Let us explore who we really are and what God leads us to do. The Apostle Paul wrote in his second letter to the Church in Corinth that its members should to be Christ's Ambassadors. To understand the significance, I had to read 2 Corinthians chapters 1 through 5 many times over.

"God ... comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." (1:4)

"We conduct ourselves in the world ... in the holiness and sincerity that are from God." (1:12)

"We do not distort the word of God. ... We command ourselves to our conscience in the sight of God." (4:2)

"His light shines in our heart to give us the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." (4:6)

"We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (4:18)

What is the message of reconciliation?

"God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

As Ambassadors of God, may our

Having served over twenty years in the military, I know from experience what it means to be a soldier. A soldier follows his leader, he is always ready, and he wears his armor for protection. In 1958 I followed my leader preparing to defend the Chinese Nationalists; in 1963 I stood ready to support our troops on the German Autobahn to Berlin when they were blocked by Russian armor; and again in 1968 I put on my flag vest for protection while serving in Vietnam. These military conflicts might be deadly but they are no match to a fight against the spiritual forces of evil.

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. ... When the evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:11-18)

I ask you: "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." Amen! (Ephesians 6:19-20)

"A friend loves in good times and in bad times." (Proverbs 17:17)

"Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one's
nearest kin." (Proverbs 18:24, NRSV)

"If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. But it is you a man like myself, my companion, my close friend ..." (Psalm 55:12-13)

I believe the ultimate example of true friendship existed between David and Jonathan. Jonathan, a son of King Saul, had successfully fought many battles. After David had killed Goliath, "Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. ... And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt." (1 Samuel 18:1-4)

This covenant lasted a lifetime. In spite being King Saul's son, Jonathan's love for David was so strong that he preferred to lose the throne of Israel than his closest friend.

Jesus showed us how much he loved us by giving His life for our sins. He is the ultimate friend!

Are we willing to sacrifice ourselves for a friend?

Let us not go to that extreme. Only a very few of us will be called to sacrifice their life for a friend.

Loneliness is rampant. Many people today feel cut off and alienated from others. Being in a crowd just makes people more aware of their isolation. Lonely people don't need to hear, "Have a nice day." They need friends who will stick close, listen, care and offer help when it is needed - in good times and bad. It is better to have one such friend than dozens of superficial acquaintances. Instead of wishing we could find a true friend, let us seek to become one ourselves. There are people who need our friendship. Ask God to reveal them to us, and then take on the challenge of being a true friend.

The Apostle Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus was probably also sent to other churches nearby. Paul believed that because all Christians are one family in Jesus, they should act with love toward each other. He addresses his letters "To the Saints in Ephesus, the believers who are in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 1:2) or "To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be Saints." (Romans 1:7)

The word "Saints" is used 69 times in the New International Version of the Bible.

The earliest reference is when Hannah, Samuel's mother, prayed with great joy: "For the foundations of the earth are the Lord's; upon them He has set the world. He will guard the feet of His Saints (Believers), but the wicked will be silenced in darkness." (1 Samuel 2:9)

"Sing to the Lord, you Saints (Believers) of His; praise His holy name." (Psalm 30:4)

"Love the Lord, all His Saints! (Believers) The Lord preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord." (Psalm 31:23-24)

"Fear the Lord, you His Saints (Believers), for those who fear Him lack nothing." (Psalm 34:9)

I will praise You in the presence of your Saints (Believers)." (Psalm 52:9)

The interpretation of Daniel's dream says: "The Saints (Believers) of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever - yes, for ever and ever." (Daniel 7:18)

"... always keep on praying for all the Saints (Believers - God's People)." (Ephesians 6:18)

It is not surprising that John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, spoke about the Children of God. "To all who receive Him, to those who believe in His name, He gives the right to become Children of God." (John 1:12)

"... Jesus died ... for the scattered Children of God to bring them together and make them one." (John 11:51-52)

"You are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Jesus Christ." (Galatians 3:16)

"Because you are sons and daughters, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father'." (Galatians 4:6)

What wonderful assurance! Let me restate what the Apostle Paul clarified: By virtue of believing and receiving Jesus Christ, we become God's children and God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts. This allows us to call God "Abba, Father" whenever we are in need or to thank Him for His gracious blessings bestowed upon us each day. As the sun rises, His blessings are renewed. Thank God for His Fatherly Love. Amen!

You may want to read 1 John 2:28 through 3:10

Let us give Thanks and Prayers.