ebenezer

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying "Thus far has the Lord helped us." So the Philistines were subdued and did not invade Israelite territory again. (1 Sam 7:12-13)

What is your testimony for the year 2006?

The book of 1 Samuel is about good beginnings and bad endings.

Eli began well, only to end in tragic death along with his sons.

Saul began well, only to end in suicide, away from the presence of the Lord.

How did you begin the year 2006? And how did you end it?

As we face the dawn of new year 2007, we need to take time to remember God's faithfulness to us throughout the past year.

God constantly reminded the Israelites to remember the Lord God who brought them out of Egypt. Even centuries after the great exodus from slavery, God exhorts His children to remember the day of their salvation and their Source of salvation.

Our past is our stepping stone and foundation for our present and future.

We need not - and ought not to - dwell on our failures and sins once forgiven by God, but we need to remember God's ever present help and His amazing work of salvation in our lives in the past.

Do you see God's hand in all that had taken place in the past year? Do you perceive a God who never left you, nor forsaken you?

Did you recognize adversity as an opportunity to see God working in your life?

It is in seeing His loving hand in every facet of our lives that we come to a place of faith and assurance that He will continue to guide us throughout the coming year.

Can you say as Samuel did on behalf of the people of Israel - "Ebenezer"?

John W. Peterson's song expresses beautifully the words I hope we will all confess before the throne of God on that Day:

Someday life's journey will be o'er,
And I shall reach that distant shore;
I'll sing while entering heaven's door,
"Jesus Led Me All the Way."

Jesus led me all the way,
Led me step by step each day;
I will tell the saints and angels as I lay my burdens down,
"Jesus Led Me All the Way."

--from Nakwon EM Decemeber 31st Worship Service