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In the Scriptures, much time is devoted to the birth, character, and final destiny of these two cities – one diametrically opposed to the other. These cities are JERUSALEM and BABYLON. They are mentioned 1 097 times in the Scriptures (Jerusalem 811 times and Babylon 286 times). The one is YHWH’s city, which He loves, and the other is Satan’s city, which he exploits in an attempt to overthrow everything which is GOOD.

Failures, whether personal or otherwise, must be one of the most discouraging experiences one can face in life. There is an underlying spiritual conflict that must be understood if we are to effectively combat the painful memory of past failures.

Failure and its accompanying lying accusations is a sinister weapon which the enemy uses against us to our destruction. To learn how to gain victory over the onslaught of the enemy in this area, it is important that we lay a solid foundation of truth. We find these building blocks of truth carefully laid out in the Old Testament history of Israel. Jesus and all the apostles affirm these powerful principles by regularly quoting and highlighting these nuggets of truth from the Law, the Prophets and the Psalms.

Hos 2:14    “Therefore, behold, I will allure her, bring her into the wilderness, and speak kindly to her.”

The wilderness is the frontline where the kingdoms of light and darkness are in fierce combat. It is generally a place one wishes to avoid. If it has to be, then at best some might condescend to tolerate it. But to desire it … long for it … embrace it!?

Yet, it is in the wilderness that we hear the most passionate words of kindness imaginable. This book is written to encourage and give direction to individuals and nations in times of deep turmoil.

It is evident from Scripture that there will be difficult times ahead. We are in a time of a confrontation with evil which can only escalate as we move closer to harvest time. These are end times that we are living in. However, this is not a time to fear. It is a time to stand strong; a time to grow in faith. It is a time that encourages an intimate love for Jesus like no other situation can do, and a time to stick close to our family and fellow believers. These are exhilarating times.

Matt 25:41 “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;

25:42         “For I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink;

25:43         “I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’

25:44         “Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’

25:45         “Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’

25:46         “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”