Tag: friends

Posted in Abide, Abiding in jesus, Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

What a Friend!

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based on the LGG Study, Abiding in Jesus, w5d1

Read and SOAP: John 15:15

I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.

John 15:15

Jesus had just announced to His disciples that if they followed His commands, they were His friends, John 15:14. Now, He clarifies the friendship even further, telling them that He no longer considers their relationship to be one of master and slave but instead, one of friendship. His reasoning is both beautiful and an encouragingly exciting disclosure that everything He has been telling them has come from the Father. In other words, they are part of the inner circle. As His disciples of Jesus, we are on the inside as well. We do not have to wonder what God expects from us, because Jesus reveals it to us. We never have to worry about Him leaving us, and we can embrace and delight in His invitation to abide in ah.

If you know me very well, you most likely know that I have trust issues. So great were the issues at one point in my life that I laid aside or walked away from nearly all friendships, convinced that I was better off without them, and they without me. I maintained acquaintances but never or rarely allowed meaningful or deep relationships to develop. In some ways, I became an island to myself and embraced it. Please understand, I do not advocate this way of life, nor do I live it any longer. I believe God means for us to do life with one another, and I am blessed to say that while I walked away from some wonderful friendships, God, in His perfect timing, restored many of them and uses them to this day to teach me the value and blessing of friendship.

I have some pretty awesome besties. Friends from elementary and high school, my daughters, and a few others God has gifted me with through the decades of my life. Some I see or am in contact with others, others only on occasion, and some almost daily. I am blessed to share in their lives, the celebrated milestones, the needs, and sorrows. I treasure knowing I can confide in them and am honored when they confide in me. If I call or message them, I know they will be there for me – to pray, to talk, to cry, or just to listen. I am most blessed. However, today’s beautiful words of Jesus are a wonderful reminder that these gifts of friendship will never match my friendship with Jesus. His friendship has changed me from the inside out, or as today’s journal entry puts it: “Friendship with Jesus changes everything. As His friends, we have the privilege of coming to Him, talking with Him, and listening to His voice. He doesn’t keep us in the dark about what He’s doing; instead, He shares with us the very heart of God.”

Abiding in Christ is an invitation to know Him deeply and join Him in His purpose for our lives as friends. Imagine that—Jesus, the Son of God, calls us His friends! He isn’t distant or disconnected from our lives. Instead, He draws us close, sharing His heart and His mission with us and including us in the incredible work He is doing around us.

Abiding in Jesus/p145

Posted in Abide, Abiding in jesus, Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Friends

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based on the LGG study, Abiding in Jesus, w5d2

Read and SOAP: John 15:13-14

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command.

John 15:13-14

Truly loving others, by “laying down” one’s life, means “abiding” in the love of Christ (John 15:8–11), in a consistent, moment-by-moment approach.

bibleref.com

I love the double layer of these verses. First comes the reminder of just how great the love of Jesus is. Then, the excitement and blessing of hearing Jesus say, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” Who wouldn’t want a friend like Jesus? Oh, friends, may we be friends like Jesus to the lost and hurting world around us. May we truly love others by laying down our lives and abiding in the love of Christ in a consistent, moment-by-moment approach.🦋

When we abide in Jesus, we are connected to Him in such a way that His love can now become our love. True love isn’t passive; it’s a choice to give of ourselves in ways that cost us something. It might be our time, attention, or our resources. Real love, the kind that Jesus commands, is sacrificial. It’s the willingness to lay down our lives for the sake of someone else.

Loving others this way is both a privilege and a challenge. It’s a privilege because it’s how we reflect Jesus to the world, showing the beauty of His love. But it’s also a challenge because it calls us beyond comfort and into places of surrendering and service. That’s especially tough for us who live in an age of “entitlement,” where everyone seems to be obsessed with their own rights and their own well-being.

When we abide in Christ, we may ask Him to make our dry hearts be so filled with His love that we can overflow with love to those around us. This is how we remain in His love — by letting His love move through us to bless and uplift others.

The more we abide in Jesus, the more our lives reflect His love in action. We become more patient, more compassionate, and more willing to give even when it’s hard. And in that giving, we discover the joy and purpose of living a life that glorifies Him. Aiding in Christ means loving as He loved — faithfully, selflessly, and with a heart that desires to obey.

From today’s Love God Greatly Journal entry/p149

-Echoing the prayer of the Love God Greatly team, may Jesus help us to abide in Him every day so that His love can flow through me to others. May we learn to love with a heart that gives and serves. Amen –

The More We Know

Both today’s devotional and Scripture indicate that the more we abide in Jesus, the more our lives reflect His love in action – let’s listen again to Teach me to Abide. Oh, that it might become a song that is repeated often in our mind and heart and flows from our lips.

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

The Blessing of Friendship

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A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24

When I was growing up, my family was extended by six or seven other families that we fondly called ‘aunts and uncles’. They were close friends of my parents. The friendships were formed in school and stuck throughout the years. Those still living are friends to this day, and it is a blessing to watch as these 80-somethings continue to do life together and face death with one another. Solomon describes This type of friend in today’s verse; of course, the ultimate example of this friend is Jesus – who promised never to leave or forsake us, and it is the kind of friend we are to be. These earthly friendships are a rare treasure for sure – I have been blessed with several, and I count them as rich blessings. 💕💜 I pray, first and foremost, that each of you know the wonderful friendship of Jesus – there is none greater! However, I also pray for each of you to know the rich blessing of a true friend here on earth – and encourage you to be that friend to someone. If you do not know such a friendship – pray to the Father in heaven that He might grace you with one soon.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” John 5:14

How would you express your gratitude for the friends God has given you?

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Importance of Prayer, Uncategorized

Love One Another

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Today’s Reading: John 15:12-13; 1 Peter 4:8-10; SOAP: John 15:13

 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

John 15:12-13

Jesus takes love seriously, to the point that He gave a commandment concerning the issue. He not only tells the believers to love each other but he explains how they are to love each other – namely, the same way He has loved us. Just in case the people had forgotten or were not really alert – He went on to give them an example of the greatest love –> He compared it to laying down your life for your friends. Jesus isn’t telling us we have to literally die for our friends as He did – but rather that we have to give of ourselves – it’s more than saying the words, it’s acts of kindness and of grace … it’s forgiveness and compassion … it’s laying down my agenda for yours – it’s praying and hands-on help … even when these things don’t always come easy or seem desirable.

There’s one thing for sure – we can never outlove Jesus or God! But we can and should seek to love others just as Christ loved the church.

Father – thank You for Jesus. Jesus, thank you for laying down your life for us – Your friends. Thank you for showing us what real love is – the giving of self.

How are you loving others? Share some ideas in the comment bar below.

Don’t forget to read today’s LGG Blog Post – https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

Posted in Bible study, LGG Study

Friendship: Week 6, Day 2 — He Calls You Friend

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Read: John 15:14-17; SOAP: John 15:15

John 15:14-17 New Living Translation

You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

We are not worthy to be called friends of God, but by His grace, we receive the honor of that relationship.

Read the full Love God Greatly Devotional

REFLECTION QUESTION: HOW DOES FOLLOWING JESUS’ COMMANDS MAKE US HIS FRIENDS? (HELPFUL HINT – LOOK AT VERSES 1-13)

Ok – so what’s your takeaway? How does it make you feel to know Jesus calls you “friend”?

Comments are welcomed – reply below
Posted in Bible study, LGG Study

Friendship: Week 4, Monday Counterfeit Friendships

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READ PROVERBS 17:9, ROMANDS 16:17-18, 2 TIMOTHY 3:2-5; SOAP: ROMANS 16:17-18

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. PROVERBS 17:9 NLT

For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 2 Timothy 3:2-5 NLT

Paul’s Final Instructions

And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. 18 Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words, they deceive innocent people. Romans 16:17-18 NLT

The early church and our current churches face a similar problem: people who are only interested in serving themselves.

Read the rest of the LGG devotional

–What’s your takeaway from today? Feel free to leave your response in the reply bar

Personal Reflection Question: How can you ensure you are not a friend who creates obstacles and conflict in your relationships?

You can also check out today’s blog

Posted in Bible study, LGG Study

Friendship: Week 3, Thursday Friends Who Sharpen

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READ: PROVERBS 27:9 AND 17; SOAP PROVERBS 27:17

Proverbs 27:17 New Living Translation

As iron sharpens iron,
so a friend sharpens a friend.

Proverbs 27:9 New Living Translation

The heartfelt counsel of a friend
    is as sweet as perfume and incense.

What’s Your Take-away? Leave your answer in the reply box

Friends can be instruments of God’s Grace – read how into today’s devotional by Love God Greatly

https://lovegodgreatly.com/devotional-friendship-w3d4/

REFLECTION QUESTION: ACCORDING TO TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL, HOW CAN A FRIEND SHARPEN A FRIEND? Answer in the Reply Box

Posted in LGG Study

Jesus Our Everything: Week 3

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  • Spend time praying for your friends this week.

Hey friends, are you ready for week 3 of our study? Here’s a peek at what we will be reading as well as our prayer focus for the week. Meanwhile, I’m committing each of you and this study to the Lord! I invite you to share some prayer requests and/or praises here today. They can be study related or personal. Feel free to like/comment on the praises or requests as a way of encouragement.