Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:19-20.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:4-5.

We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18.

Everything. Everything that is exists because our Creator God – Father, Son, Spirit – loves. As we seek God and closeness with Him, our hearts and minds open to the wonder of all He does for us. We begin to appreciate His goodness all the more when we see the darkness in peoples hearts, in our own hearts, and the havoc that brings.

In our chapter, Esther 9, the results of the two very different edicts sent out by the authority of Xerxes come to bear. Many people died. Is that truly what we want?

In our early morning prayer group we talked about the aftermath of war and strife affecting nations today as millions around the world seek refuge in countries not their own. Resources are strained, ideologies clash and people everywhere are impacted. And life goes on. Blessings go forth, challenges tax the strongest hearts, there is hope and despair with healing needed for hearts and minds. We need quiet. We need peace. We need God.

“Return, faithless people,” declares the Lord, “for I am your husband. I will choose you – one from a town and two from a clan – and bring you to Zion. Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. In those days, when your numbers have increased greatly in the land,” declares the Lord, “people will no longer say, ‘The ark of the covenant of the Lord.’ It will never enter their minds or be remembered, it will not be missed, nor will another one be made. At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the Lord, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the Lord. No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts.” Jeremiah 3:14-18.

God is looking forward and working for that time when all will be gathered to Him. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He has seen it all and sees it still. He gives us shepherds after His own heart that we may come to a closer communion with Him and with one another. Everything, Lord, every thing is in You and in You we are blessed beyond measure. You are the treasure we long for, the hope in our hearts that cannot be quenched. Help us magnify You, Lord, for You are Good!