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?

Humble Friendship

 

Humble Friendship

James 4: Where do all the fights and quarrels among you come from? They come from your desires for pleasure, which are constantly fighting within you. ² You want things, but you cannot have them, so you are ready to kill; you strongly desire things, but you cannot get them, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have what you want because you do not ask God for it. ³ And when you ask, you do not receive it, because your motives are bad; you ask for things to use for your own pleasures. ⁴ Unfaithful people! Don't you know that to be the world's friend means to be God's enemy? If you want to be the world's friend, you make yourself God's enemy. ⁵ Don't think that there is no truth in the scripture that says, “The spirit that God placed in us is filled with fierce desires.”^[a] 6 But the grace that God gives is even stronger. As the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

 

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Frustrated because it seemed like “everyone” else was getting paid but me, left me complaining about what I did not have. I had just started going back to church and I heard the preacher say “name it and claim it.” In other words say what I want and I will get it. But when I didn’t get it, I got mad.

 

• I was mad at GOD because I did not get what I wanted.
• I thought GOD was supposed to give me what I wanted.
• I thought that I “deserved” better than what I already had.

 

James addressed selfishness by illustrating two friendship types. One friendship is with the world, the other is with GOD. He exposes the root of quarrels and fights, namely friendship with the world. He points out the fact that wrong motive causes a lack in receiving from GOD.

 

My Observations:

• The more I become friends with the world, the more I fight over its pleasures.
• GOD resists my pride, but loves when I humble myself before HIM.
• GOD’s desires are fierce and cannot be quenched by the selfishness of obtaining the world.

 

“What is it to gain the whole world and lose your soul?” is a deep, convicting question. I mean, insatiable desires that cannot be quenched or controlled causes me to think of GOD in the wrong way. I may think “I” deserve better when GOD has already provided so much for me.

 

HE loves when I can say “Thank YOU for what YOU have given to me, I have more than enough.” This keeps my insatiable appetite down to a minimum and my hatred for other people who may be “in the way of getting mine” diminishes. I am glad GOD is willing to give me grace when I humble myself.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about fights and quarrels?
• Have you ever wanted something and did not get it, so you cried or got mad at another person?
• Do you have a problem with wanting more and more to the point that GOD is no longer the answer?
• Will you ask GOD to open your eyes to HIS true grace so HE can guide you to the things HE wants you to have 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?

 

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?

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?

Ingenuity

Luke 5: ¹⁷ One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. ¹⁸ Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. ¹⁹ When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.

²⁰ When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

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“We have a business problem” were the words posed to me that started my wheels turning. I loved solving business problems, the more complex the problem, the better. I pondered solutions for days, even weeks. Finally I came up with a solution and when I implemented it, I received awards and cash!

• There were times when I spent enormous amounts of time thinking of business solutions.
• There were times when I spent huge amounts of time trying to get the company ahead.
• There were times when I put forth large efforts developing complicated business solutions that made wealthy people wealthier.

The paralyzed man’s friends probably came up with a simple plan to go see JESUS who was healing people left and right but they ran into a problem. The crowd was too large. They had to think of something.

I could imagine the quick meeting as they discussed options. “Do you think the roof would support our weight?” “How will we get through the roof?” “Does anyone have any rope or should we use our clothes?” JESUS saw their faith as they implemented their solution.

• GOD wants me to think of ways to bring people to HIM.
• GOD wants me to spend time pondering solutions to bringing lost people back to HIM.
• GOD wants me to spend some time developing solutions to meet the needs of people who are seeking HIM.

“Your sins are forgiven” was the unexpected reward JESUS gave the paralyzed man. Who knows how he got paralyzed in the first place. Was he doing something that he wasn’t supposed to? The Bible does not say. JESUS forgave him and I believe his friends benefited as well. GOD sees any ingenuity I can give HIM.

• Do you have someone who is seeking GOD but they are facing barriers to accepting HIM?
• Do you know someone who is trying to run from GOD?
• Can you ask GOD for HIS ingenious plan to be brought to you so you can begin implementing it today?

Fake Friends

Mark 14: ⁴³ And immediately, while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. ⁴⁴ Now His betrayer had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him and lead Him away safely.”

⁴⁵ As soon as he had come, immediately he went up to Him and said to Him, “Rabbi, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

⁴⁶ Then they laid their hands on Him and took Him. ⁴⁷ And one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

⁴⁸ Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? ⁴⁹ I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.”

⁵⁰ Then they all forsook Him and fled.

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“He called me the wrong name again!” I said to myself. He would greet me with the warmest greeting, but when someone important walked in the room, he would leave our conversation. This, however, was the guy to know. “How can I get noticed by him?” was my thought.

• Sometimes I have sought out fake friends.
• Sometimes I wanted to be in the “in” crowd so much that I would settle for fake friends.
• Sometimes I was popular enough that I was a fake friend to people.

Hundreds of people are pictured here in this passage, yet JESUS had no friend. The army of hundreds had no feeling towards HIM and Judas put on the act of love when his heart was filled with deceit. Not even the disciples acted like a friend as they forsook HIM and fled. BUT JESUS does something different.

• JESUS says to me “Greater love hath no man than this, that a MAN lay down HIS life for HIS friends.”
• JESUS says to me ”I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from MY FATHER I have made known to you.
• JESUS says to me “I will never leave you or forsake you.”

At times JESUS has been my only friend. When the winds of life are blowing hard against me and those around me are questioning me, JESUS has been right there comforting me and lifting me up. HIS love endures forever and HE shows me that friendship is not about leaving it is about loving.

• Has everyone left you?
• Do you feel alone?
• Can you take some time to be a friend to someone today?”

Chosen Friends Have No Fear

Isaiah 41: ⁸ “But you, Israel, my servant,
    Jacob, whom I have chosen,
    you descendants of Abraham my friend,
⁹ I took you from the ends of the earth,
    from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, ‘You are my servant’;
    I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
¹⁰ So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

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Laughter poured out of the house as we played the game. Distracted with conversation, the game kept getting interrupted followed by, “is it my turn?” Tears of laughter fell from my face as I said for the fourth time “It’s your turn.” The distractions were more fun than the game!

• Having “Chosen Friends” is a blessing.
• Having “Chosen Friends” is warming to the heart.
• Having “Chosen Friends” is truly a gift.

Friends believe in your cause instantly, no matter how crazy it may seem. They stick with you through thick and thin and do not have to be convinced. Great friends correct my course, especially when I am trying to stray from GOD. The great news is GOD says I am a friend.

• GOD says to me “There is no love greater than to lay down MY life for you as MY friend.”
• GOD says to me “I have called you and chosen you as MY servant.”
• GOD says to me “I have not rejected you so do not fear, for I AM with you, I AM your GOD.”

GOD strengthens me and helps me like no other friend can. HE leads me, guides me and upholds me with HIS righteous hand. It is great knowing I have a friend in my corner who will never leave me no matter how tough things get. GOD chose me as a friend and I am grateful!

• Do you need a friend?
• Have people left you or stepped away from you?
• Can you allow GOD to choose you?
• Are you willing to speak HIS words instead of yours?

Friendly Fear

Job 6: ¹⁴ “Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend
    forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

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A few weeks ago I was in a hurry to get to an event. I parked downtown and exaggeratedly paid $2.5 Million for parking. While walking to the door a homeless person stuck her hand out asking for some cash. My excuse for not helping was “I’m in a hurry” so I stuck my hand up and said a small prayer and kept going. This bothered me all while I was at the event. I could not find her afterwards.

• Sometimes I have withheld my kindness for various reasons.
• Sometimes I have rationalized why I should not give to a particular person.
• Sometimes I have determined “this person is scamming me” when I really don’t have the full picture of their life.

I do understand that I cannot cure homelessness, but sometimes I have turned my eyes from them and I say to myself, “I have bills of my own I have to pay.” Then I poke my mouth out when no one turns to help me. How should I act

• GOD wants me to understand that sometimes I could be entertaining an angel and not be aware of it.
• GOD wants me to give sacrificially when HE delivers someone to me.
• GOD wants me to be honored to give when the SPIRIT leads me.

I actually should be seeking those in need but GOD delivers people to me when I don’t feel like being generous. HE wants me to fully understand HE owns everything and I should not get upset at how he distributes HIS wealth. My focus should be on the kingdom and that means helping out friends. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.

• Are you judging that person and have determined they are not “worth” your help?
• Have you elevated their sin above yours?
• Can you take the beam out of your eye that may be blinding you and help people?
• Will you seek GOD’s kingdom out who are in need today?

Being a friend

1 Samuel 20: ⁴² Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.

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Having friends id something very dear to me. Some of my friends have known me for most of my life.  Seeing the relationship between Jonathan and David reminds me to pray a special prayer for friendships all around.

• LORD thank YOU for my friends.
• LORD thank YOU for blessing those who read about YOU and follow YOUR ways.
• LORD thank YOU for all friendships for YOUR SON acted like the ultimate friend.

• Do you have friends you should pray for?
• Do you have friends who need you to reach out to them?
• Can you pray for your friends today?

Being friendly

Leviticus 3:  “If your offering is a Peace-Offering and you present an animal from the herd, either male or female, it must be an animal without any defect.

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Caller ID is the greatest invention for business. I could see my coworkers’ number appear numerous times but I was too busy to answer the call. When I would see him in the hallway, my empty promise to call him would be repeated again and again.  I was actually brushing this person off and the priority was lowered because others were important.

• I’m not being friendly when it’s all about me.
• I’m not being friendly when the other person is the only one reaching out.
• I’m not being friendly when I make excuses for not being friendly.

Friends can hear the words “I apologize” and keep moving forward with the relationship, so I must take the first mending step. Friendships should not be built on what the other person does for me, rather who they are to me.

• GOD wants me to present a Peace Offering to mend relationships for HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to seek forgiveness when I have done wrong.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM to work on my heart rather than wanting HIM to work on “that” person’s heart. 

I have heard it before, in order to be friendly, I must learn how to be friends with people. I should learn what they need and meet them where they are. I should bring peace so they can see the great plan GOD has for us.

• Are you at odds with someone?
• Do you treat others different because of something they said or did?
• Can you ask GOD to work on your heart?
• Can you seek peach for the purpose of GOD growing “that’ person?