We know that Northview people love to be in God’s Word and often ask for direction on different devotional apps and reading plans.
While there are several good options available through various sources, we’d like to encourage you to join in our Northview Devotional Plan which will guide you to read and reflect on the passages preached in our weekend sermons!
We hope this will unite our congregation around the study of God’s Word, and help us to more readily absorb and apply the great teaching provided by our preaching pastors.
Each week we’ll be providing a suggested schedule for working through a passage slowly (15 minutes a day). You’ll need a Bible and a notebook or blank paper to record your observations.
Each day we include a reminder to pray. If you are new to the Adoration / Confession / Supplication method, here are some questions to help guide you as you pray:
- Adoration: What can you praise God for today?
- Confession: What thoughts / attitudes / actions might you need to confess to God today?
- Supplication: What will you ask God for today?
WEEKLY READING PLAN :: ESTHER 6:1-14
REMEMBERING THE BACKSTORY: Read Esther 6:1-3
To understand the rich storytelling in this chapter, it’s important to have previous events fresh in our minds.
- One day ago: The chapter starts off with a reference to time: “that night”. Glance through Chapter 5 to review what has just happened during the previous day.
- What plans had Esther set in motion?
- What plans had Haman set in motion?
- Five years ago: Read Esther 2:19-23 to remind yourself what Mordecai had done for the king soon after Esther became queen.
- What had Mordecai done?
- Where does the author say his actions were recorded?
- Re-read Esther 6:1-3. What does the king do to pass the time during his sleepless night?
Pray in Adoration / Confession / Supplication
THE FIRST REVERSAL: Read Esther 6:1-11
Up until this point in the book, events unfold according to Haman’s plans. The tables are soon going to be turned, but Haman has no idea that the tide is changing. Pay attention to how his character is developed through his thoughts, words, and actions in this section.
- Why does Haman assume that the king wants to honour him?
- List the things Haman suggests to be done for the man the king wants to honour.
- What emotions do you think Haman experienced during the events described in verse 11?
Reflect: Have you ever been asked to show honor and respect to someone whom you dislike or envy? What did this experience teach you about yourself?
Pray in Adoration / Confession / Supplication
HIDDEN GOD: Read Esther 6:1-12
In this chapter, the author describes some incredible coincidences which occur between Esther’s two banquets.
- Why does the King read the ‘book of chronicles’ on that specific night?
- The king has been in power for over 12 years at this point in time, and it’s likely that the ‘book of chronicles’ would be quite lengthy. Why do you think he reads this particular story?
- What is the relationship between coincidence and God’s providence?
Pray in Adoration / Confession / Supplication
IRONY REVEALED: Read Esther 6:1-14
The author makes great use of irony throughout the whole story. (Lexico.com defines irony as: a state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects)
- Read through this chapter and list some of the irony you notice.
- Why do you think the author is using this literary device?
Pray in Adoration / Confession / Supplication
THE SECOND REVERSAL: Read Esther 6:10-14
At the beginning of chapter 6, Haman is delighted and upbeat, planning to murder Mordecai and honour himself, but by the end of the chapter, his attitude is the opposite. Look at the interaction between Haman and his advisors and wife.
- How have their attitudes and advice changed from chapter 5?
- What makes them change their mind?
- Are the words of his advisors true?
- How do these verses foreshadow the future?