Dear Beloved: As we approach the turning of the calendar and the beginning of the New Year 2013, many are looking forward not with anticipation, but with anxiety and trepidation to the coming year. The events in America that brought many to their knees at the end of 2012, the worst storm in the history of this country, followed shortly thereafter by one of the most horrific killings in American history, have made us all tense and feeling as if we are looking over the edge of a cliff. And if that were not enough, now we have another cliff to worry about, the so called "fiscal cliff", that could further burden all Americans with increased taxes and possible job layoffs in the days ahead. With all that to cheer us on and propel us into the new year, it's no wonder people are reaching for the medicine cabinet more to try to find a cure for their headache or ulcer. Is their any hope in this world for joy, peace, or happiness?
Jesus made it clear to His disciples that in the end days the only peace to be found in the world would be found in Him. John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." And again in John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world." Jesus spoke about abiding in His love and in His words, that the abiding presence of Him in our life would give us the joy that we are looking for, as well as become the avenue through which we can ask God for the blessings in our life that the world cannot give to us. John 15:7 "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you v8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. v9 Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love." Then He concludes this part of His teaching to the disciples by saying in doing these things, their joy would be made full. v11 "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." So we see that the way to overcome the world, to defeat the fear and trouble and sorrow that is gripping the world, is to abide in the presence and Word of the living and loving Lord and Savior of all mankind, Jesus Christ.
As a preacher of God's word and one who also carries the prophetic mantle, I can safely predict what is coming in the year ahead: expect more of the same and even increased tribulation and troubled waters. The events of the past are a harbinger of the things to come. I have written extensively of dreams and visions given to me by the Lord concerning the future of America, please look in the archives, mostly in the spring of 2010 for some of these postings on this blog. Beloved, the only hope for you and I in this world is in Jesus, the Overcomer, through whom we can have peace and joy. He shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary so we could have victory over the curse of this world. Submit to Him today, 2013 could be the greatest year for you ever, God wants to take you to higher realms of glory, that you would bring glory to His name and reap the blessings! May God bless you as you walk with Him boldly into the New Year. In Christ, Jim
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