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January 1, 1999, Friday
Happy New Year!!!!
Maybe you have been quizzed about your new year plans
and resolutions. Would you appreciate improved mental
ability and wellness if you could make that change? If
you could change any characteristic of your self in the
new year 1999, would you make the change? What can
you do to make the best use of your strength and abilities
this year?
Moses addressed his people to give them the commandments
that would be a blessing to them and advise them to make
a wise mental, logical first priority to love the Lord--
"Israel, remember this! The Lord-and the Lord alone-is
our God. Love the Lord your God with all your mind,
with all your soul, and with all your strength. Never
forget these first commands that I am giving you today"
(Deut 6:4-6). That wise mental choice becomes a standard
of righteousness for the believer that will never change.
The Psalmist also encouraged those who had made that first
mental priority to allow God to make those inner heart and
soul changes of faithfulness to their life characteristics--
"Love the Lord, all His faithful people. The Lord will
protect the faithful, but punishes the proud as they
deserve" (Psa 31:23). It is interesting to note that Abraham
had this same standard of righteousness because he loved the
Lord and was faithful to Him. The trait about the life of
Abraham that we remember is that he had faith that did not
waver, and that his inner heart and soul was changed to be
called a faithful father of the faith.
Jacob explained to Rachel and Leah about the effort that he
had exerted while he was employed by their father, Laban--
"You both know that I have worked for your father with all
my strength" (Gen 31:6). Jacob did not feel he was rewarded
by a proper, just standard for the work that he had done.
Unlike Laban, God promises to be our Banner and to reward
us by a standard of righteousness if we will use all of our
ability and strength to love Him.
Let us remember who is the God that is our Banner. God's
Name is Jehová Nissi. He is the God whose Banner over
us is His love. He raises up His standard of righteousness
for us when the enemy comes in like a flood. He makes
that standard of righteousness a higher calling in your life.
Lift your hands to Him and Praise Him today for the fact
that He is the God who is our Banner and is ready to
accept our mental choice, our soul-life changes, and our
life's strengths and concentrations to love Him!
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