November
22, 2003
FRIENDS
"There
is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs
18:24, NKJV).
Friend;
a person who one knows well and is fond of; intimate associate;
close acquaintance, a person on the same side of a struggle,
an ally, a supporter or sympathizer, a member of the Society
of Friends; Quaker, etc. There are many definitions for friends.
Friends
have common interests and values, they are there for each
other, they love to spend time and do things together. They
confide in each other. Very good friends can share personal
information without fear that it will be used against them
or that their confidence will be broken.
Friends
do not allow their friends to drive while drunk. Why is this?
To protect their friends and others from harm. There are good
friends and bad friends, friends that are there for each other
and protect each other; and other so called friends that tempt
each other into harms way with drugs, sex, drunkenness and
other harmful practices. Good friends will help bring the
best out of each other. Poor friendships will get each other
into trouble.
When
you get to know Him, Jesus is the best Friend you will ever
have. He loves you more than life itself. He died for you
because He would rather live with you than without you. He
is intimate with you. You can tell Him all your secrets and
He will never use them against you but will help you overcome
any adversity; and He will never divulge any of your secrets
or break your confidence. He is the most knowledgeable Teacher
you will ever have. He will be your Mentor. He has deep pockets,
He will see to it that you have everything that you need.
If you follow His advise you will be successful. If you ignore
His advise, there will be natural consequences that are undesirable.
As we
take His hand and allow Him to lead us through this life,
He leads us steadily and securely into the next level of existence,
into an eternal reality that even now is being prepared for
us (see John 14:1-4, 6). And your best friend is present with
you always by His wonderful Spirit to guide you and give you
wisdom and understanding (Matthew 28:20). Listen to His voice
and you will overcome, you will be a winner. Share Him with
your other friends and your friendships will last forever.
Jesus
said, "I have called you friends,
for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known
to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed
you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit
should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name,
He may give you. These things I command you, that you love
one another!" (John 15:15-17).
May your
true friends be your true friends forever!
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