You are My friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you slaves anymore, because a slave doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from My Father. John 15:14-15 HCSB
We just celebrated my mother’s 90^th birthday with a surprise party. I was reminded of the classic Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” which is one of my favorites. I usually watch it during the Christmas season. This movie reminds us that money, power, and possessions are not really important. Friends, family, and relationships hold the most importance. I was inspired to see so many friends and family help celebrate my mother’s 90 years and to reflect upon the many ways God has blessed her and used her to touch the lives of many other people.
Just imagine – Jesus is our Lord and we should be His servants; instead He calls us His friends. What a privilege! We are a friend of the Lord and Ruler of the universe. That is hard to imagine. God has richly blessed me with many earthly friends, but my greatest friend is Jesus!
Challenge: A good friend is always available to celebrate with you and to walk with you through the difficulties of life. What type of a friend are you? Thank Jesus for being a faithful friend. I am reminded of the old hymn: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”. Listen to Alan Jackson sing this great hymn on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X35JDIdQF5A.