We are nearing the end of our long trek with Moses and the Children of Israel through the cruel wilderness to the Promised Land. We have seen their successes and failures, victories and defeats, joys and sorrows. Sadly, their journey sometimes reflects our life, as we too journey through this hostile, great, terrible and at times antagonistic world. But let us think of the encouraging word of our Master and Leader, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16.33) Remember, we have been sent out into the world (John 17.18) as ambassadors for Christ (2Cor.6.20) We are to witness in the world BUT are not to be of the world, we have been given The Word and the world will hate us. Why? because WE ARE NOT OF THE WORLD (John 17.14) As obedient soldiers may we seek to fulfil the prayer of our Lord and HAVE HIS JOY FULFILLED IN OUR LIVES (John 17.13). What a privileged challenge for each of us at the start of a New Year.