Life Plan Devotion #12 [friends]

Hi, Everyone.
A few days ago, I looked at my list of friends here at OH.com, and I was struck that so many people want to be friends with me. Sadly, though, I don't have much contact with the majority of them. One of my resolutions is to touch base more often with my friends, especially those here, on-line. I'm going to contact several friends per day, to say hello and ask how I can pray for them. I've begun a special notebook, just for prayer requests for my friends.
Join me today, in thinking about friends.

Life Plan Devotion #12 [friends]

     It's not the number of friends you have that's important; it's the quality of your friendships. I have two very best friends, and the three of us call ourselves the Crazy Faith Friends. The "crazy" part goes with "faith," not with "friends," although sometimes it fits us. We desire that our faith be crazy, out there, where we believe God for the seemingly impossible. Sometimes, we're like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, going through a fiery furnace together. Our friendship is so strong.
     There are other friendships where the contact is minimal, due to living far apart, mostly. However, when we can get together, we pick up right where we left off. I know, too, that if I needed one of my faraway friends, he/she would be here right away for me, and they know the same goes for me. It's very comforting. 
     For believers, Jesus can be our very best friend, who "sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24). I think of when Jesus was talking to His disciples about Himself as The Vine and they as the branches, what it must have been like for them to hear Him say, "I call you friends" (John 15:15). How strong is your friendship with Jesus? Is it minimal, because you've moved away from Him, or is it fiery-furnace strong?

Ecclesiastes 4:12
"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken."

What this has to do with weight loss:  I know a person can lose weight all on their own, but why would you want to. Find several weight-loss buddies with whom you can share your weight-loss joys and struggles. If they are believers, too, your "cord" will be that much stronger.

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, by myself I'm unprotected and can be more easily overpowered. With a strong friend, I can face the worst. With two friends, we become a 3-stranded cord that's not easily broken. Today, help me to be surrounded by godly friends. Open doors for me to meet just the right people, at just the right time, who will lovingly support Your will for my life. Bring many of us together, to humbly serve You and each other. I pray in the Name of my Best Friend, Jesus. Amen."

Go forth today, and cherish your friends.

Blessings,
Mary

I was just listening to Joel Osteen this evening speak on this same subject and how God brings people into our lives to stay and then other times they are just there to teach us and then they move on. Some stay in touch and some don't. He said that there is always a reason for who is in our lives. God just brought someone back into my life that I haven't heard from in many years and I haven't had a chance to write a good long e mail to her yet because my mom "graduated" to heaven Sat. so I need to take care of all that goes with that. However I very much look forward to reaquanting myself with my old friend and I have to wonder what is the reason for her coming back after all these years. It'll be interesting to see what God has in store!

Oh, Sweetie, as glorious as it must be for your mom right this very minute, I'm sorry for you. I know how hard it is to let go of Mother. God give you the strength needed, during this time. I rejoice with you, that He has brought back an old friend, for whatever reason.
Blessings,
Mary