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June 18, 1999, Friday
Would you be encouraged if you knew that you were always
on someone's mind? Would you gain additional strength if
that person were present to support you? If that person
were helping behind the scenes working on your behalf,
would you benefit from the assistance?
Jesus promised the Disciples that even though He would be
absent in body from them, He would be present in Spirit
at all times. His encouragement was for all time as they
knew it; until there is no more preaching or baptizing---
"And I will be with you always, even to the end of the age"
(Mat 28:20). His promise extends to all Believers to know
that without one day's interruption, His companionship
is until the end of time. He may always be consulted or be
praised; He will always accept our gratitude and worship.
Paul encouraged Timothy about the Lord's presence with him
during affliction. Paul withstood the test because the Lord
counseled him with the knowledge of what was being done-
"But the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, so that
through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and
that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of
the lion's mouth" (2Tim 4:17). Many times his life had been
spared from death. Paul acknowledged that until it was God's
time for him to leave this earth, God would keep him safe in
His care to accomplish His purpose.
Mark tells us that the Disciples had the consolation to know
that the Lord was working with them to accomplish His goals--
"And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord
worked with them" (Mark 16:20). They preached a doctrine of
Gospel that was contrary to what the world comprehends about
the Lord. They were met with much opposition and did not have
the advantages of large support programs. Yet because God
worked with His faithful followers, they were successful to
spread the Gospel all over the earth!
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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