The Friend?

The Friend?

“I don’t like selfish girls!”

Joy was crushed. “Why was this text sent to all my friends...about me?”

But Teresa was mad—didn’t get her way, so—she got even!

 

This was back stabbing—unfair—a jealous lie. The last thing Teresa wanted were

good things for Joy.

Teresa sang one song, “What about me, what about me, what

about me!”

It was her song in the morning, at noon and at day’s end. Selfish people lack humility. They’re all about themselves. They make bad friends. Beware— stay far………………………………  away!

Joy was mad but what could she do? She had to trust God with her reputation. And the people who knew Joy, who knew Teresa—got

it! True friends—remain friends. Why?

“A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need”.

Proverbs 17:17

A different sort of friend

Paul persecuted the early Christians. With his permission Christian were stoned to death. “I’ve got to stop Christianity. Put these fanatics in their place. I’m doing God a favor.”

But one day he was blinded by the sight of the glorified Christ and from that day till the day of his beheading he was a friend of God. Paul had changed, overnight! But who would believe?

God had a plan.

Barnabas believed. “Hey Peter, John, James, meet my friend Paul. He’s on fire for Jesus. I’ve been following him…so should you.”

And that was the ticket. No longer looked upon as a traitor—no longer regarded as a murderer—Paul—was one of them.

v  What’s a true friend?

·         Humble

·         Cheers—for you

·         Defends you—no matter what

·         Keeps secrets

Barnabas believed in Paul—promoted him. That’s true friendship.

Barnabas was called “The Son of Encouragement.”  Humble, but oh so loved, the life of Barnabas was all about Jesus…all about others.  He was a friend that stuck with you through the bad—through the good!

Dear Lord, Give me a friend like Barnabas. And Lord, make

me a good friend for others.  Thank you!

Have a Great Attitude" But it's Not Fair!

An Excellent Spirit
“Do everything readily and cheerfully - no bickering, no second-guessing allowed.”
Philippians 2:14(MSG)

Joseph lifted the heavy bowl filled with the dirty dish water and poured it out on the grounds at Potiphar’s home.

This is grunt work. Father never made me work like this. I was his shining star  It’s my brothers’ fault. They’re to blame. I’ll tell you one thing, If I ever get out of this prison I’ll make a bee line to Canaan and tell Father what they did to me. Oh, yeah. That’ll be the end of them! I’m living for that day! Just the thought of revenge keeps me going”

Six months before

Rejected by his jealous brothers, a very sad Joseph was taken from the land he loved and sold into slavery in Egypt.  The brothers didn’t like his dreams. Some day he would be a ruler and they would bow to him. Never!

Rejected by his brothers, a very sad Joseph was sold into slavery and taken to a land far away—Egypt. 

                                                      That’s not fair!

But Joseph’s dreams did come true. His brothers bowed, Joseph forgave, and the nation of Israel was saved. How could it be? One word sums it all up. Attitude!

                                                            

                                                    He didn’t get even?

No. Joseph kept his eyes on God and the Bible says that God was with him. He was going to prosper.

Just keep looking at me, Joseph. I’ve got a plan.
 

And that’s what Joseph did. He had troubles galore but His attitude was clean and bright because He looked at Father God! He trusted His heart. 

The day came when Father God opened the door and Joseph sat down on the throne of Egypt second only to Pharaoh. Imagine that!

Could this be your story?  I tell you, this is your story. Not everyone is going to ooh and ah about you and your dreams. You can expect it! Only check—your attitude and look—to God. He is waiting to amaze you!

Dear Lord,
Forgive me when I grumble. My life is yours. I choose to trust you.

Serve God--At All Costs

  Serve God—At All Costs!

"You rejected the Lord's command, and he has rejected    you as king of Israel."
I Samuel 15:26b (GNT)
   
      
Samuel whispered in King Saul’s ear. “God's given the order. Time to destroy the Amalekites. God remembers how cruel they were to His people."

“Sure, I’ll do all God’s says,” boasted Saul. “ Get rid of the Amalekites, their cattle, their king. I’m your man. You can count on me!”

But when the time of battle came, Saul eyed King Agag. He had an idea.

What a feather in my cap if I can capture this king and hold him for ransom. Just watch the man tremble. Oh, yeah, I’m the lean, mean, king!

While Israel was tramping all over her enemy, King Saul spied the cattle. Some of them were perfect. He had another idea.

Well now, who would fault me for taking the beautiful cattle and sacrificing them to God? I know God would like that…no, He’d love it!  Old Samuel, he’s out of step. I’m king, not some child. Besides… God’s on my team!

But God, who never slumbers, saw it all. “Wake up Samuel. Saul has served me poorly. I have rejected him. Read Saul his rights…but tell him—it’s over!” And so it was.

Then God commanded a very sad Samuel, to smile again and anoint David as Israel’s next king—and he did!

People, filled with fabulous promise, start out great but when they disagree with God, they walk away. It makes me sad. I’ve watched men leave their families saying, “I just want to be free.” Oh, the pain!

I’ve seen teens scoff their parents. Suffering comes with that choice.  It’s a slippery path spiraling downward. Oh, the regret!

You—are chosen for greatness. Run your race. Don’t doubt God. He’s in step with you. He’s for you.

                                     You’re not a Saul. You know the secret to greatness
                                             and so you follow, you serve—at all costs!

Dear Lord,
I’ll put my hand in yours. I will be great for you…when I walk with you today!