If You Remain Silent
January 2013
"….Do not think that because you are in the King's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For IF YOU REMAIN SILENT at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:13-14
For my whole Christmas break I have been studying the book of Esther and I must say although I have read this book many times, this time this book has taken on a whole new meaning! In the past when I heard the story of Esther, "For such a time as this" was what always stuck out to me and if you were to be honest……it probably stuck out to you too! But now after going chapter by chapter, four words have stayed in my spirit and they are, "IF YOU REMAIN SILENT!"
Friend, 2013 has just begun and I believe that this year will be the year of great manifestation for those who know God and belong to Him, but you cannot afford to remain silent. You see, God has called you for such a time as this to make a difference! You my friend have been chosen to set the standard that will lead many to Christ and cause many to be set free. In 2013, you will see the impossible become possible! For you, ways will be made out of no way and doors will be open that no man can slam shut (Revelations 3:8). I don't know about you, but I am so glad that we serve a God that not only opens doors.....but creates them for His children! Praise the Lord!
Now in order to do the extraordinary things that Christ has called you to do...... you cannot afford to remain silent! The word says to let the redeemed of the Lord SAY SO! (Psalm 107:2) You see, just like Esther you have been called to do a great work for Christ! Just in case you are not familiar with Esther's story....I'll give you a quick summary. Esther was appointed as the new queen of Persia. Esther at first was advised to keep her true identity as a Jew a secret and she successfully did just that, until one day a decree was made by the King's right hand man to kill all of the Jews. Our text for today (Esther 4:13-14) meets us right in the center of this deadly threat; Mordecai has now summoned Esther to go before the King in order to save the Jews. Here are a couple of things you should know:
1. In those times a person, not even the King's wife could go before the King without being summoned to do so. (Esther 4:11)
2. Esther had not been summoned for 30 days. (Esther 4:11)
Notice Esther did what many of us still do today when God calls us to do something that makes us feel a little 'uncomfortable'.....She MADE EXCUSES. (Esther 4:11) But just like God does to us sometimes, Mordecai did to Esther in our text for today.....he told her to do it anyway.....for, "who knows if perhaps you were made queen for such a time as this!" (Esther 4:14) I say to you the same thing my friend, who knows if perhaps YOU were called for such a time as this!
From the story of Esther, here are a few notes that we can take:
1. The great work that Esther was called to do would cause her to identify who she really was. ( A Jew called by God to set the captives free)
2. This great work that Esther was called to do was going to cause her to step outside of her comfort zone. (Going before the King even though she was not summoned)
3. This great work that Esther was called to do could have possibly cost her everything.....even her life.
Although from the story of Esther, we can receive many truths.....the one that most sticks out is the fact that destiny often calls and appoints one, but affects many! We see through Esther's story that our God appointed destiny is not just about us……..but it involves others! Just like Esther, your calling and destiny will touch, inspire, encourage, affect, change, and set free many lives for the Glory of God…..but not if you remain silent! Hear me well, just as Mordecai told Esther I will tell you…..if you remain silent, God will use someone else! He will not allow others to not be inspired or encouraged just because you want to live a "quiet life, be "politically correct" or just because you feel that it's not the right time....saying, "I'll live for Jesus later on in life." For this reason, it's time that you do as 1 Corinthians 15:58 says and, "Stand firm. Let nothing move you. ALWAYS give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord!" In other words, use your life to work diligently at whatever the Lord has called you to do! LIVE OUT LOUD! Be BOLD, stand up and stand out for CHRIST! BE RADICAL and let your one desire be to live a life of reckless abandon for the Lord; putting all your energy and strength into it! Right now is the the right time to live for Jesus and to do what He has called you to do! Just do it; DO NOT REMAIN SILENT!
Now this is important. Once you make the decision to truly live for God and do what He has called you to do many people will consider you radical---a "Jesus Freak." But don't you ever be ashamed of your reckless abandon to Christ. Always consider it a reasonable response to the incomparable gift of an intimate relationship with Christ! Share the gospel not because it is an obligation, but because it is a privilege! It is a privilege and a blessing that God has chosen, appointed, and anointed you to make a difference for His glory! DO NOT REMAIN SILENT! As we begin this year take my words as an encouragement. This is YOUR time! You have been called for such a time as this.....IT'S TIME......
1. It's time that just like Esther did; you identify yourself as a true follower of Jesus! Not just in words, but in how you live! Be the change. Don't just talk about it!
2. It's time that you "get out of the boat!" (Check out 'The Fear Factor') Forget about your 'comfort zone,' let go of the fear, and rend your heart! Just remember that God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind! (2 Timothy 1:7)
3. It's also time to choose Christ above any and everything! It's time to choose Christ even if it may cost you everything. Because even if it cost you "everything" what you lose will never amount to what God has in store for you!
Just think, if Esther would have tried to save her own life, as Mordecai said, the Jews would have still been saved, but her purpose would not have been fulfilled. Don't try to 'save your life.' (Matthew 16:25) The Word tells us that to die is gain and to live is Christ. (Philippians 1:21) The Word tells us to deny ourselves if we really want to follow Christ. (Luke 9:23) Truth is....to be crucified with Christ and to die daily is to be more alive than you have ever been! As believers we must make a decision to die to ourselves; to our desires, pursuits, and plans, and live for Christ no matter what. As believers we must say 'no' to self and 'yes' to Jesus all day, everyday no matter the 'cost!'
Today, know that It's your time! Step out, be Godly, walk and live by faith and watch God do the extraordinary in your life! My prayer for you in 2013 and for the rest of your life is that you do not remain silent and that you finally realize and accept who and whose you are! My prayer is that God will get such a hold of you that you live, walk, talk, act, love, give, and be just like Him! My prayer friend is that this year you SHINE and that through you others will see Christ! "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth!" 3 John 1:2
You have been called for such a time as this!
Do not remain silent! LIVE OUT LOUD!
Be encouraged!
For my whole Christmas break I have been studying the book of Esther and I must say although I have read this book many times, this time this book has taken on a whole new meaning! In the past when I heard the story of Esther, "For such a time as this" was what always stuck out to me and if you were to be honest……it probably stuck out to you too! But now after going chapter by chapter, four words have stayed in my spirit and they are, "IF YOU REMAIN SILENT!"
Friend, 2013 has just begun and I believe that this year will be the year of great manifestation for those who know God and belong to Him, but you cannot afford to remain silent. You see, God has called you for such a time as this to make a difference! You my friend have been chosen to set the standard that will lead many to Christ and cause many to be set free. In 2013, you will see the impossible become possible! For you, ways will be made out of no way and doors will be open that no man can slam shut (Revelations 3:8). I don't know about you, but I am so glad that we serve a God that not only opens doors.....but creates them for His children! Praise the Lord!
Now in order to do the extraordinary things that Christ has called you to do...... you cannot afford to remain silent! The word says to let the redeemed of the Lord SAY SO! (Psalm 107:2) You see, just like Esther you have been called to do a great work for Christ! Just in case you are not familiar with Esther's story....I'll give you a quick summary. Esther was appointed as the new queen of Persia. Esther at first was advised to keep her true identity as a Jew a secret and she successfully did just that, until one day a decree was made by the King's right hand man to kill all of the Jews. Our text for today (Esther 4:13-14) meets us right in the center of this deadly threat; Mordecai has now summoned Esther to go before the King in order to save the Jews. Here are a couple of things you should know:
1. In those times a person, not even the King's wife could go before the King without being summoned to do so. (Esther 4:11)
2. Esther had not been summoned for 30 days. (Esther 4:11)
Notice Esther did what many of us still do today when God calls us to do something that makes us feel a little 'uncomfortable'.....She MADE EXCUSES. (Esther 4:11) But just like God does to us sometimes, Mordecai did to Esther in our text for today.....he told her to do it anyway.....for, "who knows if perhaps you were made queen for such a time as this!" (Esther 4:14) I say to you the same thing my friend, who knows if perhaps YOU were called for such a time as this!
From the story of Esther, here are a few notes that we can take:
1. The great work that Esther was called to do would cause her to identify who she really was. ( A Jew called by God to set the captives free)
2. This great work that Esther was called to do was going to cause her to step outside of her comfort zone. (Going before the King even though she was not summoned)
3. This great work that Esther was called to do could have possibly cost her everything.....even her life.
Although from the story of Esther, we can receive many truths.....the one that most sticks out is the fact that destiny often calls and appoints one, but affects many! We see through Esther's story that our God appointed destiny is not just about us……..but it involves others! Just like Esther, your calling and destiny will touch, inspire, encourage, affect, change, and set free many lives for the Glory of God…..but not if you remain silent! Hear me well, just as Mordecai told Esther I will tell you…..if you remain silent, God will use someone else! He will not allow others to not be inspired or encouraged just because you want to live a "quiet life, be "politically correct" or just because you feel that it's not the right time....saying, "I'll live for Jesus later on in life." For this reason, it's time that you do as 1 Corinthians 15:58 says and, "Stand firm. Let nothing move you. ALWAYS give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord!" In other words, use your life to work diligently at whatever the Lord has called you to do! LIVE OUT LOUD! Be BOLD, stand up and stand out for CHRIST! BE RADICAL and let your one desire be to live a life of reckless abandon for the Lord; putting all your energy and strength into it! Right now is the the right time to live for Jesus and to do what He has called you to do! Just do it; DO NOT REMAIN SILENT!
Now this is important. Once you make the decision to truly live for God and do what He has called you to do many people will consider you radical---a "Jesus Freak." But don't you ever be ashamed of your reckless abandon to Christ. Always consider it a reasonable response to the incomparable gift of an intimate relationship with Christ! Share the gospel not because it is an obligation, but because it is a privilege! It is a privilege and a blessing that God has chosen, appointed, and anointed you to make a difference for His glory! DO NOT REMAIN SILENT! As we begin this year take my words as an encouragement. This is YOUR time! You have been called for such a time as this.....IT'S TIME......
1. It's time that just like Esther did; you identify yourself as a true follower of Jesus! Not just in words, but in how you live! Be the change. Don't just talk about it!
2. It's time that you "get out of the boat!" (Check out 'The Fear Factor') Forget about your 'comfort zone,' let go of the fear, and rend your heart! Just remember that God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind! (2 Timothy 1:7)
3. It's also time to choose Christ above any and everything! It's time to choose Christ even if it may cost you everything. Because even if it cost you "everything" what you lose will never amount to what God has in store for you!
Just think, if Esther would have tried to save her own life, as Mordecai said, the Jews would have still been saved, but her purpose would not have been fulfilled. Don't try to 'save your life.' (Matthew 16:25) The Word tells us that to die is gain and to live is Christ. (Philippians 1:21) The Word tells us to deny ourselves if we really want to follow Christ. (Luke 9:23) Truth is....to be crucified with Christ and to die daily is to be more alive than you have ever been! As believers we must make a decision to die to ourselves; to our desires, pursuits, and plans, and live for Christ no matter what. As believers we must say 'no' to self and 'yes' to Jesus all day, everyday no matter the 'cost!'
Today, know that It's your time! Step out, be Godly, walk and live by faith and watch God do the extraordinary in your life! My prayer for you in 2013 and for the rest of your life is that you do not remain silent and that you finally realize and accept who and whose you are! My prayer is that God will get such a hold of you that you live, walk, talk, act, love, give, and be just like Him! My prayer friend is that this year you SHINE and that through you others will see Christ! "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth!" 3 John 1:2
You have been called for such a time as this!
Do not remain silent! LIVE OUT LOUD!
Be encouraged!