09/05/2014 - FRIEND OF THE AFFLICTED

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You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. Psalm 22.23,24

Those who respect the Lord are told to praise Him. Those who respect the Lord can be certain that they are favored by the divine hand. In fact, those who respect the Word of God, not only are protected from the evil, but also receive the blessing of understanding of that which belongs to them in Christ and have the wisdom to take possession of all that is designed for those who have the Lord as their God.

The house of Jacob shall be blessed, because there is no enchantment, work of darkness that will reach his house (Num. 23:23). Those who become servants of God will always see God’s promises being fulfilled in their lives; for that reason they must glorify the Lord who has chosen and separated them from the world. They prove that it is worth knowing the Almighty and respecting His will; therefore, are freed from the evil that the devil does to mankind.

The guidance is that all those who are saved fear the Lord – loving Him with all their heart – accepting and fulfilling His commandments (John 14:21). The descendant of Israel, the man who knew how to fight with God and prevail, also doesn’t let Satan fool him with his lies. If proven, he is able to grab the angel and not let him go until he receives his blessings. It’s obvious that this fearless servant of God makes a difference amongst other people.

The heavenly Father doesn’t despise nor hate the affliction of he who is troubled. The Creator knows that this person goes through difficult situations because he has been prepared to serve in a time that requires great dedication and complete obedience to Him. Some people are taken to the extreme borders of holiness, but don’t fall; they are proven in the trial’s arena, where the weak get carried away by the temptations, however, they show themselves strong and determined.

If you have been tested by fire, be certain that God allowed you to be proven in order to be approved as a servant who will not betray the Lord if something far greater is given to you as a responsibility. God’s work on earth needs people who will not be swept away by the demon’s easy offers which at all cost tried the people in every way. This happened with the Master and, as He did not sin, His people will also not fall into the devil’s easy talk.

During times of temptation, when it seemed that you could not stand it, the Lord didn’t hide His face from you, but he observed and approved you, and therefore the temptation ceased until the next opportunity. But when you couldn’t stand it any longer and cried out, the Lord answered and helped you. That is why God loves you and called you to be one of those who will represent Him, doing His holy work.   

In the Love of Christ,

R. R. Soares