Thought for Monday, February 20th

A Friend in  Deed – Is A Friend Who  Will Meet A Need

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.  Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another.

John  15:9-17

Quote of the Day

“When a friend is in trouble, don’t annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do.  Think up something appropriate  and do it.” – E. W. Howe

Today’s Thoughts and Insights

Scriptures tells us that if a man or woman desires to have friends that person must demonstrate a capacity for being friendly.  So what does it really mean to be a friend?

I often wonder if God’s ideals about friendship are far different from many of ours.

In our modern world having friends who will be there anytime, anywhere and do whatever is needed to help in any situation is more of a rarity than a reality. 

I believe God wants friends to have a love for each other than transcends differences of opinion;  He wants friends to be there for each other to enjoy the triumphs together, as well as to comfort and support each other through the pains and losses:  He wants friends to go the extra mile, to reach out, to help and to not view any need to great or any request to ridiculous that if it is within an attainable possibility and it is ethically, morally and spiritually sound that it should be done.

After all didn’t He call us His friends and look what extreme measure He has tone to for us.  He gave His own son to die in our place.

What kind of friend are you to those around you?

What kind of friend are you to God?

I fear we fall short often on our endeavors at friendship.  And I am most certain we often miss the mark when it comes to our success at being a good friend to God.

But isn’t it great to know that we have a chance to improve?

Friendship is more than a word to use – it is a way to live.

Today’s Prayer

Father, you are the best and most excellent friend a person could ever hope to have.  Help me to be a better friend to others and help me to be an even better friend to you.

“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.”

-          Walter Winchell

“Word of God speak, pour down like rain…”

- from ‘Word of God Speak’ by Mercy Me