Fair weather friends

What sort of friend always believes the worst in us? Is that even the behavior of a friend? I've had a few women I considered friends, but who disappointed me, even betrayed my trust. I eventually moved on to find new ones.

Friends love and speak truth to us, but they also believe in us and will be willing to tell us if we are on the wrong path. Isn't it curious the friends Job embraced? I've often questioned his ability to judge a man's character because of his choice for supporters.

But he knows the way that I take;
    when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
11 My feet have closely followed his steps;
    I have kept to his way without turning aside. (Job 23:10-11)

I didn't stop to consider that maybe Job wanted to teach his companions about the true nature of God, and that is why he didn't dismiss them as out-of-line when they questioned his character. When they inferred he must have done something bad for all this calamity to befall him, he didn't tell them to go home. He listened and continued to sit with them.

Job's friends held to a belief that God punishes; that when something bad happens to us it is because of something bad we did first. Job’s friends do not offer any grace here. They assumed the worst, but Job knew different. He also knew his God and put his faith to work during this season.

  

Job 23:8-12

Why, God? Why?

 

READ: Ezekiel 20:8-13, 30-36

As a young man, I had great difficulty reconciling the God who sacrificed his only son for the sins of the world with the God who judged his chosen people through exile, slavery, rape, and execution. I much preferred the former and oft asked of the latter, “Why, God? Why?”

Why did you hand the people you created over to such cruelty and suffering? Would you do the same to me or to the people I love?

I thought he would, and perhaps justifiably so. 1 Peter 3:12 says, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 

I have done evil by breaking God’s commandments, as have my loved ones, as had God’s chosen people. In fact, Romans 3:12 says, “All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”

Do we then deserve to be spared from the evil of others if we ourselves do not do good?

Perhaps, then, we should question not the God who judges, but the God who shows mercy.

Did God not drown the world in the time of Noah? Burn to ashes the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah? Has he not reserved the present heavens and earth for destruction by fire? (2 Peter 2:4-6, 3:10-11)

Why, then, should Jesus come into the world that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life? (John 3:16)

Because we’re sorry? Because we repented? Because we’re going to try harder and do better?

No. The Lord says, “But for the sake of my name …” (Ezekiel 20:9)

The name (or reputation) of God. That’s why the Israelites were delivered from slavery in Egypt, that’s why they were returned from exile in Babylon, and that’s why Christ died for the sins of the world. Because God’s name is synonymous with love, mercy, and grace.

In Ephesians 2:4-5, Paul puts it like this: “Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”

I Once Was Lost, but Now Am Found

READ: Ezekiel 34:11-16

I spent seven years as a lost sheep. Separated from the flock of the Lord’s people and from the Good Shepherd himself, I wandered through life alone. I was very self-reliant then. Proud too. I pushed people away, refused help, and tried to make it on my own. I failed miserably.

When my Shepherd found me, I was deeply broken. I had no friends. I had wounded my family through years of rebellion and separation. I was dissatisfied with every worldly treasure. My life felt meaningless, and I had little hope for the future.

“I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy,” promises the Lord. (Ezekiel 34:16)

I used to think I was sleek and strong -- I was doomed to destruction. But when I encountered the Good Shepherd, I realized that I was weak and injured and that he wanted to heal me. All he needed was my submission.

The Good Shepherd changed my life. I have friends now. Real friends. Friends that accept me for who I am and genuinely care about me. My relationship with my family is being restored. I am filled with hope and satisfied with the provisions the Good Shepherd makes for me each day.

Sometimes I still wander … drift away on the path of pride or self-reliance or solitude. But the Good Shepherd chases me, catches me, and carries me back home, to the good pasture of life with his people, life in his care. He is true to who he says he is and what he says he will do. As it is written in Proverbs (and quoted in 1 Peter and James), “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

My Lovable Enemy

The Message version of this scripture text is wonderful and revealing

“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. (Matthew 5:43-44)

Love your enemies! How counter intuitive is that? It certainly is not instinctual, but God does command us to do this. What might that look like? There are a few questions that come to mind right away.

• Who is my enemy? "Someone who gives you a hard time..."
• Why are they the enemy? "they are good and bad, nice and nasty..."
• How do I love them? "respond with the energies of prayer..."
• Why should I love them? "Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst..."

Is the opposing team my enemy? Is the neighbor who installed a 6' fence around his yard my enemy? How about the person who hit my car and left the scene? Is he or she my enemy? How about those people who don't agree with me, my politics, my life-style, my profession?  Just who is the enemy...and why?

Is it the unsolicited phone caller telling you that your vehicle warranty is about to expire, but they will renew it for you over the phone...or is the third caller of the day telling you they are concerned about your student loan...or my favorite - "I am calling from Microsoft and we have detected a virus on your computer..." These unpleasant interruptions feel like attacks from the enemy. They hint of wrong doing or at the very least untruths.

By not allowing these intrusions to spoil our day, by maybe even speaking a kind or gentle word to them, we are loving our enemies. I must try that the next time I receive a call.

“The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because generally they are the same people.”
― G.K. Chesterton

“In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” (Matthew 5:48 MSG)

Matthew 5:43-48

Potential Friendships are all around us.

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

How can I fulfill the Great Commission in the context of my family? My co-workers? Neighbors? Folks I encounter in the grocery, barber shop, movie theater? I am learning that I need to have my eyes wide open and intentionally looking for those people who were nothing more than wallpaper before. Looking but not seeing.

Thankfully, Jesus doesn't consider any of us as background noise or invisible creatures.  He sees us all in a wonderful and bright light.  Actually He is the light. Moving through life as a Christ-follower I am called to be that same light for others. I am called to see them - everyone in my path - as someone so dearly loved by God.

Once I have those eyeglasses on, I begin to recognize someone who needs to know the love of God; someone who needs to know that they matter.  This is such an easy thing to do, just talk to them, smile at them, come alongside and invite them to get to know you. Nothing fancy, maybe a coffee date or a lunch break.

We are all starved for attention, for friends who can be counted on. Invite someone into your life; share some of your story as you get acquainted. The word 'go' in the verse at the top means, as you go, make disciples. As you move along through your day, find someone who has been in the peripheral of your vision and pull them in closer.

They just might become your new best friend. 

Matthew 28:16-20

God is in Control

Romans 11:28-29 (MSG)
From your point of view as you hear and embrace the good news of the Message, it looks like the Jews are God's enemies. But looked at from the long-range perspective of God's overall purpose, they remain God's oldest friends.  God's gifts and God's call are under full warranty—never canceled, never rescinded. 

I admire those people who can say they have a few of the same friends as they had in childhood. Just think, from the time you were a toddler or in the 1st or 2nd grade, a friend or two from those days is still a friend today. That is incredible. Think, there was and still is a bond that makes the two of you click.  There is a force at work that kept you both in one another's lives.  Do you ever wonder why?

I can recall a few of my childhood friends, names and even the houses they lived in, but I am hard-pressed to tell you anything about them now. I don't even know if they are still alive.  So what is the difference? Why do some relationships stand the test of time and others are shed like last summer's sun-burn? To be honest, God is probably the only One to answer that question. Friendships such as those are made in Heaven.

I do know that friendships I have made since becoming a Believer when I was still a young Christian are relationships I still have today - 20 and 30 years later. um...perhaps God does have something to do with it. These Christian friends helped shape and form my faith. At times they tested it as well. But these Faithful were put in my path as a youngster, just starting out on my journey to Jesus.

God is indeed in control of my life and He has allowed me the privilege of having a few of His Faithful to be my forever friends.

Romans 11:1-21a,29,32

Trust or Bust

"Now is the day of salvation.  Put no obstacle in anyone's way." (2 Corinthians 6:1-3)

We can't have genuine relationships without trust. If trust is broken, the relationship suffers and often crumbles. When we find someone we respect and can trust with our pain and troubles, a valuable friendship is established. If I can trust you, I will listen to you and value your opinion.

Do you have many friends? There are lots of people in my life, but not all of them would I consider a friend. A friend is someone I trust. Trust is a very big one syllable word, and no true or real relationship can exist without it.

As we learn to Walk Around the Block with someone, as we get ready to help them accept Jesus into their life, there must be trust. To even get someone to the point of being willing to listen to us, we must have developed a relationship of trust. Trust is a two-way street, as we have to trust them as well.  Truth arises out of trust.

Many of us have issues with trust. We have been disappointed and let down by folks we expected would have been there for us. Spouses, parents, siblings and even best friends are often the culprits. Parents divorce, spouses lie or cheat, siblings turn their backs on each other and best friends betray. That is a reality in this world. We can't expect perfect behavior from people who don't know Jesus.

In fact, we are all capable of doing things untrustworthy. That is why we need Jesus, why we need to be careful and to always be on guard. We need prayer and we need relationships which help us keep in touch with our sinful nature while we embrace righteousness from God. While we are helping someone else recognize Jesus as redeemer we need someone who is coming alongside us too. We all need a mentor - an accountability partner you can trust to speak truth into your life.

2 Corinthians 6:2-11

Friends and Enemies

Job 5:7 (NIV) Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.
I wonder if the question, "With friends like this, who needs enemies?" didn't have its origin in the

book of Job. Job had three close friends who left everything to be with him when his world began to crumble. They sat with him for 7 days, in companionable silence, but I'll bet their minds were going a mile a minute.

When one did speak, the words began as comfort, emphasizing Job's good qualities. They soon turned the discussion to the probability that Job's misfortunes (putting it mildly) were a result of God's chastening of Job. Those must have been hurtful words. His friends were questioning what he had done to deserve all that was reigning down on him.

It is human nature to try and place blame for unexplainable pain and heart ache. His disciples asked him,“Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:2 NIV) Jesus' disciples asked Him much the same question. How many times have we wondered what we had done to deserve such treatment? Or, what someone else had done.

Job 5:8 (NIV) "But if it were I, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him.
What would I be thinking if all that fell upon Job, fell upon me? Would I be questioning my actions, pleading with God to show me the way out? Would I be on my knees begging for relief and mercy; for Him to make it all go away? The answer is probably 'yes' to all of it. Putting myself in Job's place gives me a new respect for the man. He didn't give up on God, he didn't desert or turn his back on God.

Job 5:9 (NIV) "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted."

Job 5:1-9

Iron Sharpens Iron

Romans 8:12 (NIV) 
Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation--but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. 

This month we have been studying about care which translates into love.  We are called to care for one another because we are called to love one another.  We can love because Jesus first loved us. We can care because Jesus first cared for us.

Romans 8:2 (NIV) 
"...because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death."
The Holy Spirit (the Spirit of life) gives us the power to live a Christian life; to love and care for each other.

In a texting conversation with my daughter this past week, I was sharing how my friends had been so caring and attentive while I was dealing with the flu bug. These texts went something like this:

Me: A friend just dropped off some food for dinner. Great to have friends.
Daughter: Oh wow. That is awesome. You have great friends.
Me: Yes I do. Two of them covered for me at work this weekend, two more called to see how I was. I need to be more mindful of my friends in ways like this.
Daughter: I understand. So do I.
Me: They teach me to be better.
Daughter: Friends should.

The sinful nature shouts in my ear, "You don't have time for this, let someone else do it."  At the same time the Spirit is gently whispering in the other ear for me to care enough to do what Jesus would do; to say words of encourgement, go the extra mile to help.

Jesus is the only one who lived a life worth imitating from beginning to end. We are called to do as Jesus did.  Some call that discipleship. Sometimes it takes the shape of Care.


Romans 8:1-17

Someone to Lean On

Acts 18:1-3 (NIV)  After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.

Aquila and Priscilla became friends with Paul.  Later in the chapter we read how the couple accompanied Paul to Syria. They had their faith in common as well as their tent-making trade. This would be a good place to stop and think about our own walk and those we encounter along the way.

What a blessing to have friends. Friends who share your faith and your passion for living out the Gospel.  Some of us could share interesting stories about these friendships and how they developed. I did not always have friends, now I am amazed at the change these people made in my life. I was content to be alone, to almost live in seclusion.

God was changing me and he used people to help.  Lots of people.  Christian co-workers influenced my new walk.  The heart change that took place over the course of a few years is due to their example and testimony. Following my husband's death, I moved away to a secluded place, to be alone.  The alone part helped me to heal, but the deep seated Christian friendships that had developed over the years called me back.

Paul needed the companionship of Aquila and his wife, as well as other believers.  They supported each other in prayer and daily living.  When things got rough, when the crowds would gather and threaten, there was safety in numbers.  If not safety, at least a sense of community.  That is a lot.  When our lives get tough, it is the same for us. We need the support of friends.

Acts 1:12-26

"Have you ever felt betray by someone whom you considered a friend?  Has there ever been a person in your life you spent years eating, laughing and walking through life with, and that person let you down? 

The Acts text today speaks to that issue for me.  I have read this many times before, but, today I was struck by how Judas's betrayal of Jesus must have affected the disciples.  The chosen twelve had been together for a number of years. The men lost two of their best friends the same day. The grieving for the two losses was totally different; Jesus' death must have devastated the men closest to Him; while Judas' death may have caused conflicting emotions because of the reason he died.  

"Judas was one of us and had his assigned place in this ministry."As you know, he took the evil bribe money and bought a small farm. There he came to a bad end, rupturing his belly and spilling his guts. Everybody in Jerusalem knows this by now; they call the place Murder Meadow." (Acts 1:17-19)

The Disciples, because of the prayer life they had, discerned they must move forward. They knew there was much to do to let the world know about Jesus, their true friend. Jesus was the friend worthy of their grief.

Read Acts 1:12-26 here.

Blood Brothers - 1 Samuel 20

I love this chapter as it is filled with wisdom and great story lines. It is difficult for this writer to choose just one to explore, but let us try it anyway.  Did you ever have a best friend; one who meant so much to you that you always were in each other's company?  Did you ever perform the 'blood-brother' ritual as a youngster, pledging to always be friends?  Come on...admit it.

"But show me unfailing kindness like the LORD’s kindness as long as I live, so that I may not be killed, and do not ever cut off your kindness from my family—not even when the LORD has cut off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” (1 Samuel 20:14-15)

The friendship between David and Jonathan is one I have admired and try to emulate.  As I grow closer to God I recognize He does not want me to be friendless.  As my spiritual life develops I see how important it is be for me to have a girlfriends.  Some friends have been given to us because they can show us how to laugh and enjoy life.  Others are God's gift to us as prayer partners or accountability partners.  Once in a while we are fortunate enough to find all those qualities rolled into one or two people.

Who do you count as friend?  Do they know how important they are to you?


Read 1 Samuel 20 here.

Romans 5:1-11

I have a dear friend who was not always so dear to me. Before I came to know Christ as I now do, I did not treat this person well; did not realize the potential relationship we could have, did not really feel much at all about this person. At the time, I did not know how impossible it was to have a meaningful relationship with someone if I did not have one with God.

God sent His Holy Spirit to set me straight. Once, I lived life as a loner--no friends or people to call upon or care for--and I liked it that way. I was unhappy, but didn't know it. You can't miss what you never had, you just go along blindly, fumbling in the dark.

"By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus." (Romans 5:1 MSG)

The Holy Spirit must have orchestrated a meeting between this woman and I, because one day we both discovered we had a faith life in common. We both discovered Jesus and both encountered the Holy Spirit in our lives.

"And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise." (Romans 5:2 MSG)

There is no longer anything blocking this relationship. There is no longer any reason to be alone in this life. God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit fill my life now, and they have provided many relationships with other Christians to enhance life.

"If, when we were at our worst, we were put on friendly terms with God by the sacrificial death of his Son, now that we're at our best, just think of how our lives will expand and deepen by means of his resurrection life! " (Romans 5:10 MSG)



Read all the Romans 5:1-11 text here.

1 John 2:1-6

We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. (1 John 2:3)

I went along for years with a Lone Ranger attitude. I did not have any friends, I did not need any friends, I did not want any friends. If I kept to myself I did not need to answer to anyone; I did not need to explain anything to anyone. I also did not cultivate a relationship with Jesus. I was too busy dodging anything resembling a 'touchy-feely" situation and doing my own thing to get involved with someone else's life or to allow anyone into my world. I knew that once I allowed someone access to my life, I would have to open up, reveal, become vulnerable.

Obviously, that changed for me. I not only have many friends, but my life would be overwhelming right now if not for friends. I have a relationship with God too. He did not create us to be alone and I have come to know Him and to love and obey His commands (1 John 2:3). Like the song says, "I am a friend of God, He calls me friend."

I love the verse in John 15:15 - "You are my friends if you do what I command." Thankfully I learned to allow people into my life. Jesus has blessed me with friends who surround me during life's storms. Do you have people in your life? Some day you may need them. Every day we need Jesus to call friend.

To read the entire text go here.

A Costly Anointing - Mark 14:1-11

A number of years ago our family moved from Wisconsin to Ohio. Before we left home, our families threw a going away party for us. They invited people who meant much to us; relatives and friends who played a role in our lives over the years. We shared a meal and spent time talking and laughing together. There were even a few gifts.

The opening scene in the Scripture verses for today reveals Jesus at the home of a friend, Simon the leper. There were other family and friends in attendance, including Judas, and Mary (the sister of Lazarus and Martha). Jesus was preparing to leave this earthly home and return to His father. He was spending time with His loved ones, in anticipation of His departure.

This gathering was a going-away party to which Mary brought a gift for Jesus. Mark tells us some of those present thought this a waste of money, and they discounted the gift as indulgent. Jesus tells them, “Leave her alone…She has done a beautiful thing.” (Mark 14:6). Jesus went on to say, “I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached…, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” (Mark 14:9).

Jesus is showing His followers what is important in life, helping them understand He would not be with them forever and they should spend time enjoying these moments. Time with family and friends is a blessing as Jesus teaches; is there is a lesson here for us as well?

To read the complete text for today click here . To return to this posting hit the back arrow.

Friends For Life Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

Years ago, handkerchiefs were commonplace and served many purposes. One of which was to carry our lunch money. Mom would secure the coins in one corner and tie them in place. Then the other corner of the material would be fastened to a belt loop.

My first day of school my grandfather gave me a special handkerchief. It was special because there was a picture embroidered on one corner, a picture of two smiling faces with words underneath them reading, “Two heads are better than one.” I have never forgotten that gift.

The words of King Solomon in Ecclesiastes have been meaningful to me. I am especially drawn to Eccl 4:7-12. Having chosen to live much of my life in isolation and without friends, these words now touch my heart. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV) Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

Dear God,

Thank you for putting others in my life, to walk along side me. You never intended for us to go it alone. You created us to live together, to survive and thrive in each other’s presence. Amen

Read text on Biblegateway Eccl 4:7-12