Tuesday, January 6, 2009

What A Friend !

***** Update*****
If you can't find your picture on this collage, please don't think
that you are not considered a friend! It is just because I did this
very quickly and could not find pictures of some of you!
You are valued! You are loved!
Marilyn
*************************
“What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry,
Every thing to God in prayer.”
(Charles S. Converse)

It’s a rainy Tuesday afternoon here in north Mississippi and I am sitting at my desk pondering the newness of the year 2009. I am wondering what this New Year will bring. I have been thinking of some of you this morning while thanking God for the wonderful friends He has sent into my life. You have encouraged me, inspired me and supported me this past year in my joys and through my sorrows. Thank you!

It’s been said that “Friend” is the finest word in any language. We have so many enemies ….known and unknown…..seen and unseen….here in this life that a true friend is indeed one of life’s greatest blessings.

But even greater than our earthly friends is the Friend of all friends… our Lord Jesus Christ. (“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18: 24)

It matters not how many good and faithful friends we have around us now….there will come a time in each of our lives that we will be alone and face to face with Christ when our time comes to pass from this temporal life unto our eternal life. What we have done with Christ here on earth will determine where we will spend our eternal life for, contrary to many opinions, we will live forever somewhere.

If we have trusted Christ’s death on the cross to pay for our sins, then Heaven is our eternal home. (“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life:” John 3:36a) If we have trusted in our own good works to be enough to deserve Heaven, then hell is our eternal home.
(“and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3: 36b)

I am truly blessed to have the best of both worlds. Christian friends in this world and the Friend of all friends, Jesus Christ, who is not only with me every minute here on earth but who has also made it possible for me to spend all eternity at His side.
(“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude v.24-25)

What a Saviour! WHAT A FRIEND!

Marilyn


9 comments:

Lisa said...

You and I are on the same page today! I blogged about "Best Friends" earlier. We are both truly blessed!
-Lisa

Yolanda said...

Friend....a covenant.

I'm thankful for my Best Friend, Jesus. And I'm thankful for some of my friends that I see in your beautiful collage as well.

Lovingly,
Yolanda

Deborah said...

Amen!

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

What a great idea! A collage of friends. I want one. I would love to make a prayer journal with pictures. I think I'm going to do it!

I was just telling Sassy Granny tonight about how many times during my week I think about a particular blogging friend and offer my prayers on their behalf. Isn't God creative to give us such a circle of friends? I just love him all the more tonight because of him giving all of you to me.

peace~elaine

Marilyn in Mississippi said...

Elaine,
You would love a prayer journal with pictures! I did that for two years in a row. I had a page for each person I was praying for and had their picture on it. Underneath I had specific prayer requests and then made notes when or if they were answered and how. I need to do that again but just have not taken the time. Thanks for reminding me of it!

Love ya,
Marilyn

Leah Adams said...

Ah yes, that friend who sticks closer than a brother. Jesus MUST be that friend for all of us, for on this earth there will come a time when we must recognize that He is all we need.

I came to that realization in 1991 when the Lord moved me to San Francisco and I had no one familiar. He was all I had and He was all I needed!! However, it took a few weeks for me to realize that.

Leah

Cathryn said...

Hi Marilyn, What a precious post. I love your collage of pictures. I'm thinking I'm just not that computer savvy yet. :) We do have the greatest friend ever, don't we. I just don't know what I would do without him. Thanks for sharing. Blessings ~ Cathryn

Karin said...

This post has truly blessed me! I love your idea of a friends collage and even prayer journal. The Lord has had to remind me throughout my life that He is my best friend - though other friends may fail me and I fail them, I can always count on HIM! There was a time when I was young that I had placed this friend or that friend on a pedestal - not their choosing but mine - and HE had to deal with me on that.

I've found a Friend who is ALL to me!!

Joyful said...

Well, what a delight to find this post here tonight. I've been trying to catch up with my friends and I've been so blessed by this post and wonderful reminder.

You are a treasured friend. Did you know that you were one of my very first new blog friends? I cherish all your messages to me and look forward to the Lord growing our friendship in the coming year.

Love & prayers,
Joy
PS. Enjoyed your "Weight Control" posts as well. You have filled my appetite with His Word. Continuing in prayer for your discipline in this and other areas you requested.