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March 15, 1999, Monday
Can an individual have true companionship and fellowship
while in isolation and confinement? What is the source of
a strong mind and memory capability? What resource can be
available to an individual to combat anxiety or pressure?
John declared that his fellow believers were his brothers,
friends, and companions with Jesus Christ. He was sentenced
to exile because he was preaching and teaching the Gospel--
"I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation
and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island
that is called Patmos for the word of God and because of the
testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev 1:9). But he quickly wrote
of the companionship of Jesus and the message from Jesus.
John was that disciple that Jesus loved deeply. He wrote
of the value, promise, and power of God's counsel to us-
"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will
send in My name; He will teach you all things, and bring
to your remembrance all that I said to you" (John 14:26).
John remembered the words of Jesus by the counsel of the
of the Holy Spirit. John continued to teach and preach
the Gospel of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. He
was able to give counsel to the early churches because
Jesus gave him a powerful message and strong mind.
John also remembered the comfort of the Word of God and
the very real personal assurance of Jesus. The comfort of
His words tell us that we don't have to fear tribulation-
"Let not your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be
afraid" (John 14:27b). Jesus has overcome the world and
has calmed the storms of life before. It is wasted energy
to permit anxiety or pressure to trouble us when a resource
like the Lord is always with us!
Let us remember who is the God that is always with us. God's
Name is Jehová Shammah. He is the God that is our Companion.
His fellowship is our joy and confidence. He is our Counselor.
When we do not have an answer in difficult times, He gives us
the answer. Jehová Shammah is our Comforter. When we are
suffering, He comforts us with with His reassurance. He gives
more grace according to His promise. Lift your hands to Him
and Praise Him today for the fact that He is the God that
is always with us, our Immanuel!
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