There is a lot of talk about Jesus these days.
You hear his name from the pulpit, from podcasts, from skeptics and searchers alike. According to Barna’s Spiritually Open series, even non-Christians hold generally positive views of Jesus. They like His message. They’re curious about His life. They’re open to hearing more.
So why aren’t more people following Him?
by Marti Fischer
Esther didn’t sign up for this.
She was just a Jewish girl pulled into a Persian palace by her sheer beauty, crowned queen in a world where her identity was a secret and her power was fragile. She had no grand strategy, no training for palace politics—just a heart that beat a little faster every time the king passed by. And then came the moment.
Today, Marti is going to bring another dimension into our study of Esther, it’s the contrast between operating from the head or the heart. Esther is a perfect example of this because had she listened only to her head, she would have never gone before the king because it was certain death to enter the king’s chamber uninvited. But her heart compelled her to go because of her love for her people.
I highly recommend you join me by answering the Journaling Questions at the end. I did, and it was well worth the time. Marti’s questions are very stimulating and get you thinking in ways you never have before. And we also welcome your comments as to what God is showing you from this study so far. Send your comments or your Journaling answers to me privately by replying to this email, or make your comments public by using the comment button below.
by Marti Fischer
For Such a Time As This: When the Heart Leads and the Head Holds Back
In the Book of Esther, we meet a young woman placed in an impossible position. She has rank, beauty, and influence—but she also carries the weight of fear. When her uncle Mordecai sends word that she must speak up for her people, Esther hesitates. It’s not that she doesn’t understand the stakes. Her mind likely raced with calculations and consequences.
Today we are publishing not two, but three pieces that I hope you all pay attention to.
FINALLY, write us as Peter and others have done and let us know how God wants you to take action. You can comment publicly below or privately by replying to this email.
We are re-publishing this for three reasons:
1. Because it’s critical
2. Because it’s critical
3. Because it’s critical
Also, we urge you to tackle the three study questions and action step at the end. They will help you bring the message home.
For Such A Time As This…
by Marti Fischer
There’s a moment in Scripture — tucked into the Book of Esther — that has echoed through generations of God’s people. Mordecai’s words to Esther cut through her fear and hesitation: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:14
If my reach doesn’t go beyond my grasp
Then what’s a heaven for, and for what do I ask?
– John Fischer from the song “Too Many Teachers” (Based on a Quote by Robert Browning)
Shortly before my father’s passing, he and I met in Branson, Missouri, the entertainment capitol of the world, to attend the shows of some of his favorite singers. It was a rare opportunity to be alone with my dad on what turned out to be one of our last significant times together. I was never very close to my father so I was hoping to make something memorable happen. Marti helped me out with this by telling me, as I walked out the door, “Don’t forget to get the key from him before he dies.”
“The key? What key?”
“He’ll know,” she said. “Just ask him for the key.”
When the heart moves out to others by the power of the Holy Spirit, heaven touches earth.
by Marti & John Fischer
I wanna live in the world not inside my head – Jackson Browne
You and I know the Scriptures. Some of us have traced Greek roots, unpacked Hebrew idioms, and written footnotes that would make a seminary professor proud. Yet, our scholarship often remains on the page, and our faith lingers in the pews. Meanwhile, lives around us wait for the healing, hope, and love that only God can provide through ordinary people like you and me who are willing to obey.
There is a guy who lives alone across from the mail store I frequent almost every day. He doesn’t own a car, walks everywhere, and sometimes appears to be muttering to nobody in particular. He’s about my age, often wears his shirt unbuttoned to his belly, and someone at the local grocery said he thinks he’s God’s gift to women. Well, I don’t know about that, but he does like to show off his chest. On warm days, he doesn’t wear a shirt at all, and his tanned and leathery skin will attest to that.
He presents himself as an artist. He’s always displaying some kind of large picture on his front lawn, usually of a rock music group. A picture he did of Jim Morrison and the Doors is always on display. Last week he put up a large sign thanking Brian Wilson for the good music and happy memories.
Yesterday we published an article by Marti Fischer titled “For Such A Time As This…” It’s the pace-setting article for our study of Esther and our focus on the importance of our MemberPartners. If you haven’t read it we are publishing it again in today’s Catch and if you’ve already read it I encourage you to read it again. I then would encourage you to spend some time with the questions following the article which should take you through the weekend. These are well thought out questions that will help you drive the important points deeper into your heart. I also you to write down your answers. You always remember so much more when you write things down. Think of it as a spiritual journal. – JF
I somehow wish I could put today’s Catch by Marti in neon. Something to make it rise up out of the plethora of information we have facing us today and be seriously considered by everyone in our community. It’s that good. No, “good” is the wrong word, though it is good. It’s important. It’s necessary. I’m afraid you’re going to miss it. I’m afraid you’re going to breeze through this inspired piece with a thousand things on your mind and go on to something else. And what a shame that would be. So am I trying to get your attention? Yes. Am I being successful? Only time will tell.
John Fischer The Catch 