Friendship in christ

I'm writing this daily devotional during service, I am paying attention but I feel the need to finish my devotions today as soon as possible. This morning I read 2 kings 17:24-26

24 The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its towns. 25 When they first lived there, they did not worship the LORD; so he sent lions among them and they killed some of the people. 26 It was reported to the king of Assyria: "The people you deported and resettled in the towns of Samaria do not know what the god of that country requires. He has sent lions among them, which are killing them off, because the people do not know what he requires."

I didn't find much encouragement in the scripture so I just let it rest on my heart, considering that since the people did not worship the Lord He sent lions to devour them. Lately the scriptures have not been really encouraging me. Yesterday I read in 1 John how to love and that if you didn't love like Jesus loved then you do not know God. I'm lucky God knows me well, because He himself is encouraging me today. What I was discouraged about yesterday was something that happened at work right after I did my devotions. I get out on the sales floor and the Furniture consultant walks by with utter disgust on her face, she told me that the customer she was helping out just asked her out on a date in front of his wife. I was so upset at the state of humanity that such atrocities happen. The first thought was "am I supposed to love even these people?" The Lord is still answering that for me.

Today I was very encouraged to see the children very involved in worship. The kids were dancing, playing with flags, and playing the instruments I brought them. There was a very big difference because the kids felt a part of the worship today, instead of being off to the side. I felt spiritually the lions were comming to devour our children because they seemed very far off in worship, last week I left the stage to encourage some of the kids. Today I saw first hand once they had some instruments to play, they were involved. They are eager to find an appropriate way to worship with the Lord. As a father and friend to the children I see many things that the Lord would have me do to include them more.

Andrew is speaking about being a friend to Jesus, he says the scriptures are great things to go to but you need to have a conversation between you and Jesus. Andrew says the scripture defines the Lord in John 15:15

15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17This is my command: Love each other.

Hearing the words from Jesus shows me more of what was said when I read 1 John. I hear from Jesus' mouth that as friends of God we need to love each other deeply. Because of the friendship of God we learn how to love each other, and by demonstrating the godly love to one another we demonstrate our love to God.

"Open the eyes of my heart Lord"
Blessings to God who reigns forever.
Now to pay attention more to Andrew's word. Look for it on our later podcast.