April 22-23 - Do you know Him?

Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 (NASB).

So, “Do you know my Jesus? Do you know my friend? Have you heard He loves you, that He will stay with you, right to the end?”

A child became separated from his parents in a large city where they were visiting friends. He was frightened, but he knew that the friends lived right next to a church with a tall steeple. However, he had no clue how to get there. He saw a policeman on the corner and said, “Please, sir – I’m lost, but I know I need to get to a church with a large cross on top, because our friends live next door.”

The policeman smiled at the boy and said, “There are two or three churches with crosses. What else can you tell me?”

The boy thought, then said, “Oh, yeah! There is a park across the street, too.” The officer said, “I know where that is. Come with me and I'll take you there!” Taking the boy’s hand the policeman didn't just point out the way, he became the way home.

Jesus doesn’t just point out the way to God, He is the way because He takes us there personally. “When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” John 14:3 (NLT) .

Jesus is the road we travel, and, Jesus is the companion we travel with: -

:
“If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself.” His presence is a promise!....and there's more:
“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (NASB).
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (NIV).
“God is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; He won’t leave you. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t worry.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (MSG).
4. “Earthly friends may fail and grieve us, one day bless, the next day leave us; but the Lord will not deceive us – oh what a Friend!”
5. As our companion He “knows our disappointments; hears us each time we cry; understands our heartaches and dries our tears.”
6. But even better news is that not only is He beside us, but He is inside us as well! “For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 (NASB).

So, what does that mean to us?
1. It means that He ENABLES us, giving us skills to serve Him, and each other.
2. It means that He EMPOWERS us, giving us strength to face the bad days.
3. It means that He ENCOURAGES us, giving us support when life seems to be against us.
4. It means that He EQUIPS us, giving us supplies for our needs.
5. It means that He EDIFIES us, giving us stability when life is in turmoil.
6. It means that He EMBOLDENS us, giving us spiritual courage to step out in faith and trust.

“Do you know my Jesus? Do you know my friend? Have you heard He loves you, and that He will stay with you right to the end?” Listen, and you'll hear Him say, “Turn around. I’m right here.”

Music is, “Do you know my Jesus?” LIVE. Click on the picture to listen