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?

Why Remember?

Why Remember?

! Corinthians 11: ²³ For I received from the Lord the teaching that I passed on to you: that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took a piece of bread, ²⁴ gave thanks to God, broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in memory of me.” ²⁵ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup and said, “This cup is God's new covenant, sealed with my blood. Whenever you drink it, do so in memory of me.”

 

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Hurt by the circumstance, I had forgotten all the good times when laughter ensued from the house. Bitter attacks and missing people left five individuals wounded and seemingly, forever separated. The enemy had devoured us, or so he thought.

 

• There have been circumstances in my life that attempted to erase the good that happened.
• There have been situations in my life that tried to remove the great memories that happened.
• There have been obstacles, barriers and thieves, that tried to steal the wonderful things that happened.

 

Paul addresses divisiveness by giving the training he received directly from JESUS. “Remember ME.” Paul mentions the teaching of JESUS as HE spoke to HIS disciples before HE was crucified. JESUS knew times would get difficult and Satan would seek to divide by turning up pride, hidden lies and hardened hearts. HE wanted them to remember what HE had overcome.

 

My Observation

• JESUS wants me to remember that HE overcame all my sins, when I sin.
• JESUS wants me to remember that HE loved me more than any human could ever love me.
• JESUS wants me to remember that HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to comfort me and I am never alone regardless of how things may seem.

 

Remembering JESUS is extremely important. I mean, if I think “I” did things on my own, then pride would creep in. Remembering JESUS controls pride. If I dwell on the hurt and the pain, I forget that HE felt pain and hurt, just for me. When I remember that JESUS died and was raised from the dead, my hurt and pain stings less.

 

When I feel all alone, I remember that JESUS sent the HOLY SPIRIT to comfort me. HE begs for forgiveness of my sins and provides the right words when I need them. Remembering the good helps heal my wounds.

 

Challenge

• What good things do you remember that the enemy is trying to steal from you?
• Do you think remaining stuck on the circumstance, even for years, will help you heal from wounds?
• Will you remember the good and especially what JESUS did for you so the HOLY SPIRIT can provide the comfort you seek today?

Facing Problems

Facing Problems

John 18: When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. ² And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. ³ Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. ⁴ Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”

⁵ They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. ⁶ Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

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Hostile is the only word I could use to describe the crowd. I had to prepare my notes so I could present the information in a palatable way. The closer it came for my turn to speak, the more scared I became. I took a deep breath because I was super nervous. I stammered over the first few words when I got on stage, but I got through the difficult presentation.

• Sometimes I do not want to face problems.
• Most times I do not want to go through trials.
• Sometimes I just want the problem to go away.

Judas betrayed JESUS with a large number of military soldiers. He had help from the church leaders to gather this kind of power. They were armed and ready for fights. Did Judas stir them up so they expected the crowd to turn against them? In the middle of this tense situation, JESUS faced the problem and calmly walked out and said HE was the one they were looking for.

• JESUS wants me to face problems, knowing HE is with me.
• JESUS wants me to address difficult situations, knowing the HOLY SPIRIT is with me.
• JESUS wants me to accept trials, knowing the FATHER is with me.

Huge problems can be scary at times. BUT GOD is there with me to guide me through the situation. HE gives me strength to face the problem especially when the problem is spiritual in nature.

HE understands the war and knows I will face many battles. HE gets excited, because HE has already won the war because HE was raised from the dead and given all glory. I can face trials with JESUS on my side.

• Are you going through problems?
• Does it seem like there is no way out of the situation?
• Will you face the problem, knowing GOD is with you and cares for you?