Thoughts to Ponder for the Day

Proverbs 18.19-24 There are friends who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Loneliness is a big problem in our world today. Now you wouldn't think it should be because we have so many ways to communicate with one another the postal service etc. Yet psychologists tell us that loneliness and the need for love and acceptance ranks high toward the No. 1 social problem in America.   The reason for this you see is that there seems to be two people living in each of us. One is a person who is reaching out for love, acceptance and friendship. Then there is this other person who is kind of the opposite one who is afraid to be vulnerable. This person restrains themselves from reaching out saying, Don't act so fast. You may get hurt. You may be rejected. so, the bottom line is making friends is risky business. We have to risk something. We must take a chance. Friendship is not for free . Friendship has its demands.43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?   But the good news is that there is one who understands our need for friendship, our need for love and acceptance. He is a friend to us. Sinners are in need of salvation and continual forgiveness.     Jesus is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.     Come unto me all you that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Come learn of me. My yoke is easy, my burden is light, and you shall find rest.     Permit the little children to come unto me for of such is the kingdom of Heaven.    If one will come to me, I will in no wise cast him out.    Folk, a friendship with Jesus is a friendship with God. Jesus said, The Father and I are one.           Corinthians 5.18 - Christ has changed us from enemies unto His friends - and gave us the task of making others His friends also.   Ephesians 3.20 and 21.      He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work in us. To Him be the Glory, in the church, in Christ Jesus, through all generations. I need this kind of help, don't you? For those who lose loved ones, Jesus is there.    For those who have fear, Jesus is there. For those who suffer financial collapse, Jesus is there. David said, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I'll not fear. Jesus is there.  The Hebrews writer promises, He will never leave us. He will never forsake us.  I want a friendship with Jesus. Don't you? God, plus one, equals majority! I want God with me.       I want Jesus with me in temptations. I want Jesus with me in trials. I want Jesus with me in death. What a friend we have in Jesus.     Hebrews 11.6 tells us, Without faith, it is impossible to be God's friend. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him.       Acknowledging, Admitting, Confessing, Repenting of our sins with broken hearts makes us friends with God then be baptized. Jesus said in John 15 My commandment is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friend if you do what I ask.Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him,  We will come to him.