Friendships

Friendships

3 John 1: ¹³ I have so much to tell you, but I do not want to do it with pen and ink. ¹⁴ I hope to see you soon, and then we will talk personally.

¹⁵ Peace be with you.

All your friends send greetings. Greet all our friends personally.

 

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After spending all day with a friend, I got home and heard a song playing on the radio. I immediately picked up the phone and called my friend. “Weren’t you two together all day? What more do you have to say?” were the questions asked to me.

 

I couldn’t explain my excitement.

I enjoyed people who would share in my excitement, and I theirs.

It felt good to be understood.

 

John closes his letter with a burst of friendship. He seemed eager to have a conversation rather than trying to contain all of his thoughts in a letter. He wanted to listen to his friend as well as tell what is going on in his world.

 

My Observations:

• Friendships based on GOD’s love help others to endure life’s pain.
• Solutions from friends who know the LORD enable me to be corrected as well as encouraged.
• Excitement about what GOD is doing can be heard from friends who seek JESUS as the Savior.

 

Work friends and organization friends are different. I mean, I have kept in touch with people who I met because we were forced together by the job or the group. These “friendships” enable me to have conversations that are safe. BUT GOD provides friends who can talk about HIM in meaningful ways.

 

Purpose driven people need encouragement, shared excitement and the bonds of going through the fire together. Those who place their purpose in the world may not be able to share in the understanding of the importance of having purpose in CHRIST. When you and I find people who are willing to pray for us, encourage us and share joy with us, our bonds grow stronger. I am grateful for my friends who call JESUS our LORD and Savior.

 

Challenge

• Can you feel the excitement from the writer?
• Have you ever had friends who could encourage you and share in your dreams the way GOD gave it to you?
• Will you be a friend to someone who needs encouragement, GOD’s way, and help those who seek HIM by sharing in joy today?

Guarding “Ships”

Guarding “Ships”

2 Timothy 3: Remember that there will be difficult times in the last days. ² People will be selfish, greedy, boastful, and conceited; they will be insulting, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and irreligious; ³ they will be unkind, merciless, slanderers, violent, and fierce; they will hate the good; ⁴ they will be treacherous, reckless, and swollen with pride; they will love pleasure rather than God; ⁵ they will hold to the outward form of our religion, but reject its real power. Keep away from such people. 

 

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Feeling lonely, I decided that being involved with any group was better than none. I decided to go out with coworkers. Maybe I can get used to doing some other things. “Let’s go out to the strip club!” was a suggestion “everyone” agreed to. “I guess so” I said reluctantly.

 

• I felt something was wrong with just going with the crowd, but I went.
• I knew I should not do what “everyone” else was doing, but I did.
• I joined in on stuff I later regretted joining in on.

 

Paul warns more than Timothy about the “last days.” He generally provides a stern warning about connecting to people who do not have JESUS in their hearts, but mimic the words. He prepared Timothy to not be naïve rather to know there will be some who will not follow GOD no matter how much he or she pretends.

 

My Observations

• GOD saw my sin and forgave me through my belief in JESUS’ resurrection.
• GOD is the only forgiver of sins.
• GOD wants the heart not the outward pretenses.

 

There are a few ships GOD wants me to guard. Friendships, relationships and partnerships. These are sacred to HIM because they affect how HIS Kingdom grows. GOD knows I cannot avoid the world or live in a bubble. In fact, HE wants me and you to infect the world.

 

BUT GOD also wants me to guard my heart and not allow the world to enter it with things that will take people away from HIS Kingdom. He wants my friendships, relationships and partnerships to be focused on HIS “real power” which is through JESUS. I am glad GOD protects me in this difficult world.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the list of the writer is so extensive?
• Have you ever been tempted to hang out with a crowd you knew was wrong for you, but you did it anyway?
• Will you seek the “real power” of GOD by allowing the HOLY SPIRIT to lead you to infect the world versus connecting with people you know will drag you down by the world today?

Circle of Friends

Circle of Friends

Colossians 4: ¹⁰ Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have already received instructions to welcome Mark if he comes your way.) ¹¹ Joshua, also called Justus, sends greetings too. These three are the only Jewish believers who work with me for the Kingdom of God, and they have been a great help to me.

 

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“You should steal it” was the suggestion from a guy I knew. We had a few conversations because we were interested in similar groups. I explained my need and his suggestion was to steal it since I did not have the money. “Just take it. Let me do it for you.” I accepted the stolen goods.

 

• I felt something was wrong with his advice.
• I also really, really wanted to fit in.
• I did not think his action was “bad” because he did not get caught.

 

Paul mentions his true friends to everyone. These people stood with him through thick and thin. In other words they went through the trouble he faced. They did this with one major caveat, their purpose was for CHRIST and furthering the Kingdom of GOD.

 

My Observations

• Misery loves company so I have to be careful not to fall into miserable company.
• Only GOD can open my eyes to when I am on the wrong path.
• My circle of friends can be for or against the Kingdom of GOD.

 

Choosing “friends” can be tricky. I mean, if I need to “fit in” I can find all sorts of people who will allow me in their world. But is that world worth it? Sometimes no. GOD’s kingdom is the only place that matters. I can make excuses and justify my actions with a group, but without GOD, all my actions are wasted.

 

GOD’s purpose should be included in my circle of friends. I don’t mean I should isolate from people who are not believers in JESUS. I mean, I should hang with those who will pray, praise and promote who GOD is. I am grateful I have met many who bow down to the Living GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer mentions these people?
• What advice are you receiving from your circle of friends?
• Will you be a friend to someone by living your life with the purpose of GOD today?

Friend for Purpose

Friend for Purpose

Colossians 1: ²¹ At one time you were far away from God and were his enemies because of the evil things you did and thought. ²² But now, by means of the physical death of his Son, God has made you his friends, in order to bring you, holy, pure, and faultless, into his presence.

 

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Desiring to move up in the company, I asked a bold statement. “What is wrong with how I do things?” Fortunately I asked the right person and soon I was surrounded by a few mentors who could nudge my decision making from a “doer” role into a “leader.” The transition was difficult.

 

• I wasn’t even thinking like a leader.
• I thought I was supposed to tell people what to do and they would do it.
• I was far from a “leader” because my thoughts were not on the same track as theirs.

 

Paul makes it clear that everyone’s thoughts and actions were far from GOD. Constant thought of evil and actions that were not of GOD, made everyone HIS enemy. BUT GOD had a remedy. HE made up with HIS creation through HIS SON.

 

My Observations

• My thoughts and actions were far away from GOD.
• By believing in JESUS’ death, burial and resurrection, I can learn a new way of thinking that is not on self.
• My past, present and future sins are all forgiven only because of what GOD did.

 

GOD made up with HIS creation on purpose. If HE did not do what HE did, we would all be lost. HE made a way for us to be holy, pure and faultless so we can be in HIS presence. HE cannot stand even the slightest sin, and needed a way to make us clean. JESUS is that way.

 

When JESUS volunteered to die for the sins of humanity, I can’t imagine the pain of GOD. But somehow, it was accepted and the deed was done. We became friends on purpose so was could have a relationship with GOD that is everlasting. I am glad GOD made me HIS friend.

 

Challenge

• Do you see yourself in the writer’s words?
• Have you ever thought that your sin is too large or repetitious for GOD to forgive?
• Will you praise GOD for what HE has done so HE can be your friend, guiding you into holiness, purity and faultlessness today?

Faithful Friends

Faithful Friends

Colossians 1: From Paul, who by God's will is an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy—

 

² To God's people in Colossae, who are our faithful friends in union with Christ:

May God our Father give you grace and peace.

 

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Living in a new city was exciting in the beginning, but after a while, I wanted to do things with people. The small town I was in had different music, food and activities that I was not familiar with. I met people, but something was off.

 

• I was seeking commonalities from a social perspective.
• I wanted to have the same ”fun” I had when I walked away from GOD.
• I was looking for more of the same thing I was used to when I was in college.

 

Paul classifies the people at Colossae as “faithful friends.” This is a group of people who put their faith in CHRIST into action. The commonality was their union in JESUS.

 

My Observations

• Unity in CHRIST can bring me a wide range of friends.
• GOD’s will brings me together with people who seek HIS kingdom.
• My faith in CHRIST unites me with others who are faithful to HIM.

 

Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. I place my entire hope in CHRIST as I muddle through this thing called life. When I meet others who feel the same way about CHRIST, we bond in a way that is different from the world.

 

We seek GOD’s kingdom together, facing opposition from those in the world who may have succumb to its seductive pleasures. I am glad GOD enables me to enjoy life while srving HIM and guides me away from forgetting I am HIS.

Challenge

• What stands out in the writer’s greeting?
• Have you ever met some “friends” that do not have GOD’s interest in mind?
• Will you add “faith” in CHRIST to your list of qualities when it comes to choosing friends today?

 

Purposeful Friendship

 

Purposeful Friendship

Philippians 4:1 So then, my friends, how dear you are to me and how I miss you! How happy you make me, and how proud I am of you!—this, dear friends, is how you should stand firm in your life in the Lord.

 

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“Why doesn’t he ever call me to check in on me?” and “Why do I have to be the one who responds to her needs?” were questions I have asked about certain people. After a while, I stopped calling and responding to people I was not getting anything “from.”

 

• I wanted to be served “for a change.”
• I wanted to have some attention “for a change.”
• I wanted to engage in a storybook friendship “for a change.”

 

Paul raises the bar on friendship by giving it purpose. He mentions how dear the people are and how happy they made him feel and how proud he is of them. Why? Because they shared experiences in their life in the LORD.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants the best for me, so HE gave HIS one and only SON to die for me.
• When JESUS was raised from the dead HE gave me the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me because I believed I needed a Savior.
• Now that I am saved, GOD wants me to want HIS best for others.

 

Giving oneself to others is commendable, but when I do it in the middle of being needy, it can become detrimental. I mean, friendship is messy. When I am in need, so is the next person. Some people stay in need for decades because GOD is shaping HIM or her to do something great and is not finished yet. Meanwhile, I may take pity on myself and say “What about me?”

 

GOD doesn’t want me to give up on him or her because amazing transformations are happening that I cannot see. But when a glimpse of GOD comes out of any of us, HE is pleased. I am glad the HOLY SPIRIT fills me up so I can overflow HIS love to others.

 

Challenge

• What is the “life in the LORD” look like to you that the writer speaks about?
• Have you ever asked “What about me?” when thinking about certain people?
• Will you seek GOD to fill you up daily so HIS purpose will overflow from your heart and so you can endear “that” person and miss “that” person and be happy and proud of “that” person for CHRIST today?

Friendship Tool

Friendship Tool

2 Corinthians 5: ¹⁶ No longer, then, do we judge anyone by human standards. Even if at one time we judged Christ according to human standards, we no longer do so. ¹⁷ Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come. ¹⁸ All this is done by God, who through Christ changed us from enemies into his friends and gave us the task of making others his friends also. ¹⁹ Our message is that God was making all human beings his friends through Christ God did not keep an account of their sins, and he has given us the message which tells how he makes them his friends.

 

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Forming friendships was not as easy as it seemed. I did not like people who ridiculed me, so at that time, I did not like many people. One friend, who I have known since kindergarten, looked beyond the items of ridicule and introduced me to other people who I call my friends to this very day.

 

• I was accepted with my flaws.
• I was not judged by human standards.
• I was stretched to learn to like others I would not have normally gravitated to.

 

Paul uses a strange word when describing a pursuit of GOD. He used the term “friend..” At one point we were HIS enemy, but through CHRIST, we become HIS friend.

 

My Observations

• GOD accepted me with all my sinful flaws.
• GOD did not keep account of my sins because I accepted JESUS as my Savior.
• GOD has given me the message to explain how to become HIS friend through CHRIST.

 

Being a friend to people is important to GOD, but in a different way. I mean, HE wants me to have a real relationship with HIM and enjoy HIS company enough to want to share HIM with other people. My earthly friends wanted to share friendship with people, so does GOD.

 

HE gives me an important message that all sins have been forgiven through JESUS and the relationship is totally healed by believing in the need to be forgiven by HIM. I gladly tell how to make friends with GOD, because HE showed HIS love to me.

 

Challenge

• Do you see the genuine friendship expressed by the writer?
• What does it mean to be an enemy of GOD?
• What friendships have you formed over the years?
• Will you accept the highest form of friendship by believing in JESUS so HE can give you purpose to make others a friend of GOD today?

Friendships

Friendships

2 Corinthians 2: ¹² When I arrived in Troas to preach the Good News about Christ, I found that the Lord had opened the way for the work there. ¹³ But I was deeply worried, because I could not find our brother Titus. So I said good-bye to the people there and went on to Macedonia.

 

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Upon arrival in a certain country, we settled down and went to the same church we had attended years before. A person called out my name, which I though was a miracle. He was someone I had spent time with on the last trip. He was now a preacher.

 

• It was great to see someone familiar in an unfamiliar place.
• It was nice to pick up the discussion where we left off.
• It was a faith builder for me to run into someone who remembered me.

 

Paul wanted to see Titus in Troas but could not find him. He was deeply concerned about Titus and while he could have done a marvelous work for the LORD there, he left and went to Macedonia.

 

My Observations

• Friendships formed because of CHRIST can be special.
• Friendships created out of unity with CHRIST overcome obstacles.
• Friendships started because of living purpose in CHRIST help make sense out of a sometimes senseless world.

 

I hung around people who I called “friends” who had no concern for me or anyone else. I mean, our “friendship” was formed by the current sin we were into. BUT GOD opened my eyes to my sins and wanted me to speak about JESUS.

 

When I went back to my “friends” they asked questions about why I stopped doing what I used to do. I said “It doesn’t make me any better to stop my sins, but I do feel better when I don’t sin and I am forgiven when I sin.” Some listened, some did not. I am learning to be grateful for everyone I meet because the friendship I show may lead to a relationship with JESUS.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer left even though the LORD opened up a way for work there?
• Have you ever been in an unfamiliar place but had a friend there to experience it?
• Do you have friends you can speak to about what JESUS is doing in your life?

Versatility

Versatility

1 Corinthians 9: ¹⁹ I am a free man, nobody's slave; but I make myself everybody's slave in order to win as many people as possible. ²⁰ While working with the Jews, I live like a Jew in order to win them; and even though I myself am not subject to the Law of Moses, I live as though I were when working with those who are, in order to win them. ²¹ In the same way, when working with Gentiles, I live like a Gentile, outside the Jewish Law, in order to win Gentiles. This does not mean that I don't obey God's law; I am really under Christ's law. ²² Among the weak in faith I become weak like one of them, in order to win them. So I become all things to all people, that I may save some of them by whatever means are possible.

 

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Seeing what was wrong was part of my job. I was taught to spot broken operations and unsanitary conditions. On the missions trip, all of my training went out the window. I was in a place that had no sink and a makeshift stove for cooking. Guess who had to adapt.

 

• There have been times when I needed to become flexible in my beliefs.
• There have been times when I needed to do things a little differently because of where I was at.
• There have been times when I needed to become versatile as a good example to others.

 

Paul explains that he uses his freedom to serve people for JESUS. He shows flexibility within the confines of obeying GOD’s law. He knew his salvation was solid, so with the Jews he was careful to obey the Laws of Moses. With the Gentiles, he did not observe the Law because they were not taught. He was versatile to win people for CHRIST.

 

• GOD wants me to be flexible versus being a people pleaser.
• GOD wants me to reduce my thinking of how things should be so I can win a variety of people for HIM.
• GOD wants me to be able to speak to as many people as possible about JESUS, so I must learn to be versatile.

 

Being versatile does not mean I have to become something I am not. I mean, I still have to obey GOD and love HIS people, so joining a hate group would be out of the question. But what about the many ways people justify their sin by belonging to groups where the sin is accepted? GOD has the answer. Love “them” as part of “us.”

 

The main goal is to win people over for CHRIST, not win arguments on how people should live their lives. The HOLY SPIRIT is the one who is the guide. I am grateful GOD has given me the task of being a seed planter.

 

• Are you trying to make someone live as you do?
• Do you feel people are not following GOD correctly?
• Will you become more versatile so you can win more people to CHRIST today?

Loyal Friends

 Loyal Friends

Romans 16: ⁸ My greetings to Ampliatus, my dear friend in the fellowship of the Lord. ⁹ Greetings also to Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ's service, and to Stachys, my dear friend. ¹⁰ Greetings to Apelles, whose loyalty to Christ has been proved. Greetings to those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. ¹¹ Greetings to Herodion, a fellow Jew, and to the Christians in the family of Narcissus.

 

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“Sit right here on the letter ‘W’ the teacher said. There was no one with the last name with the letter ‘U’ so I had a conversation with the boy sitting on the letter ‘T.’ Decades later we still have conversations along with a few other guys who I have had the honor to know and love all these years. We pray together and time has tested our loyalties.

 

• I have met many people who I call friend.
• I have interacted with many people who are now my friends.
• I have prayed with many people who I can count on as a friend.

 

Paul switches to a different tone in his greeting. He speaks about family, fellowship and friends. But he does this in relationship to CHRIST. He knows that friendships can be fleeting, so he mentions Apelles, whose loyalty to CHRIST was somehow proven.

 

• GOD wants me to accept those who believe in the LORD as friends.
• GOD wants me to become part of a family so I can help serve the LORD.
• GOD wants me to see others as fellow workers of the LORD.

 

Friendship can be hard when I place my criteria on another person. I mean, when people have to meet certain standards I, or others who know me, have set in our minds, then few people will measure up.

 

BUT GOD is the standard maker and HE erases their sin and exposes mine. HE wants me to realize that other people are just as forgiven as I am. HE loves when I greet people who serve HIM and treat them as fellow family who are my friends. I am glad to be part of a loving group in JESUS.

 

• What is your criteria for “friendship?”
• Do other people have more problems than you?
• Will you reduce your judgment of others so you can have more friends who can work alongside you for the sake of CHRIST today?

Friendly

Friendly

John 15: ¹³ Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. ¹⁴ You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. ¹⁵ 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. 

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Sitting in the back seat of their car, the driver and passenger asked me questions “Do you know JESUS?” they asked. I said “Yes” and thanked them for the ride. My car had broken down and I had no idea how far the next exit was.

• Many strangers have been very friendly to me.
• Many strangers have shown friendliness towards me without being prompted.
• Many strangers have done friendly things to me, even when I did not ask.

JESUS calls HIS disciples “fiends.” HE goes a step further and says “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for friends.” This is what JESUS did. But what am I supposed to do?

• JESUS wants me to seek opportunities to be a friend to somebody.
• JESUS wants me to stop thinking about myself for a moment and be friendly to someone.
• JESUS wants me to change my mind about people and be friendly instead of combative.

There is nothing I can give GOD when HE gave it all to me. I mean HE died for me. I cannot die for HIM, or can I. HE wants me to think of others with love rather than being irritated with them. Instead of being “too busy” for them, HE wants me to sacrifice my “precious” time to be there for them.

Laying down my life for a moment takes sacrifice. I may have to lay aside my comfort, pet peeves and made up human beliefs to show GOD’s love. JESUS showed me how to be a friend. HE gave me HIS word and wants me to pass it on. I can do the same, little by little.

• Do you complain about people?
• Are you mad at “that’ person?
• Will you lay down your life for a moment and show the world how to be a friend to someone today?

Partnership

Luke 5: ⁹ For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; ¹⁰ and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” ¹¹ So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

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“Ask them questions to get to know them” someone suggested to me. I did not like this group of people, but I tolerated their arrogance because they were in charge. The more questions I asked, the more I did not like them. “Why am I here?’ I thought to myself.

• There were many times when I made up my mind to not like groups of people.
• There were many times when I sought to point out problems in people.
• There were many times when I brought negative words into a conversation even before meeting the person.

After JESUS performed the miracle of filling their nets with fish, HE said “Do not be afraid.” I believe HE was speaking on many levels. Do not be afraid of ME or what you will eat or what you will wear or who you talk to, just follow ME and you will catch those I give you. They decided to follow HIM.

• GOD wants me to partner with HIM so I can seek HIS merciful ways.
• GOD wants me to partner with HIM so I can point my ambitions toward HIM.
• GOD wants me to partner with HIM so I can drop the negative opinions of people and give them labels that only come from HIM.

Partnering with GOD means loving people I would not ordinarily love. It means getting rid of my prejudices and filling my mind with grace and fortitude to pursue humans who run away from GOD at every turn.

James, John and Peter also had a human partnership as friends and coworkers. One thing they had in common was they all sought JESUS as their savior and they gave up their lifestyle to follow HIM. They partnered with JESUS on a level that enabled them to do great things.

• Are you serving GOD on the surface?
• Are you afraid to give HIM your sins and are trying hard to be good and make everyone around you good?
• Will you stop trying to manipulate people and allow GOD to use your dirty parts to bring people to HIM?
• Can you drop your prejudices and allow GOD to send you to people who do not look or act like you today?