Tag Archives: Leprosy

Am I a Friend of Jesus?

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“She has done a beautiful thing to Me.” Mark 14:6b ESV1

Read Matthew 26:6-16; Mark 14:3-11 & John 12:1-11

One of my favorite hymns is “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” by Joseph Medlicott Scriven (1819-1886). Mr. Scriven suffered much loss in his life. He penned the words of this hymn in 1855 after the tragic loss of his second fiancée. The trouble in his life drove Mr. Scriven into a deeper relationship with the only One he could never lose. Thus, the words of this hymn are especially encouraging to anyone struggling in any manner. Likewise, singing this hymn is particularly moving to many who know Jesus intimately because of the times He has met them in their need. The powerful words of this hymn are as follows:

“What a Friend we have in Jesus; all our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit; oh, what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a Friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden, cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our Refuge; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer!

In His arms, He’ll take and shield thee; thou wilt find a solace there.

What a Friend we have in Jesus; take it to the Lord in prayer.”2

Indeed, Jesus has been a tremendous Friend to me, but have I reciprocated? I have been looking at a well-known and often referenced passage of Scripture in the light of friendship with Jesus.

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Blessed Assurance

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Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?”             Luke 17:17 ESV1

Read Luke 17:11-19

Assurance is defined as full confidence; freedom from doubt; certainty.2 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). As we consider this next account, our faith may be tested, but that is a good thing. Faith that is tested and has been proven genuine, gives us all the assurance we need for this world and the next (see 1 Peter 1:7).

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Obey When it Makes No Sense

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Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone,” … But he went out and began to talk freely about it.    Mark 1:43-45 ESV1

Read Matthew 8:1-4, Mark 1:40-45 & Luke 5:12-16

 Are you a questioner? Do you have to be fully convinced before you take action? Do you have to know the reason why a command is given before you obey? Do you have to know all the facts before you proceed? Or, are you unconditionally obedient? When one in charge gives you a command, do you obey completely even when you don’t understand the why behind the request? Do you trust the integrity of authority figures; therefore, you obey without question? Do you act in faith without justification? Or, are you somewhere in the middle, evaluating each situation separately, obeying fully sometimes, choosing to disobey at other times? The recipient of Jesus’ next healing had to decide as to whether he would fully obey the command given to him.

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