Power Of Friendship

“It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?”
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Key Scripture:  “Abraham believed God…He was called the friend of God.”  James 2:23

Power Point:

     I used to be amazed at people with such large blocks of friends on Facebook. Then I realized that a lot of people who are listed as friends might be someone you simply sat beside on the bus, or met while you were waiting in line to pay your bills. We use the term “friend” loosely now don’t we? A real friend is someone who is on your side, who will tell you when you have broccoli in your teeth, and who will also help you keep your life in order when everything is in chaos. They may bruise you a little with their honesty, but they are always trying to help you. In fact, the Bible says that the wounds of a friend are a good thing. Isn’t it interesting that Isaiah 53 says that Jesus took our bruises on the cross?  Now that's a really good friend!

     If you can, picture yourself walking down a path with your friend. They fall into a hole. The only way you can get them out is by grabbing hold of their arm and pulling. You will probably leave a bruise, but they are no longer in a hole and they can walk with you again. Sometimes friends do bruise us when they’re trying to help us, but Beloved those are “kind bruises”.

     A friend loves you, no matter what, at all times.  They encourage and give good counsel, they laugh with you and weep with you. They are not Facebook friends. They are companions, allies, and close acquaintances that you can share anything with.

     Jesus called us His friends. It’s sort of hard to wrap your mind around that isn’t it?  That means that He is on our side. He’s there when we need Him and He’s there when we want Him.  Abraham was called the ”friend” of God. He was God’s friend because he believed what He had promised him and arranged his life accordingly. I’m pretty sure that Abraham prepared Isaac’s nursery soon after God had promised him that he would become a father.

     You would think that Jesus has a lot of “friends” wouldn’t you. I wonder.

He defines a friend as someone who sticks close, does what He says, and loves His Father and everyone else.

     He’s already taken our bruises. He’s already sent His Holy Spirit to partner with us and He’s already shown that He would lay down His life for us. That’s real friendship isn’t it?

     Jesus gives us the opportunity to become friends with God in exactly the same way that Abraham was.  Are you friends with God or just mere acquaintances?  If you passed Him on the street would you recognize him? Would you call out His name and run toward Him and give Him a big hug? He would really love that. It’s why He sent Jesus, you know, to become your very best friend.

     God is not a Facebook friend. He’s not a casual acquaintance, at least He doesn’t want to be.  When you think of the relationship you have with your best friend, that’s the kind of relationship He longs for with you. He longs to laugh with you, not just cry with you. He longs to dance with you and sing with you. He also wants to give you wise counsel that can help you in your life. That’s what friends do. And that’s what He wants to be with you.

Don’t you want that too my friend?

Power Thought:
“This is how it works. I love the people in my life, and I do for my friends whatever they need me to do for them, again and again, as many times as is necessary. For example, in your case you always forgot who you are and how much you're loved. So what I do for you as your friend is remind you who you are and tell you how much I love you. And this isn't any kind of burden for me, because I love who you are very much. Every time I remind you, I get to remember with you, which is my pleasure.” 
― James Lecesne