Enjoying God’s Friendship

Hope-Full Living

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Enjoying God’s Friendship

September 22, 2024 • Jan Kilby • James 4:7, 1 John 3:6, John 15:14

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Many people seek a friendship with God. This requires trying to avoid intentional sinning.

Fortunately, as a senior, the temptation to do wrong is not as attractive as it once seemed. Experience has taught me that what sinning promises is never what

I need. Most importantly, sin leads to hurting God, ourselves, and others. When I repent of my mistakes and request God’s forgiveness, he gives me the strength to improve my behavior.

Building on your relationship with God always has an advantage. This occurs when we care about the state of our soul and those we care about. When we have a close friendship with God, we are at peace and are more comfortable asking him for help.

Steadfast Love

October 4, 2024 • Paul Doenges • Isaiah 54:10, Genesis 28:15, Isaiah 54:10–17

We make many decisions throughout life. Some decisions are deliberate. We carefully weigh our options then make the best choice. Other decisions must be made quickly because life depends on an immediate choice. Such immediacy is common during a health crisis. Hearing the words “you need emergency surgery, or you will die” is difficult. A quick decision must be made. Any life crisis brings uncertainty. During these times, we know that our Lord has compassion for us. He touches our lives with his steadfast love and promises to grant us peace. He sends professionals with knowledge to provide care. He provides family and faith-communities to pray for our healing and peace. He promises he will lovingly be with us every moment of our life ... even during a health crisis.

What is God’s Presence?

October 3, 2024 • David Bever • Isaiah 41:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:15–18, Exodus 33:14

Here are some ways to help you experience God’s presence in your life. “Talk to him.” Jesus wants us to talk to him. He wants to know all the details, whether good or bad, about your concerns, hopes, and joys. The Lord is near to all who call upon him. “Wait on him.” It is vital that we set aside time for waiting on him. If he is to be our priority, we will set aside specific times giving our full attention to be with God. “Enjoy close company.” It is a blessing to have kind, loving, and helpful friends. Thank God for those close friends! Rejoice that Jesus is more caring, more loving, and more compassionate than anyone. Enjoy a close relationship with Jesus through the week. Allow yourself to feel God’s presence in your life through your words, deeds, and actions.

Timely Gratitude

October 2, 2024 • Lynne Waite Chapman • John 10:10, Isaiah 25:1, Lamentations 3:22–23

Morning is my time for expressing gratefulness for God’s provision; thanking him for and reminding myself of family, a home, church family, a safe place to worship, a new day. I begin the day with gratitude for all he provides. Through the day, I thank him for guidance and for answers to those frantic arrow prayers in stressful situations that arise. Evening is my time to remember his comfort in the past. I remember how he carried me through twists and turns of life that had at the time seemed hopeless. Each crisis he brought me through strengthened the faith that I lean on today. I’ve learned that in every challenge, I am safe in his hands.