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A Friend Like That
You are likely blessed to have many friends. Some are from your math class at school, some of them go to church with you, and you probably play sports with some of them.
While you certainly don't want to be selfish with your friend's time, but you must acknowledge that the more people your friend knows and admires, and the more people who know and admire your friend, the less time your friend will have to pay attention to you. That's just the way people are, because they only have so much time and they can't be in two or three places at once. It almost makes you wish that you had a friend that didn't have any friends beside you, doesn't it? You want to have a friend all to yourself. That way, anytime you needed him, he would be there, and would be dedicated to helping and caring for only you.
But where can you find a friend like that? Good news! Jesus is exactly such a friend. Of course, He's not just your friend, He's a friend of all those who serve Him (John 15:14). The key is that He's not bound by time or space, and so He's there for you anytime, anywhere (Psalm 139:7-10).
You might say, "I know Jesus was a great teacher and I know He was the apostles' friend, but how can Jesus be my friend when I can't even see Him?" Let's start here: You have His spiritual teachings and perfect instruction in God's Word ever at the ready, which abundantly reassures you that He knows you personally, and He knows exactly what you need (Matthew 6:8, John 10:30). He wants to fulfill your physical necessities (Matthew 6:25-32). He knows what it's like to go through every temptation you have (Hebrews 4:15). He's your friend even when you do wrong (Matthew 26:50). You can rest assured that He's always ready to be your advocate before the Father (1 John 2: 1, Hebrews 4: 16), and you can know for sure that He's preparing a place where you can be with Him for all eternity (John 14:2-3).
Who could ask for a better friend than that? The question is not whether or not you have a friend in Christ. You do. The question is this: Does Christ have a friend in you (John 4:4)?
The Year is Half Gone
Topic(s): Time, Christian Life
Time passes so quickly. The days of the year 2003 are flying by. James described the brevity of time: "Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life'? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away" (4:14). Job 7:6 says, "My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle ..." Another description of how quickly time passes is, "...Our days are a shadow" (Job 8:9). Solomon spoke of the passing of times in these somber words, "One generation passes away, and another generation comes ..." (Ecclesiastes 1:4.) Recognizing the brevity of time let us use wisely the last half of 2003, if God gives that time.
IN THE LAST HALF OF THIS YEAR...
…I WlLL USE TIME WISELY. "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16). Time should be redeemed as we sincerely repent of sins and busy ourselves with the work of the kingdom. Avoid wasting your time in Satan's service. Eternal consequence will result from the use made of time!
... I WlLL DO GOOD FOR OTHERS. Jesus did good and so must we. "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him" (Acts 10:38). Jesus' business was simple. He went about doing good. His was the business of blessing others. Satan goes about seeking whom he may devour. Christians go about seeking opportunities to do good. Jesus did good because He was good. Those who are good will do good (Acts 11 :22-26)!
... I WlLL BE THANKFUL AND WlLL NOT COMPLAIN. "Do all things without complaining and disputing" (Phil. 2:14). Christians are not to complain, be discontent, or murmur. How can we shine as light if our spirit is that of a complainer (Phil. 2: 15)? Our attitude reflects which master we serve.
...I WlLL GO THE SECOND MILE. "And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two" (Mt. 5:41). Christians must serve, bear, forebear, and accept injury without seeking vengeance. Make the best of whatever life brings and be a Christian in every circumstance. Always shine for Jesus.
To be saved you must hear (Romans 10: 17), believe (Mark 16: 16), repent (Acts 2:38), confess (Romans 10:9-l0), and be baptized (Acts 2:38). As a Christian set your goal to prepare for heaven now before it is too late.
A Change of Mind on Abortion
Topic(s): Moral Issues
Kathy Ireland is a well known actress and supermodel. She is also a former pro-choice advocate. "I was once pro-choice," Ireland says, "and the thing that changed my mind was, I read my husband's biology books, medical books, and what I learned [was that at] the moment of conception, a life starts. And this life has its own unique set of DNA, which contains a blueprint for the whole genetic makeup. The sex is determined. We know there's a life because it's growing and changing."
-The New American, June 16 2003, p.27
“Thou shalt not kill…” – Exodus 20:13