Customer Reviews

Esther: A Woman of Strength & Dignity (Great Lives from God's Word, Vol. 2)

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

The entire Great Lives Series are biographies on individuals of the Bible. They are wonderful books because they can be read at many different levels. This book, on Esther, is no different.
On the surface level one can read this book and learn a lot about Esther. The next level reveals the character of God, and another level teaches the reader application for their own life and relationship with God.

This book is entirely about Esther, but doesn't have anything to do with Esther. Through reading this book one learns about Esther, her experiences, and the era she lived in. Yet what we are really learning are principles that remain constant for all people and all time. Some of these are: waiting on the Lord, the invincibility of God despite his invisibility, and self- constraint through the holy spirit. Like the parables Jesus used, the story of Esther's life is merely a tool God uses to portray His will. This is something Charles Swindoll has discovered, and I believe his intent in writing this book is to help us discover the same.

One of the great aspects of this book is that it is part of a series and each book in the series addresses different lessons and characteristics of God. These books introduce life- changing application we might otherwise miss in our regular bible reading and therefore, can greatly enhance our time in God's word.

Swindoll continues his legacy of writing great books with "Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity". This is the second volume of the biographical series he has written on various Bible characters. In Esther, he describes the life of Esther and the Book of Esther which indicidentally, is the only book in the Bible that never mentions God by name. However, when you read the Book of Esther, you can defintitely see God working behind the scenes as the drama plays out.

Among the important points covered in the book are:

1. Be quiet and know that God is God and be convinced that He is at work.
2. God is not in a hurry and is not a slave to the human clock (I particularly struggle with this one).
3. Some things are important enough for us to stand alone on. One person can indeed make a difference.
4. Stand alone and be courageous no matter what the cost!
5. God notices us when no one else does. God is impressed with a humble heart that comes to Him on His terms.
6. 2 things to consider when discovering how God works.
7. 3 principles for being sensitive to God's interventions.
8. God can break down any wall. No one, no matter how stubborn or strong-willed, can resist God and win.
9. 3 principles from the Book of Esther that we can learn for our lives.
10. 4 things that happen when we wait on God.

Read, enjoy, and be encouraged to know that God loves you and knows what you're going through even when others do not!

Recommended.

We are doing this as a Ladies Bible Study at our church and it has been wonderful. Swindoll does an excellent job in this character study, and he does in all of them. It really makes you think about what a difference one person, one woman can make when she stands for what is right and follows Gods leadership.

This second book in the 'Great Lives' series is excellent! As a Pastor, I used this book for a small group Bible study. We studied one chapter a week. What strength we all can receive from studing the life of Esther! Here was a woman who had to make a decision to be silent and let her people die, or to stand up and do whats right. It's extremely interesting that God is never mentioned anywhere in the Book of Esther, but as Charles Swindoll points out, He is working "behind the scenes" in all of the lives involved in this powerful book. Use this book as a study guide with the Book of Esther.

This is the third book in a series by Charles Swindoll that I have read. I found this book to be very inspiring and uplifting. It is the story of a woman, though her humility, grace and strength, with God's help saved her people. It shows once again that God is in control and He uses the most humble people to carry out His plans. He is a God of surprises and we are only to trust and obey Him and He will do amazing things through us.

This book is an inspiration to all. Swindoll's character analysis of Esther and real life applications to our lives make this book an excellent pick for anyone seeking God's will. Swindoll provides not only biblical points but a lot of ideas on how to help us out. Esther is as relevant today as she was in her time. Take a little time to get to know one of the less know players a little better.

This book sits right next to my Bible. A MUST READ for any woman who is going through difficult times, or wants to fulfill her inner modern-day TOWANDA. (fried green tomatoes)Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity (Great Lives Series)

This reading makes the typical American woman be grateful for all that's been bestowed to us at birth, in this season in time and in this country - and how we can rise up above the circumstances that led us to where we are now, and embrace our lot, making a hard decision not because it benefits us but because it's a legacy to our future generations...sort of thinking "it's not a mistake I'm where I'm - I'm going to do all in my knowledge to act right...and if I perish, I perish". What a courageous woman!

Recived the book very promptly and in good condition. Was surprised to find a church buliten in the book, but made it more interesting to see where it came from. would order from your selections again.

The book has everyday practical ideas that have opened my eyes and truly helped me grow. I so appreciate the wisdom that is in this book.