Friendship with Jesus

   God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His
Son.

   1 Cor.1:9

   Many people were won to Christ through the witness of John Gilmour,
a Godly Britisher of days gone by. It was his practice to fill his
pockets with gospel books to use as God directed him. One day he was
walking in a little village when he came across an old Irishman who
sold lids, kettles and saucepans for a living. Assuming that the man
would be negative towards religion, Gilmore thought, there's no use
speaking to him. But prompted by the Spirit, he decided to greet the
old man. So he said, "Good morning, how is business today?","Oh," said
the Irishman, "I cannot complain." Pursuing his desire to witness for
Christ, Gilmore said, "Well now, what a grand thing it is to be saved!"
The old man looked intently at him and replied, " I know something
better than that." "Something better than being saved? I would like to
know what that is." With a warm smile, the old Irishman responded, "The
companionship of the Man who saved me, sir."

   Songwriter Horatius Bonar wrote, "Friendship with Jesus, fellowship
divine; Oh, what blessed sweet communion ! Jesus is a friend of mine."
The Christian life does not consist simply of being forgiven and going
to heaven when we die. Christ wants us to experience fellowship with
him every day. We must get to "know Him and the power of His
resurrection, and the fellowship of His suffering, being conformed to
His death"(Phil.3:10). This holy intimacy is ours through confessing
our sin and yielding to Christ. Each day we can enjoy His satisfying
companionship.

   -P.R.V.

   Savior, let me walk beside Thee, Let me feel my hand in Thine; Let
me know the joy of walking, In Thy strength and not in mine.

   -Sidebotham

   CHRIST'S FRIENDSHIP PREVAILS WHEN HUMAN FRIENDSHIP FAILS......