerful tool to appreciating it more fully.

Just as Mordecai conceals Esther, God conceals His people in secret places under the shadow of His wings, in the sanctuary—the fellowship of the church.

God allows each of us to experience trials and tests to humble us, leading us to repent, obey and trust, followed by an often-dramatic deliverance and joy.

In post-exilic times in Persia, God used concealed Jews (exampled by Mordecai and Esther) to ascend to levels of prominence on behalf of their people.

In contrast to Stephen who spoke the truth fearlessly, Haman valued his position more than the truth and gave into hatred for Mordecai and his people.

We are assured victory if we put on the whole armor of God, standing together as a spiritual phalanx and repelling all attacks, the waves of trials we face.

As members of God's family, we are admonished to separate ourselves from the Babylonish system as Noah prepared himself from a hopelessly corrupt world.

I John is a very encouraging epistle, giving us a testimonial of what God has done. It teaches that there are foundational things every Christian must know.

Fasting puts us in a proper humble and contrite frame of mind, allowing God to respond to us, freeing us from our burdens and guiding us into His Kingdom.

It can be encouraging to us that our patriarchs and the prophets had serious doubts, but God overrode all their fears in accomplishing His purpose.

Christians must address marriage problems from God's perspective. Stress can cause people to lay aside their values in favor of humanly reasoned solutions.

The only possibility of attaining peace is a relationship with God—peace with God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which must continually be refined.

No one has ever appointed themselves into a position in God's family. God's appointment is a prerogative reserved by Him alone.

In Proverbs 30:7-9, Agur asks God to cushion him from the extremes of poverty or excessive wealth, allowing himself to live a balanced life of contentment.