Be Strong and Courageous

[Thompson, Darryl]

Be Strong and Courageous 

     Be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do
according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn
not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper
whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:7  

     In the history of Joseph, Daniel, and his fellows we see how the
golden chain of truth may bind the youth to the throne of God. They
could not be tempted to turn aside from their course of integrity. They
valued the favor of God far above the favor and praise of princes, and
God loved them, and spread His shield over them. Because of their
faithful integrity, because of their determination to honor God above
every human power, the Lord signally honored them before men. They were
honored by the Lord God of hosts, whose power is over all the works of
His hand in heaven above and the earth beneath. These youth were not
ashamed to display their true colors. Even in the court of the king, in
their words, their habits, their practices, they confessed their faith
in the Lord God of heaven. They refused to bow to any earthly mandate
that detracted from the honor of God. They had strength from heaven to
confess their allegiance to God. . . .  

     Never be ashamed of your colors; put them up, unfurl them to the
gaze of men and angels. . . . The world has a right to know just that
may be expected from every intelligent human being. He who is a living
embodiment of firm, decided, righteous principles will be a living power
upon his associates; and he will influence others by his Christianity.
Many do not discern and appreciate how great is the influence of each
one for good or evil. . . .  

     Your happiness for this life and for the future, immortal life lies
with yourself. . . . How important it is that everyone shall consider
where he is leading souls. We are in view of the eternal world, and how
diligently we should count the cost of our influence. 

>From My Life Today - Page 120