01 May A Life-Long Friendship

Probably like some of you, I try to read widely both for my devotional life and to help me be effective in loving and ministering to others.

One book I have particularly been enjoying that my wife put across my path has been “In Season” by Wayne Jacobsen. Wayne’s father owned and tended a Vineyard, so he grew up in “vineyard” culture so to speak, and the book is therefore a combination of his exploration of Jesus’ famous parable in John 15 and his own experience growing up tending a vineyard.

One excerpt I found particularly encouraging was from his chapter on having “A Life-Long Friendship” with God.

As Jesus told the tale of the vineyard he was preparing his followers for the traumatic days they were about to face, days that could make them question everything Jesus had ever said to them. He didn’t want their pain and confusion to destroy their friendship. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Will our security in God’s love win over misunderstood suffering, unanswered prayers, months of unemployment, or the abuse of friends? This is the essence of fire-tested faith. It endures even the events we cannot understand…and it finds its resolve in knowing that God is wholly good and that he can be trusted with our lives. It is only out of this trust that we can discover the mystery of God’s grace and wisdom will always enough to help us overcome any situation.

“Remain in my love.” How much more simply could Jesus have said it? No matter what the challenge, no matter how right our perspective may appear, invest your trust in Him today, and every day for the rest of your life.

I pray that encourages your heart this week as you “remain in his love”.

If you have some time Saturday morning, we are taking a couple of hours to do some simple landscaping and mulch work at the church facility. We’d love to have you there between 9am-12pm! Bring your shovel and gloves and let’s go to work making your church/our church/Jesus’ church look great and welcoming, especially for our visitors. The more hands we have, the faster it will go!

Love you all!

Morgan