Now is the Time!

Now is the Time!

Introduction:

Hadassah was a Jewish orphan brought up by her cousin in foreign land a thousand miles from home. Hadassah’s story is one we’re familiar with. In her we see a godly woman: filled w/courage; wisdom; strength. Most likely in her mid teens, she blocks an evil plot against her people and overthrows a vile killer. We know her by her Persian name: Esther. God chooses to work through those who are willing to ACT for Him! Encourage everyone: release God to act in your life! What propelled Esther to be strong & courageous? What did she learn growing up in Mordecai’s household? How strong is the foundation that you are building your life on? Mt. 7:24-27 how stable is your faith? Col. 2:5b-7

I. Character gives splendor to youth!

A. Character defines who we are! Pro. 23:7; Mt. 12:34b-35

1. Solomon’s instructions – Pro. 3:1-12

B. Good character begins with recognition & respect for God!

1. Esther relied heavily upon God! Esther 4:16 – calls for a fast.

2. we must take God will absolute seriousness!

C. God is real! Ex. 19:16-19; 20:8-19. Compare to Heb. 12:18-29

II. Integrity is a must for the Christian!

A. Integrity & character go hand in hand.

1. Esther 2:15 – Esther found favor in the eyes of all who saw her.

a) not physical beauty…but inner beauty built upon godliness!

2. Integrity is a must for the Christian. Psa. 15; Pro. 3:3-4; 19:1; 20:7;

B. Jesus: we must build our lives upon foundation of respect, dignity, and trust!

1. If foundation weak, then we will never live up to the potential we have.

2. Biblical principles ARE NOT flexible!

C. Character is made in the small moments of our lives (Philip Brooks)

D. This requires constant attention! God knows! He is watching - 1 Cor. 4:5

III. Building Character is YOUR responsibility!

A. Integrity is not determined by circumstances.

1. EACH one responsible for choices made in life – Gal. 6:5; Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:9-11; Ezek. 18:20-24.

2. You must take responsibility for your life!

B. Worry less about what others think – give attention to our inner self!

1. Gal. 1:10 – seek to please God – not men!

2. Col. 3:10, 12-17 – done through a change of heart!

IV. No spiritual foundation is complete without conviction that leads to courage!

A. Est. 4:11-16 – Esther takes action! See the courage that rises forth from her!

1. she calculated the cost and moved forward w/her plan!

B. We too must make up our minds!

1. Resolve can wane when temptation strikes….

a) YOU Stand up for your principles as a Christian!

Conclusion:

A. Godly service & courage does not go unnoticed by God!

B. Now is the time to become what God wants you to be!

C. Have you released God to act in your life?



Now is the Time! Introduction: Hadassah was a Jewish orphan brought up by her cousin in foreign land a thousand miles from home. Hadassah’s story is one we’re familiar with. In her we see a godly woman: filled w/courage; wisdom; strength. Most likely in her mid teens, she blocks an evil plot against her people and overthrows a vile killer. We know her by her Persian name: Esther. God chooses to work through those who are willing to ACT for Him! Encourage everyone: release God to act in your life! What propelled Esther to be strong & courageous? What did she learn growing up in Mordecai’s household? How strong is the foundation that you are building your life on? Mt. 7:24-27 how stable is your faith? Col. 2:5b-7 I. Character gives splendor to youth! A. Character defines who we are! Pro. 23:7; Mt. 12:34b-35 1. Solomon’s instructions – Pro. 3:1-12 B. Good character begins with recognition & respect for God! 1. Esther relied heavily upon God! Esther 4:16 – calls for a fast. 2. we must take God will absolute seriousness! C. God is real! Ex. 19:16-19; 20:8-19. Compare to Heb. 12:18-29 II. Integrity is a must for the Christian! A. Integrity & character go hand in hand. 1. Esther 2:15 – Esther found favor in the eyes of all who saw her. a) not physical beauty…but inner beauty built upon godliness! 2. Integrity is a must for the Christian. Psa. 15; Pro. 3:3-4; 19:1; 20:7; B. Jesus: we must build our lives upon foundation of respect, dignity, and trust! 1. If foundation weak, then we will never live up to the potential we have. 2. Biblical principles ARE NOT flexible! C. Character is made in the small moments of our lives (Philip Brooks) D. This requires constant attention! God knows! He is watching - 1 Cor. 4:5 III. Building Character is YOUR responsibility! A. Integrity is not determined by circumstances. 1. EACH one responsible for choices made in life – Gal. 6:5; Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:9-11; Ezek. 18:20-24. 2. You must take responsibility for your life! B. Worry less about what others think – give attention to our inner self! 1. Gal. 1:10 – seek to please God – not men! 2. Col. 3:10, 12-17 – done through a change of heart! IV. No spiritual foundation is complete without conviction that leads to courage! A. Est. 4:11-16 – Esther takes action! See the courage that rises forth from her! 1. she calculated the cost and moved forward w/her plan! B. We too must make up our minds! 1. Resolve can wane when temptation strikes…. a) YOU Stand up for your principles as a Christian! Conclusion: A. Godly service & courage does not go unnoticed by God! B. Now is the time to become what God wants you to be! C. Have you released God to act in your life?