CREDIT: garystockbridge617.getarchive.net

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I pray you have one close friend … a close relationship. I’m not talking of one physically close to you, but one of those friends who understands you – whom you understand. A person you can go to when you have a challenge in your life or who comes to you with their struggles. 

Such friends are rare because they take time to develop. You need to dig deep into each other’s lives. This requires communicating – using actual words – to share feelings, fears, ideas, and even a good joke. Words are critical to developing close friendships. 

If you think about it, you can get no closer to a person than to be in their heart – the core of their being. Paul says, “‘The word is near you, in your mouth, and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim).” (Romans 10:8) It’s helpful to remember God is always with us. He’s not in some far-off land … waiting for us to find Him. He’s always right here … inside us … in our mouths … in our hearts. How? In His Word!

Though we may drift away, ignoring His Word; God never leaves us. And so, when we need Him, all we need to do is call on Him in faith, and He’ll be there. God will remember His Word of promise, “And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Joel 2:32)

This Lent, as we journey towards Good Friday and Easter, God helps us remember – He’s never far away. Lent is a good time to pack God’s Word into our hearts through devotions and prayer.  He helps us remember His Word, to help us when we or those we love are struggling. He helps us remember His promise, to hear and answer our prayers. God is close to us. He understands us. He knows our needs. He shows His love for us. Get to know Him even better. Let His Word soak into you this Lent.

                                                                                        In His Love,

                                                                                        Pastor Jim