Espresso with Esther

By Sandra L. Glahn

Espresso with Esther is part of the Coffee Cup Bible Studies, a series of Bible studies for women in compact, workbook format that examine the "life and times" of certain Bible characters and the books of the Bible that pertain to them. Each study is to be read over a four-to-six week period, and study sections are broken down into short, daily segments designed to fit reader's busy lifestyles. Understanding that time is precious, the Coffee Cup Bible Studies are patterned in such a convenient way that they can be read during brief windows of opportunity that allow for meditation and study (breakfast, lunch, coffee breaks, etc.). Scripture is provided from the NET Bible (New English Translation) , making Bible study convenient for occasions when you can't carry a Bible. Sandra's unconventional thought processes regarding Esther are sprinkled throughout the study as she shatters preconceive myths about this legendary character of the Bible. As a result, more emphasis is placed on Esther's vulnerabilities and the fact that she was a flawed person whom God chose to use for His greater glory.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0899572200
• ISBN13: 9780899572208
• Release Date: March 2006
• Publisher: AMG Publishers
• Length: 129 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.9" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 16 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 11 and higher

Customer Reviews

Espresso With Esther

This 5-week study of the Book of Esther is just right for a summer Bible Study with a small group of ladies. Since it contains the scripture passages covered in each lesson, it is easy to take along during the week for study at breaks during one's day. The women find it interesting and stimulating for discussion and application. Not everyone will agree with all of the author's premises (ie. that Esther may have been a girl with a secular view point, and may have compromised some of her convictions) but even that adds to the liveliness of the discussions. Last summer we used one of Sandra Glahn's other study guides, Java With the Judges, for a summer study. We enjoyed that study very much as well.

Not only excellent research but devotional as well!

The first thing I appreciate about this study was that it challenged my childhood understanding of the woman Esther. It encourages all women, regardless of their past regrets, to obey to the Lord in the present. Surprisingly, in a book where God is not mentioned, the study brings to light invaluable devotional thoughts on what He is doing in life "behind the scenes". Lastly, I appreciate Sandra's historical research behind the book--it helped me link other books in Scripture to the main characters and also provided a fundamental background to reading the book of Esther. Highly recommend.

A fresh take on the life of a fascinating woman

Pull up a comfy chair, grab an espresso, and dive into this engaging study of one of Scripture's most compelling characters: Queen Esther. A woman of exquisite beauty, wisdom and discernment, Esther courageously risked her own life to save her people. God called her to take a vital leap of faith "for such a time as this." Sandra Glahn brings the story of Esther into the 21st century with fresh language, modern dialogue, funny anecdotes, powerful application questions, and up-to-the-moment illustrations. Perfect for small groups, Bible studies, women's groups, outreach studies, and personal devotions, Espresso with Esther offers women the opportunity to have fun and build meaningful relationships while increasing their knowledge and application of Scripture.

Refreshing approach to Bible Study

My small group Bible Study recently finished Espresso with Esther and it left us begging for more! Ms. Glahn offers scholarly insight into the book's historical timeframe, and a challenging consideration of the character of Esther: was she a shrinking violet? a reluctant-but-resolved heroine? an innocent victim? a dutiful wife and daughter? an upstanding Jew? My small group especially enjoyed Glahn's incorporation of the fine arts. Her recommendation to create our own tangible reflection of each week's lesson made Espresso with Esther that much more interesting and personal. This study is perfect for both the modern and postmodern Christian!

Awesome

This is a great Bible Study for an individual or the women in your group. I still have some questions for Queen Esther when we finally meet. But now I know that is not the point as Glahn gives a brief, concise and beautifully clear lesson on how to study scripture. The light comes on for giving context, history and culture their proper place. Sandra Glan's easy conversational manner teaches us to discuss and examine the Book we love so well but are sometimes intimidated by. In the first lesson she puts us in Esther's place: "Like Esther, we are imperfect, full of failures and flaws. Yet God still uses us, not because we're good, but because He is." (pg 42) I'm constantly on the go and since the scripture is printed in the book, and I can take it with me anywhere-perfect for soccer moms. One of the best things she does is that she draws us in to the history and expands our view as she weaves other scripture, stories, and heroes into the picture. We can see God's same message in other lives and other settings. I can't wait to see the other books in this "Coffee Cup" Bible studies series