July 9
"A friend loves at all times, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity." Proverbs 17:17 (NRSV)
One of the wonderful things about July is the opportunities it offers for enjoying friends and family. Whether outings, cookouts or quiet moments on the porch in good conversation, it often seems what really matters most in life is God, family and good friends. Helen Steiner Rice once wrote a beautiful poem that reflects today's scripture in Proverbs called "A Prayer For Friends":
"Stores don’t sell,
I must confess,
the joys of life
that cheer and bless,
but friends and prayers
are priceless treasures
beyond all monetary measures –
and so, my friend,
I say a prayer
that God will keep you
in his care.”
Friends are treasures indeed and often like family! Yet there is a vast difference between acquaintances such as most "Facebook Friends" and tried, tested, proven true friends. There is also a big difference between knowing someone well and being a real friend. The greatest evidence of genuine friendship is loyalty and being available to help out in times of distress, hard times, or personal struggles. Unfortunately we find out some are fair-weather friends. They stick around when friendship helps them and leave in the difficulties of adversity. This behavior can leave us feeling betrayed and hurt yet our friend Jesus can heal our pain with his love if we take it to the Lord in prayer. We need to remember Proverbs says a true friend "loves at all times." As Christians we are called to be the kind of true friend the Bible encourages us to be: cheerful, ready to welcome others, offering encouraging words, helping with tasks, and offering a positive outlook on the future. Such people are always valued as true friends and are God's awesome gift to you!
Prayer: Lord, Thank you for the gift of true friends. Amen
Meditation For The Day: True Friends remain. False Friends flee.
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=rev%20dr%20mary%20johnson...
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