We’ve reached the end of Esther—and everything turns. Haman arrives at Esther’s second banquet expecting another mark of royal favor. Instead, Esther finally names her people, exposes the plot against them, and identifies Haman as the enemy. The gallows he built for Mordecai become the place of his own execution. But Haman’s death does not immediately solve everything. The king’s original decree cannot simply be erased, so Esther must approach him again. This time, Mordecai is given authority to write a new decree allowing the Jewish people to gather and defend themselves. By the end of the book: ✨ Esther has gone from hiding her identity to pleading openly for her people. ✨ Mordecai has gone from sitting unnoticed at the gate to serving beside the king. ✨ Haman’s plan has fallen upon his own head. ✨ A day intended for destruction has become a day of deliverance and remembrance. The book of Esther never names God directly, yet His providence can be traced through every delay, decision, sleepless night, reversal, and perfectly timed act of courage. The celebration of Purim was established so future generations would not forget what happened. Deliverance was not meant to be experienced once and then quietly left behind—it was meant to be remembered and retold. As we finish Esther: 🌿 Where did you see the clearest reversal in these final chapters? 🌿 How has Esther changed since we first met her? 🌿 Why do you think remembrance is such an important part of faith? 🌿 What truth from Esther do you want to carry with you after this study ends? If you’ve been reading quietly—or joined us somewhere in the middle—you still made it. Tell us one thing from Esther that stayed with you. 💛

Please help me welcome @Jamielynn Lamont and @Sandra Johnson ! 💛📖 You’ve joined us during our August study of Esther, so there’s already plenty to dig into. We’re working through the book together, talking about what we’re finding in the text, and adding new study and journaling resources along the way. 👑🌸 And no, you absolutely do not need to catch up before joining the conversation. Start wherever you are! If you’re not sure where to begin, your first stop is the Start Here classroom: https://www.skool.com/cornerstone-bible-journaling-8892/classroom/6d80271f From there, explore the Free Scripture Library, grab something to print, or come say hello in the Community. You’ll also earn points just by participating, and as you level up you can unlock the complete Lydia, Priscilla, and Miriam Bible journaling kits. 🎉 Cornerstone is very deliberately a no-perfect-Bible-study-required sort of place. You can be brand new to journaling, have a shelf full of supplies, show up with three pens and printer paper, ask twelve questions in one chapter, or simply read along for a while. The point isn’t making beautiful pages. The point is getting into the Word, understanding what we’re reading, and encouraging one another to keep coming back. Jamielynn and Sandra, we’re glad you found us. Make yourselves at home! 🌿📖

Drop a GIF that feels calm, comforting, or peaceful… Then reply to someone else with one to pass it on no words needed 👇 — As we’re getting ready to start Lydia this week, I’m opening up the study rooms for everyone who hits Level 3 That’s where you’ll find: • The Quiet Room — come sit, journal, read, or pray alongside others • The Upper Room — for conversation, prayer, and working through things together You’re probably closer than you think—this is a really easy way to get there 💙

Please help me welcome @Tia Johnson , @Sara Bodley , and @Jamie Garcia ! 💛📖 You’ve found us right in the middle of our August study of Esther, and this week we’re getting into the heart of the story. We’re reading together, talking through what’s happening in the text, and adding new journaling and study resources as we go. 👑🌸 If you’re wondering where to begin, start with the Start Here classroom: https://www.skool.com/cornerstone-bible-journaling-8892/classroom/6d80271f Then come join us in the Community! You don’t need to know the “right” way to Bible journal, have a perfect study routine, or understand everything before you participate. Questions are part of studying Scripture here. So are half-finished pages, rabbit trails, discoveries, and days when all you managed was reading a chapter. 😆 📚 You’ll also find our growing Free Scripture Library, and participating in the community earns points toward leveling up and unlocking the complete Lydia, Priscilla, and Miriam Bible journaling kits. Most importantly, don’t feel like you have to catch up before you can join us. Grab Esther, jump into the current conversation, and start right where we are. Tia, Sara, and Jamie, we’re so glad you’re here. Come make yourselves at home! 🌿

These chapters begin with everything moving in Haman’s favor. He has power, the king’s approval, and a plan to destroy an entire people—all because one man refuses to bow before him. But while Haman is building gallows for Mordecai, God is quietly arranging his honor. Esther chooses courage, even though approaching the king could cost her life. Mordecai’s forgotten act of faithfulness is remembered at exactly the right moment. The king cannot sleep. The records are opened. And Haman unknowingly plans the very celebration he will be forced to give his enemy. God’s name is never written in Esther, but His hand is everywhere. Sometimes the turning point doesn’t look like a miracle. Sometimes it looks like a sleepless night, an old record, a delayed conversation, or a faithful act that seemed to go unnoticed. Let’s talk about it: ✨ What stood out to you most in chapters 3–6? ✨ Where do you see pride shaping Haman’s choices? ✨ What do Esther’s words—“If I perish, I perish”—teach us about courage? ✨ Have you ever seen God use an ordinary detail or perfectly timed delay to change the direction of a situation? And perhaps the biggest question: What might God be arranging behind the scenes in a situation that still looks hopeless from where you are standing?