Champ

My sweet, little Ben and his Champ, 1980s

                    "There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
                                               (Prov. 18:24)


          From tiny tot through elementary school, my Ben's favorite "buddy" was Champ - a too cute, stuffed monkey in a little, red jogging suit. Everywhere our family went, Champ went, too.
          In John chapter 15, Jesus told His disciples that they did not choose Him but He choose them and called them friends. He promised to never leave nor forsake His own. Jesus is the friend that sticks closer than a brother.
         Today, Jesus invites you to be His friend. Believe on the name of Jesus, and you'll have a faithful, friend FOREVER!

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there. 1

1 WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS, Words, Joseph Scriven, 1855. Tune CONVERSE, Charles C. Converse, 1868.