February 15, 1999, Monday

What assistance can a person find to overcome the evil in

the world when he sets a purpose to overcome it? Is there

a hope that people have that is their deepest desires will

someday be fulfilled? What is the reputation that everyone

would like to have and be known by?

Jesus spoke to the church to remind them of their first love

and Him as their Friend. The Friend of the judge has a power

to influence the judge's ruling for innocence or guilt. The

white stone that He promises as a reward to the person that

overcomes is the pronouncement of innocence and eternal life-

"I, wisdom, have made wise behaviour my near relation; I am

seen to be the special friend of wise purposes" (Pro 8:12).

The person who sets a goal to overcome the evil that is in

this world has made a wise purpose and will find the help

of God's wisdom to overcome it.

Jesus spoke to the church to remind them of their reward

that would come to them, the hidden manna. That desire to

know Christ and His wisdom, That desire to be filled with

the knowledge of Him and have your spiritual desires met-

"Say to wisdom, You are my sister; let knowledge be named

your special friend" (Pro 7:4). A believer overcomes with

the wisdom that Christ gives. His special friend has been

named Christ and His wisdom.

Jesus spoke to the church to remind them that each person

that overcame would receive a new name. Just as Jacob was

given a new name because he prevailed in prayer, we will

also receive a new name. Jacob's new name became Israel,

one ruled by God. His old name and the association of it

was gone. He was no longer known as the deceiver. Those

that overcome have many that confide in them. They will

be blessed with the reward that Jesus promises--"He who

keeps secret the secret of his friend, will get himself

a name for good faith" (Pro 27:16). Every believer wants

to be called the good and faithful servant.

Let us remember who is our Best Friend. God's Name is

Jehová Adonai. He is the God who accepts us as we are

without any modifications. He is the God who will never fail

you nor forget you. He will never leave you or let you down.

Lift your hands to your Best Friend. Praise Him and thank

Him for all the blessings of His acceptance and friendship.