What a Friend We Have in Jesus

"What a friend we have in Jesus" is one of my favorite hymns. It was written by Joseph Scriven who came to believe in Jesus Christ after losing his bride-to-be on the eye of their marriage. She was drowned a couple of hours before she became his bride. We can never imagine his pain and anguish. But isn't it amazing that he found true peace and rest in the arms of His Savior Jesus Christ. Please read the lyrics of this song keeping in mind Joseph who lost his beloved!!

 What a friend we have in Jesus, 
 all our sins and griefs to bear! 
 What a privilege to carry 
 everything to God in prayer! 
 O what peace we often forfeit,
 O what needless pain we bear, 
 all because we do not carry 
 everything to God in prayer. 

 Have we trials and temptations? 
 Is there trouble anywhere? 
 We should never be discouraged; 
 take it to the Lord in prayer. 
 Can we find a friend so faithful 
 who will all our sorrows share? 
 Jesus knows our every weakness; 
 take it to the Lord in prayer. 

 Are we weak and heavy laden, 
 cumbered with a load of care? 
 Precious Savior, still our refuge; 
 take it to the Lord in prayer. 
 Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? 
 Take it to the Lord in prayer! 
 In his arms he'll take and shield thee; 
 thou wilt find a solace there.

I did it again!! :(

Every time I sin, I make light of God's grace in my life! My actions clearly manifest, lack of trust in the All-Powerful God and reveals the presence of remaining sin in my flesh. What am I thinking when I disobey God?? Is it a sense of over confidence, that quietly seeps into me, when I give in to temptation?? What does God's word say?

"But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire." James 1:14. The sparks are within me to start a fire!!!!

What more does God's word say? "But I say, walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." Galatians 5:16. A simple command to follow and believe!

"Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, 'Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness." Hebrews 3: 7, 8

Yes!! Listen to what God's word says in regard to temptation. Take a close look at this verse!!!!
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. " 1 Corinthians 10:13 (emphasis mine!)

And don't forget what it says in Romans 15:4. "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope."