Marriage
New FRC Report Finds 162 Reasons to Marry
To celebrate National Marriage Week, Family Research Council's Marriage and ...
Opinion
Gay by Choice?
Are all homosexuals "born that way"? Not if you believe the testimony of a ...
Theology
10 Reasons to Believe in a Historical Adam
In recent years, several self-proclaimed evangelicals, or those associated with ...
Church & Ministries
Former Megachurch Pastor Goes Church Hopping as a Newcomer
When finally given the opportunity to simply attend, and not preside or preach ...
Read: Philippians 2:19-30
I thank my God every time I think of you. (1:3 GNB)
Henri Nouwen wrote, "Beneath all the great accomplishments of our time there [remains] . . . a lack of friendship."
In the Old Testament, only Abraham and Moses were called friends of God. Amazingly, Jesus says to us, "I no longer call you my servants. I call you my friends." Jesus offers each of us an intimacy with God that was rare before his coming. If we treasure this friendship we'll want to obey Jesus.
Jesus is the supreme gift of God. Friends are gifts of God too, but strong friendships don't just happen. They require maintenance. Friendships involve a three-way relationship-with ourselves, others, and God. Neglect any one of the three and satisfying friendships are difficult.
Paul regarded the Philippians as his dear friends. See the apostle on his knees in a dark prison cell, damp, and smelling of mildew. He takes pen in hand and writes, "I thank my God every time I think of you; and every time I pray for you" (1:3). He promises to send Timothy to bring-and bring back-news. He returns Epaphroditus to them, his friend and theirs. Such is the cycle of friendship. Memory of friends leads to gratitude. Gratitude leads to prayer. Prayer leads to joy.
Like us on Facebook
Prayer: Lord, help me be your faithful friend and help me be loyal to the friends you give me.
Used with Permission
