06/04/2015 - THE LORD DOES NOT DEPART FROM HIS PEOPLE

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Yet in your manifold mercies you did not forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of the cloud did not depart from them by day, to lead them on the road; nor the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way they should go. Nehemiah 9:19

We have a beautiful God who never abandons us despite our wrong deeds. He is our Creator and Father, and has manifold mercies to dispense in our favor. So, never be put off by pessimism because although you transgress, He will not change His plans for your life as long as you repent and, with His help, abandon your evil ways and go back to the good way. 

It would be nice if such mercies could be poured out on us so that we continued to be used by Him; however, in some cases, they are dispensed to us lest the devil doesn’t destroy us for having obeyed him. Instead of receiving them because of our rebellions, what about receiving them in order to continue to do good deeds and finish the work entrusted to us? Wouldn’t it be better?

However, even if we have been wicked by not listening to His Word, our beloved and kind God promises that He will not leave us in the desert. It’s not a good thing to be in the desert, but sometimes, just as it happened with the Lord Jesus, we are led to this hostile terrain to be tempted by the devil. If this is happening to you, resist with the Word of God and do not fall, for He will deliver you with His power.

Even in error, the Israelites could count on the pillar of cloud that covered them in that scorching desert. Only those who have God’s manifold mercies will not be abandoned. Remember that the Scriptures ensure that the Lord is faithful and cannot deny Himself (II Timothy 2:13). Finally, remember that we have a covenant with Him. In this covenant, He promises that if we confess our sins, He will forgive us (I John 1:9).

At night the pillar of fire did not depart from them, keeping them warm and illuminating them. Despite the mistakes that people made, the Lord remained true to what He promised (Hebrews 10:23). Be firm in your walk with the Almighty and do not believe in the enemy’s lies. You will see that God saved you with His pillar of fire and gave you the light you need to go through the night.

God will guide you in every decision you have to make, therefore you will not stumble. Be on the alert so as not to stray from the appointed direction, and if you are not given new directions, continue with the one you’ve been given. Under no circumstance shall the Almighty let the enemy fill your head with confusion. After all, you are part of the divine plan and Jesus promised that no one will snatch you out of His hand (John 10:28).

Confess your sins to the Father who, besides forgiving you, will take you away from sin. With God’s forgiveness, you will live a life that is worthy of the calling you received. You will not fail or be overcome by the enemy if you are grounded on the eternal Rock.

In Christ with Love,

R. R. Soares