"Friends"

I have had friends,

Not means to ends,

But value that they bring,

They stand with me,

And strong you see,

Make better everything.

It’s not a crowd,

That cheers so loud,

But quietly stand by,

Just two or three,

Enough for me,

To help my daily try.

God made it so,

That we don’t grow,

Without a partnership,

Lone Rangers, no,

Without Tonto,

Would make a lonely trip.

And cowboys who,

Think they can do,

Better all alone,

Have much to learn,

When it’s their turn,

A trial they must see through.

So, get a clue,

From someone who,

Learned things the hardest way,

A team is best,

When comes the test,

Please listen when I say,

The Good Lord knows,

Those He has chose,

To be your closest friends,

Those you can trust,

It is a must,

It’s time, let it begin.

“ A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity…” (Proverbs 17:17, NIV)

God designed us to serve Him together with others who love Him. The basic family unit is a husband and wife, with God in the middle. The basic cell of the body of Christ is the two or three gathered in Jesus name, with His presence to help them. The basic formula for prayer is if two or three agree in His name. The evangelists of the New Testament were sent out two by two. And so it goes…Then what makes us think we can live a solitary life, overcome life’s battles, and serve the Lord the way He intends? It just is not His plan. Yes, there are decisions that we must make as individuals, and be personally responsible for what we have chosen. But, bottom line, the Lord wants to join us with two or three friends who will give us both support and accountability. If you have it, nurture it. If you don’t, ask the Lord to give it to you. I believe He will.

Lord, connect us to those whom You have planned to be our spiritual friends, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Tim Cox, timcox.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Tim, and God bless you.