“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Close spiritual friends — the kind that can hold us accountable when we need it, build us up when we're down, or celebrate with us when we've enjoyed success — are truly rare. So many people are lonely; they're lonely for something, or better yet, someone, they've never experienced. We have a tendency in modern western culture to have acquaintances and companions instead of friends and partners.
When things go poorly, when we have nothing to offer to them, acquaintances can run away in times of trouble, or fade away if things are long and protracted. There are, however, true friends whose commitment and dedication are deeper than even physical family. How do I know? God promised it! I've seen it! My family has been blessed by it! So let's hear the call to be that kind of friend to others and in so doing, we will often find that kind of friend for ourselves.
Ezekiel 36:23
“I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes.”
God can and will use us even though we are not worthy vessels for him to use. Scripture gives us many examples of people God used who did not come up to his moral and holy requirements — for example, think a little about Samson or most of the other Judges!
God will be revealed as the holy, mighty, and awesome God that he is. So let's not be unwilling tools in his hands. Instead, let's offer ourselves to him for his service and his glory.
Numbers 6:24-26
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
How would you like to place the mighty name of the LORD on people you love? God promised that this priestly blessing enabled his name (his power and authority) to be placed on his people. What an incredible gift that we have the power to give to others with just our faithful words!
Blessings are found all throughout Scripture. Why not begin looking today for ways to pronounce God's blessing on others? You can start with this one, and then add a bunch of others as you find them in Scripture.
Close spiritual friends — the kind that can hold us accountable when we need it, build us up when we're down, or celebrate with us when we've enjoyed success — are truly rare. So many people are lonely; they're lonely for something, or better yet, someone, they've never experienced. We have a tendency in modern western culture to have acquaintances and companions instead of friends and partners.
When things go poorly, when we have nothing to offer to them, acquaintances can run away in times of trouble, or fade away if things are long and protracted. There are, however, true friends whose commitment and dedication are deeper than even physical family. How do I know? God promised it! I've seen it! My family has been blessed by it! So let's hear the call to be that kind of friend to others and in so doing, we will often find that kind of friend for ourselves.
Ezekiel 36:23
“I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes.”
God can and will use us even though we are not worthy vessels for him to use. Scripture gives us many examples of people God used who did not come up to his moral and holy requirements — for example, think a little about Samson or most of the other Judges!
God will be revealed as the holy, mighty, and awesome God that he is. So let's not be unwilling tools in his hands. Instead, let's offer ourselves to him for his service and his glory.
Numbers 6:24-26
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
How would you like to place the mighty name of the LORD on people you love? God promised that this priestly blessing enabled his name (his power and authority) to be placed on his people. What an incredible gift that we have the power to give to others with just our faithful words!
Blessings are found all throughout Scripture. Why not begin looking today for ways to pronounce God's blessing on others? You can start with this one, and then add a bunch of others as you find them in Scripture.
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