A friend to the friendless

Friends are wonderful. Without them, where would we be? They are supportive, loving, and often go out of their way for us. While there are friends in name only—more like casual acquaintances—there are others who stick by closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

While we appreciate our friends and what they can offer, what’s even greater is that Jesus is so much more; he’s both our savior and our friend. He’s been called a prophet, a priest, and a king when he walked the earth. Today, he’s all of that—and more.

Bright Morning Star, the Alpha and the Omega, Prince of Peace…the list of Jesus’ names goes on… But with all of his titles, the fact that he is our friend, too, is stunning.

So, what has Jesus done for me lately? This may be a thought in your mind. Though if you have to ask that question, you may want to look no further than the book of John.

For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but has everlasting life ~ John 3:16

What Jesus accomplished on the cross in doing his Father’s will is above and beyond anything we’ll ever need. Whatever we may require, it surely will not go unnoticed to him. He is faithful to supply all of our needs.  Sometimes, it’s just a matter of trust.

His perfect peace

Pain and worry from personal struggles and issues of the day are often bound up in us when we take our eyes off the ball. Not a ballgame; it’s serious matters of life that so easily entangle us when we look at the problems instead of looking to Christ.

In difficult times of trials and troubles, Jesus—and he alone—is the only healing balm we need. With all of the power he has, what is your life’s situation that he cannot handle for you and give you peace in your soul?

Whose burdens are you carrying that you are so weighted…or that you’re overburdened and spread so thin that there’s nothing left by the end of the day and you are worn and stressed to the point of breaking? Is this where God has called you?

       For my yoke is easy and my burden is light ~ Matthew 11:30

No matter what is going on, the calming peace of Jesus is there to take in. It’s like no other. He leads us beside the still waters and restores our souls. His peace is like a river, and it flows as a fountain of blessings to his faithful followers, who put their trust fully in Him.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. ~ John 16:33

Holy is his name

No matter how holy we may appear on the outside, our righteousness will never be enough to please a holy God, as the word says in the O.T. that all of our righteousness is akin to filthy rags. Sadly, our goodness will never suffice in pleasing Him or pave a path for us into heaven because it’s not really about us. We can never become holy enough on our own unless we first “put on” Christ.

So many feel that they must earn their way into heaven…or do some kind of work or penance to appease our holy God. Really? Is that what God’s word is saying?

According to Hebrews 11:6, it is impossible to please God without a genuine conviction that he exists. And as far as getting into heaven…Ephesians 2 tells us that it is “by his grace that we have been saved through faith…” and by which we trust Him for our salvation.

Try as we may, God is too great to impress with our own self-righteousness. The only way to please God is by having faith in his Son, the Lord Jesus, who graciously gave up his life in order we may live.  No one can save themselves, which is good to know because Jesus did it all through his free gift of salvation by His grace alone.

Got hope?

Do you swim in a sea of doubt and fear and get so far off shore that you lose sight of your peace or hope? Satan loves to pull us into the deep and leave us there any chance he gets. Most of the world is floating aimlessly out in turbulent waters seeking comfort and searching for a life preserver somewhere in the waves.

The world offers relief from the burdens that can weigh us down, but it’s only a temporary fix. Just a crutch. For the children of God, our Lord supplies us with real hope and peace—not as the world gives—and it totally surpasses our understanding of how it works, but it does,

When struggles seem bound to steal our hope, now is the time to rejoice in the Lord and count it all joy (James 1:2) because the Lord has overcome the world, and as a believer, you have the Lord. Your trials are the chisel which conforms you to be more like Jesus…to make you more like him. Let him do a good work in you by faithfully keeping your mind on Jesus, and He will do the increase while he keeps your hope alive—in Him!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” ~ Romans 15:13

The world is a battlefield for mind control. We will always be in a battle until we’re far away from this earth, though there is assurance that in Him, our battles are already fought and won. Our deliverer is Christ.

His light

God is all about the light. He doesn’t just display light, he is light. He is “The Light of the World” and the “Bright Morning Star.” There are plenty of knock-offs, but Jesus is the only real deal. He is the true light.

As believers, it’s our joy to bring the story of Jesus to others who may not know the Lord and who, as a result, walk in darkness. Though to people accustomed to living without the light, they have adjusted to it, and even a small ray of sunshine could, indeed, be harsh at first.

It’s uncomfortable to have a light shined directly into the eye, especially to creatures of the night. Though it should not deter us from sharing the love of Christ with them. The story of Jesus never gets old. For if we do not share our faith with others, we’re only making their path to hell a bit easier. If their route led them to a sheer cliff, wouldn’t it benefit them to know? If there’s danger ahead, it’s out of love that we tell people there is a better road to follow.

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am The Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life” ~ John 8:12

So, share the light of Jesus  with others however the Holy Spirit leads. As an ambassador for Christ, you may be the only source of truth they’ll hear today.