June 1
Proverbs 17:1-19:29
A couple of people lately have told me that they question their own salvation. These people have, at an earlier time, repented and accepted Jesus' sacrifice, and knew He was their Lord and Savior. But since life is long and hard, some of their enthusiasm has waned, their relationship with Him seems more obligatory and less out of desire. The point that they miss is that Jesus is not like any other friend that you ever had. While our love and friendship is often conditional, His is unconditional. When I reflect back I had neighborhood friends when young, college friends and friends from my sport teams, friends from my earlier years of marriage, etc. Though a couple have remained, most have been out of my life for a long time. Our friendships were conditional, and it was not that there was a fight or a disagreement, but more often than not we simply went our separate ways at the various junctures of life. But this is not the case with Jesus. I entered into a relationship with Him a little over thirty years ago. Though my walk was inconsistent over some of those years, His never was. Every time I returned to Him, He welcomed me back, for His love and care for me is unwavering. When I spoke to these individuals who questioned their salvation, I asked them if they now felt that God was somehow wrong on certain topics. They agreed that He was always right. I asked if they questioned who He is. They acknowledged Him as God. Our walk with God is not a sprint, but a marathon. Like any relationship we might go through times of backsliding, this does not mean that our salvation is lost. We will reap the consequences, and more than likely lack peace during these times, but we are still His. Though we might be lackluster about Him, He has never been and never will be lackluster about us.
We read in Proverbs 18:24, "There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother." We have all experienced the shock and disappointment when a "friend" betrays us. Truth be told, we are not always that lovable. We can be moody, we don't always do and say the right thing. Yet Jesus loves us despite our moods. We never shock Him, because He knows my thoughts and motives and loves me anyway. Though we may choose to keep secrets from others, there are no secrets between Jesus and us. Jesus knows all of our flaws, sins, weaknesses, yet loves us anyway. Though most friends run when there is trouble, we can run to Him in times of trouble, as we read in Proverbs 18:10, "The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe." How deep is His love for us? We read in John 15:13, "There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.", and this is exactly what Jesus did for you and me. We might think that His love is based on the measure that we love Him back, but we read in Hebrews 13:5, " For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”"
When we choose to walk our own way for a season, He will allow us our space. For true friendship is never forced or coerced. During those times when we "are trying to find ourselves", we are often actually doing the exact opposite. Usually at the end when we come to our senses, we will look in the mirror and realize just how carnal, selfish, and self-centered we can be when we choose to follow our flesh instead of being led by His Spirit. Generally, at this time many of our earthly friendships have evaporated. I'm sure the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32, had many friends when he was throwing his money around in his life of debauchery. But none of his friends were around when his fortune was gone. Yet his Father was there with his arms open and ready to receive him back. Likewise, Jesus will welcome us back no matter how many times we fail Him. He will forgive us every time we disobediently ignore His warnings. He will continue to offer us counsel even though we often reject it. Though we continue to selfishly think of ourselves, He continues to think of us. The truth is He is unlike any other friend that you will ever have. If you have never made the decision to invite Jesus into your life, and enter into a friendship with Him, why not do so today. It isn't difficult and requires no formal ceremony. Simply repent or change your minds about those areas which are not consistent with God's character. Then accept the perfect sacrifice, that our perfect Friend, Jesus, offered for you and me on the cross. Then enter into the most important relationship you will ever have. Once you have made this decision, a few next steps is to get to know Him better through His Word, the Bible; start going to a church (like Calvary Chapel Old Bridge) in which the Bible is emphasized, and/or listen to a Bible radio station (like Bridge FM), where pastors get you better acquainted with your new Friend.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: