Reading for Today:
Proverbs Chapter 18
Gold Nugget
Verse 24: “A man who has friends must himself be
friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Commentary
When I was a kid in the third grade, I came home and told
my dad that I had a friend. He told me, “If he is your friend, he’ll loan you a
dollar.” The next day I went to school and asked my friend to loan me a dollar.
He didn’t have a dollar so I loaned him one. If I remember correctly, I think
he is the same kid that stole my wallet later that year. I’m not sure why my
dad said what he did. I think his dad said it to him and he was just passing
down a family tradition. The point is; “What will a friend do for you?”
I
remember several years ago meeting a friend for our morning run. He listened as
I spent several moments in release of some major frustration and hurt. A little
later I faced a circumstance even more painful that nearly did me in. That day I was in
a horrible place both mentally and spiritually. I prayed and tried to find
motivation. I went outside to check the mail and it was pouring down raining.
Doom and gloom surrounded me. Soon after that, I received some very encouraging
words from some friends concerning the previous day’s devotional. Feeling useful, it lifted my
spirits some and I was grateful. A few hours later I got some good news that
cancelled out one of the issues that was weighing me down. Sometime during the afternoon
another friend asked what I was doing that evening and wanted to hang out. He
knew I was in a bad way and wanted to be there for me. That evening he
came over, lent me his ear and then took me to dinner. When the check came he
insisted on paying and then drove me home. When it was all said and done, I was
back at home ready to put an end to the day. Although many things happened that
could have put me over the edge that day, several of my friends came to the
rescue. God delivered the greatest miracle, but he did so through the hands of
several friends. A horribly miserable day was made manageable through the
encouraging words of dear friends. So as I put my head to the pillow that night,
I was reminded of how blessed I am. Today’s “gold nugget” speaks for
itself. “A man who has friends must
himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
After putting things in proper perspective, I had a fantastic day!
Prayer
Lord, thank you for
providing me with such great friends. Your children know how to respond to your
gentle nudges. There is no family like the family of God. Amen
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