Whenever I Call You "Friend"

Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.  Proverbs 10:12

I have been blessed with some incredible friendships over the course of my lifetime and there is certainly no exception now that my family resides in Knoxville, TN.  I have been dealing with a deeply sensitive and personal family matter and my friends have been really been there for me with some wonderful Godly advice, kindness, love, caring, and support. 

Relationships/friendships that are built on the kind of unconditional love that God has for us are typically characterized by undivided devotion, forgiveness, patience, kindness, caring, and support-no matter what.  Love prohibits jealousy, pride, envy, selfishness, rudeness, and holding grudges. 

I understand this more clearly everyday-it doesn’t matter what kind of car I drive, or how much money is in the bank, or the amount of material items I own, my career status, or fame-all that really matters, what is the most important, are the relationships we have while on this earth.

The Way

For I know the thoughts and plans I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.  Jeremiah 29:11


It's hard to believe this at times, but God has a plan for you and me, and his Word reassures us that it is a good plan, indeed.  Of course, the enemy will stop at nothing to destroy God's good plan for our lives as he arranges all sorts of disappointments, discouragements, and painful events to keep us off the right track.


Regardless of how bad we have been hurt, God is greater than any problem or pain we will ever face and he can restore us.  If you were like me and got off to a bad start in your life, rest assured that God is in the repair business and His repairs will make your life better than new.


We must fix our eyes on Jesus and cooperate with God's plan during the restoration process. Reach out and allow Him into your heart and accept His never-ending love, grace, and mercy.

Presence of the Lord

You go before me and follow me.  You place your hand of blessing on my head…I can never escape from your Spirit!  I can never get away from your presence!  Psalm 139:5-7

There is no greater feeling than being greeted by your family when you come home after a long day at work.  They say being away makes the heart grow fonder, but one relationship that this does not apply to is our relationship with God.

You see, when you have a relationship with God, His presence is always with you.  When you truly believe this wonderful promise, you will begin to see the events in your life as evidence of His presence with you. 

Open your heart and allow God to be a part of your life.  He desires to open the flood gate of His blessings and express His love for you, every minute of every day.  You are never alone!

Running On Empty

All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.  We also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need.  Colossians 1:10-11

I am lucky that I haven’t run completely out of gas in my effort find the cheapest prices at the gas pump.  My car displays a “Low Fuel” notice when I have 50 miles left in the tank.  The other morning, I was preoccupied with work and got caught in some traffic on the way to take the kids to school, but thankfully made it to a gas station just before my car ran completely out of fuel.

Just like our automobiles, we require fuel to help us persevere through life-the power of God working in us.  As we become more obedient and more in tune with the Holy Spirit, God’s power will strengthen us and ignite our abilities to persevere.

Let us not just endure, but persevere with peace and joy!

Bug

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.  Psalm 16:11

There have been times in my life that I have pondered my existence here on earth.  What’s this life all about?  At age 37 and ten years into my walk of faith, I am just now discovering a little of what God’s plan for my life really is. 

I believe that a primary cause of despair is the feeling that life is ultimately meaningless.  Conversely, the sense that life does have meaning and purpose gives a person energy and resilience to keep going no matter what trial they are facing. 

If you are wondering just why you are here on this earth, pick up your Bible and read some of the reasons God gives for your existence.  God’s Word is full of His promises that reveals the purpose for which we were created.

One

Freely you have received, freely give.  Matthew 10:8

We all make mistakes from time to time that hurt people inadvertently.  Sometimes nothing is more painstakingly difficult than extending and seeking forgiveness from a loved one, more specifically, a family member.   Forgiveness is the only way to bring genuine healing to a damaged relationship so that both people can move forward together in the relationship.  No wonder the divorce rate is astounding in our country; it’s almost easier to divorce than it is to work through the healing process of forgiveness. 

It’s human nature to place the blame on someone else and not seek to repair the relationship, but Jesus gave us all the best example of forgiveness.  As He hung from the cross on the day He was crucified, He spoke the words “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,” to the soldiers who had just beaten and flogged Him and were casting lots to divide His garments.   

Forgiveness is the only way to bring restoration and reconciliation back to a broken relationship and we should all extend and ask for forgiveness regardless of who is at fault. 

Forgiveness has been given freely to us, so we must be quick to offer it freely to others.

Real Good Thing

The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love…The Lord is righteous in everything He does; He is filled with kindness. Psalm 145: 8, 17

Growing up, when I made good grades on my report card, my parents often rewarded me with some sort of gift.  At work, I am rewarded with a bonus if my efforts exceed my employers’ expectation.  This mindset is often misunderstood as it pertains to our salvation and the free gift of God’s grace.

First of all, there was only One, Jesus Christ, who never sinned and lived a perfect life.  For the rest of us, at some point, we have all fallen short of God’s glory and have sinned, so thankfully our salvation does not depend on our limited and inadequate self-righteousness. 

Jesus’ death and resurrection broke our bondage and slavery to sin, so there is nothing we can possibly do on our own to reconcile ourselves to God.  Thankfully we don’t get what we deserve and it’s a real good thing!