Pastor John D Jakes

When was the last time you heard people sing with abandon about Jesus? I have two events every year when I am surrounded by people who are doing that. The first is my pastors’ conference in February. The second is camp. Being a part of a group like that reminds me of how precious our relationship with God is.  What do you see in such gatherings? You see people singing with abandon.  They are praising God with their whole hearts.  I believe God receives such praise with love.

Isn’t that the most wonderful reality of our God?  He loves us!  He receives our praise!  He longs to be our friend!  What a glorious invitation! Consider what James says about Abraham:

“Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God.

James 2:23 NASB

When you think about how little we know and how often we sin, it is absolutely wonderful that God accepts us. Think about how little of the Bible had been written during Abraham’s day. Yet, the Bible declares boldly that Abraham was God’s friend! How does God do that? How can he call we who know so little and make so many mistakes His friend?! He does it through faith. When we believe what God has said about His Son and apply it to ourselves, He fully and completely receives us. God considers our faith enough to call us His friend. How glorious!

I was reminded of that this week. Jesus made the way to God, and Jesus is the way to God.  When our life is in Him, God accepts us, our praise, and our friendship. That is so good for my heart to hear. That is enough for me. What about you?

Something to think about,

Pastor John