May the Lord bless you during this Year 2006!
By Jan Willem van der Hoeven
The Bible says that in the end times the fourth and final beast ?will speak out against the Most High AND WEAR DOWN THE SAINTS of the Highest One.? (Daniel 7:25)
This is a very serious verse for it describes a reality many preachers do not like to refer to, the seeming supremacy during the end times of the Evil One and his schemes. But those who know what is happening to real and serious believers struggling to keep faithful to the Lord and His way realize the utter truth that these verses describe. People have breakdowns, burnouts, health problems and various other attacks and trials visited upon them. Not for nothing Jesus said that unless the Lord would shorten these awful end days, NO FLESH would make it ? or be saved as he said.
So let us all enter into this just begun New Year, gritting our teeth knowing that many around us are experiencing various trials, temptations and tribulations. Let us nevertheless rejoice that our Lord is great, merciful and very powerful ? all powerful in heaven and in earth and that as Paul says, He will not let us be tempted or tried above what we are able ? but will also provide a way of escape for us so that we shall be able to endure it (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).
May we therefore with this grit and assurance enter the New Year just begun knowing that He is faithful and will accomplish with us and in us the work that He began. We only need to look to Him, the author and finisher of our Faith and hold on to Him in faith and obedience. As obedience to Him is more important than the sacrifices we make for Him and others. May we so draw our strength form Him as we watch and pray continually, every one of the 365 days before us and see the mighty victories of our Lord in our lives and in the body of His believers and with Israel. The Lord so bless 2006 for us all!
May the Lord so burn in our hearts in relation to these serious, trying and tiring times the apt words of the author of Hebrews:
For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives."
Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:3-5, 12-14)
So let us not give up but persevere at all costs ? knowing that in the end like with Job the Lord is gracious and full of mercy. He will bring us through ? like He did Job, and blessed him greatly. May that be true for us. God bless you therefore during this New Year in every way.
© Israel My Beloved
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