Our Father Cares

Jesus Is a Friend That Is Closer Than a Brother, January 18

There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24. OFC 29.1

Disappointments you will have, but ever bear in mind that Jesus, the living, risen Saviour, is your Redeemer, your Restorer. He loves you, and it is better to share His love than to sit with princes and be separated from Him.... OFC 29.2

Come daily to Jesus, who loves you. Open your heart to Him freely. In Him there is no disappointment. You will never find a better counselor, a safer guide, a more sure defense. OFC 29.3

Through all your trials ... you have had a never-failing Friend, who has said, “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” OFC 29.4

But how often is the Lord neglected for the society of others, and for things of no value! ... We dare not let His name languish on our lips, and His love and memory die out of our hearts. “Well,” says the cold, formal professor, “this is making Christ too much like a human being;” but the Word of God warrants us to have these very ideas. It is the want of these practical, definite views of Christ, that hinders so many from having a genuine experience in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This is the reason that many are fearing and doubting and mourning. Their ideas of Christ and the plan of salvation are vague, dreary, and confused.... If ever there was a time when men needed the presence of Christ at their right hand, it is now, so that when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. OFC 29.5

Communion with Christ—how unspeakably precious! Such communion it is our privilege to enjoy, if we will seek it. OFC 29.6

The everlasting assurance shall be yours that you have a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother.^{18Sons and Daughters of God, 167.} OFC 29.7