FRIENDSHIP A VALUABLE TREASURE

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF FRIENDSHIP

Friendship is a gift that should be valued and treasured.  It seem to be a scarce commodity today - FRIENDS are people who treat you like.....

Family and appreciate your friendship

Respects you/your decisions

Integrity is one of their strengths and wouldn't sabotage you or your image

Empathetic in your circumstances

Never judges or speak negatively of you, your home and relationship

Dedicated to the friendship and demands nothing from you and are very

Sincere to the finish

There are many examples of friendship in the bible that reflects value and demonstrate the above acronym: 

Ruth and Naomi - Ruth 1:16-17

David and Jonathan - 1 Samuel 18: 1-3

Job and his friends - Job 2:11

Elijah and Elisha - 2 Kings 2:2

Although there were many struggles with the friendships above, the loyalty, love and forgiveness were demonstrated and strengthened the friendship.  

Do you have any loyal friends?  (List them)

Can you relate to any of the friendships above?

If so which one are you?

TODAY'S FOCUS:  THE GOLDEN RULE

Most people complain about their friend/friendship, however, the golden rule is not always applied.  Let's take a look at it in Luke 6: 31 (KJV)

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

What are some of the experiences that you have had with your friends?

What are the challenges faced with your friendships?

What do you contribute to your friendships?

Are you part of the Challenge?

Many complain about their friends and what they have done to them. However, what should be considered most importantly is that you are a genuine friend.

Review the following scriptures and let's discuss - How should friends be treated?

Romans 12: 10

Ephesians 4: 29-32

Colossians 3: 12-14

Here's some even greater news - Your greatest friend is God! 

How is your relationship with Him?

Are you loyal and faithful to Him?

Take a look at the following scripture and see how you measure up.

James 4:8 (KJV)

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Spending time with your friends are also precious. It's important to make good memories. It doesn't have to be at church or at the office, but take time to cultivate, nurture and HAVE FUN! Don't be too heavenly minded and not of any earthly good. As you think on becoming a better and more sincere friend, here are some quotes to think on:

C.S. Lewis Friendship Quotes

“Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a good fire?”

“The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are.”

Remember, Your greatest friend is the Lord. Friends are people who will walk and talk with you daily, but yet know when you need space and quiet times. They will invest in you with their time and resources and will not talk about it. Like Jesus even when you don't hear from them you know they love you and are thinking about you. Genuine friendship is a gift - Treasure it!

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

A FRESH SUPPLY

NEW EVERY MORNING

As consumers we all love fresh produce.  Won't it be nice if every morning you could get a fresh supply delivered to your door- strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, bananas and all the local fruits and vegetables you want, and as fresh as can be?

Oh yes, it would be a delight to have them especially as you think of all the pesticides and other chemicals that are used in the process.  

Well, here's some good news on a fresh supply that is new every morning.  It is not a left over from yesterday, but a production made with compassion.  It never fails because the Producer is consistent, and makes the supply enough for one day. 

Lamentations 3: 22-23 (KJV)

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.  

They are new every morning.  

God's mercies are a produce of compassion.  His faithfulness to open each new day with mercy begins in the night.  Even when you are asleep mercy is in the making so that you have a fresh supply when morning comes.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  GOD MAKES GOOD HIS PROMISES   

Because of His faithfulness you should never loose your faith. The discovery of this colors your world with hope.  It affords you the opportunity to try again.  It allows you to begin anew, get a new start, forget yesterdays mistakes, worries and troubles.  

In the book of Lamentations 3, Jeremiah (known as the weeping prophet) laments and cries about his travails.  As you read the chapter and you will see that he was in a really bad state, physically, emotionally and spiritually.  His thinking was so distorted that his very soul was uneasy.  He had no peace and forgot what it was like to prosper.  He confessed that his strength and hope perished, but when His memory reflected on the goodness and mercies of God he had hope.   

Lamentations 3: 21, 24-25

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.

The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him. 

The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh him.

Your hope comes as you claim Christ as your Savior and Lord. It is also important to have hope and wait quietly on God.  Not fretting and fussing but seeking Him in the midst of your trouble.  Resting in His promises, because of His faithfulness. Take some time and reflect on what God has done for you. 

Remember, reflect on God's mercies and faithfulness and you will have hope.  Each day comes with a fresh supply.  God will make good His promises to those who wait and seek Him.  Your circumstances are a good reason to turn to Him quietly waiting in hope. 

God Bless you and Keep the faith!

Virtuous Jewel

SIMPLY BE YOU

IDENTITY CRISIS EXPERIENCE

Today many people are confused about who they are because they have allowed themselves to be defined by their circumstances, surroundings or labels put on them by others.  Let's take a look at a few examples of men who were in identity crisis and how they responded to the crisis.

Moses was the son of a Hebrew slave who through circumstances was raised by Pharaoh's daughter.  When faced with a crisis, he knew his true identity which led him to his purpose and refused to continue under the identity that he was named.  

His Response to crisis: 

Hebrews 11:24 (KJV)

By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

 

Joseph was the son of Jacob who was loved and because of the jealousy of his brethren caused him to encounter a journey of identity crisis.  He was challenged by the continuous change of circumstances that he had to adjust so he could maintain his identity.  He was dropped in a pit, sold as a slave, thrown in prison and promoted to governor. Yet he didn't forget his upbringing or his heritage.

Genesis 39:7-12

And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.

Daniel was a young man who was captured along with some others and taken into Babylon. Despite the instructions given to the prince of the Eunuch, he refused to change his standards to what was introduced as the finest and best.

Daniel 1:8

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

There are several other men and women of scripture who chose to keep their identity and were not challenged by their surroundings, circumstances or environment. They did not bow down but rose to the challenges faced even when faced with diverse adversities.  

How about you - How are you challenged? 

Do you change with the times? (how and why were you affected)

Are you a different person in different environments?

Are you defined by what others say to or about you?

TODAY'S FOCUS:  LIBERATE YOURSELF

Are you at a crossroad trying to make a decision that can affect your identity? '

The above scripture experiences reflect that the circumstances or what they were exposed to did not change their identity because they knew who they were.

THE REMEDY FOR IDENTITY CRISIS IS TO SIMPLY BE YOU!

Refuse to wear someone else's identity.  Moses did- David also did when Saul wanted him to fight the giant Goliath with his armor.  He chose what he was confident in. Like the old adage states, "be confident in your own skin."

Are you confused by the labels others have put on you?  You are in a crisis because you are beginning to identity what others have said to be truth about you.  As a result you are becoming a prisoner to your thoughts, habits and words spoken.  

Chose to liberate yourself by simply being you.  Wear your style, speak your dialect and use your own accent.  You don't have to disguise yourself or pretend to be who you are not.  Trying to be someone else will prevent you from living a full life. You will be more vulnerable and prone to mistakes because you will not be free to operate as you.  

Like a tomato are you wondering if you are a fruit or a vegetable? Someone has probably told you that you are too black, too white, too skinny, too fat, to religious or perhaps you are not good enough, smart, righteous, rich enough etc.... Don't listen to the voices and opinion of others.  Don't be pressured to choose or switch to please.  

Remember, your surroundings, heritage or circumstances does not identify you.  You are who God says you are.  You trust, confidence and hope should be in simply being the you that God has created.  You are a unique person and was created for a specific purpose - Be the best you! 

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

DOUBT IS A FAITH SINKER

IT'S A TRUST ISSUE

Many people go through the journey of life with uneasiness and reservations with people and or about issues they face.  If there is a proven record of security and hope and doubt exists it may be a matter of trust. 

The dictionary's meaning for doubt is:
noun
1. a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.

verb
1. feel uncertain about.2. archaic - fear; be afraid of.

synonyms:  uncertainty, unsureness, indecision, hesitation, suspicion, confusion; queries, questions; indecision, insecurity, unease, uneasiness, , uneasiness,  wariness, leeriness; reservations, misgivings,

Doubt is a trust issue which can be cured by the word- Google your cure!
Matthew 12:21 (KJV)
And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.
What are your doubts?
Are you perhaps having trust issues?
Perhaps you have not proven or have confidence in the person who has given you given you the diagnosis or the cure.  

If you are having a trust issue, there is definitely doubt in your mind and spirit.  A person who is truly trusting will have no doubt.  They would believe and trust in the one one who spoke to them, what was said to them and about them regardless of the circumstances.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  FAITH SINKER

Many times when faced with an issue and you are given a remedy hope will rise within you. Then the evidence shows up......

What issues are you facing?

What does the evidence look like?

Is your faith sinking?

Here are some examples to consider:

• Bad doctor's report - evidence of the illness makes you lose hope
• Trouble in your relationship - situation gets worse and you are no longer communicating without an arguement
• Unemployed - you got an interview but you are the oldest applicant and are afraid you will not be chosen

Are you in the middle of a crisis?  The evidence will cause you to doubt if your faith is weak and you trust is unsettled.  

Doubt will cause your faith to sink - Let's ask an expert like Peter

Matthew 14:27-33 (KJV)

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.                                                                                        

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.  
When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the sea they were troubled and cried out in fear.  They panicked and thought He was a spirit. Then Jesus spoke and Peter asked to confirm who He was by allowing him to come to him on the water. Jesus said, come, and he moved out in faith.

Peter was doing fine, but when he looked at his circumstances (the boisterous winds) and recognized where he was he doubted and began to sink.  His trust was removed, and his faith was gone when he gave way to doubt.  He looked around him instead of to Jesus.  You too may have taken your eyes off of Jesus and are focusing more on your situation or condition, doctor's report, past due bills etc... There's hope!

Remember, doubt is a faith sinker.  Faith will keep you afloat. Keep your eyes on Jesus.   If he has called you, He is faithful to hold you up and keep you in the midst of a faith Lifter and Anchor!  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel