My Brother's Keeper

Volume 11, Number 2, April-June, 2006

Growing on the WORD

A scripture study

The Word of God is the source of light, truth, and power, for those who seek it’s meaning and apply it to their life. Jesus Christ is the word made flesh, and we seek to follow him.

John 8:12 (NIV) - "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Each issue of “My Brother’s Keeper” features a WORD study. This issue’s word study is from David Todeschini, a former prison inmate who now resides in Merrick, New York.

Knowing Who You Are

by

David Todeschini

Almost 2000 years ago, a medium-sized sailboat with 276 men aboard (Acts 27:37), set sail from the island of Crete in the Mediterranean Sea towards Rome, which was about 10,000 miles away. Among the men were a few prisoners, one of whom was the Apostle Paul (Acts 27).

When Paul was a younger man, his name was Saul, and his job was like a Bounty hunter. He went around arresting Christians, people who followed Jesus Christ, and he would throw them in Jail. He treated his prisoners badly, and even allowed some of them to be killed (Acts 9:1-2). All of that changed one day when he was on the Damascus Road (Acts 9:3-20), and the Lord knocked him off his horse and asked him: “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” (Acts 9:4). Getting up, he found that he was blind, and his buddies had to help him into town to meet a man named Ananias, who touched him and restored his sight. From then on, Saul’s name was changed to Paul, and he went around preaching about Jesus Christ.

But now, Paul himself was a prisoner, not for hurting people, or for persecuting the Christians, but a prisoner because he was preaching about Jesus.

As the boat sailed, it came into a wicked storm: rain, heavy winds, lightning, and big waves that tossed the ship around like a rubber duck in a bathtub. The storm’s winds were so bad, it was impossible to use the wind to sail with, so the crew took down all the sails. They even gave up trying to steer the ship. The waves were so high they came over the deck. The ship was falling apart, so the crew tried to hold it together by not trying to fight the storm. On Paul’s advice, because the Lord had spoken to him (Acts 27:22-25, 38), everybody ate as much food as they could so that they would be strong; and all the rest of the food was thrown into the sea with the rest of the cargo, to make the ship lighter. The ship ended up crashing into the rocks off the shores of the island of Melita (Acts 28:1) and everybody swam to shore.

The people on the island saw what happened to the ship. Since the water was very cold, they built a big bonfire to help the men swimming see where they were going, and also to warm them up once they got to shore. Paul had told the crew that the Lord had spoken to him, promising that none of them would die in the storm. True to his promise, all of them made it safely to shore.

While they were all on the beach warming up and getting dry around the big campfire, Paul went and got a big bundle of brushwood, and went to throw it into the fire. He didn’t know it, but there was a poisonous snake inside that bundle of twisted branches (probably curled up, sleeping). When the snake felt the heat of the fire, it jumped out and bit Paul on the hand (Acts 28:2-3).

The natives, being superstitious people, knowing that Paul was a prisoner, reasoned that “this must be a murderer” because the snake bit him. They figured that Paul was being punished for all of the terrible things he must have done (Acts 28:4). But Paul pulled the snake off his hand, and threw it into the fire (Acts 28:5). He didn’t die, and he wasn’t even hurt! The people then knew that what they started to believe about Paul wasn’t true (Acts 28:6-7).

You see, when Paul was young, and was known as Saul, he did do evil things. If he personally didn’t kill anyone, he didn’t do anything to stop someone from killing a Christian, which is just as bad. The “old” Paul (Saul), the young man, did not know who he was, before the Lord knocked him off his horse on the Damascus Road (Acts 9:3-4); that’s why he did the evil things he used to do. When Saul met the Lord, he realized who he was. He wrote about it later:

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new Creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
(II Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

Paul was protected from the storm and the snake, because he knew he was a child of God. Paul knew he was made in the image and likeness of God, so whatever people said about him, really didn’t matter. It didn’t bother him at all.

You and I are God’s children, too. Did you know that? Well, it’s true. What that means is that our souls, the part of us that is really us, is like God, because we are created in His image - which means we are “just like” our Father in heaven. If God is perfect, then you must be good. If God knows everything, then you have to be smart. If God can move a mountain, then you must be strong, too. If God loves all of us, good or bad, then you and I can love each other and our neighbors with the same kind of love. God made us this way, and we learn not to remember, or we are taught to believe lies about who we really are, by other people who don’t know who they are.

Sometimes we say to ourselves: “I’m no good”, or “I’m too fat”, “I’m too skinny”, “I’m not smart enough”, or “I can’t do that”. Sometimes we hear it from other people -- teachers, parents, and friends. Like the natives of Melita did to Paul, people will sometimes call you names, or call you by the name of something you may have done wrong a long time ago. But, if you have Jesus in your heart now, you know who you are. Like Paul, the “old man” Saul is dead. You are a new creature; a new identity. Who are these people talking about? They’re trying to tell you who you are, and they don’t even know who they are!

You see, my friend, who you are is not your name, and it is not the names people call you. Who you are is not what you do to earn a living, and it certainly is not the name of any sin or crime that you may have committed. Jesus took care of all that! It’s not your fault that others don’t know this, and perhaps you can explain it to them.

When you know who you are, you can’t be tricked or talked into believing something about yourself that just isn’t true. When you hear those things, or when you start having doubts about the real you, just remember Paul’s story. Know that you are a unique and very special child of God, and nobody - not even you, can change it by what they say, what they think, or by what they believe about you. When you know you’re God’s child, you start to act like it, just like Saul, who started to act like a Christian instead of a hoodlum when he met the Lord on the Road to Damascus. Saul’s behavior changed so much, that the Lord changed his name! Everyone who met him afterwards, was truly amazed. They recognized his face, and were surprised at the change that had come over him. When you love the Lord, the same good things happen to you.

Concluding Thoughts: The message of our identity in Christ has common threads in all of scripture. It is a lesson that is most imperative for a child to learn as early as possible, for him or her to understand it. Children, especially very young, can be very critical and cutting with their tongues, especially in school where they are searching for their own identities. A child knowing his lineage in Christ, is much less vulnerable to attacks and slander against his identity, if that child knows the truth; knows that he/she is basically good, and created in the image and likeness of God. I can think of no better thing to teach a child growing up, or for an adult to learn later on. Like Saul changing into Paul, knowing this truth in one’s heart can change your life dramatically for the better.

© copyright 2003 - David Todeschini. Suggested Reading: Acts chapters 9, 27, and 28.

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Sharing the Good News

“We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God...”

II Corinthians 5:20-21

From: Tami Doiel,
Denver Women’s Correctional
Denver, Colorado

Dear Sharon and Alan Griffee,
Hi, I am in prison and my friend Brett turned me on to your publication of “My Brother’s Keeper”. I would be very grateful if you would add me to your mailing list.

I am also sending your website address to my family so they can get more information about your publication and scripture study.

Thank you both so very much for all that you do and all that you put into your scripture publication. Love Tami.

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From: Teresa Mullins,
Fluvanna Correctional Center
Troy, Virginia

Dear Sharon, Thank you so much for the recent “Spiritual Growth Lesson” on “What About The Tares?” It has been a very powerful lesson for me and I will be sharing it with others.

Sometimes it’s a struggle to know what to do with those who appear to be behaving in un-Christ like ways, especially in church. Again, thank you. In Him, Teresa

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From: Louis McCray
Mid State Correctional
Marcy, New York

Dear Sister Sharon, I pray as always, that this letter finds you, Brother Alan, and all the Christian Ambassadors in good spiritual, emotional, and physical health.

The realness of “My Brother’s Keeper” helps take the idea of how we should treat each other “out of the box” and put it in the hearts and minds of those who receive the publication. I thank God for the creation of the whole Christian Ambassador’s Inc. I am touched more then you can believe. God truly allows you and Brother Alan to hear the cry of the poor at heart amongst you. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” I John 2:6 (KJV) Amen.

Also, thank you for the Spiritual Growth Lesson “What About The Tares”. I enjoyed the spiritual insight. Your comments were well thought out and came from the Holy Spirit, indeed.

It reminded me of the words of Isaiah 54:17 (KJV), No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. Blessing through the servants (Tares seeds of Christ). Great Lesson indeed.

As we continue to concentrate on our relationship with Jesus Christ, my prayers are with you all. Love in Jesus Christ, Louis.

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From: David Wayne Smith
Red Onion State Prison
Pound, Virginia

Dear Sharon, Greetings in the great name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and may the living God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob always bless you with His tender mercies and loving grace. Praise God.

I receive your teachings from Christian Ambassadors and I want to tell you personally, what a blessing and gift from God you, your husband, and teachings are to me. Such a well informative and inspirational spreading of the living Word of God. Thank you.

God will surely reward you with the inheritance of eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven. God Bless ya’ll.

Please accept these few [postage] stamps enclosed, to assist you in your mailings of your teachings, to hopefully reach the unbelievers and to win them over to Christ. Ya’ll are a true blessing and obedient servants of our Father in Heaven and Jesus.

In Christ’ Love, David Wayne Smith.

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From: Mark Dubuque,
Woodbourne Correctional Woodbourne, New York

Dear Alan and Sharon, Greetings Brother and Sister. Let me first say what a blessing it is to receive the Spiritual Growth Lessons from you.

This past week was rough. I went to my first Parole Board hearing. Everyone said prepare yourself to get hit. I did. But, they didn’t tell me how to prepare my family. I had to break their heart and say, “I have to work a little longer”. The one thing I didn’t do was prepare my family. No one teaches it. There is no way to teach it unless they have Jesus. Only he can touch their hearts.

He [Jesus] sure broke me down. He showed me that if I let the devil in just for a second, he could do so much damage. And, he did a lot. Not as much as he wanted. But praise God, He still stood by my side when I needed Him most.

So thank you so much for taking the time to send me the Spiritual Growth Lessons. They mean so much to me.

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From: Timothy McCorkle,
Huerfano Correctional Center
Walsenburg, Colorado

Dear Al and Sharon, Greetings in His Holy Name. I’m in the Faith Pod here [Walsenburg], which is really great. Throughout the past 6½ years I have grown and been knocked down spiritually, but most of all I have become much wiser then when I started out. However, the big test is yet ahead because this month is the final chapter of this book in my life. Praise God!

This stretch of years has been far more different from the rest in Florida or Tennessee D.O.C. Because this time I have been far more dedicated to serving our Lord Jesus than serving the world. I feel so much different about my release. I am at total peace. God sent me this message from my Christian brother’s family on the outside.

Joshua 1:9 (NIV) - “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

This explains full confidence, with no worries of handling my business here in Colorado and making my trip home to Tennessee, with God before me and with me. Amen. You both are truly Ambassadors of God. Love Timothy.

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Dear Brothers and Sisters, Your letters are welcome and appreciated. If you or a loved one is incarcerated in a jail or prison facility, anywhere in the US or abroad, please write for more information:

Christian Ambassadors, Inc.
PO Box 62876, Colorado Springs, CO 80962-2876 USA

Your family and friends may also check our website at:
www.christian-ambassadors.org

I Hear The Voice of GOD

by Larry Thompson

I hear the voice of GOD when I allow myself to sit silently and listen to the sounds of HIS creations around me.

To be perfectly honest, the sound of silence is the most beautiful sound of all; because in the vastness of silence one is able to hear the sound of their own heartbeat; the rhythm of their breathing; the song of the wind swirling around them; the majestic voice of GOD.

I hear the voice of GOD when I pay attention to the cries of a new born baby; when I pay heed to the lessons that a child can teach me through the wonder of their innocence; when I see and fulfill a need of my neighbor before he ever asks for my help or prayers. I hear the voice of GOD; that “still small voice” which speaks to my Spirit and comforts my soul in times of tribulation.

I hear the voice of GOD when I hear the voices of my brothers speaking peaceably, one to another; when I hear the songs of praise flowing forth from the hungry hearts of true believers; when I hear a new born child of GOD confess that they know, they believe, and they accept that JESUS CHRIST is The LORD, and is The Savior of their soul.

I hear the voice of GOD when I hear the raindrops of righteousness strike me upon the cheek, while I cry tears of joy as HE bathes me in His precious, precious blood. I hear the voice of GOD when I stop listening to the wants of my flesh, and fully appreciate that HE fulfills all of my needs.

I hear the voice of GOD when I allow myself to sit silently and listen to the sounds of HIS wonderful creations all around me; and I'm more than thankful for this gift; I am indeed Blessed, that I hear the voice of GOD.

Copyright 2002, Larry Thompson

How to Happily Endure To The End - From The Scriptures

by Eva Fry

Matthew 3:2 - “...Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Matthew 3:3b - “...Prepare ye the way of the Lord...”

Matthew 4:4b - Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Matthew 4:10b - “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”

Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:4 - Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Matthew 5:5 - Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Matthew 5:7 - Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Matthew 5:8 - Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God.

Matthew 5:10 - Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:11 - Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Matthew 5:12 - Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Matthew 5:13 - “Ye are the salt of the earth...”

Matthew 5:14 - Ye are the light of the world.

Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 5:22 - Whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment:

Matthew 5:25 - Agree with thine adversary quickly.

Matthew 5:34 - Swear not at all.

Matthew 5:39 - Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Matthew 5:41 - And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

Matthew 5:44 - Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.

Matthew 5:48 - Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

CREDO IN “THE CAN” -- By David Todeschini

There are those today mocking God, Galatians 6:7
and they say that “there is no such being” Psalms 14:1
Scoffers among us who are “Willingly Ignorant” 2 Peter 3:3-5
of what the love and grace of God can bring. John 15:7

But, the evidence is all around us; Romans 1:20
in the flowers and the stars, Matthew 2:2; 6:28-29
in the eyes of little children, Luke 9:47-48
and it's the legacy that is ours! John 1:12

The psalmist David pondered a magnificent sky, Psalms 8:3
as he prayed and mused by a campfire. Psalms 39:3-4
“The heavens”, he wrote, “Are an incredible wonder,” Psalms 19:1, 8:3
But to God... “What is man...?” Something higher! Psalms 8:4-6

We lose track of our marvelous origins, Genesis 1:27
chasing riches and filthy lucre to trade, I Tim. 6:10, I Peter 5:2
deceived by the devil-All sinners Romans 3:23, James 1:14-15, 1 John 1:8
But fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalms 139:14

If we were wise, as we live and seek knowledge, 2 Timothy 2:15
we will learn that we are really not lost, John 17:12
For God in heaven so loves us, John 3:16
He sent his son Jesus to die on the cross. John 19:28-30, I Corinthians 15:4

On the hill of Golgotha called Calvary, Matthew 27:33, Mark 15:22
A love letter was written in blood, Colossians 1:20, I Peter 1:18-19
His cry “Eli, Eli la' ma sa-bach' tha-ni?” Matthew 27:46
Paid the ransom price to set us free. I Corinthians 6:20, 7:23, I Timothy 2:5-6

So confess with your mouth, and believe in your heart, Romans 10:9
the words which will for ever be true; Matthew 24:35, Hebrews 6:18, I Timothy 1:12
Repent of your sins and be in the Lord, “ Acts 26:20b
Old things are passed away; All things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Then walk with the Lord fully confident, Proverbs 3:26, Hebrews 3:6
in his word and the everlasting covenant made, Hebrews 13:20
your soul cannot be snatched from his hand, Deuteronomy 32:39, Job 10:7, Isaiah 43:13
And his arm is not so short it cannot save. Isaiah 59:1

Now that you're the Lord’s, the devil will tempt you, I Peter 5:8
even more than ever before, James 1:2-33
but the Lord won’t permit the temptation Revelation 3:10
to be greater than you can endure. I Corinthians 10:13

Yes, the devil has put us in prison, Revelation 2:10
And for now we endure barbed wire and bars, Isaiah 42:22
But the real prison is for the son of perdition John 17:12, Revelation 19:20, 20:10
And our destiny is among the stars. I Thessalonians 4:17, Psalms 23:6

And don't think that your sins are so terrible; Luke 23:34, Titus 1:12-15
Unique and so heinous that God won't forgive, Luke 7:47
For even the prophets were sinners, Isaiah 6:5
But in our Lord Jesus Christ we all live. Philippians 1:21

So when you despair of your troubles, Ecclesiastes 2:17, I Peter 4:12-13
And stand hurt and broken hearted “on the gate” Isaiah 42:3, Matthew 12:20
Take comfort, my brothers, and remember, Psalms 119:11
The promise of Romans eight twenty eight. Psalms 37:4, Romans 8:28

The Midnight Cry -

The Bridegroom Cometh!

by

Sharon K. Griffee

On the cover of the March/April 2006 issue of “Ministries Today” magazine, is the following caption; “The End? Is the 21st-century church too distracted by the hereafter to do any good in the here and now?”

Indeed, this is an excellent question for followers of Jesus Christ to consider. It seems that everywhere we turn these days, whether it be in music, art, books, magazines, the news media, churches or Bible studies, people are inundated with end time concerns, dread and fear. Believers, if they are not mindful, run the risk of becoming so preoccupied with end time events, they may fail to live for Jesus in the here and now. A few years ago, I actually heard a former prison inmate, a professed Christian say, “I’ll be glad when this whole shooting match between good and evil is over with, so we can all go home.”

Brad Paisley’s popular song further laments the mood of the times we live in; “so much pain and so much darkness in this world we stumble through, all these questions I can’t answer, so much work to do, but...when I get to where I’m going, on the far side of the sky...there’ll be only happy tears.”

While there is nothing wrong with looking forward to heaven, we must not forget the glorious work God has called His people to fulfill in these last days before Jesus returns. As we draw on the confidence Jesus has in us, we shall come to the realization that these are the most exciting times for us to live! Just think of it, as the world struggles with answers, we are privileged to know the one with the answers.

Is there darkness in the world? Absolutely! Does the Spirit of the Lord want us to focus on the darkness? Absolutely Not! God wants His Church (the Bride of Christ) to step up to its calling. He wants the church to shine like a bright light, fully alert and ready to overcome the darkness of this world.

Isaiah 60:1-2 (KJV) - Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

Our aspiration, as God’s children, should be to live exactly as Jesus wants us to live. If we are living for Jesus all the time, His arrival will not throw us off guard. As Jesus reveals the startling truth in the parable of “The Ten Virgins”, no one else can do our preparing for us.

Matthew 25:1-13 (KJV) - Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

In the parable, we learn that the bridegroom tarried. There was an unexpectedly long delay. Uncertain of His soon return, they all grew drowsy and fell asleep. While we might be tempted to do the same thing, based on all the missed predictions, it is helpful to look at this sin-torn world through God’s divine perspective. As we do, it becomes evident that it is His love for the world that has delayed His return. He yearns for as many people as possible to turn to Him before the door is shut (before it is too late).

The wise virgins (bridesmaids) took all of this into account. They were prepared for such delays. They had the foresight to bring a flask of additional oil with them to keep their lamps or torches from burning out. Everyone in the wedding procession was expected to carry his or her own lamp or torch. But, the foolish virgins failed to prepare, so when their lamps went out they tried to borrow oil from the wise virgins.

The wise virgins refused, telling them to go buy their own oil. Were the wise virgins being selfish not to share their oil? Not at all! Their decision was based on common sense. If all the lamps or torches went out, the whole wedding procession would be in the dark. That would have been a disaster. In the end, all the personal preparations the wise virgins made to meet the bridegroom could not benefit the foolish virgins.

The foolish virgins found out too late, there are certain things that cannot be borrowed. No one can borrow a personal relationship with Jesus Christ from someone else. The sobering truth Jesus brings out in this parable? Once the wedding party was inside, the door was shut! Failure to be ready when the Lord comes, is to be shut out from His presence and Kingdom. Like so many today, the foolish virgins took no extra time to get to know the Bridegroom (Jesus) personally.

Is it too hard to live for Jesus in the here and now with all the troubles in the world? Is Jesus really asking too much of us – to be alert and prepared all the time for his coming? Whenever we start to fall into the trap of the world’s thinking, wanting everything to be free and easy, we need only to look at the cross to jolt us back into reality.

In the words to the song “Tougher Than Nails” by Joe Diffie, we see the strength and determination of Jesus.

“Whenever I’m in doubt, I look up what he said, it’s all there in the good book, in black and white’n red. Hit him and he just turns the other cheek. Don’t think for a minute he was weak, cause in the end he showed them, He was any-thing but frail, they hammered Him to a cross, but He was tougher than nails. Yes, in the end He showed them, He was any-thing but frail, they hammered Him to a cross, but He was tougher than nails, tougher than nails, oh, oh, oh!”

Jesus may not have wanted to be hammered to a cross. Look at what it cost Jesus to fulfill His purpose in the world.

Matthew 26:39b (KJV) - O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Jesus painstakingly prepared all the days of his life to go to the cross. At the most critical time in history, with our salvation at stake, Jesus came through for us. Praise God! He was ready!

What will it cost us to fulfill God’s purpose in our life? What preparation will each of us be willing to make to win those whom Jesus loves?

I met a young woman recently whom I deeply respect. She was telling me about teaching a Children’s Sunday school class. Her belief in teaching the children about Jesus is so strong; she is willing to endure every hardship that might come up. In the situation she deals with, trouble could break out at any time.

A little boy in her Sunday school class has been diagnosed with autism. She never knows when the smooth flow of her class might be interrupted with a serious outburst of fighting. At any time, the little boy could start hitting the other children.

As I listened to her talk, I could tell that teaching the class was difficult. Yet, I never once heard her say she was thinking of quitting. How does she do it? She stays ready! A wise servant makes preparation. As soon as one Sunday school class is over, she said she immediately begins preparing for the next class.

In conclusion: The cry at midnight could come at any time; Behold, the bridegroom Cometh! Are we ready to arise, here and now, to go out to meet Him?

Friends

by Samuel Sutton

Exodus 33:11 (KJV) - And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.

“Through good times...through bad times...I’ll be at your side forevermore...that’s what friends are for!” During these times, we hear the world identifying with words like forevermore, and friend in many ways. The Friends TV program was a big hit when it first came out and it is still popular in syndication. The characters are men and women who choose to make sinful decisions and live sinful lifestyles. Jesus Christ our Lord does not condone [excuse] sin. Jesus loves us, but we must all acknowledge and repent of ours sins to truly become His friend.

There are many songs that have lyrics [words] about friends in this world: a world that born again believers, followers, disciples of Christ don’t belong to anymore. “Friends, how many of us have them?...You’ve got a friend...” Or, there are the popular traditional sayings (Proverbs) of today like: “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” Indeed we all do need a friend and “...what a friend we have in Jesus!”

Proverbs 18:24 (KJV) - A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

The woman was on her final part of life’s journey. At peace, she waited for her departure from this realm and entering into her Living Hope, the eternal rest in Jesus Christ our Savior. Her Son, Bill, sat at her side, his hand in hers and he said, “Mama you’ve brought 14 children into the world, seen your children grow and have children of their own. And, you have seen these children have children. Your life has been joyful and heartbreaking. You have married, and you have had to bury your husband while you were young, raising your children alone. Some of your children have passed on before you. One of your sons won the State Lottery and shared his new wealth with you.

Then he asked her this question, “Mama, looking back on your life and all the times that you’ve had; what was the happiest day of your life?”

Bill’s dear Mama didn’t hesitate. She looked him directly in the eyes that were already beginning to fill with tears and told him this. “The happiest day of my life was when I gave my life to Jesus, He’s my friend and my God.”

“It is a friendship based on new life created in us, which has no affinity with our old life, but only with the life of God. –Oswald Chambers.

Bill’s Mama did not know Jesus all of her life, but at the point when He was about to bring her home, she had given Him all of herself. Being forgiven of her sins by grace and justified in His presence forevermore was all the joy she cared to remember. She did not buy into the world’s meaning of what friends are, for she knew that Jesus is her friend forever.

John 15:13-15 (KJV) - “I have called you friends...Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”

Are you a friend of Jesus Christ of Nazareth? Have you made that decision to do what He has commanded of you? Do you believe that He wants to be your friend, or maybe you want to re-dedicate yourself to His name and saving grace?

Acts 4:12 (KJV) - Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

You may be ready to trust in Jesus Christ, allowing Him to be the Lord of your life, as you are reading these words. If you are ready, then pray this prayer.

“Dear God I’ve been living my life as a friend of the world, living my own way. I am sorry, forgive me. I am willing, right now for you to take control of my life. I lay my life down for you Jesus Christ, the Son of God, to be my personal Savior. I believe that you died for my sins and that God raised you bodily from the dead. I surrender to you as my Lord. Thank you for hearing my call. Amen!”

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