Followers I consider friends

Here is a big hug to all of you who read my blog each day (or during the week) and take the time to share a moment or two with me!  Today I reached 29 followers and I've been praying about how to "grow" my blog to reach many so to see that my blog is growing is really exciting!

I love reading your comments (I really look forward to "hearing" what you have to say and how you feel, so please keep them coming) and I love keeping up with all of you!

Today at church (We've been studying through the book of 1 Samuel and reading all about the prophet Samuel, the life of King Saul and David) we learned about how to be a good friend.  We looked at the life of David and his friendship with Jonathan (King Saul's son).  Although David and Jonathan didn't have much in common, after all David was a shepherd boy and Jonathan was a prince.  Jonathan was most likely 10 years older and a distinguished warrior and David's big battle was with the giant Goliath with a slingshot.  Jonathan lived a life of privilege and prestige and David was young, ruddy, and perhaps a bit stinky from all the sheep.

Our Pastor reminded us that though they were opposites there were 6 things we can take from their friendship.  Of course this list is not exhaustive, but these points you can clearly see in studying 1 Samuel 18, 19, 20 and 23.

1. Friends love one another.
2. Friends honor one another.
3. Friends are devoted to each other.
4. Friends intercede for each other.
5. Friends are faithful to each other.
6. Friends encourage one another.

David and Jonathan were true friends who loved each other even though they had differences.  There are some of you who are single, or have grown children, or are just recently married, we may not have a lot in common, but there is something special about believers in the Lord.  God somehow binds us soul to soul and even though our lives may be a bit different our experiences, our hopes, our dreams, or our needs may be the same and connect us together.

Although King Saul began to hate David and sought to kill him Jonathan was very faithful to David.  He would warn David if danger was coming or if he needed to be careful.  Their friendship was deep and Jonathan even swore an oath to David and vice versa that they would look after one another (David even allowed Jonathan's lame son to eat at the King's table when he became King to show his loyalty and faithfulness to his friend.)  Read how Jonathan was faithful to protect David's life in 1 Samuel 23: 15-18.

Friends intercede for each other.  There have been times that I have asked for prayer if my children were ill, or if we were trying to sell our house, or if I just needed strength to make it through a busy day, and many of you have interceded for me and prayed for me, and that means so much to me.  And vice versa, I love hearing your prayer requests and praying for all of my faithful readers when they ask me to!  Some of you have new babies now, or are seeking a new job, or have sick kids from time to time, and it's awesome to stop what I'm doing and intercede for you!  Isn't it neat how we can be miles away but we all serve a God who knows no limit to time or space!  He hears our prayers for each other!  You can read about how David interceded (prayed) for his best friend Jonathan in 2 Samuel 1: 17-27.

Friends encourage one another.  David and Jonathan were constantly giving each other words of encouragement, they made vows to one another, they promised each other protection from harm, I mean they were best friends no matter what.  Isn't it so true how we all need a word of encouragement each day?  Some days we have so many things to do and endless lists to accomplish, and so many people needing us that we just need a little bit of encouragement to get us going!  I love reading uplifting blogs that focus on the Lord and His truth and being positive because there is enough in this world that can bring you down and be negative.  So today my friends I'm sending you a word of encouragement!  You all have blessed me, and here is how I love to bless my friends...speaking God's truth into their day...

So...in Numbers 6: 24-27 it says..."
The Lord bless you, and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace."'

Me and my sister...my best friend

Have a truly awesome day my FRIENDS!

And if you want to have a friend, you have to be a friend!  So don't be shy to reach out and share the love that Christ has freely given to you with others!

Proverbs 17:17  "A friend loves at all times..."