Friends...True Friends

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

Friendships are very important to me. I value every close friendship I have ever made and grieve the loss of those who did not work out. Friends help us grow. They cheer us up. They listen to us. I just can't imagine a world without friends. 

When we rely on Facebook as our source of 'friends' that is not a true and meaningful friendship. I am not saying you don't have 'real' friends on this popular social media site, but how many friends on Facebook locally have you called up to hang out with? Just giving you something to think about. When someone clicks the 'like thumbs up' icon on Facebook do you put tons of weight in that thinking "they like they really like me." (Former Academy Winner Actress Sally Field said something similar after winning her second Oscar in 1984 for 'Places In The Heart.'

The best way to get friends is to be a friend. Don't be a friend only if someone can do something for you. See if there is someone you could do something special for today. Perhaps drop an actual snail mail note, with a stamp, to a friend in a different state or country. Get away from all the wired media and tune in to those friends out there. You will be better for it. 

PRAYER: Thank you so much for my friends of today, yesterday, and those I have not even met yet. Help me to be an awesome friend to those people you have placed in my life. Help me to not wait for someone else to make the first move. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link for a song of worship:

https://youtu.be/oOCJAVlESEo

What Kind Of Friend Are You?

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

Friends are very important. To be a friend you need to be friendly. Sometimes friends can disappoint us. We are not to put our total trust in them. Guess who is our very best friend? Jesus. That is right. He will not unfriend you ever. He can be trusted. He is not moody or fickle. He puts you first. He understands your heartbreaks and pains. Too bad earthly friends are not fail proof like our savior. Indeed the old hymn 'What A Friend We Have In Jesus' is so true.

Who is your best friend? Is it Jesus? I tried to teach our sons through the acronym J.O.Y. that Jesus was first, others second, and themselves last. This sort of slaps the worlds' view in the face. Look out for number one. Go for the gusto! For a believer there should be no question that Jesus is your best friend and should be the one you keep a daily morning appointment with before dashing out the door.

If you remember to think more highly of others right after Jesus of course, you will be a much better friend, and have a fulfilled life. Start setting up that appointment with your best friend each day!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you for being there when the world seemingly has run out. When hurts come you are there in the midst of them. I choose to make you my best friend. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Bad Friends Corrupts Morals

A companion of fools suffers ruin. Proverbs 13:20

This devotion is about happens when we hang out with the wrong kind of people. This is especially important as parents of young children who pray for the right kind of friends and future spouses, as we know since one bad friend can change the course of a life. But it is important in all stages of life as the friends we choose, can indeed make us or break us. "One bad apple can spoil the whole bunch", the saying goes. Also a bad friend can lead to a life of misery as well.

Now what about witnessing and winning the lost to Christ you may say? That indeed is crucial but we are not to hang out and be imbedded in the lifestyle of people we know purposely are doing things against the law or the Bible or before we know it we could become desensitized. But you still need to be kind to all types of people and show them God's love just do not get sucked down into their pit with them. After all God was a friend of the sinners and those society cast off. 

A rule of thumb in selecting friends is to ask yourself, "Do my friends lead me closer to God or away from Him?" Now this is not to say you can not befriend unchurched people but if you knowingly hang out with people doing things against the will of God is what I am referring too. If we do not hang out with unchurched friends then how will they ever know of the love of Jesus? Break out of your holy huddle but use caution in doing so.

My prayer for my own children, who are now adults, is a simple one. In John 17:15 it says "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." We are in the world. We can not live in a bubble. Evil is out there. Be a light in the darkness around you.This friend thing is important in the adult world too as business people can get caught up in schemes to cheat and steal just to make more money so even at work be careful. Witness and be salt but stand up for the truth and for righteousness.

PRAYER: Lord guide my steps each day and let me not wander from the path you have chosen for me but protect me if I do. In Jesus' name. Amen.

New Friends, Old Friends!

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

If you do not speak up to strangers you may never make friends. I have found this to be true that someone has to make the first move to speak up. For instance, in the locker room at Redstone Arsenal recently I said hi to a young lady and ended up talking fifteen minutes and found out she was new to the post and her husband was active duty. Basically no friends or connections yet. I gave her my card(even if you do not have a job you can have cards made up) and talked to her about Moms in Prayer since I found out she had children at home. I look forward to hopefully hearing from her.

If you feel lonely sometimes you have to take the initiative to be first in calling someone or sending a card.  Don't always wait for others to contact you. There is a saying "Make new friends and keep the old one is silver and the other gold!" That is so true. Don't get cliquish and not include others. Look for hurting or lonely people because they are everywhere. Sometimes a smile is all it takes to brighten someone's day. 

Show God's love wherever you are today. Open a door for someone at a store. Let someone in front of you in line. Pay it forward perhaps in a drive thru. Give an unexpected gift to a friend. Call your mom if she is still alive, or your dad. Send a card to someone. Now go spread friendliness!

PRAYER: Thanks so very much Lord for helping me show your love to others. Thank for helping me love even the unlovable. I choose to be kind and nice and do it because it makes you happy. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Hurting? Move On Would You?

If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it;if a foe were rising against me,  I could hide.But it is you, a man like myself,my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers. Psalm 55:12-14

Hurts in life occur. Rejection by a friend or loved one for unexplainable reasons is one of the hardest to endure but yet one I have had to go through more than one time. I say, "Lord what is it I am to learn from this lesson" and those who dislike me would say "take the hint girl". 

Broken relationships of any sort hurt God immensely. He would rather us dwell in unity. Since creation and the fall, people have been at odds with each other. Many verses in the Bible attest to this. I always say when bad junk happens to me I have new writing material so I guess am very thankful for being "emotionally bruised" by a few former friends. Satan is overjoyed at all kinds of relationship problems. If only true believers could not let this happen. Growth does come through problems in life though.

Do not let people have power over you and rob you of your joy. Cling to those friends who love and appreciate you, warts and all. We can not make everyone like us. Run to Jesus and pray for your enemies. That's in the Bible!

PRAYER: Lord help me to learn from problems in life and hurts in life. I love you and love the people on this Earth, even those who hate me. Help me as I seek to remain focused on you and not get down on myself. In Jesus' name. Amen

Got Friends?

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.Proverbs 18:24

Friends are extremely important to me. In my 30 years moving around with the United States Army many of our fellow military and civilian friends have become like a second family to us. We have shared holiday meals and done many things together. I am blessed with a very  large Christmas card list. There have been losses of friends though too, some to early death and some who just were tired of being my friend. Those hurt.

If you have ever been jilted by a dear friend it is very painful and confusing. Nothing you can say or do matters so it is best to let it go and shake the dust off your feet so to speak. Concentrate on the friends who do appreciate you with all the quirks that come with you. Don't force anyone to like you. Only God can change a heart. 

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for the blessing of friendship. Thank you for the way. You have brought people into my life and the lessons I learned from those who "unfriended" me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

FRIENDS ARE SO IMPORTANT

As I get closer to the New Year I reflect back on the joy of friendship. I have learned much throughout the years about what to do and not to do with some people. I have had joys and I have had sorrows. A friend can make you or break you as well. There is a Bible verse that simply says 'Bad company corrupts morals' (1 Corinthians 15:33). Another verse says 'A companion of fools suffers harm' (Proverbs 16:20).

I like the saying "If you want to be a friend you have to show yourself friendly". That is oh so true. Don't wait for someone else to make the first move. We can make friends in very unique places and ways. The good thing is to keep prayer in the center of making friends.

Jesus is of course, or should be, your very best friend. Is he? A best friend is someone you want to be with and spend time with. A friend is someone who loves you, warts and all. That is how Jesus loves us. A friend listens and does not put you down and hurt you. A friend is there when the world runs out on you. A friend understands and does not judge you. A friend hurts when you hurt. I could go on and on. This is exactly the kind of friend Jesus' is.

James 4:8 says 'Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts.' Luke 6:31 says 'And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.'

Jesus wants you to want to hang out with Him. Often as we rush through our days we barely give him a thought much less sitting down to be still and quiet and "talk" to Him.

Revelation 3:20 says 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.' Are you ready to be a real friend of Jesus today?

PRAYER: Lord God thank you for the blessings of friendships. Thanks for being my best friend. Forgive me when I have ignored you. I want to be a better friend. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

OUR PRECIOUS FRIENDS

Yesterday morning upon awakening I checked my text messages and received one from son Matt letting me know one of my dear friends had died Sunday from multiple myloma. I had only found out she was sick on November 10th. This precious friend I had not seen since 1996 when our family visited them in Colorado. Now she is with Jesus and she was not even 60 yet. Just goes to show you how brief life is. Treasure your friends. Tell them you love them. If you are close make time for them. Keep in touch by letters and cards, not just email forwards.Pick up the phone and call. Ask forgiveness if you hurt them.

This particular friend Luana, I knew when our children were all pre schoolers back in Ilinois She too was a military wife. We shared many happy times over General Foods International Coffee "celebrating the moments of our lives". After 1990 we did not stay in touch as well as the military moved both of our families but I always held a fond place in my heart for her. Their family was always one of the 'special ones' to us though. I am saddened as they deal with unexpected grief but rejoicing she is in heaven.

No one likes to say goodbye forever to a loved one or friend. It hurts. Grief hurts. But for the believer there is joy in knowing we will be reunited in heaven one day. None of us expects to die young but sometimes it does happen. God has a way of healing hurts and wounds we feel but sometimes it takes time.

Matthew 5:4(NIV) says 'Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted."

Romans 8:18(NIV) says 'For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.'

Phillipians 1:22-24(ESV) says 'But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.'

Psalm 116:15(NIV) says 'Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants.'

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I pray for those who are hurting from the recent death of a family member or friend. I pray for friends to surround those hurting and be there with a hug and a prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen.


Click on link for song in Luana Killam memory.

http://youtu.be/Ped1jYLFtkA

THE F WORD

Made you look! I am doing a new respectful use of the F word by thinking of all the wonderful clean uplifting F words. Don't wait for society to think of them. The real F word has become slang and almost accepted in society. It should not be said by anyone as it is so crass, crude, and vulgar. But society has stooped to desensitizing the populace little by little to the point that sometimes we forget what is wrong and right and bad or good. Cursing becomes normal. Let's start a new normal.

The good "F words" are Faith, freedom, fun, fearless, forgiveness,first, and friend to name just a few. I challenge you to think of more.

We have "faith" in God and trust that He is watching over us and hears our prayers.

"Freedom" is a gift from God and only Satan or his demonic powers try to keep us in bondage.

"Fun" is the word to describe what a life lived for Christ is. Once again our enemy the devil will try to make you feel like the life lived for Christ is boring and you can't do anything.

"Fearless" meaning we have no reason to fear what is around the bend as God is in control and He wants you to cast your cares on Him.

"Forgiveness" is what Christ does for us. If you sincerely repent of your sins he offers forgiveness. We too are to forgive others and not hold grudges.

 

"First" is what God should be in your life.

"Friends" are so important. Jesus is our best friend or should be. When our youngest son was just a wee little boy he would always tell us he loved us "one less than God". From the mouth of babes.

So you see all there are many wonderful words starting with the letter F found in the
Bible. Our speech needs to be gracious as if seasoned with salt it says in Colossians 4:6(NIV).

The Bible uses another F word for the time Jesus died on the cross His
last words in John 19:30 were "It is finished! " Now we who are alive
wait for His return.

Is Jesus your friend? Do you have faith? Are you free in Christ? Do
you realize God will forgive your sins? Do you realize you have
mouthing to fear? Do you know a life lived for Jesus is fun!

If you do not know Him why not ask Him into your heart today? He is your Friend that sticks closer than a brother.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for providing all good things. Thank you Father
for forgiving me when I mess up. I choose this day to not enjoy the
sins of this world but to have fun in the body of Christ. In you I put
my trust. In Jesus name. Amen.

NOTE: For the past 8 days I had been on vacation and when I post my email and blogs I do not have my "Address Book" stored in my IPAD so if any of you missed my devotion during this time and care to read it you can check it out at "www.godslemonadestand.blogspot.com". Thanks again for choosing to start your day with the words God gives me to write.

 

ONE LETTER AT A TIME

Recently I saw a movie called "The Letter Writer" which basically
showed the impact one nice letter or positive gesture can have on a
person. In this email and communication device generation, we have all
but lost the art of letter writing. Long gone are the days of saving
letters from a loved one in a shoe box in the attic. Sort of sad I
think.

Your words, cards, and letters can be a positive source of
encouragement for someone who is lonely, sick, or perhaps needing a
bit of hope in their lives. A good word can light up a person's day.

Back in about 1993 when our family was leaving Wright Patterson AFB in
Ohio for Rock Island Arsenal,Illinois our mailman saw me one day and
knew I was moving and jokingly said to me 'There goes half my
business' because indeed I did like sending letters and cards and
still do.My husband joked I was paying the mailman's salary the
mailbox had so much outgoing mail in it at times.

Words can uplift or hurt. They can bring joy or pain. They can cause
laughter or bring on pain. Choose yours wisely whether talking or
writing. Being hasty can get you into much trouble or embarrassment,
take it from one who knows. Ecclesiasters 5:2(NIV) reminds us 'Do not
be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter
anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let
your words be few.'

Proverbs 25:11(NIV) says 'A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold
in settings of silver.' Ephesians 4:29(NIV) says 'do not let any
unwholesome talk come out of your mouths but only what is helpful in
building others up according to their needs, that it many benefit
those who listen.' Meditate on that for a while.

Who do you need to bring cheer to today? Perhaps a lonely soldier
overseas away from family? Maybe an elderly parent? Could a friend use
a boost? Maybe a total stranger? That is what this movie was about. I
actually received a letter from a person I did not know once who told
me God told him to write the letter to me. It was a young person I had
met briefly at a Joyce Meyer conference in Arizona. A few days later
I needed the comfort of the words in that letter and still have it to
this day. You never know
who God will use you to reach out to. Be ready and willing to be a
vessel He can use.

PRAYER: Lord today show me if there is anyone who needs an encourage
word from me either by mail, email, phone, or in person. I want you to
use me to bring cheer to the lives of others and spread your love. In
Jesus' name. Amen.

Link to info on movie:
http://www.christianfilmguide.com/movie/the-letter-writer-2011/

WHY BE OFFENDED?

Do you know Satan loves to get people offended? It ruins friendships. It starts fights in church meetings. Divides families. It separates us from God. This is one of Satan's specialties when people get mad and take offense and refuse to let things go. Obviously something has to give or the people involved will never speak again.

I know of two brothers that for over three years have not spoken even though living in the same town. Very sad indeed for the parents. And to think it was over something that could have been talked over, but unfortunately  these two men refuse to budge. Neither one wanted to humble himself and admit wrongdoing.

Being misunderstood causes offense. Politics often cause friends of opposite parties to be offended. I am sure you can think of many incidents of how people get offended or how you may  have even taken offense. Do you think Jesus likes this? Absolutely not. Misspoken words or something people do not often see eye to eye on, can cause a real breech in a relationship. To keep things peaceful,  talking is necessary as well as being willing to forgive and move on.

Several years ago I had a close friend who no longer wants to be my friend because of something I mistakenly did. She says she has forgiven me but apparently not enough to let me back into her circle of friends or to not be blocked on her Facebook page. I find this very sad. Two believers especially should be able to sit down and pray and resolve things. When self and pride get in the way it is a whole new ballgame so to speak. I had no choice but to let it go and move on.

Offense is really a tool the enemy can use to even have church members at odds with each other. When we forget Jesus and are so focused on ourselves it is a recipe for trouble. Stop an offense before it springs up.

Be willing to forgive, forget, and move on instead of getting your way. In Ecclesiastes 7:9 says "Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit for anger resides in the bosom of fools." Proverbs 18:19 says " A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle."
Do you need to forgive someone today who has hurt you or offended you? Why not give it to the Lord and just let it go.

PRAYER: Lord God it is easy to be offended when we are hurt by someone. Help me learn to overlook things that could escalate into a bitter, revengeful spirit. You want us to be loving and kind and  not someone wanting to get back at people. Help me show love and learn to forgive. In Jesus Name. Amen.

FRIENDS MATTER

I often write in a local coffee shop and see folks like myself on their computers. Others are reading the paper or a book. Some people are meeting business associates. Yet others are meeting for job interviews. Then my all time favorite that brings a smile to my face are those there who are friends getting together meeting to chat and catch up! Last week one day as I wrote I saw a young woman outside on her phone who later came inside and gave a hug to an elderly woman perhaps waiting on her. It was so refreshing to see the generations visiting with each other.

As a military member and now a military wife most of my close friends end up being like family. Everywhere we have lived I have had friends who are 'locals' or 'civilians' in addition to my military 'family'.  In a few cases the locals with relatives in the area were not that interested in making a close friendship which I find sad, probably as they were busy with their family in the area.( Now there have been exceptions a few of which are in my prayer group with me now.) The point is friendships are worth the investment of time.

For anyone who has ever been 'shelved' by a formerly close friend it is very puzzling, it hurts and is hard to get through. Even when you try to get back into the persons' life they ignore your attempts or show little interest. The point is if this has happened to you to forgive these people and try to move on. Concentrate on those friends who do want to be in your life. Do not wait for a friend to make the first move. The saying goes, "if you want to be a friend you have to show yourself friendly."

There are always ways to make new friends too. You can volunteer. Perhaps visit a nursing home. Maybe start up a conversation at the gym you go to. In  Bible study make the effort and invite someone to have coffee. There are even meet up groups here in my area where people meet up who share common interests such as hiking, knitting, biking, etc.  

Make an effort to connect with former friends in the area too and drop a note to a friend out of the area. Treat your friend like you would want to be treated. Love like Jesus loves and forgive them for their shortcomings as we all have them Don't hold anger or bitterness in your heart for past failures. If you say you love Jesus then act like it.

The Bible mentions lots about friendships. Proverbs 18:24 says "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother."  Today thank the Lord for the friends in your life, past, present, and future. I am not talking about racking up Facebook friends but true friends you are willing to invest time and energy in. When you go about your day smile at those around you. To some that may be the closest they come to feeling the love of a friend all day. Maybe sit down today and write a letter to a friend you have not seen in a while. Try a real letter with a stamp or better yet pick up the phone.Above all when with your friend put your phone away or turn it off and give your friend your undivided attention. A novel idea in this age where we feel we have to be connected or else the world falls apart.

What can you do today to be a friend?

PRAYER: Lord I love my friends. Each person in my life is there for a reason. Help me show love to friends near and far and forgive those who have hurt me whether they know it or not. In Jesus name. Amen!

Click on link below and be blessed:
http://youtu.be/oOCJAVlESEo

GOOD ASSOCIATIONS

Who do you call your friends? As a believer we are to show Christ's love to all those around us and be a friendly voice or smile to the lonely. If you have children it should be your desire that they choose their friends wisely. One wrong friend can really take you off the course of life and end up having devastating consequences. You can witness to someone without being thrown into unacceptable activities. Case in point would be the scenario of not necessarily going into a strip club to witness as you yourself might be tempted. Sure we have to "go out into all the world" (See Mark 16:15 ) but we are not to take on the character of a fallen world. We are to shine Jesus light and help win the lost to Christ.

 1 Corinthians 15:33 tells us "Do not be misled. Bad company corrupts morals."  Proverbs 22:24 reminds us "Do not make friends with a hot tempered man.Do not associate with one easily angered." Proverbs 13:20 says "He who walks with the wise is wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."

 So it is good to witness to those around you who may not know Jesus but we too need to use discernment about what activities to participate in. Don't be 'holier than thou' condemning the person and acting better than them but show the the love of Christ wherever you are.

 Galatians 6:1 is a good reminder and it says "Brothers if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently, but what yourself or you may also be tempted."

 PRAYER: Lord I thank you for the gift of friendship with both believers and non believers. Help me to remember to shine your light into the darkness of the world around me. Show me who needs a touch of your love and kindness today. Forgive me when I have been less than friendly or gone astray. Thank you for keeping me on the right path. In Jesus name. Amen.

HUGS!!

 Recently I was in a coffee shop and observed two close female friends hugging as a greeting. This got me to thinking about when we go to heaven and get a  'God hug'. Handshakes are more formal and you see men mostly doing that or business associates but a hug is something special and shows intimacy between friends or family. God will be the greatest hugger ever. No formal handshaking for Him.

 In church and Bible study people often exchange hugs with dear friends but even at some churches I have attended you feel comfortable giving a 'God hug' to those around you during greeting time instead of the traditional handshake. There was allot of hugging going on a few days ago at our son and new daughter in law's wedding as people were happy to see each other and greeted by hugging.
 Think how neat a hug makes you feel from a loved one or a friend, then imagine those people out there that have no friends at all. There are people out there like that,extremely lonely folks who would give anything to be hugged. The saying goes "if you want to be a friend you have to show yourself friendly" so do not wait for someone to always make the first move. Talk to people and get to know them. I have made my friends in many neat 'God thing' ways. Think of ways you could be a friend to someone who needs one or if you are the one needing that friend why not make the first move.

Now back to that 'God hug' from God himself someday. God loves us with an everlasting love. He is ready to wrap His arms around you. In Matthew 11:28 it says "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest."  Mark 6:34 says "When Jesus arrived and saw a huge crowd he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.So he began teaching them many things.
Are you in need of a touch from God today? God loves you. All you need do is call on Him.

 PRAYER: Lord God I thank you for the love and comfort only you can give. When I start feeling sorry for myself help me to learn to reach out to someone who seems lonely or to call a friend. Help me show God's love to those you put in my path daily. In Jesus name. Amen.

Further reading: Psalm 23

PEOPLE CAN WOUND! GOD CAN HEAL!

How many of us have been hurt by a family member, co worker or a friend? If you have not consider yourself blessed. Depending on how you were raised it may not bother you but it is really painful to be rejected especially when you can not understand why. Many when confronted may say there is a 'personality conflict'. With the new era of communication in social media now we can be hurt and rejected in a new way and it is called being 'defriended' or 'unfriended'. Not even sure if those words are in a modern dictionary but if not they should be. If it was a formerly close friend who did this and they want nothing to do with you there is nothing you can do but pray and move on and try to not let it ruin your day. Do not lash back with mean or harsh words as that only widens the breach that exists. There might even be a valid reason for it if you do not jump to conclusions. But for those friends who no longer want to be a friend, you have to let go and 'shake the dust from your feet' so to speak. Concentrate now more on those who appreciate you and let go of those who wounded you.

Now if it is a family member, you want to try at all costs to heal this relationship. I know of a family with two feuding brothers and neither wants to give in and make amends and move on. It has gone on now for a couple years if memory serves me right. If it is a marital conflict, get counseling because it says in God's word in Malachi 2:6 that he 'hates divorce'. Not trying to guilt any readers out there who are divorced as sometimes there are Biblical reasons for it. But if it is just saying you are 'incompatible', try to work things out and stay together if no one is in danger. God can heal and he can forgive. Let Him.

In relation to those who have rejected you, in 1 Peter 3:9 it reminds us "Do not repay evil for evil or insult for insult, but with blessing,because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."  Kind of hard to not give someone 'a piece of your mind' and fight back. Be still. Give it to God. Let Him transform your hurt and anger.  Try to learn to sincerely pray for those who have hurt you. Matthew 5:44 says "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

Dwelling on past hurts only gives Satan a victory. Be powerful and not pitiful and you will overcome this.

PRAYER: Father in heaven help me to resist being ugly to anyone who has hurt me. Help me answer with kindness when I am hurt. Give me your strength to go on when  rejected. In Jesus name. Amen.

HOUSE GUESTS. FRIEND OR FOE?

There are those people out there who love  to entertain and do not mind an unexpected guest dropping by and then there are another group stressed our and worried about their house and their food. Which group do you fall into to?

You may recall the story about Mary and Martha in the Bible in Luke 10:38-42 which says "As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worriedand upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

People are not looking for dust bunnies and things out of place. The best thing is just be hospitable. The difference in hospitality and entertaining, according to my definition, is that hospitality will say "come on in and throw on a hot dog" and entertaining frets for weeks and has to be perfect with nothing in disarray. Almost  everything has to be 100 percent in place and don't forget to get out the fine china. Which place are you more  relaxed in?

Proverbs 15:17 says " Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf where there is and hatred."

Your home is a gift from God. You should be a good steward of it and keep it clean and ideally use it to have both friends and strangers over. Use it for God's glory.

Hebrews 13:2 reminds us "





Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.


PRAYER: Father I give to you any concerns over inviting people not my home. I know you want me to share and to bring people in for comfort and maybe food. Help me to get over any fears of worrying what people think and to find a friend to invite over. In Jesus name. Amen.


Reading  Suggestion: a book I read back in the late 70's should be available through Amazon and it is called ' Open Heart, Open Home' by Karen Burton Mains.

DESPISED AND REJECTED

For anyone who has been rejected either by a friend, a coworker, spouse, family member, a boss,the public, de-friended on Facebook or a host of other type rejections, it is painful. You have to learn to move on beyond your pain and pray for the person who has hurt or rejected you. Do not call them names or stoop to their level. That is what the enemy wants. You have to love them with 'the love of Jesus'.As in yesterdays devotion title you have to simply have the attitude "it is not that deep" even when you feel yourself drowning in sadness, self pity or anger.

Jesus felt rejection more than any of us.The ultimate rejection! It says in scripture in Isaiah 53:3 "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. " Isaiah 53:7 further states "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth." Can you imagine being mistreated and keeping your mouth closed? It would be difficult for anyone to do. Human nature wants to get back and get even. Also on the cross with the ultimate act of hate against Him he said in Luke 23:34 "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." A verse in John 1:11 it says "He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him." Can you imagine entering the presence of trusted friends and they ignore you? How painful that would be.In Psalm 22:6-7 David felt rejection when he said "But I am a worm and not a man,scorned by men and despised by the people. All who see me mock me;they hurl insults, shaking their heads." Ouch. How cruel is that?

As a follower of Christ at times we may be made fun of or called a Jesus freak. Maybe you recently accepted Christ or got more serious about your walk with Him yet close friends do not understand and stay away from you. You have to love them anyway. Some of my friends may not understand why I have to be so 'religious' by writing this blog. Newsflash! I am not religious I just love Jesus and sharing his love with others. 1 Peter 4:4 says "Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you." Some may mock you behind your back. Just pray for them and nurture other relationships.

Sometimes those walking in darkness do not like the light. Light dispels the darkness. Often times even those 'church people' do not get it. Why on earth do you have to be so 'religious'? Well meaning 'church people' can be some of the most cruel. To them, going on Sunday and living like you want the rest of the week is all that is required for admission to heaven. They wonder why you are so overboard and serious about Jesus. Often people think it  is a little 'quacky'  and fanatical to get so serious about Jesus. Do not be ashamed ever! Mark 8:38 says "If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

Be thankful for the good relationships you do have in your life and pray for those who have hurt or mistreated you. God is in control.Your pain and heartache were never as great as His.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for friends and family. Thank you for employment. Thank you for what we learn from the hard times in life we go through. Thank you that you are always there when the world runs out. In Jesus name. Amen.

Rejoice in song by clicking on link below.
http://youtu.be/jPJCEQeyZo8

FRIENDSHIP IS PRETTY AWESOME

 Friends are one of the greatest treasures of life! A true friend is even more special. Friends like the kind that stick closer than a brother and a friend who likes you warts and all. Friends who you can trust with your deepest secrets and thoughts and not be laughed at or put down. Friends that will go the extra mile to help you out. Friends that will change their plans if you have a need. Friends that let you cry on their shoulder and you need say nothing. Friends will not hurt your feelings. Friends are there when the world walks out on you. Friends that will not judge you or put you down. Friends that will listen.

Then there are friends who seemingly were not real friends at all who put you on the shelf because you are 'out of season' and no longer needed. Maybe you annoy them in some way and they prefer to not be around you anymore. Maybe they disagree with things in your life and cannot love you despite these 'warts'.  True, there are friends that come and go due to certain seasons of your life or places you have  lived .

 

 We are not to be ugly to these people that do this but instead be grateful for the time they were good friends and the time they were in your life. Miles and years can separate friends but a real true friend can always pick up where you left off when you are back together. A friend loves at all times. When you go through things you find out who your true friends are.

 

 Matthew 5:44 says "Pray for your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." This could mean friends who have turned on you and done hurtful things. You are commanded to love like Jesus loves. We do not have the right, according to GOD'S word, to be angry and ugly back at them. Luke 6:27 says " But I tell you, love your enemies and do good to those who hate you." Proverbs 17:17 says "A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity." Further  in Proverbs 18:24 it says " A man of many companions comes to ruin, but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother."

Do you have that kind of friend? Are you that kind of friend? Have you hurt someone? Go ask forgiveness and pray for restoration.  There is an epidemic of loneliness out there so if you have a special trusted friend do not forget to thank them for they are truly a treasure from God above. Go look for someone who seems lonely and make a new friend!

PRAYER: Lord I thank you so much for the gift of true friendship. I thank you for each and every person you have blessed me with as friends for even if they no longer want to be a friend I learned something from each relationship. Lord I ask you to bless my friends today. Help me never be closed to making new friends and help me look for a lonely person to befriend. In Jesus name. Amen.

REJECTION

This word alone sounds hurtful and evokes pain for many. Friends reject us, spouses can reject us, bosses can reject us, co workers can reject us. For those who have never felt the sting and pain of rejection,rejoice! It is awful. To be 'put on the shelf' is a hurtful, painful thing. Sometimes you can not get away from the feeling. It takes time for the wound to heal.

The good news is that people may disappoint but God never does. He sticks closer than a brother. There is a verse in Psalm 118:16 that say " The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid,what can man do to me?"  Still humanly it is hard to endure rejection by anyone. It is only with God's help that we can emerge victorious and not be bothered by this and trust God to get you through it.  Romans 8:31 says "if God be for us who can be against us.". Psalm 56:4 tells us " in God whose word I praise, in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me." Proverbs 19:11 says "a man's wisdom gives him patience. It is to his glory to overlook an offense." Luke 6:27 says "love your enemies and do good to those who hate you." Now that is a tall order and only through the power of God's love inside of you are you able to do this supernatural act.

You have to give up thinking you want to get back at someone, and simply pray for them. Matthew 5:44 tells  us to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Remember when Jesus was being crucified upon the cross and he said "Father forgive them for they know not what they do"(Luke 23:34). How many of us could react that way when being hurt or tortured? Not too many. Human nature says "lash back" and God's nature says "love and forgive and move on".

When we go through the 'valleys' in life that make us want to give up God is there to get us back up to the mountain top. Remember he alone will see you through and has a brighter tomorrow waiting.

PRAYER: Father you are my best friend, my comforter, my restorer, my redeemer and I thank you for lifting me up out of the miry pit at times. Thank you for the lessons I learn in the valley that I can learn from to help others who are hurting later. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link for wonderful worship song:

http://youtu.be/A9Ya7ryNob4

WANT A FRIEND? BE FRIENDLY!

 Who does not like to have a friend? During this Christmas season it is always special as friends meet and eat and exchange gifts. But you do not have to get or give a gift to be a friend. The best gift is one of time,not something material you have to buy. The best gift is being appreciated for who you are and loved, warts and all. A friend is there when the world runs out on you. Friends defend you and speak up for you. Friends will be honest even if it hurts, but they do not want to, or like to hurt you. Friends share and laugh.
As a Christian you have  a different special bond as a friend and that is the Lord. Friends are brought together by many 'God thing' ways. I can look back over the year and think of the neat ways God brought me together with many of my friends. Some day I would like to put it in a book called 'God Things'. If you want to be a friend, the saying goes, you have to show yourself friendly.

 At Thanksgiving we often think of things we are thankful for and right up there on my list are my trusted, loyal, loving friends. I do not take one of them for granted. For anyone who has ever been hurt by a friend or even told "I do not want to be your friend anymore" in a round about way, it hurts. So for the friends you have in your life make sure they know that they are special. Do something special for them. You do not have to spend lots of money to prove your friendship. Just a phone call or  a card in the mail. Even a hug.

Remember that Jesus is your ultimate best friend. If earthly friends hurt you Jesus never does. He is there through thick and thin. John 15:15 says "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."

When I lived in Arizona about twelve years ago my living room was called my 'friends room'. I would look around and see things hanging on the walls or sitting on tables or shelves that were gifts from friends. No interior decorator could come in and tell me these had to go because these were my 'ties' with my friends .These moved with me to the two places I have lived since leaving Arizona. One of my favorites was a little statue of two friends hugging given to me by dear friends in Iowa. It is by my fireplace and when I look at it I think of them. But all the gifts are reminders of very special dear people in my life.

Proverbs 18:24 says "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother." Are you that kind of friend to someone?

 At Christmas we remember friends far and near. Being a military member then a military wife and traveling all over the place God truly blessed us with our friends who were like family. Christmas is a terrific time to stay in touch with them and catch up on what has been going on. Some you may not hear from but this one time a year but it is still as if you had just left their side in many cases. Take the time to thank the Lord today for the true friends He has blessed you with.

PRAYER:  Thanks Lord for the gift of friendship. It is the one of the most priceless gifts I can think of this Christmas season. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link below for the song "Friends" by Michael W Smith.
http://youtu.be/Ped1jYLFtkA