Friends

Friendship is very special. It is like a giant hug, a sun filled afternoon, a cool lemonade, a hot chocolate, or the scent of orange blossoms. Friendship warms the heart, lifts the spirits, and transcends space and time. There are friendships that last for just a season and others that last a lifetime. No matter the length of time, or the time in your life, friendship is a blessing. 

The great joy and fun of friendship is the reasons for the popularity of Facebook. It links friends from your past with friends of your present. It provides a chance to catch up with those you lost touch with and the friends your are closet to. Jesus Christ wants to be your friend. He longs to spend time with you, know what is on your heart and all the details of what's on your mind. If Jesus sent you an invite on Facebook to be your friend, would you accept? You and Jesus can be closer than your closest friend. All you have to do is to say "yes" to Him. He will never leave you, "unfriend" you, or forget a single thing about you. Jesus is the greatest friend of all.

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:15

Like Jesus 

Role models are important. They provide inspiration, an example, and a source of encouragement. In our culture, it is often difficult to find positive role models. Sports figures and celebrities seem to take center stage but may not exactly be role model material. Still, there are a few inspirational individuals that have been able to rise above life's difficulties and are true role models. Usually, these individuals are Christ followers and the time they spend with, and the commitment they have made to, Christ allow them to shine. You too can be more like Jesus acting as a role model to others

 as you walk with Him each day and gain:

- eyes that see potential rather than limits

- words to encourage, transform, and motivate

- a heart able to love those others would consider unlovable

- hands that comfort and support

- a discerning and clear mind 

It is a role than few will have the ability to play. You can be like Jesus to others. In doing so, you will shine and others will see a glimpse of His glory through you.

"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

   God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus." 1 John 4:16-17

The Greatest Love of All

This week is the celebration of Valentine's Day. Men, women, and children will be giving hearts, candy, flowers and more as an expression of their love. This week there will be romantic dinners and loving greeting cards. Some with say they love with all their heart. Others will sign the card they seal with a kiss as "All my love, always". 

Love is powerful. It has attracted poets, artists, and singers throughout the ages. Love is special and all humans deserve and desire to be loved. Still, the greatest expression of love will not be made with a valentine's gift or a heartfelt serenade. The greatest love of all is the love that God has for you. He loves you so much that he gave his only Son so that you may have eternal life. Now, that is the true and greatest love story; signed, sealed and delivered by Jesus Christ.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Never Ending

I don't know about you, but this scripture moves me: 


 “Listen to me, Jacob, Israel, whom I have called: I am he; I am the first and I am the last.  My own hand laid the foundations of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens; when I summon them, they all stand up together." Isaiah 48:12 -13


It absolutely gives my chills to think about the glory, majesty and power of our God. Nothing, and no one, compares to His ultimate authority and incredible grace. His hands laid the foundations of the earth and spread out the heavens! That is incredible to consider. 

With all the beauty and nature of God, nothing is as comforting as the knowing that He is never ending. He is the first and the last. He is the only constant that exists. Everything and everyone else is in a perpetual state of change. He holds everything in His hands and every knee, and even the heaven and earth shall stand at the should of His voice. That is amazing and very humbling. Next time you look up at the stars or watch the sunrise or set, remember; the God that created the Heavens and the earth, also created the most beautiful person in the world....YOU.

Paid By Christ

The argument is centuries old. How do you get to Heaven? Do you earn your way by deeds, prayers, or by successfully completing a required rituals? Can you buy your way in will donations and pledges? Is it possible to journey to a far off Holy Land on a pilgrimage and have that count as your entry ticket? Many would say that God is merciful and all that is necessary to spend eternity with Him is to be a good, decent and kind person. As so, just as in days past, the debate about God and Heaven continues from generation to generation. 

God sent His only Son to die for you. The reason was that you require a Savior. You can never do enough on your own to cover the sin that separates you from God. Money, deeds, rituals and even pilgrimages can not do anything to reconcile you to The Father. There is only One  Way and that is by the blood of Jesus Christ. He, and only He, is worthy to bridge the gap between God and you, originally caused by the sin of Adam and Eve. If there are other alternate ways to Heaven then God sent His only Son to die for nothing! Yes, Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Don't let the debaters, doubters, and "religious" experts lead you away from His eternal gift which only comes through Christ. He has paid the price. It is done.

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
   and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

If you would like more information on accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord visit this link for Harvest Ministries.

http://www.harvest.org/knowgod/