How to be gentle, gracious, forbearing, and mild-mannered.
If I asked my family, friends, and colleagues if I were on their side, what would the answer be. I …
Tag Archives: Friend
“My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.” ~King Solomon
I am an extremely fortunate man. My earthly father gave me excellent advice. I don’t know if he saw that …
“I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” ~Jesus
We start out as slaves. Our path to maturity starts with servitude and obedience. I saw this in my relationship …
“Let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.” ~Apostle Paul
I get distracted. It seems to happen too easily. It must be the “shiny new object” syndrome. Jesus challenges me …
“But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell.” ~Jesus
The religious bullies want to intimidate us into silence. Nothing would please them more. Jesus challenges us to speak up …
“The steadfast love of Yahweh never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” ~Jeremiah
I am sticking with God!! I could trust myself, my friends, my family. Nothing wrong with that. Friends and family …
A tribute to my mother (Dorothy Wilson — 1922 – 1967)
Mothers are so special to us. Of course, my mother is no different. My mother, Dorothy Mae Frey was born …
Why is friendship such a fragile relationship?
Friendship is an amazing experience. It also can be a fragile relationship. Are we looking at the good in our …
Is Jesus our friend? Are we His friend?
The Master Jesus the Messiah gave us the definition of a true friend: “Greater love has no one than this, …
Can a gadbout gossip be trusted? Will someone of integrity violate a confidence?
Jesus wants us to be people of integrity. Everyone we know needs to be able to trust us completely. It …
Do friends help restore believers when they miss God’s goal for their lives?
Our friends in Jesus are amazing. We are to look out for our brothers and sisters. Paul presents a hypothetical …
In His life on earth, was Jesus a friend to those who miss God’s goal for their life?
I miss God’s goal for my life (aka sin or sinning). That is my natural state. Does this bother Jesus? …
Do good friends worship together?
Those whose commitment from the heart is shown in practical, often sacrificial, care, love and service. They are a source …
“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, the Messiah died for us.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus is my example of the pure model of a true friend, for He laid down His life for His …
“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the the atoning sacrifice, and the satisfying offering for our missing God’s goal.” ~Apostle John
I miss God’s goal (aka sin) for my life. That separates me from God. I need reconciliation to God. When …
“Friend, do what you have come for.” ~Jesus to Judas
Jesus personally selected Judas to be a disciple. Jesus taught Him just like all the others. Jesus made him “treasurer” …
Did Jesus demonstrate His friendship with us in his death on the cross?
I don’t understand completely why Jesus would die for me. That is mighty powerful love. And He did it because …
“The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry, and a wise friend’s timely reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.” ~King Solomon
We need friends but we need wise friends that we can count on to say the right thing at the …
“Here it is again, the Great Reversal: many of the first ending up last, and the last first.” ~Jesus
Jesus drives the point home time and time again. Jesus wraps up a story with this statement of how …
“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” ~Jesus
Jesus is now at the core issue as He lays out His manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7). God has a …
“God is great — everything works together for good for his servant.” ~King David
I have something to shout about. I have family and friends that want the best for me. They really do. …
“Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” ~Jesus
Paul tells the church that the spiritual blindness of Israel is a “mystery” that had not previously been revealed (Romans …
Slave — Whose slave are you? God’s? Sin’s?
It is hard to get the issue of being a slave in my mind. In the Greek-speaking world of the first …
“Lazarus died. And I am glad for your sakes that I wasn’t there. You’re about to be given new grounds for believing.” ~Jesus
Here I see the care and compassion of my Master. It appeared somewhat callous to begin with. Lazarus is sick. …
Compassion — Is it shown in actions?
Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, exemplified all of the Father’s attributes, including His compassion. When Jesus saw His …
Friends — Will I find unity in the love and fear of the Master Jesus?
The Master Jesus the Messiah gave us the definition of a true friend: “Greater love has no one than this, …
Reconciliation — Does God take the initiative in bringing about reconciliation?
I miss God’s goal (aka sin) for my life. That separates me from God. I need reconciliation to God. When …
Betrayal — Why does it carry such acute feelings for its victims?
Betrayal is very, very painful. Sometimes it seems like I just can’t let it go. It haunts me. Other days, …
Hypocrisy — What happens when my deeds do not match my words?
Jesus is clear. Jesus detests hypocrites. Jesus calls it out all the time. My contempt allows me to ignore its …
“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to change your mind?” ~Apostle Paul
I should be patient, even as Jesus is patient. Naturally, in and of myself, I am not. God’s kindness is …
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” ~Apostle John
Love isn’t about me. Love is about God and Jesus. I don’t know the first thing about love. Anything I …
All the great Martin Luther King, Jr. quotes — A comprehensive list
In honor of a great man and prophet of God, let us all hold our dreams up for the world to …
Denial of Jesus — The Jewish People Rejected Jesus
Denial is the making of a conscious, informed decision not to accept Jesus as the Messiah or his claims and …
“The people have been like spoiled children whining to their parents.” ~Jesus
Am I to be a child in my understanding of Jesus? We all know what whining children are like. I …
“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” ~Jesus the Messiah
Is there Good News? There is good news. The Word of God and Jesus offers an understanding of the source, character, …
What does Jesus think of being a “servant leader”? Hint: Can you say “Argle Bargle”?
There is a lot being said, by “leaders”, about being servant leaders. I have a friend that has written a …
“Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and — good-bye, friend!” ~King Solomon
Friendship is an amazing experience. It also can be a fragile relationship. Am I looking at the good in my …
Patience — God is our Model for Patience
Who is my model for patience? God is patient, and His Spirit produces the fruit of patience in me. When I …
Love — It Comes from the Holy Spirit. It is a Gift and it is a Fruit.
Where does love come from? Love comes from the Holy Spirit. It is a gift. It is fruit that grows …
“This is a wonderful time, and we had to celebrate. This brother of yours was dead, and he’s alive!” ~Jesus
There is good news, for all of us. Jesus has a heart for the lost and those who have missed …
Slave — Am I a Slave or a Servant? Does it Matter?
“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave (dŏulŏs) above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become …
Love — The Love of God is Revealed in the Cross of Jesus the Messiah
Jesus demonstrated His love for me by dying on the cross so that I can be reconciled to God the …
“Youth fades; love droops; the leaves of friendship fall; A mother’s secret hope outlives them all.” —Oliver Wendell Holmes
My mother was a woman of hope. We would talk and she would share them with me. Mainly they were …
I Wait and I Wait. The Longer This Waiting Goes On, the Deeper the Ache.
Over the years I have been fortunate to develop some really good friends in my journey with Jesus. I thank God …
“Is that any of our business, Mother—yours or mine? This isn’t my time. Don’t push me.” ~Jesus
Mothers, you have to love them. They want us to do something. We might as well do it. Jesus understood …
Peace — Through the Father’s provision for the believer
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there …
Miracles of Jesus — Raising the dead!
There are a number of examples of this stunning miracle in the Bible. Notably, 3 are attributed to Jesus. This …
“If any of you are embarrassed over me and the way I’m leading you when you get around your fickle and unfocused friends, know that you’ll be an even greater embarrassment to the Son of Man when he arrives in all the splendor of God” ~Jesus
So now we are down to the real issue. Jesus has laid out the case for what it takes to …
Sometimes my worst fears …
Sometimes my worst fears come true. It really was cancer. I did go broke. I was homeless and living in …
“Come off by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest.” ~Jesus
There have been way too many times I have ignored getting some rest. I worked too many days in a …
What can I do about my bitterness?
Great message (and short) from John Piper on bitterness. When I harbor feelings of vengeance I show that I don’t have …
“At just the right time, when we were still powerless, the Messiah died for the ungodly. God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, the Messiah died for us” ~Apostle Paul
Good Friday, also known as “Holy Friday,” is the Friday immediately preceding Resurrection Sunday. It is celebrated traditionally as the day …
Is love optional?
Is love optional? Yes, I get to decide whether to love or not. So do you. I often am not …
“What are you willing to give me if I deliver Jesus over to you?” ~Judas
According to the traditional interpretation of the Bible, Holy Wednesday is the day on which Jesus was anointed with spikenard during a …
“Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” ~Greeks coming to Jerusalem for Passover
In the timeline of Passion week, it is a little unclear where to place the story of the Greeks seeking …
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” ~ God
What should followers of Jesus think about justice and the social justice movement? “If we take the Bible seriously then …
“What could you ever trade your soul for?” ~Jesus
“Calling the crowd to join his disciples, Jesus said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me …
“God has never let you down, never looked the other way when you were being kicked around.” ~King David
“Here’s the story I’ll tell my friends when they come to worship, and punctuate it with Hallelujahs: God has never let you …
What is peace, how do we make peacemaking real and what is the promise of Jesus?
Jesus says “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” The commendation of peacemakers – It …
Hypocrisy – What it is, why it is evil and hated by Jesus
Hypocrisy is an outward pretense masking an inner reality. Jesus condemns hypocrisy, especially in matters of faith. Followers of Jesus …
Everything Jesus had to say about the homeless, wealth, prosperity, poverty, riches, the poor, the needy and giving
Jesus had a lot to say about the homeless, wealth, prosperity, poverty, riches, the poor, the needy and giving. Here …
“These are some of the signs that will accompany believers.” ~Jesus
Still later, as the Eleven were eating supper, he appeared and took them to task most severely for their stubborn …
“Beware … ” ~Jesus — What the New Testament has to say on deception by religions leaders
This is a series of quotes to emphasize the seriousness of deception and our responsibility to look out for it …
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” ~Jesus
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who …
“Prefer my life-disciplines over chasing after money, and God-knowledge over a lucrative career.” ~King Solomon
Prefer my life-disciplines over chasing after money, and God-knowledge over a lucrative career. For Wisdom is better than all the …
“Why be exploited by those who care nothing for you?” ~King Solomon
It is helpful to know that some people really don’t care for me. In fact, they care nothing at all. …
“There’s no telling who will hate you because of me.” ~Jesus
You’ll even be turned in by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. Some of you will be killed. There’s no telling …
“If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you.” ~Jesus
If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you. I will talk to the Father, and he’ll …
“Dear friend, when you extend hospitality to Christian brothers and sisters, even when they are strangers, you make the faith visible.” ~Apostle John
John nails it, as always. John knows it is all about love. How many times does he remind me? Constantly. …
“But don’t resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this.” ~King Solomon
God has a goal for me. Primarily God wants me to grow up and not be a child my whole …
“I have a dream today.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.
I was 9 years old during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963. I was living in Atlanta, …
“Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom; set your heart on a life of Understanding.” ~King Solomon
There is an amazing world out there filled with Wisdom. It is the wonderful world of Jesus. Jesus provides me …
“God, who gets invited to dinner at your place? How do we get on your guest list?” ~King David
King David asks God a great question. David talks with God all the time and he asks God a lot …
“Pay close attention, friend, to what your father tells you; never forget what you learned at your mother’s knee.” ~King Solomon
It seems basic but I know grown adults who don’t pay a bit of attention said growing up or have …
Breaking the Code v. 6
Originally posted on 4th Quarter Musings:
In many instances in the Bible, grace (see Breaking the Code 3) and peace are linked…
“What’s this I hear about you? You’re fired.” ~Jesus
Jesus tells the story of the unethical manager. He gets fired for his misdeeds. He is a schemer and figures …
“Count on it—that’s the kind of party God’s angels throw every time one lost soul turns to God.” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear about why he came and what his mission is. God sent him for those of us who …
“No one can escape the weather—it’s there. And no one can escape from God.” ~Elihu to Job
Elihu has been on a rant for several chapters now. Job’s friends take turns (and delight) in berating Job. He …
“I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these followers of mine, you did it for me!” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear. There will be a day of judgement. We may prefer to believe it isn’t true but it …
“Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers.” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear with his directions to me. I must take them seriously. I don’t think Jesus wants to be …
“You can’t hide behind a religious mask forever; sooner or later the mask will slip and your true face will be known.” ~Jesus
Jesus knows I like to hide. Jesus knows me. Jesus knows I slip into “being religious” way to often. Jesus …
“Here’s what I’m saying: Ask and you’ll get; seek and you’ll find; knock and the door will open.” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear about the need for persistence. On many occasions, he teaches us and challenges us. Jesus wants me …
“But if anyone does miss God’s goal (sins), we have a Priest-Friend in the presence of the Father: Jesus the Messiah, righteous Jesus.” ~Apostle John
God has a goal for me and for you. He has one today. Will I hit the mark? Will I …
“So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith.” ~Apostle Peter
In God’s world, He wants me to be mature in my faith. I must focus on building not standing still …
“After Job had interceded for his friends, God restored his fortune—and then doubled it!” ~Moses
Am I praying for my friends and family? How much time do I spend interceding for them? None? Some? Enough? …
“Don’t hang out with angry people; don’t keep company with hotheads. Bad temper is contagious— don’t get infected.” ~King Solomon
Wisdom is challenging. It sounds great but it isn’t easy to do. This advice about anger and bad tempers is …
“Many get invited; only a few make it.” ~Jesus
Jesus loved to tell stories to make his point. This one is about a wedding celebration that the guests didn’t …
“If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you.” ~Jesus
Jesus has a way he wants us to follow to work out our grievances against one another. If I am …
“Talk to Wisdom as to a sister. Treat Insight as your companion.” ~King Solomon
Here is the deal about wisdom. God has a goal for me. God wants me to be wise. I need …
“Thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it’s a must.” ~Apostle Paul
What do I have on my to do list for the day? What must I do? Thanking God should be …
“It’s not possible for a person to succeed—I’m talking about eternal success—without heaven’s help.” ~John the Baptizer
I like to think I can do it all myself and that I don’t need any help. I need to …
“There’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.” ~Jesus
Jesus is happy. Jesus is rejoicing. Jesus came to rescue me. I wandered away. I got lost. Jesus noticed and …
"If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends?" ~~Steven Wright
Jesus challenges me to have true friends in him. It starts with God. My love for him should be overwhelming. …
“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides.” ~James
Really James? A gift? Somehow I think he is serious. This isn’t the way I normally think. Tests and challenges …
“You’re more than happy when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God.” ~Jesus
I love to eat. Almost anything, anytime. There is nothing like a great meal with family or friends. I have …
Have a mind unafraid to travel with Jesus even though the trail be not blazed
A Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …
“Something has always come up and prevented it.” ~Apostle Paul
Paul knew how to plan. Fortunately, he listened to God and so sometimes was unwilling to follow what he planned …
"The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire." ~~Ferdinand Foch
Jesus challenges us to be on fire for him and God’s government. Nothing else should matter. Not family or friends. …
“All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus’ life as a model for our own.” ~Apostle John
We are children of God but we are becoming like Jesus. Being children isn’t the end game. Sometimes I think …
“They loved praise from men more than praise from God.” ~Apostle John
Fill in the blank. But because of __________ I would not confess my faith for fear I will be kicked …
Jesus Quotes and God Thoughts 