---BEST FRIENDS ~~

"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."
---(Philippians 3:10-11 / NIV)

--I have lived for several years with a rather simple idea: I want to be Jesus’ friend. You and I know what it means to be a true friend. We want to really know them. We learn what is important to them and try not to intentionally aggravate them. We learn what they like and what they don’t like, and we try to do things that make them happy. Being Jesus’ friend is similar to that notion. We want to live in a way that pleases Him and respects what He thinks is important.
--Someday when I see Jesus face to face, I want Him to be glad to see me. I want Him to smile at me, not the polite smile of a casual acquaintance but the huge smile we give a friend. For me, that is the essence of being a Christ-follower. It’s not about a set of rules or a building I go to on the weekends. I just want to be Jesus’ friend.

**THINK ABOUT IT
Is your relationship with Jesus a real friendship? What do you imagine Jesus’ expression will be when you see Him face to face?

**PRAYER
--"Heavenly Father, knowing and loving You is my deepest desire. Teach me to sit quietly before You and listen to what You say in Your Word. Teach me to do the things I say I believe in, such as loving my neighbor, telling the truth, and giving with a cheerful heart. Thank You for the suffering Jesus chose in order that I might have a relationship with You and be His friend. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen."

**Blessings,
***Pastor Allen Jackson
**Intend Ministries
~~~~~~/ "I AM A FRIEND OF GOD"/ Phillips, Craig, and Dean ~
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcxKRsn-hGc>
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