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"Praise the Lord ! ... For He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly. He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?" (Psa 147:12,15-17)

We begin this new year with great expectations for God's work. After a couple of mild winters, this season's snowstorms and frigid temperatures are almost welcome. Indeed they remind me of God's word, where He said, "Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, Which I have reserved against the time of trouble?" (Job 38:22-23)

Amos prophesied, saying, "Woe unto you that desire the day of the Lord! to what end is it for you? the day of the Lord is darkness, and not light. As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him" (Amos 5:18-19). This message is not to the ungodly, for they do not 'desire the day of the Lord!' This is a word to the Christians - to you and me!

The harvest is the end of the world, and "Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest." To this agree the words of Daniel, that the holy city will be restored "in troublous times" (Dan. 9:25).

Even now, the enemies of the faith are gathering under a banner of 'unity and tolerance.' But their brand of tolerance does not allow any space to us Born-again believers, for we believe that there is only one name given among men whereby we must be saved: Jesus Christ. As they promote their own brand of religious unity and freedom, even erecting a monument to it in Richmond, VA, we Evangelicals will find ourselves drastically out of their favor.

This year's Strangers and Pilgrim calendar has for its theme the story found in 1 Kings 18 & 19: Elijah versus the prophets of Baal. On that day, Elijah stood alone before the congregation of Israel, challenging 450 prophets of Baal (not to mention the 400 prophets of the grove). Against what appeared to be unthinkable odds, the Lord proved Himself to be true - and every other man a liar. David said, "I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about" (Psa. 3:6). And again, "In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me" (Psa 56:11).

As the pressure grows against us, let us contend earnestly for the faith. Even as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego told King Nebuchadnezzar, let us be assured that, if it be His will, "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us." Nevertheless, we must be resolved that we will not serve their gods, nor worship the image which they will set up. (Dan. 3:17-18)

Jesus said unto us, "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you" (Matt. 5:11-12). "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32). Hallelujah!

David M. McNabb
Editor & Bible Guy