May We Be Found Faithful

Prayer – Lord, may we be found faithful. Strengthen and encourage us…that we would be encouraging to others around us—especially when they are in despair. I lift up my family and friends who especially need you—and ask that You would surround them with Your peace, strength, and above all…love.

Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands. Deuteronomy 7:9

 

Meditate. Consider God’s faithfulness.

 

How has God been faithful to you? How have you been faithful to God?

 

Check out the underlined verse in the Verses of Salvation below. Renew my life with your goodness. Renew my life. That is such a wonderful thought—and who better to do that than your best friend, Jesus. That song “What a friend I have in Jesus” started going through my head as I started this paragraph. Friends help each other—being there and listening to each other. Yes. Friendships don’t just happen. There has to be some intentional time set aside—for God or for other friends. How much time are you faithfully willing to give to your friends? 

Railroad bridge near Benton City, WA
Crossing the Yakima River
Take time to reflect on relationships now.

Bridges take time to build—and must be renewed from time to time if they are going to continue to be strong. Likewise, friendships take time and effort to build. The beginning of the year is a good time to evaluate just how those relationships are going. When was the last time you chatted with a friend...and I hope you didn’t waste time discussing the weather. Use that time with your friends to bond—ask questions and go deep. Be willing to open your heart, too. Listen to them. Love them. Don’t be distracted—lean into the conversation and really listen. Then they will listen to you when you need them. Encourage them. Remember how Mr. Rogers used to sing a song with the words, I like you just the way you are? That’s what your friends—even Jesus—need to hear. Don’t give up on them—or cut short your time with them. Generously give to your friends, just like you would give to Jesus.

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

May God…and your friends…find you faithful.

 

Verses of Salvation ~ Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you. Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good. I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness. LORD, give me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me. Psalm 119:37-41 (Underlined for emphasis.)

 

© 2023 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

 

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