“On a scale of one to ten, how would you rank your pain?”  Most of you have probably heard that question in the Dr’s office at one time or another.  I hate that question.  How am I supposed to compare pain to a line on a paper with a smiley face on one end and a frowny face on the other?  Pain might be legitimate, but it is also relative.  They don’t know if I have a high tolerance for pain or if I am a bit of a wimp.  And on a scale of one to ten, relative to what?  I would much rather they ask “How would you rank your pain compared to a paper cut or childbirth?”  Then I would at least have something tangible in my memory to compare the current pain to.

I recently had a friend tell me that our family seems to have been going through a lot.  I had to ask her, “Compared to what?”  Yes, it is true that we have had some challenges.  Some things in our life are a mess.  But in comparison to a young dad dealing with cancer, an ongoing undiagnosed health problem, a battle with depression, or a loved one in hospice… I’ll keep my own struggles, thank you very much.  It might seem like a watered down cliché when we say that God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.  But it’s the truth.  I decided in my heart a long time ago that God is good.  He created everything good.  He is working all things for my good.  And the current storm that I might face does not negate any of that.  The challenge is relative to my confidence in Christ.

We tend to have the mindset that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, but in all honesty, we can always find someone whose lawn is worse than ours too.  It’s all a matter of perspective.    We see what we want to see.  It might be tempting at times to ask “Why me?”  But maybe a better question is “Why not me?”  Is there anything special about me that should safeguard me from the pains of this fallen world?  Is there a promise that I missed?  Why do we grab on to the unwritten rule that if we accept Jesus as our Savior an umbrella will be placed over our life to deflect any problems that might come our way?  I am at a loss to think of any person in the Bible that could be the poster child for a life of ease.

But Paul seems to have gotten this perspective thing figured out.  In Philippians 3 he gives an impressive resume of his spiritual credentials: a legitimate birth, circumcised on the eighth day, an Israelite from the elite tribe of Benjamin, a strict and devout adherent to God’s law, and a fiery defender of the purity of his religion—even to the point of persecuting the church.  But he goes on to say that all of those things, when compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus, are a loss… garbage… rubbish… worthless… sewage… dog dung.  Relatively speaking, his former pedigree and way of life are despicable and disgusting compared to gaining Christ and being found in Him!  Would you qualify your character and heritage as despicable?  That maybe depends on what or who you are comparing yourself to.  If we compare ourselves to others and to the law, we might not look so bad, but when we compare ourselves to the perfection of Jesus Christ, we see the filthiness of our own reflection.

In a recent survey, I was asked to rank my spiritual life between some of these choices:  1) I am not a Christian and am not interested in exploring what that means; 2) I consider myself a Christian, though my faith is not a significant part of my life; 3) I believe in God, but I’ve not yet made a decision to commit to having a relationship with Jesus Christ; 4) I have a solid relationship with Christ that makes a difference in my life; 5) I have an intimate relationship with Christ that influences my daily life; 6) Christ is the most important relationship in my life.  As I pondered the choices, I wanted to answer with the highest ranking, but was convicted that the evidence of my life doesn’t always match up to that statement.

So how would you rank your spiritual life?  Could it be that the level of importance of your relationship with Christ is relative to your understanding of what he has done for you.  I pray that all of us could say that our past way of life—however holy or ugly it may seem—is detestable compared to the life we have found in Christ.

Erin Jacobsma

“Luverne City Council members took action Tuesday night toward redeveloping two lots on Highway 75…” This was the opening sentence to an article on the front page of the local Star Herald newspaper this week.  The article goes on to explain the details of the real estate that will be purchased and demolished all in the interest of removing blighted properties and future development.  I don’t know the exact number, but it seems the city has purchased quite a few properties this year in an effort to clean up the town.  I have heard many conversations wondering where the city is getting all the extra money to purchase the run down properties, but can anyone honestly deny that at least some of the buildings needed to be removed.  It is wonderful  that some of the parcels have been redeveloped or are in the process, some have been used for valuable training for the fire department, but some of the homes have been removed only to reveal more problems with the properties behind them.  Will those properties be the next recipients of the council’s action?

We also read about a redevelopment project in the Bible.  Paul writes in Ephesians 4:22-24 “Get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires.  Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God’s likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy.” (GNT)

Paul himself was a great example of being redeveloped.  He went from persecuting Christians to being poured out like a drink offering on their behalf.  Paul transformed into a servant of Christ Jesus after Jesus took action along the Damascus Road.  He got rid of his old way of life and accepted Jesus as The Way.  Instead of being the persecutor he became the persecuted.

Some redevelopment has been going on in my own life as well.  The Holy Spirit has taken action against bitterness and unforgiveness in my heart and is making room for more compassion and love.  Removing the blight is hard work and messy, but it’s worth the cost and necessary.

So what kind of action are you taking?  Do you have some blighted properties in your soul that you need to remove for future development?  Have you removed one level of junk only to see the next layer underneath?  Are you open to the Holy Spirit doing some clean-up in you?

Colossians 3 tells us to rid ourselves of anger, rage, malice, slander, lies, sexual immorality, lust, greed, and all kinds of evil desires in order to make room for compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love.  Let the Holy Spirit take action in your heart and let the redevelopment begin today.

Erin Jacobsma

A couple of weeks ago as we approached the sacramental feast at the front of the sanctuary, a little one was in front of us also partaking in the Holy Meal.  With the bread not being cut up in its normal, uniform squares, the child reached up for a piece of the common loaf.  As her mother guided her along to the next phase of the meal, I heard the youngster say, “I want a bigger piece.”  I chuckled to myself at the innocence of her statement.  I wondered if she knew the depth of her words.

While some might scowl at the perceived irreverence of her remark, it echoes the society in which we live and the desire in all of us.  Actually, this hunger for more reaches far beyond the current decade and has been present since the opening act of Time.  Satan dangled the possibility of MORE in front of the matriarch of mankind… more wisdom… more knowledge… more like God… and she bit.

We know the consequences of that Taste & See event and yet we continue to fall into the same trap.  More. Bigger.  Better.  We want more land, more status, more pleasure; bigger houses, bigger equipment, bigger bank accounts; better vehicles, better toys, better ________.  Our pursuit of more has cost us irreplaceable amounts of time, devastated relationships, and mountains of stress.  All for what?  Will we ever come to realize that what our souls are craving more of is Jesus?

There are many passages in scripture that remind us what the object of our desires should be:

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” (Psalm 42:1-2)

“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1)

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty!  My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (Psalm 84:1)

“Whom have I in heaven but you?  And earth has nothing I desire besides you.  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26-26)

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)

Tommy Tenney, in his devotional, Experiencing His Presence: Devotions for God Chasers, writes a prayer that we all may need to use daily to build our hunger for God:

“Lord Jesus, my soul aches at the mere mention of Your name.  My heart leaps for every rumor of Your coming, and each possibility that You will manifest Your presence.  I’m not satisfied with mere spiritual dainties.  I’m ravenously hungry for You in Your fullness.  I’m desperate to feast on the bread of Your Presence and quench my thirst with the wine of Your Spirit.”

So go ahead, little one, ask for a bigger piece!  Hunger and thirst for righteousness!  Beg and plead for more of Jesus!  Let God be your portion forever!  You can always have as much of Him as you want!

May it not be said of us that we have an insatiable hunger for the things of this world, but that we long for a bigger piece of the Bread of Life.

Erin Jacobsma

I live with a hippophile.  For those of you who don’t know what that is, it is someone who loves horses.  Cowhide, ropes, horseshoes, and suede adorn her bedroom and her closet displays an assortment of cowboy boots, western shirts, bib overalls, bandanas, and hats.  Since she was knee high to a grasshopper she has tossed the Barbies and doll babies aside to accommodate her cows and horses, fences and barns.  We do not live on a ranch or even an acreage, but that doesn’t matter.  She is a cowgirl at heart.  Since she does not have the luxury of tending to a horse on a regular basis, her cowgirl dreams are appeased through the television.  Apparently there are other city slicker horse lovers too because there is an abundance of horse films on the market.  From “The Black Stallion” to “My Little Pony”, we have watched a lot of horse movies over the years, but one of my favorites is “Secretariat”.

Secretariat is the name of an incredible horse owned by Penny Chenery who ultimately crosses the finish line into history as the Triple Crown winner.  We have watched this movie countless times, but as we followed the story yet again on a Sunday afternoon rerun, a familiar clip reined me in.  Secretariat had lost one of his early races and Penny was interviewing a new jockey named Ronnie Turcotte.  Ronnie was an experienced rider, one of the best, but also had the reputation of running his horses too hard.  Rumor at the track was that he had recently run a horse so hard his heart burst.  As Penny questioned Turcotte in a heated conversation, Ronnie didn’t back down.  “I risk my life every time I climb on a horse.  I’m not afraid, neither are they.  I want to win just like they do.  My last horse wanted to win so much his heart burst.  It’s who they are.  It’s who I am.”

It was this scene that played on a continuous loop in my mind.  … his heart burst… it’s who they are… it’s who I am…  I began to wonder what that would look like in my own life to go after something with such gusto my heart would burst.  There’s a lot of things I could say I have done my best at, but have I ever wanted to win so badly that I would go to that extreme.  Have I ever left it all on the track?

But that’s exactly the kind of commitment Jesus wants from us.  We are instructed to offer our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30), to submit to God (James 4:7), and to do everything to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).  That doesn’t sound like a half-hearted, Sunday only, good enough, kind of commitment to me.

My desire is to get to the finish line of this life and hear those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant”.  But do we really think those are the words that will come from our Father’s mouth if in reality we are running the safest race possible, being content with finishing with the pack, instead of laying it all on the line?  I have been reading a book called “The Jesus Centered Life”.  If you don’t mind a lot of highlights and underlines you are welcome to borrow it.  The author has challenged my status quo living with paying ridiculous attention to Jesus and being ruined by Him and for Him, to not being satisfied with Jesus as a ‘nice guy’ but being captivated by the Lion of Judah.

So how about you?  While a hippophile is someone who has an extravagant love for horses, early followers of Jesus were known as Christians, meaning to be a “little Christ” or someone who had a passionate heart for following Christ.  Are you ready to be done with safe living and be the kind of disciple who gives it all you got?  May it be said of us when the hearse pulls up to the door, that we ran so hard our heart burst for Jesus!

Erin Jacobsma

CHANGE… The mere mention of change stirs up anxiety in most people, but change is a natural part of life.  Change is inevitable.  Sure, change is messy and can be difficult, but change also brings opportunity and progress.  Change comes from two places.  It comes from within or is brought about through forces from the outside.  Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  Transformation is change from within; conformity is change from the outside.

I started thinking about change a few weeks ago when I had the privilege of attending a weekend retreat with Cornerstone Prison Church at the South Dakota State Penitentiary.  Throughout the weekend, inmates and outsiders shared their stories of how God had orchestrated change in their lives and brought them to a better place spiritually.  My heart was burdened for these men as they shared their struggles of attempting to change the path they were on and walk out their faith in a dark place surrounded by guilt and shame over their past choices.  We talked about the hope we have and about being prepared to share our testimonies.  We encouraged each other to persevere and to be a light wherever we are.

The whole experience was a lot to process, but there was a simple question presented by one of the speakers that caught my attention.  “Do you believe God can change people’s lives?”  I nodded my agreement to the posed query.  Yes, God can change people’s lives!  After all, 2 Corinthians 5:17 says “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.”  Which led me to think about the apostle Paul.  Talk about a man that experienced change.  Paul went from being the early church’s greatest enemy to its boldest ambassador.  I wonder how many people ever expected Paul to change.  I wondered if someone had been praying for Paul’s transformation.

That’s when the Holy Spirit opened His can of conviction.

Here I was sitting shoulder to shoulder with murderers, thieves, rapists, and drug dealers and I had no problem believing that God had changed their heart, yet there are people in my everyday life who I have given up hope on ever experiencing transformation.  What does that say about what I really believe?  I declare that I believe God can transform someone’s life, except for So-and-So or You Know Who.  (I’m sure you can fill in that reference with someone from your own life.)  That person will never change.  We make excuses for people who we see as being outside the reach of God’s alterations.  “Oh that’s just the way he/she is.”  I felt ashamed for dismissing the power of the Holy Spirit to change a person’s heart.  I was overcome by the hypocrisy that I say I believe in God’s transforming work, but I don’t expect it.

As the retreat was drawing to a close, the Pastor led us in an examination of our hearts as we prepared to come to the Lord’s Table.  My heart was heavy.  I was undone by the guilt of my own self-righteousness and judgmental thoughts.  I was in need of God’s changing grace just as much as anyone else in the room.  I wept as I was reminded by a convicted felon that Jesus’ blood was shed for me. For both of us.  For all of us.

My most needed change is that He must increase and I must decrease.

Erin Jacobsma

There’s a story behind everything.  How the van got that dent; how the supper was burned; how that bone was broken; how the accident happened.  Stories join the past to the future.  But stories are fragile; made up of nothing more than 26 letters and a few punctuation marks.  Our stories tell of life and death, joy and pain, love and hate.  Portions of our stories are secret, while other parts are quite public.  There are chapters that we wish no one else could read, and other pages that are dog-eared from being told over and over again.  From birth to our final breath, we are all stories.

Over the years, I have been impressed by other people’s stories, but never really felt like I had anything special to share about my life.  I didn’t think I had a testimony to give or at least not one that anybody would want to listen to.  That’s when one of our overseas missionaries was home for a visit and they were going to be speaking during our worship service.  For safety reasons, they asked that I would not list their names in the worship order as giving a Missionary Update, but rather as a Testimony.  They explained that a testimony wasn’t just telling about their conversion experience, but testifying to the good work that God was doing in their life and around the world.  Suddenly I realized that I also have a testimony.  I can’t name the date or event that led me to accepting Jesus Christ as my Savior, but I can testify that once I was dead and now I’m alive, and my God who began a good work in my life continues to do so.

In Mark 5, we read about a man known as Legion who had quite the story to tell.  The man had been possessed by multiple demons and made his home in the graveyard.  However, one encounter with Jesus and he was set free of the evil spirits and begged permission to go with Jesus and his disciples.  But Jesus makes an interesting statement in verse 19.  “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”  Isn’t it odd that Jesus would send this guy home?  After all, isn’t that the hardest place for us to be real and share the intimate parts of our stories?  Even Jesus was rejected in his hometown and by his own family.  But more importantly, Jesus instructs this man, just like I believe he instructs all of us, to share his story and testify to what the Lord has done for him.

Last week at the Beautiful Life Women’s Conference one of the worship songs that we sang was “My Story” by Big Daddy Weave.  Some of the lyrics go like this: “If I told you my story, you would hear hope that wouldn’t let go.  If I told you my story, you would hear love that never gave up.  If I told you my story, you would hear victory over the enemy.  And if I told you my story, you would hear freedom that was won for me.  If I should speak, then let it be of the grace that is greater than all my sin, of when justice was served and when mercy wins, of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in, oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him.”

I pray this is true of all of our stories!  Whether our stories are shared in private or in front of 400 people, on Easter Sunday or on Monday night, whether they make us laugh or cry, to tell our story is to tell of Jesus Christ.  My story isn’t going to make the front page of the newspaper, but what a joy it is to celebrate God’s faithfulness in the good and bad.

1 Peter 3:15 encourages us “If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.”  May we not only be ready to share our story, but may we be eager to listen to one another’s story.

“This is my story, this is my song; praising my Savior all the day long.”

Erin Jacobsma

“Refreshments will be served”. Have these four words ever caught your attention? They tend to tickle my taste buds. I enjoy refreshments. The announcement hints at the possibility of homemade sugary delights, but at the very least promises a cold glass of water or a steaming cup of coffee. In addition to the morsels of goodness that come to my tongue, the conversations and togetherness that tend to accompany the tidbits of sustenance fill my heart as well.

In reality, there are many things that bring refreshment. Rain showers reinvigorate the earth after a dry spell. Sunny days breathe new life into a dismal winter season. A visit from a friend, encouraging words, or a whole-hearted hug replenishes a parched soul. We are refreshed by a good night of sleep or a nap in the arms of our favorite Lazy Boy.

Last week Saturday God served up some refreshment to a small group of people who participated in the Winter Retreat. The whole event was a day of renewal, bringing about inspiration and challenge. Worship was uplifting, the teachings were inspiring, conversations with fellow believers were joyous, but the unexpected bit of refreshment for me came from a woman named Judith. Judith was not invited to the retreat. She had not received a registration form, or read any announcements concerning the event, or gotten called and encourage to attend. She was simply there.

I had never met Judith before. She was a jolly soul and reminded me of a character from a childhood tale who appears out of nowhere at the innocent wish of a child. I had been praying for God to use this day as a pick-me-up for myself and others, and to speak clearly to his children. And he sent Judith. Innocently enough, Judith stopped at the church to use the restroom. (While that may seem odd to some of you, it is not uncommon at all.) The sounds of music were echoing through the building as our guest entered the church and she was captivated to join us in worship. Not by coincidence, she grabbed a seat behind me. After introducing myself and explaining the logistics of the day, Judith felt welcome enough to stay and listen to the words of Clay Harris, and join us in our small group discussion.

As I was already a bit nervous about leading a small group, I questioned God and wondered what he was up to placing Judith in my group. I hoped there wouldn’t be awkward silence, and there wasn’t. Judith was very confident in her faith, secure in her relationship with God, and at ease in embracing life with complete strangers. We shared delightful conversations, unique observations, and many laughs. It was utterly refreshing to share this time together. Judith shared with me how welcomed she felt by everyone there. And as mysteriously as Judith came, she left that afternoon and I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye.

As I reflected that evening on all that had happened, I texted a friend and told her, “I met Jesus today; his name was Judith”. You see, the Bible tells us that God created us in his own image and we are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory through the Spirit. I saw Jesus in the presence of Judith. His love and passion radiated from her. I saw attributes in her that I desired for myself. Whether Judith knew it or not, she was on a divine appointment that morning.

May the same be true of us, that when people spend time with us, they encounter Jesus. Proverbs 11:25 says “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” I pray that Judith was refreshed by our presence also.

Erin Jacobsma

Many years ago as a young teenager, I witnessed an arm wrestling competition between a man and a woman. Both participants were people that I loved and cared for, were quite muscular, and just a little headstrong. I think the man had visions of an easy win over his female competitor, but that was not to be. The arena was set at a kitchen table in a modest farm house north of Hardwick. At the shout of “GO” both contestants tightened their grip and gave it their all. I don’t remember the exact timing, but the duel seemed to last for hours with clenched fists swaying first one way and then the other. When it seemed like the match would go on forever, the stronger opponent prevailed and SHE was declared the winner! Amidst the hoots and hollers, I remember the man laughing and asking for a bag to put over his head. Oh, the shame of being conquered by a girl! J

While this wrestling competition was all in fun and the winner walked away with a few bragging rights, and the loser had to hang his head for a short time, there are other battles in life where the stakes are much higher. In my Sunday School class with the 8-10th graders, we have been discussing another battle—a battle that rages in our mind. We have learned about the weapons that we fight with—prayer, God’s Word, the name of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit; and how we must capture our thoughts and make them obedient to Christ. This is not a new battle. The enemy has been waging war in our minds from the time of Adam & Eve through this present moment. The Bible is full of examples of people who have surrendered to the enemy in the battlefield of their mind. Even David, writes in Psalm 13:2, “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my mind?”

We read about another wrestling match in Genesis chapter 32. Jacob wrestles with his past and thoughts of his pending meeting with his estranged brother. Throughout the night he wrestles with a man, and even after having his hip disjointed, he will not withdraw from the match until he receives a blessing. In addition to the blessing he receives a new name, Israel, meaning “one who has struggled with God”. Jacob recognizes the blessing that he has received in coming face to face with God and having his life spared.

In one form or another, we can probably all relate to David or Jacob’s struggle with God and with ourselves. We wrestle with the whys of losing a child or an unfaithful spouse, a business venture that failed or an opportunity that didn’t pan out. Why do bad things happen to good people? Why does the sun shine on the righteous and wicked alike? We struggle with exhausting all medical options, or letting nature run its course. Should we make the phone call, the visit; or should we mind our own business. How could this happen? What good could come of this?

I have been doing some wrestling of my own. Most of my conflicts are self-imposed guilt of should-haves and did-nots. I wrestle with fear, and pride, and being enough. Some days, I too would like to put a bag over my head and hide my spiritual weaknesses, but just like Jacob, I’m not letting go. I haven’t been given a new name, but there has been blessing and growth in the midst of the battle.

May it be said of us that even in our times of wrestling we are blessed to have come face to face with God, to have gained a new perspective, and to live a changed life. There is victory in Jesus!

Erin Jacobsma

The melody on my cell phone came to life. In this present age of caller ID and unique ring tones, I didn’t have to wonder long who was trying to connect with me. It had been a while since we talked and I was eager to hear what was on her mind. As I said hello, I was greeted with a choked up voice and sniffles, and the words “I’m sorry I only call you when I need your help.” I assured her I was okay with that, however, I’m not sure she believed me. Regardless, she went on to share her struggle, pouring out her heart and tears, her frustrations and fears. I listened, my heart hurting for her. I tried to encourage her as best I could, and asked questions to help her process the situation, and we prayed to the only One who could make things right. I assured her I would continue to pray for her and her family and welcomed her to keep me informed.

As I pressed the button to end the call, I reflected on our relationship. I don’t remember when our friendship began or the circumstances that surrounded our first conversation, but she was correct in saying that most often when we talked there was some sort of need involved. The dynamics of our friendship are not about going to movies or shopping at the mall, but it is characterized by one mother’s heart hurting for another’s. And while she seemed to feel guilty about calling me with yet another concern, I have been blessed by sharing in the sufferings of a friend. I am happy that she trusts me enough to reach out to me when the going gets tough, but I wondered if she ever thought about me when her heart was filled with joy or when things in her life seemed to be manageable.

It was at that moment the Holy Spirit convicted my own heart; “I have wondered the same thing about you”. Ouch. Drops of remorse ran down my cheeks. Yes, there have been many times when I called on Jesus and confessed that I am sorry for how I have neglected our relationship. I have felt ashamed for presenting my problem to Him knowing full well our last conversation revolved around another problem I needed His help with. My only lame excuse is that I have been too busy or too lazy to talk to Him when I think I can handle things on my own. I am honestly thankful for the many blessings that are mine because of my relationship with Jesus and I delight in sharing my gratitude with Him, but my heart was heavy when I tried to remember the last time our visit focused on how much I love Him.

There’s an old song that goes “I just called to say I love you. I just called to say how much I care. I just called to say I love you, and I mean it from the bottom of my heart”. Is that a love song you could sing to Jesus? Do you look forward to talking to Him just to share how much you love Him, or do you just call to tell Him what you need? May it not be said of us that we are only interested in having a relationship with Jesus because of what He can do for us, but instead to love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Forgive me, Jesus, when I have treated you like my magic wand instead of the love of my life!

Erin Jacobsma

Shaggy & Scooby, Bert & Ernie, Pooh & Piglet, Charlie Brown & Snoopy… friends, pals, buddies. These famous friends have stood the test of time. At times we have watched these duos get into arguments or go their separate ways, but in the end, they were always there for each other.

I have a friend like that. Her name is Heidi. From as early as I can remember, Heidi was my best friend. We were together whenever possible; sometimes we got into trouble (usually my fault), sometimes we got into an argument (also usually my fault), but we were devoted. We have been through a lot together; celebrations, sleepovers, peer pressure, rejection, bullying, tragedies, deaths of family members, problems with siblings, Algebra… and that was just from Kindergarten through High School. If someone asked me what a great friend would look like, all I would have to do is think about Heidi and I could give you a very good picture. She was always there for me, was a great listener, and could always make me laugh. She cried with me, encouraged me, gave me advice, forgave me, and always loved me just for being me. She was the wind beneath my wings. After high school, we went our separate ways; she got a college scholarship and I got a diamond ring. But the friendship remains.

I have often thought of Jesus in a similar way. He is my friend. He is always there to support me, encourage me, and help me whenever I am in need. As the favorite hymn states, “What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.” The hymn goes on to pose the question, “Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share?” I think we would agree, the answer is no. We will never find a better friend than Jesus. He is a perfect friend.

But what about me? Up until last week, when our Life Group watched the video for Experiencing God, I had never thought about what kind of a friend I was to Jesus. I was struck by the statement, “There is a difference between having Jesus as your Friend and you being a friend of Jesus”. Maybe I just assumed friendship was mutual. I would hope if I claimed someone to be my friend that they would echo that I was their friend also, but maybe not. Is it possible to have a friend who is not your friend in return?

In John 15:12-14 Jesus says, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” Jesus claims us as his friend if we do what he commands, and the command stated here is to love one another. Jesus also says that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Seems like love is a pretty important factor in being Jesus’ friend.

So how do you measure up in the love category? Are you following Jesus’ command to love as he loved? To love both the sinner and the saint? To love the lovable and the unlovable alike? People will know that we are friends of Jesus, not by the religious rules that we keep or the words that we say, but by the honest way in which we show love by our actions.

May it not be said of you or me that we were not friends of Jesus because we were not willing to obey his command.

Erin Jacobsma