Some believers are very surprised when they are called to suffer. They thought they would do some great thing for God, but all God permits them to do is to suffer. Just suppose you could speak with those who have gone to be with the Lord; everyone has a different story, yet everyone has a tale of suffering. One was persecuted by family and friends...another was inflicted with pain and disease, neglected by the world...another was bereaved of children...another had all these afflictions. But you will notice that though the water was deep, they all have reached the other side. Not one of them blames God for the road He led them; “Salvation” is their only cry. Are there any of you, dear children, murmuring at your lot? Do not sin against God. This is the way God leads all His redeemed ones.
Robert Murray McCheyne

Friendship With Jesus

Friendship With Jesus

Inspiration 1 Cor.1:1-9

FRIENDSHIP WITH JESUS

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son.

1 Cor.1:9

Many people were won to Christ through the witness of John Gilmour, a godly Britisher of days gone by. It was his practice to fill his pockets with gospel books to use as God directed him. One day he was walking in a little village when he came across an old Irishman who sold lids, kettles and saucepans for a living. Assuming that the man would be negative towards religion, Gilmore thought, there’s no use speaking to him. But prompted by the Spirit, he decided to greet the old man. So he said, “Good morning, how is business today?”,”Oh,” said the Irishman, “I cannot complain.” Pursuing his desire to witness for Christ, Gilmore said,”Well now, what a grand thing it is to be saved!” The old man loked intently at him and replied, ” I know something better than that.” “Something better than being saved? I would like to know what that is.” With a warm smile, the old Irishman responded,”The companionship of the Man who saved me, sir.”

Songwriter Horatius Bonar wrote, “Friendship with Jesus,fellowship devine; Oh, what blessed sweet communion ! Jesus is a friend of mine.” The Christian life does not consist simply of being forgiven and going to heaven when we die. Christ wants us to experience fellowship with him every day. We must get to”know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His suffering, being conformed to His death”(Phil.3:10). This holy intimacy is ours through confessing our sin and yielding to Christ. Each day we can enjoy His satisfying companionship.

-P.R.V.

Savior, let me walk beside Thee, Let me feel my hand in Thine; Let me know the joy of walking, In Thy strength and not in mine.

-Sidebotham

CHRIST’S FRIENDSHIP PREVAILS WHEN HUMAN FRIENDSHIP FAILS……