Great Biblical advice on friendships/relationships

Thoughts about Friendship

September 25, 2009 by Paul Chappell

Many Christians are not prayerful and intentional about the friendships in their lives. Some just “happen” into “fun” relationships without considering the great potential for good or bad in every relationship. This is a dangerous way to approach something so vital.

The book of Proverbs teaches that friends will come from 4 spiritual gene pools:

• The Wise—Proverbs 1:5, “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:”
• The Simple—Proverbs 14:15, “The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.”
• The Foolish—Proverbs 1:7, “…fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
• The Scornful—Proverbs 15:12, “A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

From which spiritual gene pool are you drawing your friends? The desire of a wise Christian is to find spiritual and wise friends—friends who walk in the Spirit. These are friends whose primary interests are things other than the latest YouTube video or funny joke. They actually add to your life in maturing and fun ways.

When you find godly friends, the contribute to your life in three wonderful ways:

1. A Spiritual Friend Is Honest When You Are Not Glorifying God.—Proverbs 27:6, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”
2. A Faithful Friend Sharpens You as A Christian—Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
   (Note—If you are prone to carnal speech, a good friend is someone whose presence reminds you that such behavior is not becoming of godliness. For instance, if you are a loud and cutting young person, a good friend will not draw you into boisterous behavior and talk.)
3. A Helpful Friend Is Encouraging in Spirit—Proverbs 18:24, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

It is often said we will become like the books we read, the media we watch and the friends we keep. Indeed, “Nearness is likeness.” Do your friends sharpen you spiritually or do they dull you? A Christian leader’s closest influences should not be the unsaved or carnal Christians. Make good friends today—your future walk and testimony depend upon today’s decisions!

Youth Rally @ San Carlos AZ

The above are a few pictures from the youth rally we went on Monday. We rode in the church bus 3 VERY HOT hours there and 3 very LOUD but fun hours home!! There was a great youth message from Bro.Tony to the youth, followed by a hilarious game(oh what a goose I am).. good game of volley ball, snacks, and a game called "Cheetos head" the kids got to throw Cheetos at 2 of the boys from our youth group that had a head of "shaving cream" kids really enjoyed that one!! Everyone had a GREAT time and was a blessing to encourage and be encouraged by the mission work in San Carlos. I had never been there, never had even heard of it. Steve has been there, but not the girls or myself... We had a great time of fellowship!!

Everything Is Going To Turn Out Right - The Isaacs

Karen Peck & New River - I Want to Thank You

I'm Not Gonna Worry - Gaither Vocal Band

"Then Came The Morning" By Gloria Gaither & Guy Penrod

Another day closer to Jesus!

So thankful to have another opportunity to be in the house of The Lord today! This mornings message was again very convicting and anointed. Pastor challenged us on "prayer" He is doing a series entitled "Declaring the Glory of the Lord" and has different subject's that pertain to that heading. Today was on Prayer Nehemiah 1:1-11. He touched on several different points, a few that stood out to me were: 1. Was just another day in the life of Nehemiah when his brother came from their homeland, and with the news that his people in Jerusalem was in shambles. This news devastated Nehemiah, but instead of turning to anyone or anything else he started praying, *Nehemiah 1:4* " So it was when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept,and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven."
1.The crisis compelled him to beseech the throne room of Heaven.
the crisis was his people and home land were in shambles, cast away and persecuted by the surrounding countries. Parallel to our life: The current state of our country today, our people are hurting, being cast away, persecuted, lives are in shambles right here in our own back yard.
*****************************My Notes*****************************
WHAT AM I DOING ABOUT THAT? My own people are perishing, heading for a very real and burning hell.
I am praying for an all consuming burden for the lost, the hurting, the persecuted.
As I was listening to the message the thought struck me, What will I be held accountable for when I face The Almighty God? Am I doing enough? or do I have plenty of "Excuses"? Which by the way, " An excuse is a lie wrapped in skin"(Author unknown)
In tonight's service we had a missionary that is preparing to head to Rwanda, in the presentation I thought my heart was going to burst.. How can anyone look into the eyes of the hurting, the loss, and not think/remember where Jesus through His grace and mercy brought us from, and not be compelled to DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!?!

Lord take me deeper still, plunge me beneath the blood stream of mercy and grace, fill me with an all consuming fire within my soul to see the world through the cross,
to reach out beyond myself,
to offer what is yours to be used for YOUR Glory.
Go beyond religion, a church, myself and put my faith into action if just to see one soul turned to you for all eternity.
Let YOUR light shine through the cracks sin created in my life,
Keep me consecrated to your will, filled with what YOU want to use my life for,
not what I or anyone else thinks should be.
You know me best, and know what is best for me,
Lord I surrender , surrender it all!