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Dear Friends of Jesus, Hey, that opening greeting strikes with a two-fold meaning. Jesus is our Friend - and "what a friend we have in Jesus! All our sins and griefs to bear!". He carries our load of trouble and carried once and for all the guilt of our sins, taking it to the cross where it is "nailed". By His death we are free from the eternal consequences of our wrongs and have a frienship with God that ushers us into the "Family" (through faith in Jesus, our heavenly home!). Friends of Jesus also implies that we (you!) are His friend. What do friends do? They spend time with each other. They talk back and forth. They listen to each other.Sounds like prayer, Bible study, worship time to me! Friends also serve and help each other. How are you doing as a friend of Jesus? Is the friendship close? Sincere? Honest? Consistant and faithful? Jesus calls us "friends" because of His love for us. His love never fails and, though ours does, "nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:39). Jesus also says, "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15). And His commandments are not "burdensome" (I John 5:3). Certainly for a friend of Jesus, doing what He says/asks is not a burden but a delight, a chance to express our love for the One who loved us first (most and best, too!). Allow me to just highlight three "commands" from Jesus with very brief comments: 1. "Pray the Lord of the Harvest to send forth laborers into His harvest" - Luke 10:2 - Pray for "laborers" - a new principal for our school, teachers and workers for our Vacation Bible School, for Pastor Kenn, etc. 2. "Love one another." - John 13:34 - Love is patience, kind, loyal, and doesn't keep a record of wrongs (so it is forgiving). Love your family. Love your church family. Love the "non-family" (see below). 3. "As you go, make disciples . . . " Matthew 28:19 - Connect other people to Jesus. Peace and love in Jesus (in Him alone!) + Pastor Paul
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Pastors Devotions 
