Friends

Donna and I had the profound pleasure of spending Friday evening, and most of my Saturday with some of our very best friends.  I can't help but think of the Michael W. Smith song "Friends" from a few years ago when he sings about how "...friends are friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them...and a lifetime's not too long to live as friends".  I sincerely thank God for the good and true friends that He has placed in our lives, particularly those who share a like and enduring faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Even though at times we may find ourselves at odds, or in difficult or awkward situations, I know that my true friends will always be just that - "True Friends".

Just as David had Jonathan, and Paul had Timothy, we too have friends that we love and cherish.  If you find that you are in a place where you cannot make such a statement, I encourage you to seek out a church; a good, solid, Bible believing, Holy Spirit filled church where you can find the friends like those God has given us.  They are there! Proverbs 18:4 refers to such a friend when it says "A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother (Jesus, of course)." And we can have friends like that in our lives everyday here in this life if we will open our lives up to the Gospel of Christ and allow Him to comfort us with true friends.  As the writer in Proverbs says "...we must show ourselves friendly..."  I believe that means that we must make ourselves available by going places where we have the opportunity to expose ourselves to potential friends; Godly friends, and build meaningful relationships with them.  True friends are a blessing from God the Father to help and encourage us along the way, to keep us on track and accountable, and always advancing forward in this adventure called life.

So cultivate Christian friendships.  Cherish them like the precious gifts they are, and never allow life's circumstances come between you.  God bless you, and have a wonderful week.

Just in case you don't recall the song, or even if you do, click the link below.  I really think you will enjoy watching and listening:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tF0UPv20kUA&feature=player_detailpage

Bob