simple friendship

Saturday, February 21, 2015 (6:06 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. Thank You for sleep. And accurate dreams. Rain. Who [besides YOU] knew it was really raining? Cool. Thanks!

(7:03 a.m.)

And now, even more thanks.

Following up with yesterday's “the best, not the worst” theme, I am again reading in Philippians (4:8-9). Illustrated Bible Handbook subtitles this section of Scripture, The Sharing of Christian Joy. A description of the letter paints Paul's reason for writing it as being “stimulated by simple friendship, not a need to communicate some correction or instructive truth.”

Father, You provide us with simple friendship often. With You, Your Son, and others. How blessed we are to have You supplying our every need.

This morning my focus broadens to include verses four through seven, as well as eight and nine. The Life Recovery Bible's comment for this section begins, “True happiness can be found in every situation of life when we recognize that God is at work and always in control.”

Thank You Father. Thank You that again You call me to remember to “Always be full of joy in the Lord” (v. 4). ♫Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say “Rejoice!”♫

Thank You that I get to take such comfort from being reminded to, “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done” (v. 6 New Living Translation).

Thanking You for all You have done lends itself perfectly to “meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious – the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not to curse” (v. 8 The Message). It also leads its way to experiencing true “Peace and joy [that] come when we focus on those things that provide lasting value to our life” (The Life Recovery Bible comment).

Because of Paul's simple friendship with the believers in Philippi, we are blessed with examples of his encouragements and challenge to them “to remain true to Christ and joyful in their circumstances” (TLRB introduction). Not always an easy task.

Father, thank You for Paul's letter to his friends that ultimately reminds us that “Wholeness of life does not come from material things or pleasant circumstances. Genuine joy, meaning, and satisfaction come as we follow Christ and help others to grow spiritually.”

And why do we even care? Simple friendship! Yours to the world. Ours back to You and to others. Keep working in us I pray Dearest Lord. Continue fining and refining us (Isaiah 48:10) until You can be clearly seen in each of us.

I love You so very much. Thank You for simple friendship. Empower me to use it to Your good and to Your glory. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(459 words ~ 8:23 a.m.)