Pastor's Thoughts - February 2016
Bulletin Thought
Feb. 7, 2016
A Thought from Pastor Bryson,
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. ” (John 15:13-14 NKJV)
In Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life, there is a section entitled “Becoming Best Friends With God” (pp. 85ff). The thought is that part of our purpose for being, for existing is to enjoy a relationship with God. Rick Warren states – “Your relationship to God has many different aspects: God is your Creator and Maker, Lord and Master, Judge, Redeemer, Father, Savior, and much more. But the most shocking truth is this: Almighty God yearns to be your Friend!”
Being a friend is more than just a casual acquaintance. It involves intimacy, trust, an ongoing thriving relationship. We find joy and comfort in thinking of Him as our Savior, but how much more joy and comfort would we experience in life if we viewed Him as our Friend? Yes, there is a song of the church that says “What a friend we have in Jesus,” but does the song really resonate with us? Do we really take the words to heart?
Rick Warren states we can become best friends with God:
Through constant conversation – having a praying without ceasing mentality. Communing with God on a regular basis, setting aside some “quiet time” with the Lord. Remember the teaching of Philippians 4:6-7, to experience that peace that passes understanding we go to God in prayer, regularly.
Through continual meditation – thinking about His Word throughout the day. The psalmist states – “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Psalms 119:97)
In John 13:15 Jesus says – “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus proved His friendship, His love by giving His life that our sins may be forgiven. Are we proving our love for Him, our friendship with Him by being obedient to His teachings (v. 14)?
When we understand that not only is He our Savior, but also our Friend, then we can begin to really enjoy His grace that has been poured into our lives.
