Tuesday, January 7, 2020, 23:12

 Dear family and friends,

   Hello and welcome to Heartstrings! Have you ever waited for someone to come to your door with what you needed? Did they know what you needed? When I talked to an elderly woman this afternoon, I heard much complaint about her needs not being met. I do know she has shut people out for so long it is now rare for friendship.

   If you know you have a need like groceries, and you can't get to the store, do you mention it to anyone? How else would they know? What if you need to make it to a doctor appointment? Do you have someone to take you? What will you do?

   After listening and trying to encourage this woman, I realized she really didn't make a faith filled effort. Even if we only have one friend, we need to stay in touch. Also, seeking opportunities to help meet their need. Friendship goes both ways.

   Jesus is a friend who is always there when we need Him. Whether to talk, or cry, to sing praises to His name. Have you ever wondered if He might want your friendship as well? I have. But, only recently. I always thought He didn't need me all that much because He is so big and powerful. Then I remembered something.

   God made Adam for fellowship. They walked together in the garden. I believe they even had a couple of laughs over the names Adam gave some animals. They enjoyed each others presence. God would love for us to love being with Him too! Even get to the place where we can have a good laugh about our own inablities and clumsiness.

   Then, I thought about the relationship that Jesus had with Martha, Mary and their brother Lazarus. We don't know much about Lazarus, until Jesus is weeping at his tomb. The bystanders all saw how much Jesus loved this man.

   You can read their story in John 11. In this case Jesus was considerably 'late' to help Lazarus, who had gotten very sick. But Lazarus died. By the time Jesus arrived there was so much mourning going on. Martha who I am sure had been watching for Jesus to arrive, ran out to meet Him on the road! Mary stayed.

   Yet, it was Martha that Jesus corrected earlier about her errant attitude. Obiviously, she took time and repented and turned from that previous angry woman to a woman filled with hope in Christ. He was the most needed thing! She found that out personally.

   What I am trying to say is, it's not about the help you think you need, but about the One you need. One thing...Jesus Himself! Martha humbled herself and embraced the Lord's correction so was able to embrace Jesus love. No matter what the outcome.

   That is where our true friendship lies, In Jesus! I find myself more and more wanting to be alone with the Lord. Perhaps that is why so many 'friends' have fallen by the wayside. I don't want to grow old and feel alone or forgotten, really. And there are times when it is much harder. Everyone has a busy schedule these days. Sorta like mine was. When things change, as they always do, Jesus will remain our truest friend.

   From the things I have heard today, everyone, including myself, long for stability. This generation with all their good ideas and plans for the future will only disappear under the weight of that task, if they don't make Jesus Christ their dearest, most intimate friend.

   We get the priviledge of surrendering our agenda before the Lord. To pursue the One thing most important and let go of the others. To make Jesus not only our Lord and Savior but, our closest friend.

   Can He provide your groceries or the way to that appointment? Of course He can. Just talk to Him about it! That will get us further ahead than complaining about things. What do you need, really need today? Talk to Jesus. You won't be disappointed, I promise!

   What is that 'one thing' you desire and hope for? Read Psalm 27! Verse 4 says, "One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and [insistently] require; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty [the sweet attractiveness and the delightful loveliness] of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple."

   So, dear friends, we must go there first in order to remain secure, helped and full of hope. Like Martha, it is our choice. Require His presence as your vital need! Will you run to Him today? Think about this. What areas do you have needs in? All? That is something that the Spirit of God can handle!

   On the authority of God's Word, be brave and of good courage! Wait for, hope for, and expect the Lord. He is not man that He would fail to see us through anything we come up against. Let Jesus brace you, stand behind you in the face of trouble and enjoy Him when the sun is shining too. Be enduring in His love and fellowship. God bless you as you hide in His secret place!

Abundance is...His unfailing friendship


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