To Whom Do You Turn To?

Psalm 119:28  "My soul is weary with sorrow;    strengthen me according to your word."

James 1:12  "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

James 5:10- 11  " Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.  As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."

          Some days it can feel like a 'hard knocks' life.  Life is not heaven on earth, nor was it meant to be after the fall of man.  Adam and Eve brought us all into the sin nature and it's consequences.  We are given trials to show us our need for God and reveal our dependence on Him.  We are sustained by His grace, not by anything we do.  “All people are like grass,   and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.”
       And yet, there are false teachers who proclaim a 'prosperity gospel' that says believers are to use God for their purposes, whereas the Truth is God uses the believer for His purposes.  "Prosperity theology sees the Holy Spirit as a power to be put to use for whatever the believer wills. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is a Person who enables the believer to do God's will."  Wealth and idolatry are warned against many times throughout the Bible. Judas was the only disciple concerned with wealth and obviously it led it to his downfall.  According to prosperity theology, "faith is a formula by which we manipulate the spiritual laws that govern the universe. This movement teaches that faith is a matter of what we say more than whom we trust or what truths we embrace and affirm in our hearts."  "The irreconcilable contradictions between prosperity teaching and the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is best summed up in the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:24,  “You cannot serve both God and money.”
           Of course, life has many other kinds of trials that challenge us that require more than wealth to sustain us.  “How can we not only learn to cope with the fears and struggles and growing limitations we face but also actually grow stronger inwardly in the midst of these difficulties?"  We need hope, joy, comfort, forgiveness and direction to deal with our daily life and it's challenges.  Where do we find that kind of Grace?  In God and His Word!  God didn't give us a 'roses without thorns' kind of life.  When we turn to Him with our burdens, we can see past ourselves and possibly see a broader perspective.  We may have to suffer in this life for the greater good, maybe for the sake of our own life or for the sake of others.   We must trust God in all things.  He gives and takes away, will your heart choose to say 'blessed be His name'?  We can't dwell on what we feel we are missing, but focus on the many, many blessings we still have.  
         As for my own life, I look at pictures of myself when I was young and thank God He saved me at a young age.  How could that young girl have faced it all alone?  The trials of my life, both self-inflicted and those that just came as part of life, could have made me bitter, not better. God's promises and statutes have given me strength, courage and hope.  I could have lived in fear with every surgery or limitation I faced, but instead I've lived with assurance that God is with me and will never forsake me.  I've found myself assuring others that whatever happens 'it WILL be okay' and with 45.5 years into this life so far--it is still true.

Whatcha Thinking?

Hebrews 12:1  " Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles."

           Well it's Monday morning, have you got your week of thoughts planned out?  Probably not, but we do need to consider what our thoughts reflect on and dwell on throughout the week.  Our thoughts are a window into our hearts.  

            Let's begin with the attitude of our thoughts.  "For the sake of harmony with fellow believers, God urges us to realize that we are all accountable to our Lord, to act according to His Word and our conscience. However, He alone is in a position to judge the attitudes of our heart (Rom. 14:4-7)."odb.org   Our thoughts often go towards the faults of others before our own.  It is often true that what we think of as a weakness in others is also found in ourselves.  Oops, that splinter in you just became a log in my own eye...hmm.

            Who sees and guides our thoughts?  Hebrews 4: 12-13 "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."  God knows what we are thinking, even if we can keep it from coming out of our mouths.  We need to read His Word so that we can be steered onto the right path, instead of our culture's ever-changing idea of what's right and wrong.  God's Word stands firm..past, present and forever more.

            Who is in your thoughts?  Psalm 10:4  "In his pride the wicked man does not seek him;    in all his thoughts there is no room for God."   When God is part of our thoughts, there is a recognition of dependence on Him.  There is also a desire to do what's right, according to God, not just a desire to please ourselves.  Our prayer life is also a reflection of who is in our thoughts.  Are our prayers about God's purposes and desires for our lives?  It is 'May His will be done on earth, as it is in heaven', not our will.

            As for myself, the struggle is real with my thoughts.  My mind wanders off during prayers sometimes.  My anger can take control of my thoughts during a down time in my day.  My thoughts can lead to moments of doubt.  All of these distractions are Satan's attempts to get my focus off God's direction to what I should be thinking about.

Philippians 4:8  "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

             

Filling the Void

Luke 12:34  "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."


        We all have 'stuff'' and it's considered valuable to us.  There is nothing wrong with having gadgets, toys, collectibles, etc. .. until they interfere with actually living life.  How important are those things compared to the relationships in your life?   How much more valuable would it be to collect memories, rather than things?  Things will wither or rot away, but investing in others with our Christ-like love is a treasure that endures.  James 2:14-17 "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?  Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?  In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
        Do you buy and use your 'stuff' to fill a void?  We all like getting new things because it satisfies a longing we've waited for.  But when is it too much?  "Whether we live in a place of plenty or not, we all can seek unhealthy ways of filling the God-shaped hole in our hearts. But when we look to the Lord for our sense of peace and well-being, He will fill us with His goodness and love."   We were all designed with a void that only God can fill, but many people buy and use things without moderation to fill that emptiness.  James 5:1-3  "Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you.  Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days."  There is no piece of or on earth that can fill us completely like the peace of God. 
       Who really owns your 'stuff'? 'Everything comes from God.'  Are you like the rich man in Mark 10, who relied and trusted in his wealth rather than Jesus?  Whatever you have is not your own, but on borrowed time... even time itself is not yours.  God can take it back at His will...will you let go willingly? "The writer of Hebrews reminded first-century followers of Jesus to recall how they had bravely endured persecution early in their life of faith. They stood their ground in the face of insults and oppression, standing side by side with other believers (Heb. 10:32-33). “You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions” (v. 34). Their focus was not on what they had lost but on eternal things that could not be taken from them." [odb.org]
       As for myself, I want my life to be of a giving spirit.  I've been blessed with much so it is my responsibility to share those blessings with others.  My God-shaped hole in my heart is like a bubbling volcano of God's goodness to me... my cup runneth over.  I want others to see God working in me, through me, and for me.  My salvation is my greatest treasure and gift from God.  Unlike earthly gifts, I've done nothing to earn it or deserve it and I cannot lose it...  only by His grace have I been saved....oh what an eternal treasure salvation is!

Just Grateful

Colossians 3:16   "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."


        Do you consider yourself  'grateful'?  Most of us would say 'yes', but what if I added 'grateful, in all circumstances'?  Well, those three extra words would eliminate the majority, if not all, of us.  It's hard to see a blessing in everything, but "all things work together for good for those who love the Lord."  So it is there, even if we don't recognize it at the time. We may see how God had worked later in hindsight or we may never know, because His ways are above ours.  We are thankful because we trust in His will for us.
       Who are you giving your gratitude to?  Psalm 16:2  "I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”  How often do we credit ourselves when good things occur, but then blame God when things don't go like we want them to? God is sovereign over everything in our lives.  Both the mountains of joy and the valleys of despair are ways in which He works on our hearts, minds and souls to love Him, like no other. Moses warned the Israelites to be grateful to the Lord for the Promised Land and not to feel deserving or entitled.  Deuteronomy 8:17-18  " You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.”  But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today."  Today's society has both the sin of entitlement and self reliance that Moses warned against.  The consequences are already in effect, with worse and more to come.
        If you don't feel or express gratitude for what you already have, why do you feel deserving for more?  For those who know no appreciation for what is given to them, there will never be enough.  They will never be content or satisfied in their circumstances; rich or poor, sick or well, happy or sad.  We take so much for granted and don't realize that what we consider 'the basics' are gifts from God.  Breathing seems automatic, until you get weakened by bronchitis.  Walking is not even thought about, until you have to depend on crutches or a wheelchair.  Your voice is a defining part of your personality, until your humbled by laryngitis.   John 15:5  "“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
       Gratitude is all about your focus on what you have being enough and giving thanks for just that, without asking for more.  'Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.'  Someone is struggling and praying for what you have at this very moment, are you thankful for it?  The benefits of a grateful heart are many.... freedom from bitterness and discontentment, a renewed sense of humility, a rekindled joy in your heart, and an ability to encourage others with the Spirit shining through you.

Have an attitude of gratitude because God is good all the time and all the time God is good! 

The Bend in the Road

Job 6:11
 "What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What prospects, that I should be patient?"

Psalm 37:7  
"Be still before the Lord
    and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
    when they carry out their wicked schemes."


        Life is full of twists and turns.  We've all struggled through some trial of heartbreak, loss or pain. We have all felt the injustice of the world, on some level.  The ends don't always justify the means when we feel we have been treated unfairly.  Job loss, intense sickness, death of a loved one, or just our daily battles are examples of how Satan can overwhelm us.
        How does God want us to respond?  In two words, He says, "Trust Me."  Just as Job questions, we too want to rely on our own strength and timing.  We have our own ideas about what should be done to make a wrong right, but so does God and His ways are never wrong.
       We are to persevere, even when the whole world seems to be against us.  Hebrews 12:1-3 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."  "It is in the season of trial that God’s purposes are often realized, for there the conditions are right for us to grow into spiritual maturity. This growth not only equips us for living, but it also enables us to more accurately reflect Jesus to a world that desperately needs Him."
         As for myself, my life has been marked with perseverance despite the physical odds against me.  God has been with me and together we've accomplished much.  God has helped me get through tough times, when I thought the bend was the end.  In 2001, what I thought defined my life was stripped away but what began was my spiritual maturity.  Praise be to God, that He helped me achieve what was far more important in these past 15 years.. a stronger relationship with Him than the world.
        This week I watched a movie that is defined by perseverance, "Greater".  I highly recommend this true story of Brandon Burlsworth's life.  I won't spoil it for you, but you will see how public ridicule and the lack of worldly approval didn't weaken his faith.  How blessed his life was in that he influenced so many others for Christ.
       May your own race be a victory for you and Christ, no matter what obstacles you face on the journey.      

Use Me, However You Will

        What do you think of when you say, 'Use me, God, for your glory!'  Do you think of mission work in a foreign land?  Do you think of adopting orphans?  Do you envision grandiose works that are just good intentions but are never followed thru with actions and results?  

        Wherever you are IS a mission field.  Matthew 9:37-38  " “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”  God gives each of us specific talents but they are not limited to specific places.  We have to expand our circle of interest to include our own stomping ground.  It is easier to witness to strangers than to our close friends and family.  Why?  Because Satan intimidates us with doubt.  Strangers can be given the Truth and never be seen again.  With our close loved ones, we may hesitate for fear of losing them or a change in the relationship. Acts 4:29  "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness."   "The threatenings of our enemies, that are designed to weaken our hands and drive us off from our work, should rather stir us up to so much the more courage and resolution in our work."  We must be as bold as the believers in front of the Sanhedrin, the supreme court of ancient Israel.

         Some say 'Who am I' or 'What can one person accomplish'?  The focus needs to switch from what you can't do, to what you can do!  We all have something to offer.  My blogging to others is my personal way to give of myself for a possible impact on others.  I can't physically talk or walk my testimony around the world, but through the internet my faith can possibly witness globally.

         The last part of the caption says 'for a purpose greater than myself.'  We are commanded ' 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'.   So we must think beyond our own salvation and lead others to Christ, as much as we can.  For myself, I don't particularly like it when God uses me through sickness, but I have witnessed His work through it on myself and others.  Prayers flood His ears, thoughts become more about Him, and recollection of His faithfulness is praised.  

          Are you willing to be used by God, however big or small?  May we all say 'Yes Lord, however You will!'

        

"Do Justice, Love Kindness and Walk Humbly with God" by Dale Foster (Angie's Guest Writer/Friend)

"Deliver those who are being taken away to death, and those who are staggering to slaughter, Oh hold them back.  If you say, “See, we did not know this,” does He not consider it who weighs the hearts?  And does He not know it who keeps your soul?  And will He not render to man according to his work?" – Proverbs 24

Before you read today’s blog, please consider this message of truth in love to those who may have participated in an abortion. Christian lady, if you are among the one in four professing believers who have procured an abortion, I offer to you by the authority of God’s word that there is forgiveness and healing available by the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. If you confess your sin, admit that abortion is sin, He is faithful and just to forgive your sin, and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness.

Scripture either means something, or it means nothing.  As bondservants of Christ, we do not have the prerogative of selective belief, of choosy obedience.  In the history books written 100 years from now, what will be said of Christians who ignored the plight of their pre-born neighbor being "taken away to death" after God has commanded us to love our neighbor as ourselves?  In the history book of heaven, how will God Himself respond when we stand before Him, since He has given us warnings such as in Isaiah 1, 

"So when you spread out your hands in prayer,

            I will hide My eyes from you;

            Yes, even though you multiply prayers,

            I will not listen.

            Your hands are covered with blood.

“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;

            Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight.

            Cease to do evil,

Learn to do good;

            Seek justice,

            Reprove the ruthless,

            Defend the orphan,

            Plead for the widow.

Christian, the Church needs the "brood of vipers" John the Baptist as much as she needs the weeping prophet, Jeremiah. Repentance and revival begin in the Church, the fellowship of believers. 

The only way to abolish abortion is to abolish abortion.  Some may ask, what is the cost of abolishing abortion in Arkansas?  Instead we must ask, what is the cost of not doing so?  

God refuses to compromise with evil, we ought to refuse as well.  Isaiah 10 declares, "Woe to those who enact evil statutes and to those who constantly record unjust decisions".  Any law that permits the slaughter of God's image bearers merits this woe given directly from the mind of God.  Pro-life laws accomplish exactly the opposite of what God commands; they perpetuate the holocaust decade after bloody decade.  The evidence of this is that after 44 years of these unjust laws, the abortion holocaust rages on.  These laws defy justice by permitting exceptions for murder.  They create steps one must take before being permitted to murder their child.  They compromise with evil. Woe to those who enact such evil statutes. Demand justice.  Amos exhorts us to “let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream.” 

Whatever any individual is doing to end abortion, none of us is doing enough. 

Visit abolishhumanabortion.com to learn more about a biblical response to the greatest evil of our age.  Read stories of Christian ladies who have repented of the sin of abortion, and how they found healing and forgiveness in Christ. 

The following letter is addressed to citizens of Arkansas, but repentance and revival must begin in the heart of the Church.  Repentance begins with me.  

Dear Representatives and Fellow Citizens of Arkansas,

            The seal of the Great State of Arkansas displays an angel with the word “Mercy” written on her sash.  On the right side is a sword with the word “Justice.”  But another blade is wielded for a purpose all too nefarious.  It exists to bring death upon our fellow image bearers of God, those yet unborn who have not taken their first breath of freedom.  Let us find inspiration in the words of our own Constitution of Arkansas, “All men…have certain inherent and inalienable rights; amongst which are those of enjoying and defending life…” and “…nor shall any citizen ever be deprived of any right…” and “No person shall…be deprived of life, liberty or property, without due process of law.” 

            The act of abortion in all forms violates the guaranteed rights of our most vulnerable neighbors.  Even more so, it violates the Law of God, to whom the preamble of our Constitution offers gratitude and from Whom it beseeches blessing.  The God of Whom our Constitution speaks commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves.  Can we expect His blessing when we neglect the weightiest matters of the Law?

Hardly twenty-seven years after the end of World War II, America’s holocaust began, and for the last forty-four years, it has raged on.  The SCOTUS has a history of evil and unjust opinions, starting even before Dred Scott v. Sandford.  Initiated by an evil opinion rendered by an unjust court, Roe v. Wade began a new epoch in our country, and 60,000,000 murdered infants later, the hands of all Americans are drenched in blood in corporate responsibility. 

How does Justice appear in a culture, in our State, where abortion is permitted?  It appears as repentance.  It appears by returning to the fear and reverence of the God to Whom we appeal for blessing.  When a higher magistrate makes a law that defies humanity and the Law of God, or a higher court renders an unjust and evil opinion, it is the privilege and sacred obligation of the Lesser Magistrate, like the Arkansas State Legislature, to be obedient to God’s Law, and reverse and defy that unjust law.   The precedents for this are ancient and numerous.  A prominent example occurred in 1215 at Runnymede, England, where nobles took to task the tyranny of King John, which led to the signing of the Magna Carta.  

The Great State of Texas, our own neighbor, is at this very moment taking up this cause.  Convinced by his duty and reverence for God, Representative Tony Tinderholt has introduced HB948 in that state.  So far, ten fellow representatives have signed on as co-authors.  They have seen the futility of regulating murder, those incremental steps which perpetuate the miscarriage of justice.  As well-intentioned as these measures are, they’ve done nothing to end abortion.  The proof of that is that the murder of the unborn is still tolerated in our State, as technology advances to neutralize and circumvent these laws. 

Some may ask, what is the cost of abolishing abortion in Arkansas?  Instead we must ask, what is the cost of not doing so?  Do we fear God, or man’s corrupt opinion, like Dred, Roe, or Casey?  Are we trusting in chariots and horses, or in the name of the Lord our God?  How will Arkansas respond when the inevitable lawsuit arises challenging the criminalization of infanticide?  Very simply: ignore the summons.  SCOTUS does not make law.  Lesser Magistrates are bound to defy unjust laws.  Arkansas does not have to defend itself when God’s Justice and Mercy are on our side.

For the first time since reconstruction, Republicans, who oppose abortion, have a majority of representation in the legislature.  All seven constitutional officers oppose abortion.  The majority of the citizenry of the state of Arkansas opposes abortion.  Most importantly, God demands justice for the pre-born.  If now is not the time to end abortion in our State, then there will never be a time.  The time for justice is always now. 

We would love to share with you information about abolishing abortion.  May Arkansas lead the way as we pursue the righteousness and justice of Almighty God.

Very respectfully submitted

 || Abolitionist Society of Little Rock || East Arkansas Abolitionist Society ||

 || Every20Seconds || Seminarians Against Abortion ||

In representation of our pre-born neighbors, the citizens of Arkansas, and Almighty God

Every20Seconds@yahoo.com

AbSocLittleRock@gmail.com

AbolishHumanAbortion.com

“Who among us has any conception of the dimensions of shame that will befall us and our children when one day the veil has fallen from our eyes and the most horrible of crimes…reach the light of day?”  Hans Scholl, dissident and martyr in the culture of death in Nazi Germany

Journey's End

           Death is one of the greatest fears of man.  We can witness the experience, but we will all only succumb to it once.  It is the ultimate unknown... how will it happen, when will it occur, what will it be like, where will I be and will I be alone?  These are all valid questions, but the most important question to ask yourself both now and then is 'Where will I spend eternity?' 
           There are only two options, heaven or hell.  Heaven is where believers will be joined together with God and enjoy His promises fulfillment.  John 14:1-3  "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.  My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."  Hell is where those who chose to not believe in Jesus' sacrifice for their sins will endure an everlasting separation from God and the anguish of His wrath.  Matthew 25:46 "“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”  Matthew 13:42  "They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
          So right now, we are all on this journey called life and it will come to an end.  It is not an easy road, but a narrow one to the Kingdom.  "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."  We are all on a road leading to our final destination, which road are you on?  Many of us have tried to plow our own road of life, not to far to the left or right, but that's literally a dead end road without Christ.  Our thoughts and ways are not God's ways... far from it.  It is NOT true that all roads lead to heaven or God.  Jesus is the ONLY way to God and heaven.  John 14:6  "Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
           I don't know how often others think about their own journey and death to come, but it has been part of my reality from a young age.  I don't live in fear but with a blessed assurance of where I am headed.  In the past six months, I've seen more death than ever in my life.  Friends, acquaintances, and pets have all reached the end of their earthly road and are in their eternal home.  It is so hard on those of us left behind to wait for our reunion, but it will come.  "This world is not our Home, we are just passing through."  Our comfort is found in His Word and His Promises...cling to them!

“Where, O death, is your victory?
    Where, O death, is your sting?

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 

 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

1 Corinthians 15: 55-57

Friendship

        "What is a friend? A single soul, dwelling in two bodies" - Aristotle

         Friend-ship is like a big boat of love that rescues you from the troubles of this world. Friends are a lifeline to which we can call upon for advice or just for a sounding board.   We treasure our true friends because of the mutual trust and loyalty that builds that special bond. Each of our friends offer something unique to the relationship because we each have individualized gifts and talents.  Friends can open us up to new things, new ideas and new places of adventure.
          Thus, having said that, it is important to remember to choose your friends wisely. Everyone you meet is not intended to be your friend.  Proverbs 12:26  "The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray."
A quote I heard the other day that really struck a chord with me, "Show me your friends and I'll show you your future."  The influence of others on us can be a good thing or a bad thing. We need to be in fellowship and friendship with other believers to help keep us on the right track.  
         We also need to be friends to the world but not of the world.  We are commanded to "love one another, as ourselves" but that doesn't mean joining into the worldly ways of friendship, but by being a godly friend.  A real friend points others to God in their speech, actions and example.  "May we see each person as Jesus did: made in God’s image and worthy of His love. Let’s treat everyone we meet with Christlike equality and learn to see beauty as He does."
         We can read about many examples of friendship in the Bible.  Moses had supportive friends.  "As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.  When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset."  Don't we all need friends, like Aaron and Hur, to lend us a helping hand?  Jonathan and David had an enduring friendship through good times and bad.   "David and Jonathan had a solid friendship too, beginning with the good days of David’s victory over Goliath (1 Sam. 18:1–4). They shared their fears during the bad days of Saul’s jealousy (18:6–11; 20:1–2). Finally, they suffered together during the ugly days of Saul’s plans to kill David (20:42)." 
        Jesus is the best friend we could ever have.  Unlike us.... He is always faithful, trustworthy, unconditionally loving and forgiving.  He opened His arms wide open to us on the Cross to not only be our Savior, but our Friend.  If you want to be a friend of God, then seek to know Him as your Lord of your life.  

     James 4:4 "You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God." NLT