"Then drew near unto Him all the publicans and sinners for to hear Him. And the Pharisees and Scribes murmured, saying, this man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them." [Luke 15:1-2.] Jesus said.. "The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, behold a gluttonous man and a wine bibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! But wisdom is justified of all her children." [Luke 7:34.]

Jesus was condemned for being the "friend of  sinners" but this is the sinners great joy and reason to Praise and Glory in the Lord! How justified was This great love of Christ because His wisdom turned "sinners" into "saints" as in the

apostle Paul who said that...  "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am chief" [1 Timothy 1:15.] and also... "Unto me, whom am less than the least of all saints is this grace given that I should preach among the gentiles the Unsearchable riches of Christ" [Ephesians 3:8.] and because... "Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever" [Hebrews 13:8.] we can be assured that....

Yes dear brother and sister Jesus is doing that work in every believer still today, Paul had that confidence...  "Being confident of this VERY thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it till the day of Jesus Christ." [Philippians 1:6.]

YES! He is still turning sinners into saints, Praise the Lord! No matter how much of a battle you may be facing to grow in Christ, no matter how "poor and needy" you may feel, Jesus is able to "open the Prison doors" and lead you into "Truth" that will set you "Free" - "Truth" about your errors and need, "Truth" about His Love for you, "Truth" about the rich blessing He is inviting you into.

What a Wonderful friend we have in Jesus! How precious it is to realise that we have a TRUE friend as proverbs says "A friend LOVETH at ALL TIMES"  [Proverbs 17;17.] - No wonder Paul encouraged the saints at Ephesus.. "and to know The Love of Christ which passeth Knowledge that ye might filled with all the fullness of God" [Ephesians 3:19.] - "The fullness of God" is linked inseperably with "The Love of Christ" or as the verse says "to know The Love of Christ." We can only be brought into the fullness of God according to the measure of us knowing "The Love of Christ."

He "loveth at all times" don't fear to pour all out to Him, no matter what the delema He "Careth for you" Open up to Him about everything and you will be comforted, His love is an "everlasting love" [Jeremiah 31:3.] Nothing can break this friendship, we can only miss out on the great blessing of such, if we hold back from Him.

The lord encourage with that wonderful old Hymn...

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He'll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

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.

Moses was one that knew the real friendship of The Lord,  "..The Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto His friend" [Exodus 33:11.] How precious was that friendship, The Lord was Moses's friend!  Are you aware that you have such a friend, that he wants to speak with you face to face? How Great is The Lords consideration of us and His desire for fellowship and friendship with us!

With this beautiful meditation of The Lord's loving friendship, may you be lifted up to Praise and give thanks.

Jesus loves You.

God Bless.