August 14, 2021 (Saturday)
We sing, “What a Friend we have in Jesus,” and Jesus replies, “You’ve got a friend in me. I loved you before you knew me, and bound you to myself with cords of love. Nothing can cut those ties that bind your heart to mine, for you are mine and I am yours, forever and forever.”
Jesus has promised to be with us always, through all of life’s ups and downs, leading us, guiding us, counseling us every step of the way. He said, “I will be with you always, even to the end of the age.” In this life we may have many friends, but there will never be a friend like Jesus.
I’ve Found a Friend, O Such a Friend
Text: James G. Small, 1817-1888
Tune: George C. Stebbins, 1846-1945
I’ve found a Friend, oh, such a friend!
He loved me ere I knew Him;
He drew me with the cords of love,
And thus He bound me to Him.
And round my heart still closely twine
Those ties which naught can sever,
For I am His, and He is mine,
Forever and forever.
I’ve found a Friend, oh, such a friend!
He bled, He died to save me;
And not alone the gift of life,
But His own Self He gave me!
Naught that I have mine own I call,
I’ll hold it for the Giver,
My heart, my strength, my life, my all
Are His, and His forever.
I’ve found a Friend, oh, such a friend!
All pow’r to Him is given,
To guard me on my onward course,
And bring me safe to heaven.
Th’ eternal glories gleam afar,
To nerve my faint endeavor;
So now to watch, to work, to war,
And then to rest forever.
I’ve found a Friend, oh, such a friend!
So kind and true and tender,
So wise a Counselor and Guide,
So mighty a Defender!
From Him who loves me now so well
What pow’r my soul can sever?
Shall life or death, shall earth or hell?
No! I am His forever.