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Bible Ballistics

Tag Archives: Revelation 3:20

Who’s In Your Manger??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #54

14 Wednesday Dec 2022

Posted by Blanche in A Father's Love, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All About Jesus!, Baby in the manger, Choose You This Day!, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Lights, JESUS, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, The greatest gift!!!, Who's in your manger?

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Who’s In Your Manger??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #54

I love Nativity sets, I have them all around my house all year round.  People often ask, “Why do you have nativity sets out when it’s not Christmas?”  I always answer the same way, “I love Jesus all year long!”, and it makes me smile to remember the gift that God gave to all who would receive it.  It also causes people to ask “why”, and I have an opportunity to share about how much I love Jesus!  My question for us today is, “Who” is in your manger?

As you decorate (or even if you don’t choose to celebrate the season) what or who is the focus of your celebration, your life?  Is it the baby born that we could be saved from our sin?

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.

22 Now all this was done,

that it might be fulfilled which was spoken

of the Lord

by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child,

and shall bring forth a son,

and they shall call his name Emmanuel,

which being interpreted is,

God with us.”  Matthew 1:21-23

Why two names?  I believe Matthew was helping us to see that Jesus would save us from our sins, because HE was/is/shall ever be the “only begotten Son of God”, who is the only one who could save us from our sins!  And after all, sin IS the issue and only Jesus could be the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for SIN! So, friends, I love the reminder that my nativity sets bring to my heart, soul, and mind! That’s just me!  But who is in your manger?  Just a little image of a baby in a set of figures, or a toy that comes out at this time of year?  Or do you know Jesus, the King of Kings?  Is Jesus the One that your heart rejoices in, or just the presents, tinsel, and parties?  John says it better than I could, as he states clearly the reason for his gospel account.

“Jesus saith unto him,

Thomas, because thou hast seen me,

thou hast believed:

blessed are they that have not seen,

and yet have believed.

30 And many other signs truly did Jesus

in the presence of his disciples,

which are not written in this book:

31 But these are written,

that ye might believe

that Jesus is the Christ,

the Son of God;

and that believing

ye might have life

through his name.”  John 21:29-31

The birth of Jesus, His life, ministry, miracles weren’t a show to impress man, but they were part of the real reason for His coming; He came to die for you and me–for all who will believe and come to Jesus to have their sins forgiven and to receive eternal life. To know that He was raised from the dead for you and me, for all who will believe this truth!

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly,

that God hath made that same Jesus,

whom ye have crucified,

both Lord and Christ.”  Acts 2:36

Paul makes the simplest declaration of this gospel truth, and may we examine our hearts today, to know WHO is in ‘my manger’?

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel

which I preached unto you,

which also ye have received,

and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved,

if ye keep in memory what I preached

unto you,

unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

then of the twelve:” 1 Corinthians 15:1-5

If you don’t know Jesus today, won’t you invite Him in today.  He truly is the Risen Lord, and HE is coming again– soon, I believe!

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in

to him,

and will sup

with him,

and he

 with me.”  Revelation 3:20

Blessings on your day my friends, and may you know the peace, joy, and love that Jesus gives today.  He is the greatest gift ever given.  Don’t miss the real “baby” in the manger!

Amen and Amen!!!

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Christmas Reflections #1!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #51

02 Friday Dec 2022

Posted by Blanche in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Behold the Lamb of God, Blessed by God, Bow Before our God, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Lights, JESUS, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, SIN, Sin IS the issue

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Christmas IS Jesus, JESUS, Jesus is knocking at your door, Jesus saves from sin, Jesus saves--Only Jesus!, John 1:10-14, John 1:29-30, Matthew 1:21-23, Revelation 3:20, Revelation 5:6-12, Sin IS the issue, the Lamb of God, Will you open the door?

Christmas Reflections #1!!!   A Word from THE WORD!!! #51

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done,

that it might be fulfilled

which was spoken of the Lord

by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child,

and shall bring forth a son,

and they shall call his name Emmanuel,

which being interpreted is,

God with us.”  Matthew 1:21-23

Jesus came to take care of the sin issue.  We have sinned–born in sin–choosing to sin–living in sin, willfully sinning– for which the penalty and price is death and hell.  Yet Jesus came to pay the penalty for our sin; all because HE came as the Holy Son of God, born without the nature of sin, for HIS father was, is, and ever shall be The Almighty God.  He had no sin, which made HIM the perfect, holy Lamb of God who would pay for MY sin and yours at Calvary if we will but believe in and give our lives to The Lamb of God, Jesus!

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him,

and saith,

Behold the Lamb of God,

which taketh away the sin of the world.

30 This is he of whom I said,

After me cometh a man

which is preferred before me:

for he was before me.”  John 1:29-30

John the Baptizer saw Jesus, and proclaimed that HE was, is and ever shall be the “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”, for HE came to deliver you and me from the payment due for sin–HELL with HIS own blood!  He came because HE loves us. John the Apostle, saw this proclaimed in heaven above, and one day (soon I believe) all will see; some in joy and rejoicing, others in sorrow and regret for eternity!

“And I beheld,

and, lo, in the midst of the throne

and of the four beasts,

and in the midst of the elders,

stood a Lamb

as it had been slain,

having seven horns

and seven eyes,

which are the seven Spirits of God

sent forth into all the earth.

7 And he came

and took the book out of the right hand

of him that sat upon the throne.

8 And when he had taken the book,

the four beasts

and four and twenty elders

fell down before the Lamb,

having every one of them harps,

and golden vials full of odours,

which are the prayers of saints.

9 And they sung a new song, saying,

Thou art worthy

to take the book,

and to open the seals thereof:

for thou wast slain,

and hast redeemed us

to God

by thy blood

out of every kindred,

and tongue,

and people,

and nation;

10 And hast made us

unto our God

kings and priests:

and we shall reign

on the earth…

…. 12 Saying with a loud voice,

Worthy is the Lamb

that was slain

to receive power,

and riches,

and wisdom,

and strength,

and honour,

and glory,

and blessing.”  Revelation 5:6-10 & 12

This IS what we celebrate at this precious CHRISTmas time.  Won’t you honor King Jesus?  If you don’t know HIM, what better time than the season in which we celebrate HIS coming in flesh to pay for your sin and mine!  It’s why HE came, and He is still calling people to Himself today!  Won’t you respond to HIS call.  And may we who know HIM, reflect HIS glory not our selfish flesh?

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

 nor of the will of man,

but of God.

14 And the Word was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory,

the glory as of the only begotten

of the Father,)

full of grace and truth.”  John 1:10-14

Won’t you bow before the King today?  He loves you!  He gave His life’s blood for your salvation.

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

The door is yours to open to The King!

Amen and Amen!!!

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If Jesus Is Worthy??? ____??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 19

10 Monday Oct 2022

Posted by Blanche in Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus said I could come!, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all

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Acts 2:36, Be ye born again., Behold the Lamb of God, Give Jesus glory!, Hebrews 4:12-13, If Jesus is worthy?? What are you doing?, Jesus IS Worthy!, Jesus still saves and changes lives, Matthew 11:27-30, Philippians 2:8-11, Revelation 20:11-14, Revelation 3:20, Revelation 5:6-12, Savior or Judge--you choose!, What will YOU do with Jesus.

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 19 If Jesus Is Worthy???_______???

What will you answer?  If Jesus is worthy, what have you made Him worthy of; your time, or service, your ideas, money, or pursuits, your LOVE?  What is Jesus worthy of in my/your life?

“And I beheld, and, lo,

in the midst of the throne

and of the four beasts,

and in the midst of the elders,

stood a Lamb

as it had been slain,

having seven horns

and seven eyes,

which are the seven Spirits of God

sent forth into all the earth.

7 And he came and took the book

out of the right hand of him

that sat upon the throne.

8 And when he had taken the book,

the four beasts

and four and twenty elders

fell down before the Lamb,

having every one of them harps,

and golden vials full of odours,

which are the prayers of saints.

 9 And they sung a new song, saying,

Thou art worthy to take the book,

and to open the seals thereof:

for thou wast slain,

and hast redeemed us to God

by thy blood

out of every kindred,

and tongue,

and people,

and nation;

10 And hast made us unto our God

kings and priests:

and we shall reign on the earth.

11 And I beheld,

and I heard the voice of many angels

round about the throne

and the beasts

and the elders:

and the number of them

was ten thousand times ten thousand,

and thousands of thousands;

12 Saying with a loud voice,

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain

to receive power,

and riches,

and wisdom,

and strength,

and honour,

and glory,

and blessing.”  Revelation 5:6-12

Jesus IS worthy of all—from all!  If we consider Paul’s message to the believers at Philippi, we might begin to understand the value and worth of our Lord and King to God our Father, which ought to be our song of praise as well.  Will we give HIM the glory? Or take it to ourselves? You see, the question isn’t will you/I bow, but rather when you will bow.  God has declared that “every knee shall bow”, either before Jesus as Lord and Savior in this life, or as judge when there is no recourse or opportunity for salvation.

“And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also

hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory

of God the Father.”  Philippians 2:8-11

If HE isn’t your Lord and Savior, HE will be your judge.  You can refuse to acknowledge HIS worth now, but the day is coming when those who refuse HIM, will bow before HIM as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and judge of all.

“And I saw a great white throne,

and him that sat on it,

from whose face the earth and the heaven

fled away;

and there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead,

small and great,

stand before God;

and the books were opened:

and another book was opened,

which is the book of life:

and the dead were judged

out of those things which were written

in the books,

according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead

which were in it;

and death and hell delivered up the dead

which were in them:

and they were judged

every man

according to their works.

14 And death and hell

were cast into the lake of fire.

This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written

in the book of life

was cast into the lake of fire.”  Revelation 20:11-14

My friends, the standard for judgment will be God’s Word—whether you accepted it or not–both the written Word and the Living Word, Jesus, who IS WORTHY of all the praise and honor and glory.  And the written Word is the standard by which ALL will be judged!  What worth are you giving to Jesus?  What are you doing with God’s Word?  What are you doing with Jesus? If HE truly is worthy, and HE IS, what worth and value are you placing on JESUS—have you bowed?  Please don’t put it off.

“For the word of God is

quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

but all things

are naked

and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.”  Hebrews 4:12-13

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly,

that God hath made that same Jesus,

whom ye have crucified,

both Lord and Christ.”  Acts 2:36

There is no more important decision that you can consider.  There is no other action that has the ability to give life or death.  Jesus is calling today, and HE will save all who come to HIM in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin.  He loves YOU—He gave HIS life that you might have salvation, forgiveness of sin, and eternal life.  Won’t you come to HIM and see HIS worth—for HIS arms are open to you today.

“All things are delivered unto me

of my Father:

and no man knoweth the Son,

but the Father;

neither knoweth any man the Father,

save the Son,

and he to whomsoever the Son

will reveal him.

28 Come unto me,

all ye that labour

and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you,

and learn of me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy,

and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:27-30

Praise and honor and glory to Jesus as we “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”!  HE is calling you!

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

Amen and Amen!!!

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Real Peace??? A Word from THE WORD!!!

08 Thursday Sep 2022

Posted by Blanche in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Advice for the journey, Holy Spirit, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Know Whom I Believe, Knowing GOD, Knowing God's Word, Peace, Peace Of The Rock, Peace that passeth ALL understanding

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Real Peace???  A Word from THE WORD!!!  #35

‘Real Peace’, what is it?  That’s a good question, for many have fought battles trying to achieve peace.

Peace:  …. the normal, nonwarring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world…. a state of harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relations…. often considered simply the absence of strife!

I think there is a greater idea of peace that the world most often misses, and often times even Bible believing Christians miss the real idea and meaning of ‘peace’!  So, I’d like us to spend just a bit of time today pursuing the biblical definition of peace, and the first thing that comes to my mind is the ultimate idea of biblical peace.

“Be careful

for nothing;

but in every thing

by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts

and minds

through Christ Jesus.”   Philippians 4:6-7

Oh, the power of “the peace of God”; it is the supply, the sustenance, the surety of every believer who will rely upon it instead of the ‘peace of the world’—a flimsy, ever-changing pursuit that at best, is short-lived and unreliable, for it’s based on the ideas, pursuits, and efforts of mankind!  Whereas “the peace of God” is a rock-solid assurance that we can stand fast in God’s promises!

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.”   Hebrews 13:5-6

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,

whose mind is stayed on thee:

because he trusteth

in thee.”  Isaiah 26:3

The main question though, is, where/how do we get this great peace?  Well, there is only one place where we can find this amazing peace (and grace—by grace), and that is IN JESUS.  Paul gives us the most amazing discourse on this, and while it is a lengthy passage, I think it well worth our time to consider it, for it is the premise upon which all we’ve said so far rests.

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith

into this grace wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope

of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope

maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God

commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified

by his blood,

we shall be saved

from wrath through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more, being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.”  Romans 5:1-11

All this, because God loves us—did before HE created us, did after HE created us—did when we sinned—did when HE sent Jesus, The Son to be our redemption, which bought our “peace with God” for all who will believe and receive the forgiveness of sin that Jesus purchased at Calvary, so that “whosoever believeth in HIM” can have life, hope, and this very peace that Paul describes—no longer enemies of God—but HIS blessed children!!!  Hallelujah!!!  Amen!!!

Because of what HE did for us, we can have this peace that “passeth all understanding”!  The peace that overrules fear and suffering because we know that our God reigns, and is bringing us to glory with HIM!  It is what our faith camps on, Jesus’ own promise that Paul described above, in HIS own words!

“These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send in my name,

he shall teach you all things,

and bring all things to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth,

give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.”  John 14:25-27

Oh, how amazingly grateful I am that with HIS peace, comes “the love of God”, and for Paul ‘s reminder that The Holy Spirit plants it within us, a love that is ever at work accomplishing God’s purpose and glory in us, so that we have peace not fear (and living in such fear-evoking days we need reminding!), and the world sees a love they don’t understand—a testimony of Jesus’ amazing, saving grace!!

“There is no fear

in love;

but perfect love

casteth out fear:

because fear hath torment.

He that feareth

is not made perfect in love.”  1 John 4:18

Even in some of Jesus’ last words to His disciple (and to us) He reminded us that we have peace, HIS peace, in the midst of trials, troubles and tribulations—all because HE has “overcome the world”!

“These things I have spoken unto you,

that in me ye might have peace.

In the world ye shall have tribulation:

but be of good cheer;

I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

Hold on to The One who IS our peace!  In HIM we win!

“And a voice came out of the throne, saying,

Praise our God,

all ye his servants,

and ye that fear him,

both small and great.

6 And I heard

as it were the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings,

saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent

reigneth.”  Revelation 19:5-6

And on that all I can say is, even so Lord Jesus come quickly!!!

Yet if you don’t have this peace of God, you can have it by the repentance of your sin—your personal sin—and believing in the sacrifice that Jesus made for it (the substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice)—that He was crucified for your sin and mine, that He was buried, and that HE arose from the dead for you and me, victorious over sin, death, and hell!  He is inviting you today!

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

Amen and Amen!!!

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Thankful For Friendship??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 12

22 Monday Aug 2022

Posted by Blanche in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Friends, Friendship, Jonathan and David, True Friendship

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1 Samuel 18:1-3, Being a friend, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Friends are a treasure, Friendship, James 1:5-6, John 15:12-15, Proverbs 17:17, Proverbs 18:24, Proverbs 25:11-12, Proverbs 27:17-19, Revelation 3:20, Show Himself friendly

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 12   Thankful For Friendship???

I sit here this morning praying for a dear friend who may be near her time to leave this world, and as I think of the years that we have shared, I sit here with tears in my eyes, as I rehearse the precious value of a real, true, and loyal friend.  Do you have one?  If you have one, you are blessed greatly; if you have more than one you are abundantly blessed, for they are a treasure rare.

With that in mind, I’d like to spend our time today seeing what God has to say about friendship/friends and perhaps calling you and me to reach out to those we love while they are with us.  I certainly know the import of valuing each day with those we love, and I hope God can speak to each of us today to be more aware of our choices in how we spend our time, especially when we value things more than people, or even God Himself and our Lord Jesus Christ.

“This is my commandment,

That ye love one another,

as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this,

that a man lay down his life

for his friends.

14 Ye are my friends,

if ye do whatsoever I command you.

15 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.”  John 15:12-15

Jesus is the greatest friend that we will ever have, and if you don’t know HIM, I invite you to call upon HIM today, for HE is ever waiting for you to open your heart and life to HIM in repentance and faith in Jesus’ substitutionary (in our place), atoning (making my amends), sacrifice (paying our sin debt on Calvary).

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

Oh, dear friend, it is a decision that you will never regret, for I have walked with Jesus for over forty-five years—through thick and thin—through laughter and tears—through failure and success—through every trial that you can think of, and HE has never left my side.  And besides all that, HE has sent me friends to share my walk, help me along my way, encourage me in the hard times, rejoice with me in the better times, and bless my soul beyond measure, and allowed me to share the same with them!!!  The scriptures are replete with examples and words of wisdom in regard to friendship; and I’m so glad that God never called us to walk alone—but with Him, and praise God, more often than not, to have a friend or two along the way!

“Two are better than one;

because they have a good reward for their labour.

10 For if they fall,

the one will lift up his fellow:

but woe to him that is alone when he falleth;

for he hath not another to help him up.

11 Again, if two lie together,

then they have heat:

but how can one

be warm alone?

12 And if one prevail against him,

two shall withstand him;

and a threefold cord

is not quickly broken.”  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

 As the old adage says, “Many hands make light work.”  May we appreciate the blessing of friends, and remember it takes “being” a friend, to “have” a friend to make things lighter—easier to bear!

“A man that hath friends

must shew himself friendly:

and there is a friend

that sticketh closer

than a brother.”  Proverbs 18:24

Oh, how I praise God for those friends; the ones you can call at midnight, and they are there for you.  May we ever be that friend who is there/here for our friends who have a need—whatever that need may be.  But we must also ask God for discernment to know when we need to refer our friend/loved one to other sources of help.  Oh, how I regret not recognizing the need of one that I love who needed counselling that I wasn’t able to provide and I purely ‘missed the call’, so to speak…. We must always pray, and ask for God’s wisdom, direction, and insight to see beyond the exterior, and be ever remembering and relying on “Thy Kingdom come…Thy will be done…”!

“If any of you lack wisdom,

let him ask of God,

that giveth to all men liberally,

and upbraideth not;

and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith,

nothing wavering.

For he that wavereth

 is like a wave of the sea

driven with the wind

and tossed.”  James 1:5-6

May we be faithful and stand fast in Jesus, for our own sake as well as to “BE” a good and wise friend!  One of my favorite examples of a true friend is the story of Jonathan and David, and while we won’t take time or space for the whole account, we’ll simply look at what scripture records of true love among friends.

“And it came to pass,

when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul,

that the soul of Jonathan

was knit with the soul of David,

and Jonathan loved him

as his own soul.

2 And Saul took him that day,

and would let him go no more home

to his father’s house.

3 Then Jonathan and David

made a covenant,

because he loved him

as his own soul.”  1 Samuel 18:1-3

And as the Proverbs say:

“A friend loveth at all times,

and a brother is born for adversity.”   Proverbs 17:17

I thank God for the dear ones HE has given me to love and to be loved by and have them to stand with me through the good and the bad—to love me “at all times”!  Treasure the gifts that God has given you in friends!  They are a priceless treasure, and worth our time and effort; and those who are brave enough to speak the “truth in love” at those times when we need a wise reprover, we ought to be doubly grateful for, for not everyone will be brave enough to speak!  May we be the “iron sharpening iron”, as well as the gracious recipient of it!

“A word fitly spoken

is like apples of gold

in pictures of silver.

12 As an earring of gold,

and an ornament of fine gold,

so is a wise reprover

upon an obedient ear.”  Proverbs 25:11-12

“Iron sharpeneth iron;

so a man sharpeneth

the countenance of his friend.

18 Whoso keepeth the fig tree

shall eat the fruit thereof:

so he that waiteth on his master

shall be honoured.

19 As in water

face answereth to face,

so the heart of man

to man.”  Proverbs 27:17-19

May God bless you in your walk as a friend, and may HE abundantly bless you with those in your life who will help you be a better person and friend.  May we each be a faithful ‘truth speaker’, and that “face answering face” to bring joy, ease sorrow, share the wisdom of God’s Word, as we lift the hearts of those who are down!

Thank YOU, Jesus, for the blessings of friends, both those I know personally, and those who are faithful followers and pray-ers for this ministry!  Will you join me in the pursuit of excellence in our reflection of The Savior to a lost and dying world—a world in need of a friend?  May we be that friend as God gives us opportunity.  To God be the glory!

Amen and Amen!!!

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