Midweek Encouragement - "The Bonds of Friendship"

"The Bonds of Friendship”

  ^{He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.  “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”}

         ^{A British newspaper once offered a prize for the best definition of a friend. From the thousands of responses they received this winning entry: “A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out.”}

         ^{We all need true friendship. All of us need someone with whom we can share our hopes, our fears, our wants, and our suffering. Even Jesus needed close friends to complete His mission here on earth.}

         ^{Jesus had The Twelve, men He had chosen to stay with Him throughout His earthly ministry. Among those men that He called friends, three enjoyed a special bond with Jesus. Peter and his brothers James and John were in the Lord’s inner circle and were His very close friends. Jesus allowed them to see and hear things that weren’t available to the others.}

         ^{That trio was there at the Transfiguration when Jesus revealed His glory to them (Matthew 17:1-9). They were the only disciples present when He raised the daughter of a synagogue leader from the dead (Mark 5:37-42). They were with Jesus when He faced His night of anguish and pain in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-34).}

         ^{After Jesus’ return to heaven, Peter and John established a much more amazing legacy of service than the rest. Peter founded and led the church in Jerusalem and wrote the letters that carry his name. John, who lived the longest of the Twelve, wrote the fourth Gospel, three epistles, and the book of Revelation.}



         ^{Peter, James, and John were ordinary fishermen when they first met Jesus, but because they enjoyed such a special friendship with Him, they made the biggest impact for Christ in the world.}

         ^{I tell you all that to say this . . . the way to receive the very best God has for you, and to make the biggest impact on your world for Him, is to cultivate a friendship with Jesus Christ. His love will not only motivate you to obey Him, but His power will work in you to do wonderful things for God’s kingdom.}

         ^{So how’s that going for you? When was the last time you spent time with Jesus, the One you claim is your Friend? This coming Sunday is World Communion Sunday. I can almost guarantee that a church near you will be celebrating Jesus as they meet with Him at the Lord’s Table. Will YOU be there as Jesus’ friend?}

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.