Tell a Friend (John 1:50-51)

Did you know that more people come to know a personal relationship with God because of a friend or relative who told them about how much God loves them? It's true. Why would your friend trust a stranger?

When is the best time to talk about God with your friend? I found that when I see my friend lonely or in despair, or suffering I can say, "I've felt like that before." But if I haven't felt like that, if I haven't had their sickness, I can say I know Someone who cares because He showed me how much He cares for me.

Jesus called Andrew one day and Andrew felt so wonderful that he went and brought his brother, Simon (also called Peter) to Jesus. The next day Jesus called Philip and He couldn't wait to tell his friend, Nathanael, about the Messiah, Jesus, the Son of Joseph from Nazareth.

"Nazareth? Can anything good come from Nazareth?" asked Nathanael.

"Come and see," said Philip and convinced Nathanael to come.

Jesus said, "Here is a true Israelite; no deceit is in him."

"How do you know me?" asked Nathanael.

"I saw you under the fig tree," said Jesus.

Then Nathanael recognized Jesus as the Son of God.

Jesus said, "You believe because I said I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than this."

Think About It
This is how our lives with God begin. First we accept what others say about Him and then we accept Him into our lives. We learn how to have a relationship by reading His word and talking with Him in prayer. He becomes our Friend, a Partner in all we do. Is there someone you would like to tell about Jesus? Pray for an opportunity and then watch what God will do.

Pray About It
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me how much You love and care for me. I pray for an opportunity to tell my friend, _________, how You made me feel when I was [lonely or sick or intimidated]. I pray for courage to speak boldly and lovingly. Amen.

Are You Kidding Me?

Maggie says, "Are you kidding me?"

Christmas is a time to believe, a time to love and share. Many people say they don't believe in God or in Santa or Christmas. Are you kidding me? Who can hold a newborn baby or experience a miracle and not believe in a God who loves and cares about them? What kid doesn't get excited about the tinsel and ribbon under the tree?

Yesterday I helped second graders with their Christmas shopping in the school store. Several times before the children entered the room with the tables of merchandise, teachers admonished, "This is the time to shop for people in your family, not for yourself."

One by one as the kids filled their bags, I led them to a table in the lunch room where we waited for the last minute shoppers to finish. One little boy played with a toy he purchased. "Whose that for?" I asked.

"Me," he said.

"You weren't supposed to shop for yourself," I replied.

"I know." He smiled.

How many of us are guilty of buying for ourselves while we shop for Christmas? I have to confess I am as guilty as the little boy. Yet, I find more joy in wrapping gifts for others, than in satisfaction of buying things for myself.

Think About It
Jesus said, "It is more joyful to give than to receive." Although it is challenging, it is a lesson worth learning. There is a pair of fur lined shoes I'd like to have, but this year, I choose not to think about them. When I see their picture in ads, I delete them off my e-mail, and switch my thinking to others and what I can do for them.

Pray About It
Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief when I am tempted to act selfishly. Help me to trust you to set priorities and make good decisions. Amen.