Walk With God Walt & Brenda McCord

SCRIPTURE: Esther 1:10-22 
SHOW NOTES: This story is set in a vast empire under the rule of a pagan king. Described as one who ruled the entire known world, the king spent half a year engaged in strategic meetings with his government officials and military leaders. Now, King Ahasuerus hosts a lavish seven day banquet for these leaders while Queen Vashti hosts a feast in the palace for the women. 
In Esther, chapter one we read, “On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha and Abagtha, Zethar and Carkas, the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, to bring Queen Vashti before the king with her royal crown, in order to show the peoples and the princes her beauty, for she was lovely to look at.” 
However, the queen refused to appear before the king and all of these men who were “merry with wine” after seven days of feasting. Her decision to defy the command of King Ahasuerus stirred great anger in his heart. The counsel of seven advised that Vashti would never again come before King Ahasuerus and her royal position should be given to another woman. 
What has happened here? This is a king who ruled with an iron fist and demanded complete obedience. 
We read in 1 Peter 2:16, “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” 
SONG: "King of Kings" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of5IcFWiEpg

SCRIPTURE: Esther 1:1-9 
SHOW NOTES: As we begin this new season – A Crown with Purpose – it’s important to share some of the historical and cultural setting. “In those days King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa, the citadel, in the third year of his reign he gave a feast for all his officials and servants. The army of Persia and Media and the nobles and governors of the provinces were before him.” This is a powerful king who ruled over the largest kingdom (127 provinces) in the known world and yet he wanted more. 
The book of Esther is included in the Old Testament even though some scholars have debated and argued against this book’s inclusion. God’s name is not mentioned anywhere in the book and yet as faithful students of the Word of God pour over these chapters and verses; they see God’s fingerprints in the story. We will see very clearly that the big theme of this book is the providence of God. God is operating “behind the scenes” to accomplish His purposes and to preserve His people. His providence is all inclusive. No person or detail of life escapes God’s control. 
SONG: "Our God Is In Control" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xj3jf-8Sj8

SCRIPTURE: Ezekiel 47:1-12 / Zechariah 14:1-9 / Revelation 22:1-2
SHOW NOTES: Water. As part of creation, a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden. And, in the book of Revelation, the river of the water of life will flow from the throne of God. The prophets, Ezekiel and Zechariah, speak words of hope and encouragement to the Jewish captives in Babylon. A day is coming when living waters will flow from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem – flowing down to the Dead Sea and the sea will be brought to life. 
The hope is presented that everything lost in the Garden of Eden, due to man’s sin, will be reversed. God will reverse the curse on the earth! It is also His desire to reverse the curse of sin in your life and in my life. Jesus said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them” (John 7:37-38). 
SONG: "Wonderful, Merciful Savior" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMZdxEe_Qms  

SCRIPTURE: Luke 5:1-11 
SHOW NOTES: Jesus is teaching the crowd from the shoreline, and He gets into Simon’s fishing boat. He continues to teach from this floating pulpit as the crowd presses in to hear Him. Then, the Lord speaks to Peter, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” These men labored all night, and they are tired. Fishing is their livelihood and they caught nothing last night. Simon answered Jesus, “But at Your word I will let down the nets.”
When they dropped their nets, many fish were caught, and the nets began to break. Remember, it is daytime. It is not the time to fish. These professional fishing men were astonished at the catch. They KNEW it was more than a lucky day of fishing. Simon Peter fell down before Jesus and worshiped Him. This miracle proclaims Jesus’ power over fish and nature. He is worthy of our worship! 
SONG: "You Are The Lord" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udtq_8AqfHM
 

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 14:22-33 / Mark 6:45-52 / John 6:16-21
SHOW NOTES: The crowds of people have followed Jesus and His disciples around the Sea of Galilee, and it has been a long day of ministry. Caring for the disciples, Jesus puts them in a boat, He dismisses the people, and He goes off to spend time alone with His Heavenly Father in prayer. Once again, the disciples experience the strong wind and powerful waves as they struggle to row to the other side of the Sea.
Sometime after 3:00am, Jesus comes walking toward them on the water and they are terrified! Jesus offers these words of assurance, “Do not be afraid.” Peter asks if he may come to the Lord and Jesus invites him, “Come.” However, in his fear and doubt, Peter cries out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus invites each of us to walk with Him but so often our weak faith causes us to be overcome with doubt and fear. 
SONG: "Part The Waters" – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fP5KE5H3d-U  

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 8:23-27 / Mark 4:35-41 / Luke 8:22-25  
SHOW NOTES: A famous body of water found in the pages of Scripture (and one of our favorite places to visit in Israel) is the Sea of Galilee. Matthew 11:20 says, “Jesus performed most of His miracles” in this area of Israel. Three of the Gospel writers include today’s story in their written accounts of Jesus’ earthly ministry.
As Matthew, Mark, and Luke share their accounts, readers gain insight into this powerful event experienced by Jesus and His disciples. These men have “worked” on this Sea for their entire lives. They are not afraid of the Sea but in this storm, they realize their lives are in danger! Yes, they might be the “men of the Sea,” but Jesus is “the Lord of the storm.” 
SONG: "Trust In God" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOY5EmWsVV0