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. _______________ 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 __________!

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

2. we must take God will absolute ____________________-!

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. _____________ & 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 ________ 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 _______ we have.

2. Biblical principles ARE NOT ________________!

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

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

III. Building Character is YOUR responsibility!

A. Integrity is not determined by _____________________.

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

2. You must take ___________________- for your life!

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

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

2. Col. 3:10, 12-17 – done through a ______________ 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 __________ the cost and moved _____________- w/her plan!

B. We too must make up our minds!

1. ______________ 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. _______________ 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 __________! 1. Esther relied heavily upon God! Esther 4:16 – calls for a fast. 2. we must take God will absolute ____________________-! 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. _____________ & 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 ________ 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 _______ we have. 2. Biblical principles ARE NOT ________________! C. Character is made in the small moments of our lives (Philip Brooks) D. This requires constant attention! God knows! He is ___________ - 1 Cor. 4:5 III. Building Character is YOUR responsibility! A. Integrity is not determined by _____________________. 1. EACH one responsible for __________ made in life – Gal. 6:5; Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:9-11; Ezek. 18:20-24. 2. You must take ___________________- for your life! B. Worry less about what others think – give attention to our inner self! 1. Gal. 1:10 – seek to please __________ – not men! 2. Col. 3:10, 12-17 – done through a ______________ 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 __________ the cost and moved _____________- w/her plan! B. We too must make up our minds! 1. ______________ 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?