It requires no great spiritual insight, nor do you need to be a learned social scientist, to grasp the difficult times in which we live. There is continuous gun violence, and it appears that our elected officials do not have a clue as to what can be done. As of this writing the issue of raising the national debt limit has not been resolved. The governor of Texas and the Texas Legislature are busy turning out oppressive laws, seemingly with no concern for “We the people.” In times of pent-up tensions coming from emotional stress, it is good to know that prayer can release our tensions and give us peace during these turbulent times.  King David writes this when he was forced to escape during the days of Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15-18).  “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:1-2) Trusting God to be our rock, salvation, and defense changes our outlook on life. No longer are we held captive by hurtful treatment from others. We are released to follow an unchanging God.

Dear ones during these difficult times, share with David the confidence he had in Almighty God: “For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings.”  We can find solace in the faithfulness of God. Be strong in the Lord.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

To our graduates and to the retirees, congratulations to you for achieving this significant milestone in your lives. For both you graduates and you retirees, you are now entering into a new season of life. Having said that, let me remind you that there are some constraints in life. The wise man tells us: “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:6) Wherever and in whatever, God is faithful, and to receive His guidance, we must acknowledge Him in all we do. Graduates, whether you are going to continue your education, enter the workforce or the military, look at your values and priorities. What is important to you? Where is God on that list? What is His advice? Make Him a vital part of everything you do; then He will guide you because you will be working to accomplish His purposes. Whatever you choose to do, “Be not wise in thine own eyes.” (Proverbs 3:7a)  We never outgrow our need for the Lord.

And to you retirees, the Lord has made it possible that you can do more Kingdom work. You now have more time to devote to making this world a better place. Listen how God identifies with the poor: “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; And that which he had given will he pay him again.” (Proverbs 19:17) When we help the poor, we show honor both to the creator and to His creation.

Be blessed as you walk in Him.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

Today we celebrate the divine institution of motherhood, and we honor all of our mothers. “Unto the woman He said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.” (Genesis 3:16)  Mothers persevere through the pain of childbirth, the ordeal of raising children (but it is a joy), the pain of them going off to college and the joy when they marry. Mothers have the heart of God with their children.  Just as God never gives up on us, mothers never give up on their children. Have you considered how many “hats” mothers wear?  They are nurturers, educators, disciplinarians, disciplers, and this is early in the lives of their children. The mother of this pastor has gone to be with the Lord, but I remember fondly, lovingly, all that she was in my life. For those of you whose mothers are here on this people planet, honor and celebrate them. You are God’s gift to them, and they are God’s gift to you. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.  Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” (Eph. 6:1-3)  There is a difference between obeying and honoring. To obey means to do as one is told: To honor means to respect and love. Mothers: We honor you on this, your day. Happy Mother’s Day!

Pastor J. Amos Jones

It is with heartfelt appreciation that we welcome back the Greeters into service for the Master. The Greeting Ministry is very important to our worship experience. The Greeters welcome to the Lord’s house those who have come to worship Him in spirit and in truth. (A reference to the Triune God.) Delightful people with a merry heart and a smiling face are certainly an asset to the Kingdom. Greeters set the tone for us to “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.” To the Greeters and to every worker here at Friendship, the wise man has a word for you; “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” (Eccl. 9:10) Welcome back Greeters and be blessed as you serve Him.

In addition to the Greeters, we appreciate and honor every person who is serving in any capacity at Friendship. Be it ministers, deacons, choir members, ushers, missionary workers, brotherhood, sound room personnel, trustees, or children’s church. We are referring to the totality of the committed workers here at the church. The Lord Jesus said it best: “I must work the work of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” (John 9:4)

Dear ones, it is our time, we are occupying until He returns. Be blessed as you serve.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

By definition, content, i.e., the state of, is “happy enough with what one has or is.” Simply put, to be content is to be satisfied in any situation you face. A great example of contentment can be found in Phil. 4:10-14. The Apostle Paul has received a gift from the Philippian church, for which he is most appreciative. The church at Philippi had in the past contributed financially to Paul’s ministry but had not been able for whatever reason for some time. They have now resumed their giving with some disappointment, because for a period of time they were unable to contribute to Paul’s ministry. Paul reassures them, and us, that as a child of the Most High God, all is well.  Hear the great Apostle: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (vv. 11, 12) The secret to Paul’s contentment was drawing upon Christ’s power for strength. (I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.) Contentment is a learned process. Wherever and whatever your situation might be, learn to rely on God’s promises and Christ’s power for strength. Learn when enough is enough. If you always want more, ask God to remove that desire and to teach you contentment. We can trust that God will always meet our needs. Know this: godliness with contentment is great gain. (1Timothy 6:6)

Pastor J. Amos Jones