1. Fasting: Strengthens our WorshipEsther Feb. 27, 2011 – Meshir 20, 1727

2. Memory Verse “Consecrate a fast call a sacred assembly” (Joel 1:14)

3. Esther the Orphan Girl King Xeres – king of Persia and India Search for a young beautiful wife Mordecai brought Esther his cousin: A Jew An Orphan Loved God and Obeyed his commandments

4. Plot to Kill the King 2 servants wanted to kill the King Mordecai found out and told Esther Esther told the king!

5. The King Honored Mordecai This good deed was written in the official records of the empire.

6. Haman King appointed Haman – a minister! Ordered all to show respect by kneeling and bowing to him.

7. Mordecai Worships God Alone! Refused to bow to Haman – He was the only One who said NO! Haman got ANGERY Haman decided to kill all the Jews !

8. A Proclamation to Kill the Jews A decree was sent out to all the rulers in the Kingdom to Kill all the Jews on a single day!

9. Mordecai is SAD He tore his clothes in anguish Wore sackcloth, covered his head with ashes… Cried loudly and bitterly “THIS IS ALL MY FAULT” When the Jewish people heard – they cried and fasted.

10. Mordecai asks Esther’s Help Mordecai asked Esther to “Intercede” to help by asking the King to have mercy on her people!

11. Esther FASTS She advised Mordecai and the Jews to fast and pray for her, and not to eat or drink anything for 3 days and nights.

12. Esther’s Banquet # 1 Esther invited the King and Haman to a banquet ! Haman came to the banquet but was preparing the gallow to kill Mordecai

13. King Remembers Mordecai The king could not sleep. He had the empire records read to him He remembered the account of Mordecai when he saved his life before.

14. Mordecai is Honored The King orders Haman to get royal robes and a horse, the royal crown and give these honors to Mordecai. Haman had to obey!! He led Mordecai on the horse through the City Square announcing to the people “See how the king rewards a man he wishes to honor”

15. Esther’s Banquet #2 Esther invited the King and Haman to another banquet. The King was happy with Esther, “Tell me and you shall have it. I’ll even give you half the empire” Esther told the king about what Haman wanted to do with her and her people!!

16. The Jews are Saved The King was furious Orderd Haman be hanged on the gallows he made for Mordecai The King gave his ring with the seal to Mordecai He quickly made a proclamation to all the rulers saying to not destroy all the Jews.

17. Feast of Purim All the Jewish people remember the power of Fasting and Praying They celebrate every year on the 14th and 15th of Adar to remember how the Jews were saved.

18. Conclusion Esther – young orphan girl : Saved her people through _______ and _______ Fasting and prayer You can also change the world through fasting and prayer even an a young age !!! If you dig a whole for your brother ….. You will fall in it instead. Right now people all over the world are in trouble!! – Our Sunday School Class needs to begin working by ________ and ________ Peace for the countries that are suffering And comfort for families of those who have died Those who are hungry and needy Fasting will help you have self-control and so when you worship God it will be strong and this will attract many people to God.