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I Have Found a Friend in Jesus
We’re quite familiar with these lyrics. You’re probably singing the next words of this song in your mind right now… it’s a message, a song that speaks to us tenderly with comfort. And it’s true… so true!
You may be thinking this about me: “He’s being a bit too familiar… lacking in respect for the Son of God Almighty!” But I assure you, that I am not. For I hold God and His Son in great reverence! Jesus, the Son of God, is the source of eternal life through God’s grace John 3:16. I am humbled by their presence, when I pray. After all, the Creator of all we see asks me to cast my cares upon Him, listens when I pray, and cares about me. He loves you and me so much, that He sent Jesus to earth to die for our sins… to save us from the consequences of our sins! Praise God!
And His son, Jesus the Christ, is not just our friend. He’s our Best Friend! Christ’s role in our salvation from sin did not end on the cross. He still seeks our salvation! Jesus acts as my intercessor today, tomorrow, and as long as I live. He speaks to the Father on my behalf… on your behalf!
We need Jesus to intercede for us with the Father! And He does! “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” 1 John 2
We recently completed a study of Grace, which benefited me greatly on a personal level. Often our human side falls into the trap of trying to “earn salvation.” But as we all know, you or I will never be good enough to earn salvation on our own merits. We’re not good enough to be saved, but Christ is good enough to save us!
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:23-26
He’s everything to me,
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul;
The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see,
All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.
Jesus gives me strength along life’s long road!! Perhaps my favorite bible verse is Philippians 4/13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The Apostle Paul wrote these words to the Philippians from prison. This apostle found strength in Christ, which helped him overcome his challenges. While we may not suffer trials or the magnitude as did this apostle, we will suffer many many trials in this life! When confronted with earthly challenges, which may seem insurmountable, I am comforted and strengthened by this promise. I pray to Jesus, and He strengthens me. I am not alone, for He knows what I face and cares for me... and you!
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:6-7
What would life be without Jesus? A tour of the daily news shows tells us. We see great travails in many reports: crime, violence, suicides, abuse… a world without Jesus! But life lived as a disciple of Christ is full of comfort, happiness, accomplishment and purpose. Jesus gives meaning to life. Our days on this earth are guided by serving God. Remember the time when the popular theme was “What Would Jesus Do?” While it at times seemed to trivialize the meaning, the message still stands. The choices we make, when guided by Him, bring us joy, happiness, and purpose. Each day we begin with a choice. Will we serve Him or not? If we choose to follow God and His son, we will have purpose and reward. Our time in life is short. We must make a choice between good and evil. Our lives will have meaning and happiness, if we follow Him.
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret think, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” Eccl 12:13-14.
In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay,
He tells me every care on Him to roll; Alleluia!
He’s the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star,
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.
Jesus gives us an example to follow! He faced trials and temptations, just as do we. But He conquered each and every one! “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:16 His life on earth as a man gives us a perfect example to follow. When He was tempted, he refused to sin. We should do the same.
In conclusion, please remember that you are never alone. When life hands you challenges, troubles, or travails, you have a friend in heaven above, who cares and is just a prayer away.
