IN HIS NAME: Paul

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Do You Have A friend?

The focus of social media is getting us to establish as many friendships or connections as possible. The founders of Facebook and other social media platforms have capitalized on something the rest of us took for granted, so if you are not on Facebook, you are part of a rare minority. We all need someone to communicate with, to share our joys and sorrows with, and sometimes to vent our frustrations on.

The Bible gives us some examples of true friendships: David and Jonathan, Abraham and God, Moses and God, Ruth and Naomi, Jesus and His disciples, Paul and his disciples, and many others. God knows the value of true friendship. He has placed something in us that helps us spot a kindred spirit in unfamiliar surroundings, and if conditions are right, friendship ensues.

But sadly, in my job, I come across many people who tell me they have no friends. This always saddens me, because I can't begin to imagine my life without my friends. And I don't mean Facebook friends, although I love them as well. But there is Someone who will gladly be your Friend, if you will let Him. His name is Jesus. He is a friend of sinners (Matthew 11: 19); one that sticketh closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24); He is the One who laid down His life for His friends (John 15: 13) and the One who promises never to leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

Do you have a friend like that? I said earlier I can't imagine my life without my friends, but none of them carry the attributes listed above. They won't be with me forever and they certainly can't die in my place. So today, whether you have tons of friends or not even one, won't you make Jesus your friend?
Just pray this prayer: Dear Jesus, I believe you died on the cross to save me from my sins. Come into my life and be my Lord, Savior and Friend. Amen.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

What Do You Do While Driving?

Woman applying cosmetics to her lips. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of the cards in the game Outburst has a header that reads Things People Do While Driving. Players have to come up with ten things that people usually do while driving. Answers range from listening to music to putting on makeup. (Texting was not yet invented.) Recently, while on my way to work, my lips felt dry. I never have time to put on much makeup before leaving the house on mornings, so I reached into my purse for my lip gloss. Before I could find it, the light changed and I had to move on. Okay, I thought, next light. Once again, the light changed before I could find my lip gloss. After that, I had the green light all the way.

Then it occurred to me, when was the last time I praised the Lord outside of church. I began to sing praise songs. Soon I was enjoying myself so much, I forgot about my lips being dry. My praise continued even on to the highway. I did not feel stressed as I usually do about the traffic and I arrived at work feeling calm and refreshed.

Praise is mentioned many times in the Bible. From the Old Testament to the New, God's people have known the value of praise. They praised God when He delivered them from their enemies (Deuteronomy 10 : 21) and they praised Him before they faced their enemies (2 Chronicles 20 : 21). In the New Testament, when Paul and Silas were captured and thrown into prison, the Bible says, "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed , and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken : and immediately all the doors were opened , and every one's bands were loosed" (Acts 16: 25 - 26) .

Are you in need of deliverance? Are you seeking God's guidance or help in something you are about to do? Do you need power to fight your spiritual battles? Or, are you simply thankful for all He has done for you. Then open your mouth and praise Him. The psalmist said, "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth" (Psalm 34:1).

So, what do you do while driving? If you have a long, boring or stressful drive everyday, try praising God and see what happens. He will come alongside you, remove the stress and take you safely to your destination. Below is a video to help you get started.