Thank You, Jesus - My Perfect Friend

Good Morning! 

There are moments in life when loneliness settles in quietly, almost unnoticed, until we realize our hearts feel empty or unseen. But even in those moments, Jesus draws near. His presence fills the spaces no one else can reach. His love reminds us that we are never truly alone. And when doubt rises, when faith feels thin or fragile, Jesus doesn’t turn away. He strengthens us. He speaks truth to the places where fear tries to take root. 

Jesus reminds us of every victory He has already carried us through. The key is that we truthfully listen to our hearts when the Holy Spirit speaks to us. His voice is gentle, steady, and always aligned with love.

Thank You, Jesus, for being that kind of friend. A perfect friend. A faithful friend. A friend who stays close when others drift away. A friend who loves without conditions, without limits, without hesitation.

Scripture shows this again and again. When Thomas doubted, Jesus invited him closer (John 20:27). When David felt alone in the wilderness, God’s presence sustained him (Psalm 63:1–8). When Paul felt abandoned, the Lord stood by him and gave him strength (2 Timothy 4:17). The same God who met them meets us today.

So say it boldly: Thank You, Jesus.
Thank You for love that finds me.
Thank You for faith that lifts me.
Thank You for friendship that never fails.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the friend who stays, the voice that guides, and the love that heals. Help me listen truthfully when the Holy Spirit speaks to my heart. Strengthen my faith when doubt tries to rise. Keep me anchored in Your perfect love. Amen.

True brotherly love

Today's affirmation: #truelove #brotherlylove

If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. (1John 4:20)

Shut up! Just be there

Today's affirmation: #grief #love #friend

they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was. (Job 2:13)

A Stranger’s testimony:Life experiences are testaments of God’s Favor

Read Mark 5:1-20

 Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you…  Mark 5:19

 

A stranger at the grocery store told me he was held up at gunpoint.  He proceeded by saying "My experiences are such that they would make this day a joyful one!"

A few days ago he almost lost his life. His wallet, containing a few hundred dollars, his driver's license, and his debit card were stolen. Strangely, his pricey gold watch, valued jewelry, and recently purchased truck were left untouched.

With tears in his eyes and visible anguish, he uttered, "I came so close to losing my life."

 There's a way in which God captures our focus. When we finally undergo "the experience", it has the potential to bring about a profound, transformative effect on our life. This Stranger's awakening occurred after a brush with near death.

During our scripture lesson, a man possessed by many demons expressed his desire for freedom. The most convincing aspect of Jesus' restoration was when he refused to let the man with many legions participate in the crusade. Instead, Jesus instructed him to share his testimony and spread the word about all the wonderful things that the Lord had done for him.

 When we face difficult situations and adversities in life, it may not occur to us that these moments of despair could serve as opportunities to share and inspire others. The stranger's blessing was that he could survive another day and share with me, a person he had never met before, the story of how God blessed and rescued him.

 Take a moment to reflect on your past experiences and share a testimony with either a friend or a stranger. Inform them of the blessings that God has bestowed upon you.

 

Your setbacks experienced in the past serve as inspirational messages to both acquaintances and strangers. The takeaway is to give honor to his name during difficult and favorable periods. Even though you may have faced some obstacles, remember that God is on your side!  Allow God to use your experiences as a testament to inspire others.

Prayer

Father God,

Thank you for your testimonies. Thank you for your life lessons.  Help me to praise your name during the pain, and suffering, and when it appears you are not there. For I know Lord in the storm you are still nearby.  Help me to be a witness to others. My life experiences can be a stepping stone to helping others out of their pit of misery. Thank you for your Grace, Mercy, and continuous blessings.  Amen.

Part II - Pimping God for Seven minutes …Do You Know How to Pray?

Part II

It came to pass, that as He was praying one of the disciples said Lord teach us to pray as John taught his disciples Luke 11:1-4

Pimping God

Most Christians cannot pray to God seven minutes.  Being honest, there was a season I could not either. There was a preoccupation with me, myself, and I.  Yet, when the going got tough I was first in line hustling and bargaining with God.  “Lord I will do this if you do that.”

What is prayer?

People don’t know how to pray. We are a society filled with greed. Anxious, impatient and want what we want now.  We wish or rub lanterns and hoping Jesus pops out - poof! That is not prayer.

·        Prayer is communication with God

·        Prayer is an action – praying without ceasing Thes. 5:17.

·        Prayer is supplication – not being anxious  Philippians 4:6

·        Prayer is NOT vain repetition – stop babbling Matthew 6:7

I don’t know how to pray

how to pray

There was a woman who was learning how to pray.  She started with prayers she knew – The Lord’s Prayer and The 23^rd Psalms. On her daily commute she prayed two Lord’s Prayers and three 23^rd Psalms. Her petitions were about God and not self. In return her life was filled with joy and closeness with God. Jesus told His disciples enter your closet and pray in secret Matt.6:6. After entering your private closet your prayer can be as simple as reciting the Lord’s Prayer.

What to pray for

As my understanding and relationship matured in Christ so did my prayer life. Opposed to egotistical prayers I started giving thanks for everything – life, health, home, job and family. I graduated to praying for the sick, shut-in, friends and strangers. Most important I sought God’s will and welcomed the Holy Spirit into my life.

Dear Christian, there is no set amount of time required to pray but if you are not giving God seven minutes make the time. If your prayers are self-absorbed it time for a paradigm shift! Give Thanks to God because he is good in all things!

Dear Father God, help me to become more conscious of giving you thanks, praise and less selfish desires. Help me to grow spiritually and conform to your will. This I pray in your son Jesus Christ name – Amen.