a friend is loyal

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. Proverbs 17:17 NLT

What sort of friend is always loyal? Today we tend to call new acquaintances a friend or even people we connect with on Facebook perhaps. However, what is a real friend? A friend is someone who has your heart. Someone who prays for you, someone who loves you not for what you can do for them, but that they have a love for you. I have a few such friends. I also have 3 brothers and 2 sisters who have travelled some hard yards with me, especially with our mother in her last days.

Yet, the best friend I have is Jesus. He is the best! He is always there for me. I may not feel His presence but He is there. Some of my friends live far away and cannot be there for me, some are close at hand. My family but 1, live in distant parts of Australia and one lives in the Philippines.

Jesus is everywhere and I am grateful! So grateful!

the good and perfect gift

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17 NLT

This was written by James the brother of Jesus. Jesus was the most perfect gift given from above, yet, for the longest time James was one who was offended by His sudden divinity. Jesus must have been a typical brother.  I don't know how it escaped James that Jesus did not sin, perhaps he thought Him to be  goody-two-shoes, or some such.

Imagine growing up with the Son of God. I wonder what Jesus' sisters thought? Did they suspect? I can only speculate, until I meet them. 

Jesus was the eldest.  I am the eldest. Having two other sisters I understand rivalry and jealousy. One of my sisters was too young to care, I am 9 years older, the other did, ferociously so. The oldest has more responsibility but usually this comes with benefits. I went to the movies by myself, had a boyfriend first, learned to drive first, I did many things first and my sister boiled, caught at home with the family. I took no notice,  she did not affect me. We see one instance where Jesus was told his mother and brothers were outside to see him. He said: who are my mother and brothers but those to hear my voice and do what I say (Matt 12:46). That would not have gone down well.

Nonetheless, James had the revelation and we benefited. Praise God!

stepping into calling

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17 NLT

We can so easily blame God for our problems or lack of a perfect environment, being selfish by nature. From early life when we are first born we know how to wail when things are not good.  If we are not trained in godly behaviour,  but rather spoiled by our parents, we demand and continue to demand our version of perfection.

Yet, the Son of God came into a world so vastly different from His perfect home with the Father. He submitted to earthly, imperfect parents, grew up with imperfect siblings and friends. He is our example. He took the mess and turned it into heaven on earth.

By stepping into His calling Jesus changed the earth. We can do the same. By stepping into our sonship we can bring to mankind the answers. Amen!

pray for those who hurt you

Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.

Luke 6:28 NLT

Those who hurt us may delight in doing so, they may do it not realising, or do it because they are basically selfish. Being continually hurt and needing to forgive, continually,  can be challenging, especially at times when all we need is a hug or a kind word.

May are the stories of those who have been hurt. I read of a woman who was locked away by her father for wanting to marry a man he did not approve of. Being locked away could be very painful indeed, as is torture and sexual abuse.  I knew I woman who was sexually abused by her father and bore him 3 children. The hardest thing was her mother saw, and knew, and did nothing. Eventually the woman and her children escaped, and she married a loving man.

Constantly we must remind ourselves God has a better plan and in faith seek that plan. He said in His word: the plans I have for you are to give you a future and a hope ( Jer 29:11). We can trust Him for that future. Amen!

bless and not curse

Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. Luke 6:28 NLT

A curse is a negative reaction to the acts of a person or group of people. If we pull back from reacting, and pray instead, we bring God into the situation where He was absent before. Conversely, if we react in the flesh we allow Satan to be present and we know he comes to rob, kill, and destroy.

Discipling ourselves to choose life and godliness is an effort but one that pays dividends, godly blessing.

Refusing to react in the negative

Is good for our character, remember the scripture says that when our endurance ( development of character) is fully developed we will be mature and complete, lacking in nothing(James 1:4)

His presence

Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” John 14:21 NLT

Jesus revealing Himself to his disciples did not stop any suffering they encountered, it just made it bearable knowing He was there.

Today as we go through the fire, and the waters He is there, and if we really want to see Him He will reveal Himself and His glory. 

Each day I pray for those who suffer for their faith that the Lord would hold them close and reveal Himself to them, and baptise them with fire and authority to do great signs and wonders on His behalf.

Knowing that we are not alone is important, it strengthes us. Having the Lord's presence makes all conflict and trial diminish in size. He is good! Amen!

keeping God's commands

Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” John 14:21 NLT

Can you see what I see? The promise that is part of this statement? It is not just a reminder to keep Jesus' commands but a promise: the Father will love us, Jesus will love us and reveal Himself, His nature, His glory to us.

If we live in vital union with Him, as in He is our righteousness. We are not self-righteous, then we will see how good He can be to us. My salvation does not depend on me. It depends on Christ,  His sacrifice, His purity, His life, not mine. I am not good enough without Him, but with Him I am a beloved child of God and all heaven is open to me. Amen!