FRIENDSHIP- How to build and sustain a friendship
I know an elderly neighbor who collects pennies. Nothing wrong with that. I know people who collect classic cars. Nothing wrong with that either, just a bit more expensive hobby. But I want to have a far more valuable collection than any earthly item. I want to have an invaluable collection of great friends. Don't you? Then let's learn more about how to collect and keep great friends. Our passage in Proverbs 8:13-24 reveals another important friendship principle. But first, by way of review, yesterday we discovered that gaining and sustaining a good FRIENDSHIP includes the following-
F- Focus on what you have in common. Being on a team can help greatly here.
R- Remember to keep in touch and Return calls promptly.
Now let's look at a couple more-
I- Include the flair factor- This means that occasionally you include surprises, or you do things with an extra touch of class, or you give a thoughtful gift. Proverbs says this about gift giving and friendship- "Everyone is the friend of a man who gives gifts" 19:6. I once counseled a dad and his overweight boy who was being teased on the bus. I said, bring a pack of gum and ask, "Who wants gum?" His dad told me excitedly at our next session, "It worked!" No, this is not the cure for all school bullying, but it simply illustrates the power that gift giving can have. Think of what it can do with nice people you meet. And it doesn't have to be a costly gift. For example, daily I give out our beautiful Greatest Mini-Movies outreach cards with the waterfalls on it. People are always appreciative. "You mean I can keep this?" Sure, no charge today:)
Want to gain favor with a person in power? Proverbs 18:16 gives great advice- "A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great." Years ago when we were still renting buildings to meet in for church services, we were running out of our lease. We desperately needed a new location in which to meet on Sundays. So I went to meet with the woman in charge of the IIT facilities, armed with a bouquet of flowers. To my surprise, she had recently been replaced by a man! :( Fortunately he gave us a long lease and thanked me for the flowers anyway. :)
Want to sooth your angry spouse? Try giving her a gift. "A gift given in secret soothes anger" Prov.21:14. It doesn't have to be expensive, though the jewelry store wants you to think so. It's the thought that counts- that you were thinking of her. Come to think of it, it's been a while since I surprised my wife with a gift. The nice evening walk we took yesterday, didn't end so happily. (Just keeping it real.) So a trip to Dunkin Donuts may be just the thing.
E- Encourage your friend and Enrich him with what you’ve been learning. We don't need to spend a lot of time here because you already have been practicing these things in M3. You are encouraging your new friends on the blog and you are enriching others from your MP3 verses. Apply those two things to any new friend you want to make, and you will succeed if they also want to grow. "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" Prov.27:17. Such sharpening friends are definitely the ones you want to collect and treasure. You've got them right here! And the more you recruit, the greater your priceless collection grows.
Anther vital quality in friendship that also starts with the letter E is Empathy. It's seeking to enter into the feelings of another. Paul put it this way- "Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn" Rom.12:15. A good friend will love you and be there for you even when you're going through the ringer. "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" Prov.17:17. Men, we are a part of a band of brothers. We were born for adversity. When a fellow soldier is feeling overwhelmed, all he needs to do is send out a two word text to us all- "Broken Arrow" and we will respond. For those who are newer to the team and you haven't seen this powerful scene from We Were Soldiers, watch it. I am not glorifying killing in war or inappropriate language. I am honoring men who fight to rescue their overwhelmed brothers. I still am stirred when I watch this devotion to team mates. It's been great to see you respond in the past when a broken arrow call went out. I love that about you all. What a band of brothers!
We need each other and we need to help each other out. "No man left behind." "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up...Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" Eccles.4:10,12. You have your wingmen. You are a cord of three strands. How strong when devoted to one another.
1.- Send your two wingmen a text today of encouragement, prayer or appreciation. We stand together or fall alone. Together, we will not be overpowered.
2.- Read through Prov.18:13-24 and share with us the verse or phrase that you picked out and what you like about it. Then as always, look for opportunities to share it with others.
Announcements
For you men of Midway, since I will be at another church for my daughter, Eilsa's graduation ceremony, please go to the front at the end of church and help Sam and others of the team who regularly minister there. Make sure to exchange contact info with any man you talk with. Give him an M3 card too. (There are plenty at the Resource center in the corner of the lobby.) Then follow up with him. We are in a war- go to the front. These men at the altar need us then and there. If you meet a new man Sunday, be ready to share about it on the blog Monday when I ask. Thanks. I'm right proud of you!
I will be tallying up the weekly points this weekend and posting them Monday, so please go to the scoreboard when you finish writing your comments and fill in your points. Thanks! Remember, an easy way to score more points is to simply encourage your teammates.
How manly and unstoppable so many of you are! Despite all kinds of daily challenges you are faithful to your word to daily blog and encourage others. I'm glad to call you my friends.
If the following men are in your fire team and especially are your wingmen, please contact them as they were MIA yesterday- Antonio, Chuy, Ed Lake, Marcos Rico, Marcos Estrada.
Friendships- you can survive without them, but your can never thrive without them.
I know an elderly neighbor who collects pennies. Nothing wrong with that. I know people who collect classic cars. Nothing wrong with that either, just a bit more expensive hobby. But I want to have a far more valuable collection than any earthly item. I want to have an invaluable collection of great friends. Don't you? Then let's learn more about how to collect and keep great friends. Our passage in Proverbs 8:13-24 reveals another important friendship principle. But first, by way of review, yesterday we discovered that gaining and sustaining a good FRIENDSHIP includes the following-
F- Focus on what you have in common. Being on a team can help greatly here.
R- Remember to keep in touch and Return calls promptly.
Now let's look at a couple more-
I- Include the flair factor- This means that occasionally you include surprises, or you do things with an extra touch of class, or you give a thoughtful gift. Proverbs says this about gift giving and friendship- "Everyone is the friend of a man who gives gifts" 19:6. I once counseled a dad and his overweight boy who was being teased on the bus. I said, bring a pack of gum and ask, "Who wants gum?" His dad told me excitedly at our next session, "It worked!" No, this is not the cure for all school bullying, but it simply illustrates the power that gift giving can have. Think of what it can do with nice people you meet. And it doesn't have to be a costly gift. For example, daily I give out our beautiful Greatest Mini-Movies outreach cards with the waterfalls on it. People are always appreciative. "You mean I can keep this?" Sure, no charge today:)
Want to gain favor with a person in power? Proverbs 18:16 gives great advice- "A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great." Years ago when we were still renting buildings to meet in for church services, we were running out of our lease. We desperately needed a new location in which to meet on Sundays. So I went to meet with the woman in charge of the IIT facilities, armed with a bouquet of flowers. To my surprise, she had recently been replaced by a man! :( Fortunately he gave us a long lease and thanked me for the flowers anyway. :)
Want to sooth your angry spouse? Try giving her a gift. "A gift given in secret soothes anger" Prov.21:14. It doesn't have to be expensive, though the jewelry store wants you to think so. It's the thought that counts- that you were thinking of her. Come to think of it, it's been a while since I surprised my wife with a gift. The nice evening walk we took yesterday, didn't end so happily. (Just keeping it real.) So a trip to Dunkin Donuts may be just the thing.
E- Encourage your friend and Enrich him with what you’ve been learning. We don't need to spend a lot of time here because you already have been practicing these things in M3. You are encouraging your new friends on the blog and you are enriching others from your MP3 verses. Apply those two things to any new friend you want to make, and you will succeed if they also want to grow. "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" Prov.27:17. Such sharpening friends are definitely the ones you want to collect and treasure. You've got them right here! And the more you recruit, the greater your priceless collection grows.
Anther vital quality in friendship that also starts with the letter E is Empathy. It's seeking to enter into the feelings of another. Paul put it this way- "Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn" Rom.12:15. A good friend will love you and be there for you even when you're going through the ringer. "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" Prov.17:17. Men, we are a part of a band of brothers. We were born for adversity. When a fellow soldier is feeling overwhelmed, all he needs to do is send out a two word text to us all- "Broken Arrow" and we will respond. For those who are newer to the team and you haven't seen this powerful scene from We Were Soldiers, watch it. I am not glorifying killing in war or inappropriate language. I am honoring men who fight to rescue their overwhelmed brothers. I still am stirred when I watch this devotion to team mates. It's been great to see you respond in the past when a broken arrow call went out. I love that about you all. What a band of brothers!
We need each other and we need to help each other out. "No man left behind." "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up...Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" Eccles.4:10,12. You have your wingmen. You are a cord of three strands. How strong when devoted to one another.
1.- Send your two wingmen a text today of encouragement, prayer or appreciation. We stand together or fall alone. Together, we will not be overpowered.
2.- Read through Prov.18:13-24 and share with us the verse or phrase that you picked out and what you like about it. Then as always, look for opportunities to share it with others.
Announcements
For you men of Midway, since I will be at another church for my daughter, Eilsa's graduation ceremony, please go to the front at the end of church and help Sam and others of the team who regularly minister there. Make sure to exchange contact info with any man you talk with. Give him an M3 card too. (There are plenty at the Resource center in the corner of the lobby.) Then follow up with him. We are in a war- go to the front. These men at the altar need us then and there. If you meet a new man Sunday, be ready to share about it on the blog Monday when I ask. Thanks. I'm right proud of you!
I will be tallying up the weekly points this weekend and posting them Monday, so please go to the scoreboard when you finish writing your comments and fill in your points. Thanks! Remember, an easy way to score more points is to simply encourage your teammates.
How manly and unstoppable so many of you are! Despite all kinds of daily challenges you are faithful to your word to daily blog and encourage others. I'm glad to call you my friends.
If the following men are in your fire team and especially are your wingmen, please contact them as they were MIA yesterday- Antonio, Chuy, Ed Lake, Marcos Rico, Marcos Estrada.
1. Will do
ReplyDelete2. Prov 18:13 "If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame."
This is something I have to watch out for, many times when I'm talking to a friend I find myself already thinking about what I want to say before he is even done talking and sometimes I will interrupt the conversation.
Usually it is because I am thinking of something funny that I want to say to make people laugh, even so it is not right. In many situations a laugh may not be the appropriate response. But actively listening before talking is always the right response.
I think a lot of us need to be on guard of this. Good word!
DeleteBrother Roger. I must agree. Sometimes my wife will tell me about a problem and I am ready to go a fix it. One thing I learn is that she does not want me to fix it but just listen. All I have to do is hear her out. I still struggle with this.
DeleteGreat advice Roger and Horacio. I too jump the gun at times and I am excited to share something ahead of time. It can be misinterpreted as not caring enough to stop and listen. A quick acknowledgement should help us all.
DeleteRoger. You are a good listener and it's great that you are aware of that tendency and treat others with respect. Kudos to you bro
DeleteBrother Roger, good self assessment!
DeleteProverbs18:24 Friends come and friends go,
ReplyDeletebut a true friend sticks by you like family.
Hey brother Dave, just reading your verse. I have an NIV bible and my verse reads a little different. What translation are you reading from? It seams clearer.
DeleteBrother Dave D, reminded me that Jesus had 12 Disciples but his closest were Peter, James & John (His inner circle)
DeleteHey Horacio, Dave is quoting from the Message paraphrase.
DeleteDoing it
ReplyDelete1. Yes, I will today.
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 18:21 NIV "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." This verse can make you or break you. Words are very powerful and they can strengthen a person to do great things if its use positively. If your words you speak are negative in any way they can cripple a person mentally. Speaking favor, positive, encouraging words can change a persons attitude to become and strive for better things in life.
Great verse you chose. Goes along with one of my favorite verses.
DeletePsalm 19:14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Horacio. Good analysis-- as we must always think before we speak so not to discourage. But to encourage others always
DeleteAmen Horacio, that is what we need to be doing... speaking in a positive and encouraging way to build others up.
DeleteBrother Horacio, it was nice chatting with you via text. I'll be praying for your mom. God bless you and your family.
DeleteVery good Horacio! Glad to have you with us, on our fire team and as one of my wing men.
Delete1. Will do
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 18.24.ESV A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. I like this verse. It shows its not about how many friends you have but how many friends are encouraging you and are there for you when you need them. Got to make sure we're choosing good friends.
Brother James, "It shows its not about how many friends you have" well said. Quality over quantity :-)
DeleteAnd may M3 be a place where you find lots of encouraging friends, James. Thanks for encouraging others.
Delete1. Will do.
ReplyDelete2. pro.18.22.niv He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord .
I've been intentionally praying more for a wife. And that I would be the man, husband and father he wants me to be for my future wife. Sometimes I'll just ask the Lord to blow me away with the woman He brings in my path.
Brother Eddie, I will be praying with you each day that God bring you to that point on the road of life. As a married man, I can only desire for you, my brother, the joy my wife has brought me and the joy we will one day share with our children, God willing. God will blow you away and form you into the man He has given you a heart to be.
DeleteCongratulations to your daughter Dave! You're a funny guy Dave. "No charge today" We just want your soul :)
ReplyDeleteI blew it yesterday too! I failed to ask her how her day went until the NBA finals half time. Ooops!
1. Did it.
2.) Proverbs 18:24 (NIV) One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
I pray that we continue to nourish the relationships that makes us stronger followers of God. Phileo Brothers!
Thanks Sam. Glad you like my sense of humor. :)
DeleteI will....proverbs 18;24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.... I like this verse because I had a lot of friends and got in a lot of trouble
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a friend to me over all these years Flo.
Delete1. Did it
ReplyDelete2.proverbs 18:13 " to answer before listening - is shame and folly." I have a couple friends who talk over others as they try to talk and it is so rude. It is evident that they don't hear nor respect what the other is conveying. It is not s good trait and I will address it for their advantage in the future. We must listen to our friends to be a friend as friendship is mutual and common interests.
You are so right Jack, we must listen to our friends this is indeed part of being a true friend.
DeleteThanks for being a good listener and friend Jack.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
Delete
DeleteWilliam DyckmanJune 6, 2015 at 1:53 AM
Great thoughts Jack....good initiative to address this and be a true friend. God bless you brother!
Delete
1. Did it.
ReplyDelete2.Pro.18.21." The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." what a powerful verse, other verses that come to mind referring to the tongue are Jas.1.19." My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,Jas.3.8."but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison."
My prayer is that we all make an effort to tame our tongues.
Brother George, I've bitten my tongue so many times, not much is left :-D. Great cross references!
DeleteAmen George we can cause so much damage with what we say. May we be aware and careful of the words that come from our mouth.
DeleteThanks George, and thanks for being a friend over these several years. Good talking with you earlier today.
Delete1- done
ReplyDelete2- Proverbs 18:24
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Brother Guillermo, our Lord is reliable and faithful, may we also strive to model His attributes in our friendships. God bless, you. Keep up the great work :-)
DeleteBueno Guillermo! So glad to see the way you are persevering despite the heavy schedule you are carrying.
DeleteThanks Robert and Dave. And all of the other brothers for sharing their thoughts and prayers
Delete1. Did it
ReplyDelete2. "In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines." Proverbs 18:17
May the Lord give us discernment to know the truth and have sound judgment!
Brother Dave, congratulations on your daughter's graduation!
P.S. "The older I get the less tolerance I have for nonsense, especially my own nonsense!" (My own)
DeleteThanks, and I believe congrats are in order for Jeremiah graduating too, right?
DeleteDid it
ReplyDeleteProverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Our words can bring peoples spirits up or down. But in the long run JOY IS A CHOICE. We can take to heart the hurtful words or we can choose to ignore them. If people are speaking truths into your life than learn from it. If people are speaking lies into your life than ignore it.
Great advise!
DeleteFantastic words Mike, so true that we should listen to words that can build us up and ignore all other words.
DeleteGood words Mike!
Delete1. Sent out prayers
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; for the ears of the wise seek it out.
The ones who heart is in it need to obtain wisdom; but the one who listens finds it.
So glad you're with us Jose seeking out wisdom. It was good chatting with you yesterday. I believe good things for your future.
DeleteGood verse Jose. We should always be seeking knowledge.
DeleteGiving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people! (Proverbs 18:16 NLT)
ReplyDeleteThis is true, "Giving a gift can open doors". This scripture is huge, because my daughter givin that second chance from God the Father, is a door that is open for her to discover her gifts and the plans that our Lord God has for her, as a living testimony. It also gave me an opportunity to show family, friends, and others at the hospital how I was led to Christ. And that I prayed in Jesus name that I lift her to the Father, knowing I can do nothing. So if the doors are open, its you God that wants her to be here with us. Or if the door is closed its you God that you really wanted her in the heavenly realms. But no matter what happens when the door is closed, it's closed. Or the door is open, there's a purpose. (That's exactly what I told her when her eyes were open for discussion). Sorry, continuing my prayer, no matter if the door is closed or open Lord, I I'll still serve you. Oh yeah, the second part of the verse, "it gives access to important people". It's people like her that goes through a storm that needs to be led to Christ, those are important people!
Marcos, is your daughter in the hospital now? This sounds very serious. When we talked earlier today, you didn't mention anything about her. I'll call you again tomorrow.
DeleteBrother Marcos, I pray that your daughter is OK :) I just want you to know that you are one of my wingmen, so I humbly request that you pray for me in my daily walk with the Lord, that I would continue to advance God's kingdom no matter what :) I will also keep you in prayer, so please do not hesitate to text or email me your prayer requests :)
DeleteHey brother Marcos thanks for sharing. I interpret the doors as having a closed heart to the lord or an open heart. Also regardless of where your sister is at god bless her and maybe you can set the example as to what the lord can really do as long as we are open hearted and humble. She is in my prayers
DeleteOne who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24 NIV) This verse is soooo true, before I came to know Christ, the "friends" I hung around with brought me nothing but problems, legal, financial and marriage. This had made it hard for me to trust ANYBODY, but now I noticed that the friends I have now will go that extra mile for me and vice versa.
ReplyDeleteI think you've got a great group of growing friends here Ricardo!
DeleteVerse 13 stands out the most. It encourages the habit of being a good listener. People shouldn’t jump to conclusions or think they understand a situation until they listen carefully first. A former dean at my school once told me that most conflicts are a result of miscommunication.
ReplyDeleteI also want to add that anyone that is actively reaching out to muslims should give gifts. In middle eastern culture gifts are super super appreciated and will be remembered for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteVery good to know that Ed.
DeleteDon't forget to contact your wing men. Email is fine since texting isn't an option from Singapore.
That is great to know, as I have many clients that are muslims, thanks
DeleteA brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. Proverbs 18:19
ReplyDeleteAlright Andre! Powerful verse.
DeletePlease contact your wing men if you haven't done so already.
1-DID IT
ReplyDelete2-Proverbs 18:21New Living Translation (NLT)
21 The tongue can bring death or life;
those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
A Powerful verse. I believe our words have power. I can speak good into my kids lives and my marriage. It always feels great to encourage a brother rather than to put them down. I can't count how many times the brothers of M3 have enriched my life with your words. THANKS so much brothers
Glad to hear your verbal influence is aimed to benefit others. keep it up.
DeleteYou are so right we can do so much good with our words. I am so glad you have been encouraged through words of other brothers here at M3. I know I have also been greatly blessed.
Delete1. did it
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 18:13 13 To answer before listening that is folly and shame. I understand this as not having empathy for someone because they are quick to judge without knowing the whole story.
Indeed, and what a mess that can cause!
DeleteGood talking with you earlier today Chuy.
You are very right. We need to be so careful in this area and learn to be good listeners.
Delete1. Did it
ReplyDelete2. Read proverbs but this verse has been my lifeline this week.
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB)
I am thankful to God and this band of brothers!
Glad we can be a band of brothers for each other. We need never walk alone. Call me anytime Nic.
DeleteGood word nick may we have eyes to see the exit as Satan attempts to blind us from its existence and create despair within us.
Delete1. – Did it.
ReplyDelete2. – Proverbs 18:24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Glad for your growing faithfulness. You were unstoppable all this week. Bueno!
DeleteIndeed we are all blessed by having true friends close to us.
Delete1. Done
ReplyDelete2. Procerbs 18:22 He who finds a wife finds what is good; and receives favor from the Lord.
Amen, brother. How much sweeter my wife has made my days. A pastor friend of mine once put it like this: God is the mashed potatoes. Alone, He satisfies and fills you up. Your wife is the gravy. How much better mashed potatoes taste with gravy added on. God calls each of is to find our gravy, because He is a loving God who desires to enrich our life.
DeleteHey, Phil. Hope all is well. Good job on being faithful with the blog. May God bless your weekend. Keep up the good work!
DeleteLuke 16:10 "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much..."
P.S. Sorry for not sending an actual text. My phone has not been dependable lately because it got wet a week ago, and sending texts with it is difficult now. I'm looking to buy a new one to replace it as soon as possible.
1: Doing it immediately after posting (left my personal tablet at work and I am posting from my phone for the first time). My apologies to my wingmen and to you, brothers.
ReplyDelete2: Proverbs 18:24 "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." I am blessed to have such reliable friends as you, my unstoppable brothers, who provide me with daily encouragement and wisdom. How greatly God is working in each of you to spread His word and multiply MANLY men. Like Christ, you strive to be friends who stick closer than a brother, and for this reason, I proudly call you brothers in Christ and the battle to which we are called daily. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones, and may the Holy Spirit continue to burn within you.
Thanks for such encouraging words to us Osiris.
DeleteLooking forward to Saturday's walk.
Amen, and thank you for your brotherhood as well
DeleteThank you very much for your words. Indeed M3 is a place where we can find support and encouragement.
Delete18:13 The one who gives an answer before he listens-- this is foolishness and disgrace for him.
ReplyDeleteYou cannot adequately answer that which you have not fully understood. Shhh, listen, wisdom speaks, she cries out in the streets, let the simple come and they will be simple no more.
Wise words once again Antonio.
DeleteWhat about contacting your wing men?
Proverbs 18:21 The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
ReplyDeleteThis verse reminds me to think about what I say and how I say it. Words have power and you have to think about how you use them.
Matthew 12:37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
You are very right, words indeed have a lot of power and we all need to watchful of what we say.
DeleteAnd I like the good cross reference too George.
DeletePlease contact your wing men this weekend. Thanks.
1.- Did it. 2.- Prov. 18:22. "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord." This verse is a affirmation since the beginning of God's creation of humanity when God said in Gen. 2:18 "It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." 2:24 "..... and they become one flesh." God looks upon this covenant between man and woman favorable and bestows his divine blessings. This verse is hard to elaborate on because of my pending divorce, kind of hypocritical, but I feel obligated to address because my son Cris selected this verse for me. I share as much as I can my blogging with my boys on our drives when I take them to school in the mornings. Only can say that your wife is one of God's promise treasures to you, for you to Agape love, and when we love we are most like God. 1 John 4:19 "We love because He first loved us."
ReplyDeleteArmando, I must say that I truly respect this post today! Your honesty about your divorce, your sharing this blog with your boys, and your quoting of scripture. Marriage is a blessing from the Lord ! I just some time to pray for you and your wife :)
DeleteI second Israel's good words to you Armando!
DeletePosting later than usual! I will be a little more concise today :)
ReplyDelete1) I did. Very happy to do so!
2) So many great verses in his reading that leap out, but this one speaks loudly for me:
Proverbs 18:22 "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord."
I am living in the blessing of this now, being newly married. Blessed more than I deserve, and I feel God's favor in the midst of my relationship with my wonderful wife.
Good job in posting today, Will. I know it is difficult to do it late when you are probably tired. Doing this even though it is hard shows your commitment. Keep it up! :)
DeleteAmen so glad to hear that you have been blessed with a godly wife. Continue to seek the Lord always.
DeleteYou brothers are both night owls! So glad you're happily married Will!
Delete1. Done.
ReplyDelete2. Here are my two verses.
Proverbs 18:21 "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
Another verse about the power of the tongue. To me, it appears as a warning about the power our words hold over people. We need to make sure to speak life and blessing into people's lives not death and curses. The things we said can really affect people for good or for bad This can also effect ourselves because Jesus mentions in the New Testament that our words can be used to condemn us. Matthew 12:37 "For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
Proverbs 18:24 "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
This is essentially the principle of quality over quantity. Focus on building true friends not fair-weather ones who will leave when things get tough.
Great points there Alex. I like your quote, "Proverbs 18:24 "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
DeleteThis is essentially the principle of quality over quantity. Focus on building true friends not fair-weather ones who will leave when things get tough."
Alex, I think M3 is a place to make such good quality friends. Be a collector for the rest of your life of such faithful friends.
DeleteGreat post Alex! So proud of you honoring your commitment!
ReplyDelete1. did it
ReplyDelete2. Prov 18:16 says "A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great." -- i love this verse! Just make sure that it does not come across as a bribe :) One time I was going to build a brand new 3-flat and I needed Alderman approval. So I made an appointment and sat down with the alderman and I asked if I can have permission to build this 3-flat and he said something to this effect, " before I answer that, will you be coming to my Fundraiser dinner?" and I did not notice what his true intent was ( I was naive ), so I said "thank you for the invitation". He then said it again, " will you be coming to my Fundraiser dinner?" and I said that I was not sure and that I had to check my schedule. He then looked at me and said, " i really would like you to come to my Fundraiser dinner, minimum plate costs were $200, so feel free to bring a friend." Again, being naive, I did not pick up what he was trying to tell me, so I said that I would let him know. He then told me that he would approve my 3-flat new construction project and encouraged me to come to the fundraiser dinner.
A couple of days later, i realized that the alderman was looking for a gift / donation in order to get his approval :( Crook County ( I mean Cook County) politics at its best. Long story short, I never responded or attended or donated anything to his campaign. I was also able to sell this specific project for a Nice Profit :) God blessed me again :)
Sometimes being naive, is a good thing as in your case. Praise God for His favor to His wise and faithful servant that you have been.
DeleteAh, you gave me a good chuckle, Israel! :)
Deletelol... Great story, very glad that God blessed you.
Delete1) Contacted my M3 Wing men - Did It.
ReplyDelete2)
Proverbs 18:22 > He who finds a wife, finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.
The greatest and best thing that has happened in my life has been coming to know and walking in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The next best thing in my life would be coming to know and walking in relationship with my wife. My relationship with God strengthens and deepens my relationship with my wife, and my relationship with my wife has strengthened and deepened my relationship with God. If I let either of these relationships slip, it seriously effects the other one. How favored I am to have these two relationships and how much more richer I have become with all the potential relationships that can be built with the godly men on M3. As an old hymn expresses it: “Bind us men together Lord with chords that cannot be broken”.
I know that old song and I know that you have a good and godly wife Dave. so glad you cherish her.
DeleteDave, this is very true - "My relationship with God strengthens and deepens my relationship with my wife, and my relationship with my wife has strengthened and deepened my relationship with God."
DeleteAmen! Thanks for sharing and homoring your wife.
DeleteGot it
ReplyDelete2
I am choosing to look at verse 18:19. This is a powerful message. I pray that we do not bring an offense to each other or our families. And if we unintentionally bring strife to another persons shores I hope that we are committed to being quick to apologize, or making amends or correcting wrongs.
Good words and verse Gary- An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel. Prov.18:19.
ReplyDeleteSent personal one to each.
ReplyDeletehttp://bible.com/111/pro.18.22.niv He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord .
this is one of the best blessings/favor any man can get from God. No matter what we are going through the good,bad and the ugly I rejoice for what the Lord has brought together, nothing can seperate. *Mark 10:9*..