“From the beginning of the year to the very end of the year” (Deut. 11:12 NKJ).
This verse, which ended the old year, is also ideal for starting out a new year with eyes of faith. The whole passage assures God’s people that He cares for their setting, surroundings, and situation in a fatherly way.
He cares for their land. His eyes lovingly and with protective purpose are on them from the first day of the year to the last day of the year.
This is a verse for us. It assures that God’s watchful care can be depended upon from January 1 right through until December 31, year in and year out. The Lord is telling us today just what He told the children of Israel in their day: “He who keeps you neither slumbers nor sleeps” (Ps. 121:4).
Our heavenly Father does not take days off, vacations, sick days or leaves of absence. His eyes are ever upon us. He cares for us just as much as He cared for the children of Israel. Our land is in His focus just as much as the land promised to the descendants of Abraham.
Our Lord is concerned for our homes, our families, our transportation, our jobs, our places of worship, and our safety. None of these things escapes His sight.
You and I may have a tendency to rate certain days above others. You may have already marked out your calendar and circled all the special events during the coming year. This promise reassures us that as believers we are special to God; He keeps us in special consideration every day: “…from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year.”
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.