Who Are Your Friends?

Meditate on this Scripture:

After John's disciples left, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. "What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people who wear beautiful clothes and live in luxury are found in palaces. Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. ... I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!" ... For John the Baptist didn't spend his time eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, 'He's possessed by a demon.' The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, 'He's a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!' But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it." Luke 7:24-26, 28, 33-35

We are known by our friends. People judge us…right or wrong…with whom we keep company. We become like those we “hang out” with. Hasn’t that always been the warning…“Be careful with whom you become friends?” Wise people choose wise friends—or we can assume they win “wise friends” and conversely, those with wild friends will be “wild” as described in Proverbs…

The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends. Proverbs 11:30

Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents. Proverbs 28:7

Do you want to be known as “good” or “evil?”

Dear friend, don't let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God's children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God. 3 John 1:11

The Pharisees thought Jesus was a friend of tax collectors and other sinners. Just because He spent time with those types of people He was judged to be like them. Who do people think of as your “friends” and are you considered like them? Would you consider becoming a friend to someone thought to be a cheat…as the tax collectors were judged? How about being a friend to sinners…or homeless? Could you do that? What would God think of you if you reached out to His children who are less fortunate than you?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I know You have no greater joy than to hear that Your children are following the truth. 3 John 1:4. Help me to please You as I choose to be a friend and help others as You would help them.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 25

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

There are so many diets out there. So much food…so little time…and a moment on the lips—a lifetime on the hips. So what do we do and although Jesus ate whole grain breads, not everyone’s body digests, assimilates and utilized the whole grains of today. Then too…DIET is such an ugly word. I prefer eating plan or routine. It is important to have a variety of foods, including grains. Here is a favorite bread recipe for rolls that only takes an hour to prepare. Maybe you can snack on fresh fruits and veggies with your friends as the rolls rise and bake.

60 Minute Dinner Rolls

2 pkgs Active quick-rise dry yeast
3 Tbsp sugar or honey
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. powdered milk (optional)
1 1/2 c. hot tap water

2 Tbsp softened butter, at room temperature
4 to 4 1/2 c. unsifted flour (can use half wheat and half white or a gluten free blend)

Thoroughly mix 1 cup flour and dry ingredients. Gradually add water and butter to dry ingredients and beat 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Add remaining flour and beat to make soft dough. Place in greased bowl, cover and rise 15 minutes. Turn out onto floured board. Knead about 5 minutes, until not sticky. Shape dough and place on greased baking sheet.

Cover and let rise again for about 15 minutes. Bake 400 degree oven about 12 minutes (depends on the size of the rolls). Makes 16-20 rolls.

© 2019 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

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