Pastor John D Jakes

Jesus said, “No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15 )

Last week our church family lost a dear brother in Christ.  The good news is that we have only lost him for a little while.  We look forward with expectant hearts for that great reunion day in Heaven.  The struggle is the separation we all feel during this time.  However, I thought it would help us all to consider how our brother, Bill, showed every day that God was his friend.

Bill always lamented to me that he didn’t remember Scripture like he wanted to.  He always said that as an electrician he carried his “cheat book” with him so he never had to remember anything.  He wasn’t an avid reader as a young man.  He thought that somehow stunted his ability to read and retain God’s Word.  Amazing thing was, he and his wife still read everyday.  They read their Sunday School lesson.  They read listening to tapes or following the books of J. Vernon McGee.  What love must it be to read every day for years and years believing that you wouldn’t remember it?

Yet, although he didn’t believe he remembered it, Bill showed that he did remember in the best way possible: he lived it out.  No, he wasn’t perfect, but he did live out what he said he believed.  He cared for his wife.  He loved his children.  He shared his love for Jesus openly.  He loved the church and its people.  He apologized quickly when he made mistakes.  He sought to show the love and kindness of Jesus to everyone.

Bill’s life reminds me that everyone who surrenders their life to Jesus makes a difference.  Yes, most of us doubt our abilities and impact.  However, living as a friend of God makes all the difference.

Something to think about,

Pastor John