Precious Moments with Dear Friends

            I had an unexpected phone call and visit last night that really blessed and encouraged my heart. Sometimes, it’s the small things that make such a HUGE difference. I’m so thankful for dear and genuine friends. I don’t know where I’d be without them. (probably locked away somewhere!)They keep on loving me, warts and all. I can count on them, be honest with them and they with me. I celebrate with them when they are joyful and mourn with them when they hurt and they with me. I thank God for them. They teach me, encourage me and bless me richly, and I pray that I do the same for them. They know who they are. I love them deeply and genuinely with a special kind of love.

             One (actually two) of those friends called last night and ended up staying for the night. Though our visit was brief, it warmed and encouraged my heart more than I can put into words.  This visit helped to change my perspective this morning. Just chatting openly and sharing our heart strings together caused us to reflect on lots of things, some with eternal importance and others, not so much. We had a great time together. My heart is filled with joy from having spent time with them.

             After she and her sweet little bundle of joy left this morning, I headed to my Bible for further refreshing. And, of course, I was not disappointed. Spending time in God’s Word this morning reminded me of spending time with my dear friend. Relationships take time. When we invest in each other with love and genuineness, the benefits are so wonderfully sweet. When we invest and spend time in God’s Words, the benefits are eternally sweet!

             This morning, I was studying 2 Peter 2. In this chapter, Peter reminds us of several important things. One of the first ideas that captured my attention was in verse 3-4. He says, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”  Wow! By God’s divine power, we have EVERYTHING we need for “life and godliness”! What incredible news! He gives us everything we need to keep our faith active and alive, to pursue godliness and to avoid evil! He tells us how to “make our calling and election sure.” Now, don’t hear me wrong, we cannot earn our salvation, but we can grow in our knowledge of Christ and we can “make every effort” to live out life the way that God has called us to. He has thoroughly equipped us for this.(Vs. 5-10)

             Peter goes on to tell us how to practically do this. In verses 5-9, Peter tells us to practice such things as faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. Sound familiar? This reminds me of another passage in Scripture, Galatians 5:22-23.  Living out these spiritual qualities will help us remain effective and productive in our “knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Peter says in verse 10 that, “…if you do these things, you will never fail…” I don’t know about you, but I could really use some help in all of these areas. I certainly need to love better, to be more self-controlled, and to grow in faith, goodness and knowledge. The good news is that I’m not on my own. Just like the deep encouragement I received this morning from my friend’s visit, that feeling that I’m not walking this life alone, and that someone really does care about me, I also have the incredible promise of the Holy Spirit to guide me through these things and all of life. I (all believers) have the promise of spiritual blessings in the “heavenly realms” (Eph. 1:3). We are chosen and loved by the Creator of the universe and He pours His blessings upon us so that we can accomplish what Peter is writing about in 2 Peter 2. As much as I am encouraged by and loved by my dear friends, I know that my Lord loves me even more. That is overwhelming!

            I so enjoyed the visit from my sweet friend and her precious little daughter. Her visit in some ways opened my heart and prepared it to receive God’s Word more freely this morning. I pray that sometime today, you will call a friend that you have not spoken to for a while, or better yet, stop in for a surprise visit. I know you’ll bless them if you do! But, before you do that, why don’t you grab a cup of tea, and go to your favorite quiet place, and spend some time with the best friend you’ll ever have, Jesus Christ. Have a blessed day and thanks so much for reading. J