Come, Follow Me
July 25th- July 31st
Esther
Compiled with love by the Blodgett Family — free to use, share, and enjoy with your family ☺
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Esther��“Thou Art Come … for Such a Time as This”
The Lord places us in situations where we can bless others
I can be an instrument in God’s hands
Fasting demonstrates our dependence on the Lord
Image above: Queen Esther by Minerva K. Teichert
Additional Resources�
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Institute Manuals give great insight into scriptures:
Old Testament Student Manual Genesis- 2 Samuel
Old Testament Student Manual Kings- Malachi
Latter Day Kids weekly Come Follow Me Family Home Evening lesson plans
Come Follow Me 2022 Old Testament Coloring/Activity Pages for Junior Primary
Come Follow Me 2022 Old Testament Coloring/Activity Pages for Senior Primary
I can serve my family
I can serve my family
SCRIPTURE
5 Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;
6 Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.
7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.
- Esther 2:5-7
I can serve my family
Bonnie L. Oscarson
Former Young Women General President
I believe that most members consider service to be at the heart of their covenants and discipleship. But I also think that sometimes it’s easy to miss some of the greatest opportunities to serve others because we are distracted or because we are looking for ambitious ways to change the world and we don’t see that some of the most significant needs we can meet are within our own families…
What good does it do to save the world if we neglect the needs of those closest to us and those whom we love the most? How much value is there in fixing the world if the people around us are falling apart and we don’t notice? Heavenly Father may have placed those who need us closest to us, knowing that we are best suited to meet their needs… Changing the world begins with strengthening your own family…These are the relationships that can be eternal.
- Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, “The Needs Before Us,”�General Conference, October 2017
When We’re Helping�(Children’s Songbook #198)
MUSIC
1. When we’re helping, we’re happy,
And we sing as we go;
And we like to help mother*,
For we all love her so.
* Alternate words: Father, Grandma, Grandpa
Words: Wallace F. Bennett, 1898–1993
Music: German folk song
Click HERE to view a
Slideshow of lyrics!
Chorus:
Tra la la la la la la,
Tra la la la la la,
Tra la la la la la la,
Tra la la la la la.
I can serve my family
0:40
The Lord places us in situations where we can bless others
The Lord places us in situations where we can �bless others
SCRIPTURE
3:5-6 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath… wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.
11 And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.
13 And the letters were sent by posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old …
4:8 Also [Mordecai] gave [Hatach, one of the king’s chamberlains] the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.
- Esther 3:5-6, 11,13, 4:8
The Lord places us in situations where we can �bless others
W. Christopher Waddell
Member of the Presiding Bishopric
As we seek to minister just as He did, we will be provided opportunities to forget self and lift others. These opportunities may often be inconvenient and test our desire to become more like the Master, whose greatest service of all, His infinite Atonement, was anything but convenient…
Whether we serve as ministering brothers or sisters, or simply when we are made aware of someone in need, we are encouraged to seek the guidance and direction of the Spirit—and then to act. We may wonder how best to serve, but the Lord knows, and through His Spirit we will be directed in our efforts…as we strive to become instruments in the Lord’s hands to bless His children. As we seek the guidance of the Spirit and trust the Lord, we will be placed in situations and circumstances where we can act and bless—in other words, minister.
- Elder W. Christopher Waddell, “Just as He Did,”�General Conference, April 2019
I'll Walk with You�(Children’s Songbook #140)
MUSIC
If you don't walk as most people do,
Some people walk away from you,
But I won't! I won’t!
If you don't talk as most people do,
Some people talk and laugh at you,
But I won't! I won’t!
I'll walk with you. I'll talk with you.
That's how I'll show my love for you.
Jesus walked away from none.
He gave his love to ev'ryone.
So I will! I will!
Jesus blessed all he could see,
Then turned and said, "Come, follow me."
And I will! I will!
I will! I will!
I'll walk with you. I'll talk with you.
That's how I'll show my love for you.
Words: Carol Lynn Pearson, b. 1939. © 1987 IRI
Music: Reid N. Nibley, b. 1923. © 1987 IRI
Click HERE to view a
Slideshow of lyrics!
The Lord places us in situations where we can �bless others
4:10
I can be an instrument in God’s hands
I can be an instrument in God’s hands
SCRIPTURE
10 Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;
11 All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.
12-13 And they told to Mordecai Esther’s words. Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.
14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
- Esther 4:10-14
I can be an instrument in God’s hands
Camille N. Johson
Primary General President
The sublime principle of agency does, of course, allow us to write our own stories…But Jesus Christ stands ready to use us as divine instruments, sharpened pencils in His hand, to write a masterpiece! He is mercifully willing to use me, a scrawny pencil, as an instrument in His hands, if I have the faith to let Him, if I will let Him author my story.
Esther is [a] beautiful example of letting God prevail. Rather than sticking with a cautious narrative of self-preservation, she exercised faith, turning herself completely over to the Lord…Esther was willing to let the Savior write her story even though, through the lens of mortality, the ending may have been tragic. Blessedly, the king received Esther, and the Jews in Persia were saved…It is our commandment and covenant keeping that will open the line of communication for us to receive revelation through the Holy Ghost. And it is through the manifestations of the Spirit that we will feel the Master’s hand writing our stories with us.
- Sister Camille N. Johnson, “Invite Christ to Author Your Story,”�General Conference, October 2021
For Such a Time as This�(by Shawna Edwards)
MUSIC
Long ago, there lived a deeply faithful soul,
A woman who was brave and bold, and Esther was her name.
She heard a plan, created by a wicked man,
To kill the people of her land upon a coming day.
She rose to say, “Oh let us humbly fast and pray
That the king will keep us safe, and let our nation live.”
She spoke the truth, though she would be in danger, too
For she was sent by God, she knew for such a time as this.
Oh Esther stood before the king with bold, unshaken faith.
And with the help of God, she saved her nation that day.
And now we’ll rise and say, “We’re children of the promised day,
Called of God to share our faith, to tell the world He lives.”
Oh, we’ll speak the truth, and shine His light in all we do,
For we believe He sent us, too, for such a time as this.
Words and Music: Shawna Belt Edwards
Click HERE to sing along with the video!
I can be an instrument in God’s hands
Fasting demonstrates our dependence on the Lord
Fasting demonstrates our dependence on the Lord
SCRIPTURE
15 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,
16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
17 So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.
- Esther 4:15-17
Fasting demonstrates our dependence on the Lord
Russell M. Nelson
President of the Church
2018 - Current
Let us put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ into action!…The doctrine of fasting is ancient. It has been practiced by biblical heroes from the earliest days…The Apostle Paul admonished Saints in Corinth to “give yourselves to fasting and prayer.” The Savior Himself declared that certain things go “not out but by prayer and fasting.”…[A]s President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and an Apostle of Jesus Christ, I know that God “has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name.”
So, during times of deep distress…the most natural thing for us to do is to call upon our Heavenly Father and His Son—the Master Healer—to show forth Their marvelous power to bless the people of the earth…Now we still need help from heaven…in the spirit of the sons of Mosiah, who gave themselves to much fasting and prayer,…I am calling for another worldwide fast. For all whose health may permit, let us fast, pray, and unite our faith once again.
- President Russell M. Nelson, “Opening the Heavens for Help,”�General Conference, April 2020
In Fasting We Approach Thee�(Hymn Book #139)
MUSIC
1. In fasting we approach thee here
And pray thy Spirit from above
Will cleanse our hearts, cast out our fear,
And fill our hunger with thy love.
2. Thru this small sacrifice, may we
Recall that strength and life each day
Are sacred blessings sent from thee—
Fill us with gratitude, we pray.
3. And may our fast fill us with care
For all thy children now in need.
May we from our abundance share,
Thy sheep to bless, thy lambs to feed.
4. This fast, dear Father, sanctify—
Our faith and trust in thee increase.
As we commune and testify,
May we be filled with joy and peace.
Text: Paul L. Anderson, b. 1946. © 1981 Paul L. Anderson and Lynn R. Carson. This hymn may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church or home use.
Music: Clay Christiansen, b. 1949. © 1985 IRI
Click HERE to view a
Slideshow of lyrics!
Fasting demonstrates our dependence on the Lord
Doing the right thing often requires great courage
Doing the right thing often requires great courage
SCRIPTURE
5:1 Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.
2 And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
3 Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.
7:3 Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:
- Esther 5:1-3; 7:4
Doing the right thing often requires great courage
Thomas S. Monson
President of the Church
2008 - 2018
Because the trend in society today is away from the values and principles the Lord has given us, you will almost certainly be called upon to defend that which you believe…Most of you are familiar with the Old Testament account of Esther…[who] through fasting, faith, and courage,…saved a nation. You will probably not be called upon to put your life on the line, as did Esther, for that which you believe. You will, however, most likely find yourself in situations where great courage will be required as you stand firm for truth and righteousness.
…[A]lthough there have always been challenges in the world, many of those which you face are unique to this time. But you are some of our Heavenly Father’s strongest children, and He has saved you to come to the earth “for such a time as this.” With His help, you will have the courage to face whatever comes. Though the world may at times appear dark, you have the light of the gospel, which will be as a beacon to guide your way.
- President Thomas S. Monson, “May You Have Courage,” General Conference, April 2009
Nephi’s Courage�(Children's Songbook #120)
MUSIC
1. The Lord commanded Nephi �to go and get the plates
From the wicked Laban �inside the city gates.
Laman and Lemuel �were both afraid to try.
Nephi was courageous. �This was his reply:
2. The Lord commanded Nephi �to go and build a boat.
Nephi’s older brothers �believed it would not float.
Laughing and mocking, �they said he should not try.
Nephi was courageous. �This was his reply:
3. The Lord gives us commandments �and asks us to obey.
Sometimes I am tempted �to choose another way.
When I’m discouraged, �and think I cannot try,
I will be courageous, �and I will reply:
Chorus:
“I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands.
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey.
I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands.
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey.”
Words and music: Bill N. Hansen Jr., b. 1952, and Lisa T. Hansen, b. 1958.
© 1986 by Wilford N. Hansen Jr., and Lisa Tensmeyer Hansen. All rights reserved. This song may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church or home use.
Click HERE to view a
Slideshow of lyrics!
Doing the right thing often requires great courage
0:55
Pride and anger can lead to downfall
Pride and anger can lead to downfall
SCRIPTURE
9-10 Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai. Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.
11-13 And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king. Haman said moreover…Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.
7:7 And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden…
9-10 And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon. So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai...
- Esther 5:9-13; 7:7, 9-10
Pride and anger can lead to downfall
Ezra Taft Benson
President of the Church
1985 - 1994
Most of us think of pride as self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness. All of these are elements of the sin, but the heart, or core, is still missing. The central feature of pride is enmity—enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. Enmity means “hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.” It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us.
Pride is essentially competitive in nature…We are tempted daily to elevate ourselves above others and diminish them…Pride results in secret combinations which are built up to get power, gain, and glory of the world. This fruit of the sin of pride, namely secret combinations…has been and will yet be the cause of the fall of many nations…We must yield “to the enticings of the Holy Spirit,” put off the prideful “natural man,” become “a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord,” and become “as a child, submissive, meek, humble.”
- President Ezra Taft Benson, “Beware of Pride,” General Conference, April 1989
The Wise Man and the Foolish Man�(Children’s Songbook #281)
MUSIC
1. The wise man built his house upon the rock,
The wise man built his house upon the rock,
The wise man built his house upon the rock,
And the rains came tumbling down.
2. The rains came down, and the floods came up,
The rains came down, and the floods came up,
The rains came down, and the floods came up,
And the house on the rock stood still.
3. The foolish man built his house upon the sand,
The foolish man built his house upon the sand,
The foolish man built his house upon the sand,
And the rains came tumbling down.
4. The rains came down, and the floods came up,
The rains came down, and the floods came up,
The rains came down, and the floods came up,
And the house on the sand washed away..
Words and music: Southern folk song
Click HERE to view a
Slideshow of lyrics!
Pride and anger can lead to downfall
4:21
The End