Living Up to Our Words

We can't share the gospel of Christ with others without first earnestly striving to live the gospel ourselves. Example is everything. And what we carry in our heart is even more.

We must mean what we say, and then do it.

The Victim Chair

Something I have pondered about a great deal over the years is how easy it is to not only play the part of victim, but allow oneself to hold on to that title.

At some point in our life, each and every one of us has been a victim in one form or another. Some forms are more serious than others and are harder to overcome. However, many of us who take up this position do so needlessly. Yes, there may have been a reason - maybe you were treated unfairly or falsely accused - but the key is not to let it define us. Instead, we should learn to lean on the Lord's help to overcome whatever IT is.
The victim chair can be a comfortable one, and the false sense of security that chair provides will mold around you and draw you in further unless you do something about it.

What can you do? You can reach for the hand that is always extended to lift you, and He will pull you from that chair of fear, anger, and hurt, and enfold you in His healing arms. When that happens, those inward thoughts begin to turn outward, then, instead of being overcome, we overcome. This is what God wants for us. This is what Christ is trying to teach us.
May we all leave that chair of defeat behind and strive to live worthy of Christ's glorious promise: "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." ~Rev. 3:21

I would say this will be a far more glorious and comfortable chair to rest in.

Eternity

When I think of eternal happiness, this is what I see. This is my goal. I want forever with my family and nothing less. All my dreams and goals and righteous desires are fixed on this.

And I pray that I am found worthy.

Courage

"Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14
Queen Esther in the Old Testament has always held a special place in my heart. Her courage and selflessness she could do - an act she was foreordained to do long before this life.

is unmatched, and through her came the physical salvation of a nation. Spiritually preparing herself through fasting, then risking her life to go unsummoned before the king, and eventually confessing her true heritage to stop the extermination of her people was an act that only

I ponder Esther's life quite a bit, and I marvel at her courage, and wonder if I could ever be that brave. Every day I pray to Heavenly Father to make me a holy and righteous woman, and I pray for the courage and the strength to face -and get through- whatever I am required to face and go through.

The curtain on this part of our existence is slowly drawing to a close. Due to the evil and sin that rage in the hearts of men, the light is dimming and the world is growing darker. As long as there are righteous people standing, the light will never truly go out because the light of Christ will shine from within every righteous soul. As we cling to the Savior and truly come to know Him, we keep the inner light burning bright. It will take all our might, mind, strength, and courage to get through the days ahead, both now and in the distant future.

May we all do our part to keep the light of Christ burning within each of us. May we all become one with the Father and the Savior. May we do everything in our power to accomplish all that is required of us. May we stand valiant and strong, clinging to the Lord's word, and declare His word to everyone around us in both message and deed. And maybe, just maybe, it may one day be said of us, "Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"