Fellowship of believers

Proverbs 27:17 NKJV — As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

People need each other and the gift of true friendship comes from God.

This verse captures the truth in a concrete way: friendship is a mutually beneficial relationship.

Both parties are honed, sharpened, and better able to be used by God, because of the friendship.

It’s a place where both parties can be real, honest, and held accountable; encouraged in righteousness.

Proverbs 17:17 NKJV — A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.

True friendship is built through love and it withstands the storms of life.

Even friendship can be twisted by the enemy to be something it was never intended to be, this choosing one’s friends needs to be with wisdom and discernment.

Proverbs 20:11 NKJV — Even a child is known by his deeds, Whether what he does is pure and right.

Our choice in friends should be honorable before the Lord; fellow believers who live by the Word of God and exhort us to do the same.

We also need to be a friend to others if we expect to have them.

Jesus is our example in all things.

He is the Son of God, which means He’s holy, righteous, sinless, and He is greatest friend, ever.

John 15:13 KJV — Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Let us be inspired by our Savior to follow in His example.

Loving at all times, exhorting through application of His Word, encouraging through faithfulness, and sacrificing ourselves for our friends and family.

As the body of Christ, we need one another, and there’s no better time to hold each other up than today.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You that we can find direction for every part of life, including our friendships. Lord, please help me to be a good friend, like You are. Please bring scripture to my heart as I pray for my friends. Please place Your Word in my mouth as we share. Lord, please help me to be silent and simply listen, not caught up in myself that all I do is talk. Lord Jesus, help me to have discernment and understanding. That I would be an encouragement to my friends and family. Lord, thank You that some of my closest friends are my family. That is such a blessing. Lord Jesus, in all things I want to bring You glory. I want to be filled with gratitude and praise, not allowing anything to quench my worship of You. Thank You for Your encouragement this day. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

A memory

It was a beautiful day.

I was walking towards the two story building, my stride quick, I was feeling good and had things to do, when I met her at the bottom of the stairs.

We greeted one another and she put her arm around me in a side hug.

She placed her other hand on my stomach.

“Can I fatten you up? You’re just too skinny!”

She laughed, a beautiful laugh, full of joy, as if the idea of cooking for me was a thrill.

As I was taller I leaned over and gently rested my head on top of hers as I squeezed her with my arm around her shoulders.

“No!” I laughed too. “As much as I’d like that, my doctor says my body doesn’t process food correctly and that’s why I’m so thin, but thank you for your offer!”

We laughed and hugged.

Her hand still rested on my stomach as we briefly exchanged pleasantries.

We hugged again before she headed towards the parking lot and I into the building.

Her love and warmth stayed with me and I thanked God for her.

A bit later, I received a phone call.

It was a friend of mine, not the sweet lady who offered to feed me.

“So, I have a weird question to ask you.”

This surprised me a bit, but didn’t phase me too much.

“Absolutely, what can I do for you?*

“Uhm, did I remember it correctly that you had to have a hysterectomy a few years ago?”

“Yes! It was God’s blessing to me, as without the surgery I probably would have died. Why?”

“Well…” She paused to let out a stifled giggle.

“I guess some office ladies saw you talk and laughing in the parking lot with…they thought you were pregnant!”

I couldn’t keep from laughing!

My friend laughed too.

“Oh! I can totally see how they thought that! She even had her hand on my stomach! No, I’m not pregnant. You can tell everyone that I had a hysterectomy a few years ago. But that’s incredibly funny!”

“I thought so!”

We laughed again and hung up.

She promised to put to death the rumor.

I hadn’t thought of this moment in a long time.

But it came back as if it had just happened when I received the news yesterday.

My sweet friend who wanted to cook for me, the lady who never let me walk by without a hug or a quick pat of the hand and a warm smile went to be with Jesus.

I haven’t seen her since we moved out of the area, but I had heard her health wasn’t good just before we moved due to my failing health.

I didn’t know she was in the hospital, but I do know she loved Jesus.

It’s the greatest part of salvation: this life isn’t the end.

John 3:15 KJV — That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for salvation! Thank You for the many wonderful people You have placed in our lives. Thank You for my friend who is in Your arms today. Thank You for Your love and faithfulness. Lord, I know You are walking us forward into Your truth and guiding us daily. Lord, for those who are hurting, please heal them. For those who are grieving, please comfort them. For those who are discouraged, bring them hope. For those who are in need, sustain them. For those who lack, help them wait upon Your provision. For those who are lost, bring them the light of Your sacrifice and love through Your death and resurrection. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

From yesterday…

I was struck by the combination.

Her profile especially reminded me of her mom.

Her lighthearted jokes reminded me of her dad.

And her words reminded me of my childhood.

Because we were little girls together.

This beautiful woman and her charming family sitting in our living room were visiting us and time seemed confused.

Within the combination of all the old things, new relationships and new connections were springing.

The clock moved too quickly and our visit came to and end.

We prayed together.

The joy and love remained, a gift of true friendship and encouragement.

I look forward to keeping in touch.

Only God can bring the kind of love that spans time and many miles.

Only in Christ’s body of believers do we find enduring and uplifting fellowship, such that your faith is strengthen and your desire to “run the race” is fueled.

My heart is so thankful to God for so many wonderful people.

And this week, I’m extra blessed by His gift of reconnecting me and my family with her and hers.

Proverbs 17:17 KJV — A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your faithfulness. Lord, it is through You that any of us are faithful. It is through Your love, that we love others. Thank You! How incredibly blessed I am to have so many wonderful people in my life. Thank You for each and every one. Thank You for my childhood friend and her family. Thank You that You have renewed our relationship and blessed us with a visit. Lord, thank You for my husband, our children and grandchildren. Lord, thank You for my friends and family, our neighbors and those who You bring across our path for just a season. Lord, thank You for all the people You use in our lives. Please continue to reach them daily. Please continue to help me love them all as You do. Lord, I want to live in such a way that they know how precious they are. Thank You, for Your faithfulness and love. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Two days before Christmas

Picture from taken of the book One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham and illustrated by Richard Jesse Watson.

Jesus is the Christ.

Luke 2:11 KJV — For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Jesus is the Son of God.

John 11:27 KJV — She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

Jesus is the Son of man, born of a virgin.

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
Matthew 1:23 NKJV

Jesus is the unblemished Lamb of God.

John 1:36 NKJV — And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!”

Jesus is the Light of the World.

John 8:12 NKJV — Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

Jesus is a teacher.

John 1:38 NKJV — Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?”

Jesus is the Savior.

Acts 13:23 NKJV — “From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus—

Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Revelation 17:14 NKJV — “These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.”

Jesus is a friend.

John 15:15 NKJV — “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.”

John 15:13 NKJV — “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

He also told us how to be His friend.

John 15:14 NKJV — “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.

To be the friend of God…

What an incredible privilege!

And Jesus is the Way.

He leads us.

He gave us His commandments.

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. Mark 12:30-31

And He provides the perfect example of these.

His life is our standard and inspiration.

Praise God!

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for all Your love. Thank You that You call us friends. Please help us to live today unto You and to follow Your example. Lord, You alone are the only one who can teach us how to live, the way to walk. You are so good, so patient, so gracious, so loving. Thank You. Amen.

“What a friend…”

“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.” (Copied from: The United Methodist Hymnal Number 526 Text: Joseph M. Scriven, 1820-1886
Music: Charles C. Converse, 1832-1918)

Truly, what a friend we have in Jesus!

He’s love is neverending.

He’s Word is truth.

He gave His life that we might be saved.

 “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.”

The Lord Jesus loves each and everyone of us.

He wants to use our circumstances to teach us about Himself, to teach us about His love and priorities.

He wants us to grow daily in trust, in His Word, in a personal relationship with Him.

“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 thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he’ll take and shield thee;
thou wilt find a solace there.”

There is nothing which compares to the love of Christ Jesus.

His peace is indescribable.

Philippians 4:7 NKJV — and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 18:24 NKJV — A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for being my friend! Thank You for loving me so completely. Thank You for giving me peace which surpasses understanding. Thank You for walking with me daily. Lord Jesus, thank You for being my refuge and strength. Thank You for making a way when there seemed to be none. Lord, thank You for Your love and care throughout history. How great and awesome are You, God! May all the nations praise Your holy name! Amen.

A little extra help

Isn’t this beautiful?

It came in a text this morning.

My dear friend wrote a brief message with the picture.

“My prayer for you today.”

It was exactly what I needed.

For some reason I didn’t sleep well last night.

Poor Anne accidentally woke me at 8:30 because she was concerned that I was still in bed.

Bless her heart, she promptly made me breakfast and tea and brought it in to me.

It’s just one of those days when I need a little extra help.

I’m still recovering from the fever and sometimes I over do it.

Evidently yesterday was one of those days.

Yet God in His incredible Sovereignty knew I was going to need extra help today.

And He placed a sweet gift in the heart of my friend who passed it on to me.

I was also blessed to hear from another friend who was sending me a praise report!

As if these were not enough I received a beautiful prayer from a friend:

“Praise the Lord ! Give thanks to the Lord , for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord ? Who can ever praise him enough?”
Psalms 106:1‭-‬2 NLT

“Lord, praise you for the everyday miracles you built into nature. Praise you for green grass and flowering trees. Praise you for bulbs that tenaciously press their way through hardened soil to decorate your earth. Praise you for sun and rain and all the weather that shapes our earth.

Praise you for life and new life. Praise you for the spiritual awakening of a single soul and many souls and all the nations!!

Lord you hear our praise, that is miracle enough! May my tongue never cease to praise you for you alone are worthy!!!
Amen!!”

What a mountain of encouragement I have received today!

Truly, I am so blessed!

God is so good!

He carries me and provides for me each and every day.

He is incredible.

So, today I am praising God for His working through others.

Proverbs 17:17 NKJV — A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.

Amen!

Admiration

Abraham Lincoln is someone I truly admire.

There are so many things about his life which cause others to reflect.

What would our nation look like if there had never been a Mr. Lincoln?

I’m at times a little intimidated by such a role model, yet which of us wouldn’t mind being used to change the world for the better?

I was reminded of another man who was as influential in his own time as Mr. Lincoln was during our Civil War.

Yet, this man is often overlooked.

As far as I’m aware there isn’t a single monument to him, or even a large group of people who realize just how important he was.

I’m certain he wouldn’t care in the least.

Why?

Because he never did the things which were so greatly used by God to improve his position, nor was he trying to make a name for himself, nor was he striving to improve his lively hood in anyway.

He was important, for two reasons : His devotion to God and his loyalty to his friend.

His name was Jonathan.

God used him throughout the time his father was king over Israel.

He was the oldest son of the king and held the integrity, honor, and character one would expect of an heir to the throne.

Yet, he understood God’s plans.

Because his father, Saul, was stubborn and disobedient, God spoke clearly that the kingdom would go into the hands of another.

How did Jonathan respond?

I would expect anger, disappointment, and frustration to be the natural response.

Not for Jonathan.

He knew God’s way is best and when his own father tried to kill the man God had chosen to replace him, Jonathan stood in the way.

He was an excellent example of a true friend.

Jonathan never gave into self-pity or pride, instead he was a champion in the league of loyalty.

At one point his father was searching daily to murder his friend, the anointed king of Israel, and Jonathan went out and encouraged his friend.

To the very end Jonathan was a man of integrity.

He never helped his father chase down and murder his friend, yet he never stopped loving and serving his father.

His life ends in battle, where he fought and died following the will of his father.

How I admire Jonathan.

He was willing to give up anything to follow God.

He was humble and loyal.

He was true till the very end.

If no one ever knew his name or built anything in his honor I’m certain he wouldn’t have cared.

He didn’t live to be applauded by men, he lived to be honorable before God.

That is something I can admire, as well as strive for.

(If you are unfamiliar with Jonathan ‘s story you can find it in 1 Samuel.)

Crying

I have a friend,

who once related the fact that she struggles with being able to cry

without guilt.

As a child she was very emotional and often felt insecure.

In those moments she would cry and be in trouble.

“I can’t remember a time I haven’t been in trouble for crying. From childhood on–even my husband doesn’t understand that me crying isn’t a power play, I just sometimes feel better after letting out my emotions. Why doesn’t anyone understand? Am I weird?!”

Sigh–

What words of comfort I could grasp I tried to convey.

Honey,
God made tears, and since even Jesus cried I don’t feel it is a sin.

The problem is that people can and have used tears to manipulate.

(Be certain when you need to cry it’s not to get your own way.)

Some people feel that showing tears is a sign of weakness, which should be overcome at all costs.

(Maybe your parents were trying to help you be tough and learn to overcome fear?)

I know your husband loves you, possibly he sees your tears as a result of his failure and he is trying to make amends. You should ask him why he doesn’t like to have you cry.

But dear, God is not offended by your tears.

When you feel you are in need of a good cry take it to Jesus and pray. Let your tears flow with your prayers.

He’s ready to comfort the hurting.
To restore the broken.
To help you to see areas of sin that need to be dealt with.
To replace the fear with trust.

You might want to keep a journal handy, just in case you have something you want to remember.

And until then read the Gospels again. Take note of how Jesus handles those who are emotional.
……………………………
With a smile
I pray my words
are a blessing.

And I think.

Lord, there is such a thing as a good cry.

“Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. And He said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to Him, ‘Lord, come and see.’ Jesus wept. Then the Jews said,  ‘See how He loved him!'”
John 11:33-36