Scripture
So the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.
~Exodus 33:11, NKJV
Quote
What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear.
~Charles C. Converse
Are there things about yourself that you don’t like; things that you are ashamed to confess? Sometimes our mistakes and past experiences can be so painful that we block them out and treat them as though they never happened. These are not my words, I borrowed them from Charles Stanley’s daily devotion JESUS OUR PERFECT HOPE. Charles could have gone into counseling, he knows how to get to the heart of the matter. Those who do not know or understand our Savior make the tragic mistake of thinking they can hid things from God which is impossible. Jesus said, “For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light.” Hebrews 4:13 reads, “There is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” God can see right through us: he even knows our motives which at times, we do not know.
In the parable of the soils; Jesus makes it clear that the good soil is represented by those who both hear and understand…“And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it.” You must understand the truth to be fruitful and productive and the truth is: Jesus knows everything about you. The very first thing you must understand is that you are a sinner and you need a Savior. Beyond this recognition you must come to understand your depravity and His omniscience: He knows everything there is to know about YOU. This is knowledge that your parents, spouse, doctor or even your counselor does not know. Jesus knows things about you that YOU don’t know. Jesus knew that Peter had a problem with pride long before Peter became aware of his pride.
What I am saying is: it is foolish to try to hide anything from Jesus. You are trying to hid under a light, the LIGHT of the world and it is impossible. Jesus wants to be more than your Savior, He desires to be your friend, your best friend. Think about it: no one else loves you like Jesus; no one understands you like Jesus and no one can be with you 24/7/365 but Jesus. He is not going to walk with us to the valley of the shadow of death, He’s going to walk us through it. He is not going to forsake us now or ever.
Practically every morning, during my devotions and prayer time, an old hymn comes to mind. The above thoughts brought this familiar hymn to mind and I am ashamed to say, I had never pondered each word of the great old hymn. Read is slowly and mediate of its content…
What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer
Oh, what peace we often forfeit
Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer
Sorry about being late: I stayed up waiting on the ice storm which didn’t materialize but some is failing now. Matter of fact, it has picked up and I can hear it hitting the roof. As long as we don’t lose power, I am fine. I hope you don’t lose power either. I love electricity and what it can do.
A good day yesterday PTL and great crowd at GP yesterday morning and again at DBC last night. I think the Youth Band helped. I know the youth band helped. The Moose is loose. He is doing a terrific job.
Our new word for the day is ennui which is a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement. In other words, it is what people feel when I preach. It is kin to lethargy and boredom.
Have a great day and week: thanks for reading the blog.