Dec. 10, 2013–Don’t be a Spider Monkey

January 10, 2014 By

Spider-monkeyThe spider monkey, native to South America, is so named because it hangs from the tree by its tail and lets its arms and legs dangle. Since it is very small in size and very fast, it is extremely difficult to catch with a net or tranquilize with darts.

Trappers have found a way to do it, though. They take a long-necked bottle, tie a rope around its neck, place peanuts inside, scatter a few on the ground around the bottle, and wait for the spider monkey to come.

The spider monkey sees the peanuts on the ground, eats them, then notices the peanuts in the bottle, reaches its arm into the bottle and grabs a hand full of peanuts.

When it tries to pull its arm out of the bottle, it can’t, because its fist is clenched, full of peanuts…unless it lets go of them. At that point, it is easy for the trapper to catch the spider monkey.

Even when there are other peanuts outside the bottle, the monkey wants the peanuts inside the bottle so badly, that it will not let go. As a matter of fact, even when fresh fruit (another spider monkey favourite) is placed around the bottle, it will not let go. Trappers eventually have to break the bottle to get the spider monkey’s arm out.

The apostle Peter warns us: “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (I Peter 5:8)

What is easier to pick off—a target moving at lightning speed or one that is stationary? A spider monkey that is flying from tree to tree totally free or one that has its hand stuck in a long-necked bottle?

As we move into 2014, I am sensing that we too need to “be sober, be vigilant”, as Peter advises prior to penning the aforementioned words, so we do not get devoured.

Are we clinging to something from our past, even our more recent past in 2013 that makes us easy prey for the enemy?

What may be obvious is unforgiveness to which we may be holding on…or pain on which we’re still dwelling…regret over what we could’ve done or did not do…or something else that is negative………………………………..(please fill in the blanks).

What may not be so readily apparent is the good things from our past that we are unwilling to let go.

You may have heard the expression: “The good is the enemy of the best.” We may be clinging tightly to the trophy of yesteryear, the great revelation that revolutionized our life, the new tactic that changed our finances for the better or …………………………(you know what to do, right?)

You can unwittingly become an easy target for the treacherous trapper of our souls should you refuse to let go and move on. Your very destiny is at stake.

So, why not take some time today and see what peanuts (if any) may be inside your clenched fist. Don’t be a spider monkey. Let go of them and set yourself free. And you too will take great strides toward your destiny.

Filed Under: Pastor Jeeva Sam

Jan. 09, 2014–How to be Ready for your Storms in 2014

January 9, 2014 By

scuba(Be blessed by this DWOD for Jan. 09, 2013 by guest contributor Steve Hill)

My wife, Jeri, and I are certified scuba divers. It is one of our favorite activities to do together. We thrive on the excitement of exploring the underwater world teeming with the life of colorful reefs and exotic fish.

A few years back, while on vacation, we decided to take a day and charter a boat to take us out to a local reef we were told was a top dive site. That morning the sun came up without a cloud in sight. We expected it to be another day in paradise.

We left the boat dock excited to be on our way, looking forward to the adventure that lay ahead. However, as we approached the dive site, the weather started to take a turn.

The sunny sky quickly disappeared as dark storm clouds began to roll in. The wind and the waves started to pick up, and the rain started to fall. 

I assumed the dive would be canceled and we would all have to head back to port. To my surprise, the dive instructor dropped the anchor and told the handful of us on the boat to strap into our tanks and prepare to dive.

Puzzled, I looked at the instructor and said, “It looks like it’s about to storm.”

He fired right back, “The fish don’t know that.”

My friend, he was right. As soon as we dove beneath the waves, we found the peace that awaited just a few feet below. For the next 45 minutes, Jeri and I swam with the fish, completely oblivious to the storm that was overhead.

We found the security of being in a deep place.

As you and I embark on a brand new year, we must do so knowing there are trials and tests of various types awaiting us. Regardless of how well your year begins, trust me, there is a storm on its way.

Whether you find yourself tossed about by the waves or settled in the calm of the peaceful depths depends on where you’ve positioned yourself within the Lord.

Though waves may be crashing on the surface of your life, you can have the inward peace of perfect faith in God. Amid the dreary noises of this world, amid its cares and tears, its hot contentions, ambitions and disappointments, you can have an inner calm like the serene ocean depths against which the influence of the wild winds and waves can never prevail!

This is a peace that passes all understanding, a peace that only a true child of God can understand.

This year, put your full trust in the Lord and do not return to the trappings of the world in search of peace. The world can at best offer only a temporary substitute.

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27, KJV).

Amongst all your resolutions, may this be the first: Resolve yourself to find the deep place in God’s presence. Daily surrender your fears, doubts and self-sufficiency—anything that troubles your hearts—and daily rely on Him.

(Evangelist Steve Hill preached the Brownsville Revival for five years, is pastor emeritus of Heartland World Ministries Church and has authored 13 books, including Spiritual Avalanche. This post first appeared in Charisma Magazine).

Filed Under: Guest Authors

Jan. 08, 2014–Our Finest Hour is Coming

January 8, 2014 By

Darren glory cloudI believe that there are many in the body of Christ who are wondering when their destiny shall come to pass.  Perhaps there is something that is deep in your heart that the Lord has placed there and you are wondering when you will see this deep thing fulfilled.

I would imagine that there were times when Joseph sitting in Potiphar’s house or working hard within the prison system of Pharaoh wondered when the dream that he had as a young man would come to pass.   David must have thought the same way when he was in the caves running from Saul: “When, O Lord, will I become King as you have shown that I would?”  Esther had to face fearful thoughts when she became Queen and was challenged to stand against the oppressors of her people.

Everything we have done prepares us for everything we will do.  Even when the vision is not fulfilled we are fulfilling God’s destiny for our lives.  We may not be at the high place of our destiny and perhaps there are seasons yet that must be fulfilled, but you are still in the process fulfilling everything that God has ordained for your life even in the prison cell.

I am convinced that there is coming a great time of evil in our generation.  I am certain that many sons and daughters are being raised in this hour for a time that has yet come to pass.  Our greatest contributions to the Kingdom are still ahead.

I believe that you will be a part of the great plan of the Lord for the salvation of many people.

When Winston Churchill was a boy he understood that there was coming a time in his life when he would have to be an anchor for his country during a time of evil.  He was convinced throughout his entire life that he was born for overcoming that evil.   When Nazism reared its head and dared to triumph over the nation of England (and indeed the Western World), Mr. Churchill was not concerned because he understood his destiny and that he was born for such an hour.

There are thoughts that I have been cherishing in my heart since I was a boy.  I know my destiny will be fulfilled.  I do not know how or when, but surely that time will come to pass.

Perhaps you know you were born for more.  Perhaps there are things you know about your destiny that you wouldn’t dare share with anyone else.  The Lord has impregnated these thoughts within your heart.  They will come to pass.  Continue to believe.

The thing about waiting is that there can be many dreary hours, but do not stop believing or give up hope.  I really believe that our generation is about to see its greatest hour.  I feel that you and I as believers in Christ will see a great revival of hope return to our nations.

We may have to face some serious challenges before the earth is revived.  We may see war.  We may see economic collapse, but do not lose hope.  Understand that you were born to succeed in the face of these obstacles.  God has not given you a spirit of fear.  You were born to overcome.  You were born to be more than a conqueror.  Stand firm and be ready.

In this hour be like the wise virgins who were ready for the return of the groom.  Continue to seek the Lord in all parts of your life.  Do not grow weary in doing good.  In all your ways acknowledge the Lord.  Be faithful with the little you’ve been given and God will make you faithful over much more.

Filed Under: Pastor Darren Canning

Jan. 07, 2014–Everything is going to be alright

January 7, 2014 By

consider-it-pure-joy-my-brothers-whenever-you-faceConsider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)

I love it when the Lord speaks to me and says “Darren, everything is going to be alright.”  It is probably the greatest word of encouragement that he can give to me.  He says this to me whenever I need to hear it, which–honestly–is almost every single day.

I am like you.  Many things come into my life stirring worry and concern.  I must continue in the word of God in order to assure myself that I am going to be alright.  I have had financial problems.  I have gone through messy situations on the job and in the church.  I have had health issues.  I have had family and friends attack me and I have watched as some of my family members went through outrageous trials of their own.

So to hear God say that everything is going to be alright means as much to me as it probably would to you.

What I have come to understand is the power of the cross.  I do not apologize for hiding beneath it.  My entire provision is in the place of Jesus’ finished work there.  My health, my income, and my well-being are all tied to what He did for me. 

I am thankful that my God has grafted me into the vine of Christ.  I am thankful that my complete salvation and deliverance is assured. I may stand on the banks of the Red Sea looking at the enemy approaching with mighty power, but I know my God.   The sea before me will open up and I shall cross over to the other side on dry ground.  I shall only look with my eyes and see my enemy’s plans for me destroyed by the mighty hand of God.

I may stand before a giant that curses the very core of my belief in God, but I shall be empowered to throw a stone right between my enemies’ eyes and watch as he comes crashing down before me.

A thousand false prophets may declare for the entire world to hear that the Christian God has no power, but I know that my God is real and that His power and His word will stand.  It doesn’t concern me that I might have to stand alone because I know that in the hour of my testing my God shall stand with me strengthening me like He strengthened Daniel in the Lion’s Den, like He strengthened the three young men in the fiery furnace.  He won’t leave me in that place of suffering but will come into the fire with me.

 

But in order to come to understand that God will be with you in the fire, you actually have to go through the fire.  James said to consider it pure joy when you go through trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith will produce perseverance.  He said that when we persevere under trial our faith shall become mature and complete in Christ.

God’s encouragement is what strengthens me to face the trials that I face.  When He says everything is going to be alright, this thought enters the core of my being and the truth of it is simply known.

I pray for you today.  May God strengthen you in the face of all the trials you face on the road to your destiny.  I pray that you will overcome the world even as Jesus overcame and rose from the dead to sit by his Father forevermore.

Filed Under: Pastor Darren Canning

Jan. 06, 2014–Regrettable To Unforgettable

January 7, 2014 By

epiphany

January 6 marks the Feast of the Epiphany in the Christian calendar. The Greek word epiphania literally means manifestation. It is the celebration of the manifestation of Jesus as the Second Person of the Godhead, worthy to be adored as King, drawing even the Gentiles unto the brilliance of His Light.

The traditional Scripture reading for Epiphany is Matthew 2:1-11, the account of the Magi who followed the star they saw in the East and came to pay homage to this newborn King of the Jews.

When they set out on this long journey, they assumed that the newborn King of the Jews would be found in the palace of the reigning King of the Jews, namely, Herod. A very logical thought process, wouldn’t you agree?

But, of course, they did not find the newborn king in the palace. As a matter of fact, the only point of the pit stop at the palace was to pinpoint the birthplace of the one they sought.

Scripture also points out how Herod was greatly troubled by their visit “and all Bethlehem with him.” He saw this other “king of the Jews” as a threat to his rule and hatched a sinister plot to eliminate him.

You know the rest of the story. The Magi made it to Bethlehem, found the Christ child (not baby), worshipped him, offered him their gifts and made it back home another way.

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he ordered the massacre of all baby boys two and under in hopes that the broad sweep of the sword would catch the one he perceived to be his competition.

This morning as I reflected on this passage for the umpteenth time, the Lord highlighted the fact that despite the regrettable choice they made in stopping at Herod’s palace in Jerusalem, the Magi were still blessed by the unforgettable experience of worshipping the Christ Child in Bethlehem.

It is specifically aimed at all of us who made choices we regret in 2013…and perhaps, already in 2014! We may wish we could go back and do the same thing differently…but, of course, that is impossible.

However, the Lord wants us to know that He redeems even our regrettable decisions. He will not allow our mistakes to make us miss out on our destiny. There is a caveat, though. As long as WE do not get stuck in the rut of regret and prevent our own progress…

As God reminds the people of Israel in Isaiah 43:18: “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.”

When we choose to forget the regrettable, God lets us experience the unforgettable.

May this be your portion as you leave 2013 behind and advance into your destiny in 2014. Ask Holy Spirit to show you what regrets you need to sh(r)ed…take care of business and take your rightful place in His glorious future.

Filed Under: Pastor Jeeva Sam

Jan. 05, 2013–The “Go-To” Habit

January 5, 2014 By

zacchaeus

And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” (Luke 19:5)

In his book “Just Walk Across the Room”, Bill Hybels tells the story of an African-American Muslim man who was at a business cocktail party in a predominantly white community in a Southern state in the U.S. He had become accustomed to being on his own at these parties, while others socialized with one another in small groups.

This night was no exception…until a man who was in one of those circles on the other side of the room noticed him, quickly left his companions, walked all the way across the room, stuck out his hand and introduced himself.

They started carrying on a natural conversation that revolved around their professions, families, business interests, sports, etc. Eventually, the topic of conversation turned to matters of faith. He shared with his new friend that he was a Muslim and promptly discovered that he was talking to a follower of Jesus.

Much to his surprise, the Christian man confessed that he knew very little about Islam and wondered whether his Muslim friend would be open to meeting for coffee and sharing the basics of his faith.

Soon they were meeting almost every week, with the Muslim man doing most of the talking and his Christian friend simply listening and asking questions for clarification purposes only. Eventually one week, the focus of the conversation shifted and the Christian man was able to share why he had decided to commit his life to Jesus.

Here is how the Muslim man describes what happened next: “There finally came a day—I remember being home alone when this happened—that I felt totally compelled to pray to God. I kneeled beside my bed, told God everything I was feeling, and in the end gave my life to Jesus Christ. And in the space of about a week, that single decision changed everything in my world! Every single thing.”

Needless to say the kingdom of heaven would be minus one precious soul had not one man made the conscious choice to leave behind his comfortable conversational clique and reach out to a lonely stranger at the other end of the room.

In a way, we should not be surprised that he did this…after all he was only mirroring what Jesus did in Luke 19 when he stopped by the tree where Zacchaeus was perched far above the crowds that thronged the Messiah on his walk through Jericho.

Once again, we see a man who did not fit into the rest of his society. Tax collectors were universally hated by the Jewish people. They would buy “tax franchises” from the Romans for, let’s say, a million dollars and then collect as much as they wished from everyone and pocket the rest. No wonder Zacchaeus is described as being rich in verse 2. The way he became rich was by gouging his own people.

No one else would go to him. But Jesus does not wait for Zacchaeus to come to him. He stops, extends a hand of friendship, invites himself over to his place…and the rest is history.

Without any prompting from Jesus, Zacchaeus voluntarily offers to pay back all that he has collected illegally and compensate the victims fourfold. Had Jesus waited for Zacchaeus to make the first move, this encounter would not have happened and the tax collector’s life would not have been transformed.

Ditto with the Muslim man in Bill Hybels’ book, amen?

Dear DWOD friend, one of the keys to advancing into your destiny is to develop the “Go-To” habit. Take the initiative, make the effort to go to those who are lonely, isolated, on the fringes. You too will be pleasantly surprised how that little gesture of walking across the room can result in someone crossing over from a life without Christ to spending eternity with Him.

Filed Under: Pastor Jeeva Sam

Jan. 04, 2014–They will know His love when they know Our love

January 5, 2014 By

(Be blessed by this DWOD for Jan. 04, 2013 by guest contributor Elizabeth Enlow)

enlows

My husband Johnny and I have a tradition of setting time aside every year to seek God’s heart concerning the upcoming new year. This year I sensed God’s invitation for His sons and daughters to participate in His plans of reformation in 2014 by caring more about our reputation or image in the world than ever before. I felt He said that as we gain a reputation more for our love than for what we stand against, then the knowledge of God and His correct reputation will also increase in the earth.

Just in case you may think it’s inappropriate for a Christian to care about what others think of us, remember that Luke 2:52 says “Jesus increased in wisdom, and stature, and in favour with God and man.”I believe our Father has given us the same privilege and responsibility. You may also remember that Philippians 2:7 tells us that Jesus “made Himself of no reputation.” If you read this verse in context, it explains how Jesus gave up His more true identity as God in order to be known as a servant among us. I believe God is inviting us to change our reputation, or what we are known for in the eyes of the world, for the purpose of increasing in favour.

Johnny’s word for 2014 is The Year of the Catapult. God began to speak to me about our love for the world being the catapult that will launch us into the reformation of cities and nations. I believe He has taken our generation through many intentional steps over the last several decades to teach us, as His sons and daughters, how He truly does love us and desires an intimate and authentic relationship with us and not religion or works.

The best evidence of that can easily be seen in the progression of our worship. Clearly we are learning to pour our hearts out to a God we feel can handle our honesty and wants our genuine affection and freedom in His presence. Our Father has individually and corporately been intentionally convincing our hearts of the very thing that we must learn to give away to the world – unconditional, extravagant love that secures us even when the enemy would try to use circumstances to convince us that we are not loved or valued. Until we began to believe it for ourselves, we certainly wouldn’t have been capable of giving it away.

2013 was filled with the usual ups and downs, but it was a year that our hearts began to pass the test of knowing, no matter what circumstances looked like, we were still loved by God and He could still be trusted.

Johnny described it like the intense pressure and tension that happens when a catapult is pulled back. It was in that place of tension and extreme pressure that our hearts became more convinced than ever of the goodness of the Lord and therefore convinced of His love towards us. The next step will be seen in our ability to give to the world that same love we have received. It is that very love that will propel us forward into places of influence, bringing with us the solutions God is excited to provide through us in all areas of culture.

(Elizabeth Enlow and her husband Johnny are passionate about the need to transform culture, and to awaken not only Christians to this new way of thinking, but also helping those who may not feel close to God change their perspective of who they think He is and His true heart towards them. This DWOD is an excerpt from a lengthier word for 2014 posted at: http://johnnyandelizabeth.com/category/media/)

Filed Under: Guest Authors

Jan. 03, 2014–Do not sabotage your destiny with unforgiveness, devouring words and insincerity

January 4, 2014 By

enlows(Be blessed by this DWOD for Jan. 03, 2013 by guest contributor Johnny Enlow)

Right now unforgiveness (offense holding, bitterness, unreleased judgments) are rampant in the Body of Christ and it must stop. No matter what level of grace message you are being fed and strengthened by at this time, if it does not hold you accountable for refusing to forgive then it is subgrace.

You can believe and declare over yourself all sorts of great things but they will all be sabotaged if you refuse to forgive. Nobody who truly needs to be forgiven deserves to be forgiven- so if you are waiting for your ‘prey’ to deserve your forgiveness – it is still unforgiveness.

If as you are reading this, a person or situation comes to mind then radically deal with it now. Sometimes it is appropriate to go to the person, sometimes it is not. Let the Holy Spirit lead how – but release your own destiny by forgiving.

What do I mean by “devouring words”? It is what actually happens when you give yourself over to negative conversation. Life and death is in the power of the tongue and you just cannot keep speaking out loud words that actually devour your harvest, your inheritance, and your destiny.

If you already know that negativity notoriously comes out of your mouth this is a SELAH year for you. Just be silent. Don’t agree with anything destructive that comes from anyone’s mouth or email. If there is a true warning to be aware of, it will come with a built-in hope.

I have been shown that one of the main attributes that the Lord is looking for is simple sincerity. In John 1:47, Jesus praised a man named Nathanael, calling him a man “in whom is no guile”. In John 4:23, Jesus talked about the Father looking for “true worshippers”. Both of these speak of authentic heart responses that did not carry other subtle motives or agendas.

The word SINCERE itself is said to derive from the practice of ancient pottery making. SIN means without and CERE means wax. Often when potters would bake their vessel, cracks would show up that would greatly devalue the vessel or render it of no value. Potters would fill the cracks with wax and paint over it to cover up the defect. If a Corinthian pottery shop had over it SINCERUS it meant that the pottery contained no wax and that what you saw is what you were getting. This made the pottery valuable.

The message here is “get rid of the wax”. Especially the wax around your heart. You, yourself, are the best judge of your own sincerity. If you are aware that you are not transparently living out of your heart – but rather out of agenda- then do business with God and become a sincere person.

It can be difficult in such a tough, cynical, agenda-driven world, but we must become as little children in this way. He wants to give the kingdom to His hopeful, radiant, sincere, non-grudge holding children.

For 2014 may you take full advantage of what He is making available to us by not sabotaging your own awesome destiny. He really doesn’t need you to be perfect, and He just wants you to extend that same grace to others.

Now prepare to be catapulted.

(Johnny Enlow is the author of The Seven Mountain Prophecy and The Seven Mountain Mantle among others. He and his wife Elizabeth are passionate about the need to transform culture, and to awaken not only Christians to this new way of thinking, but also helping those who may not feel close to God change their perspective of who they think He is and His true heart towards them. This DWOD is an excerpt from a lengthier word for 2014 posted at: http://johnnyandelizabeth.com/category/media/)

 

Filed Under: Guest Authors

Jan. 02, 2014–What Happens When You Decree

January 3, 2014 By

buick allure“You shall decree a thing and it shall be established.”(Job 22:28)

In the DWOD for Dec. 29, 2013, you read about our search for a new vehicle. Our friend Ben Soji had been scouting various dealerships in town with a view to finding exactly what we wanted.

We had specifically requested that he look for a Buick Allure or Lucerne that was no older than 2009 with low mileage. The only requirement was that it needed to have heated seats.

Ben promised to do his best. Sulojana said to me: “What we really need is a car that was owned by people living in a retirement home. Not only would it have low mileage, but it would also be well-maintained.”

We prayed into it. We were both sure that the Lord would use Ben to find our car by Dec. 31. We told him so and decreed it in Jesus’ name.

Sure enough, on Dec. 30, Ben phoned to let us know that he had indeed found a 2009 Buick Allure with only 41,000 km on it! I had to ask him to repeat the mileage twice, because such low mileage on a 5 year-old vehicle was virtually unheard of!

Of course, I asked him about the heated seats right away. He promised to check and sent back a text: “It is not leather and it is not heated seats.” Needless to say we were disappointed. But we sensed a nudge to take it for a test drive anyway and obeyed.

The salesman brought the car around and was showing me where the basic controls were located. I said with a tone of sadness in my voice: “Too bad the seats are not leather, but fabric. I was really hoping for heated seats.”

He put his glasses on, surveyed the various switches and spoke these words that were music to my ears: “This is really strange, but this car actually has heated front seats.” Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus!!

While I was doing a walk-around to make sure that the body was in good shape, my eyes caught a sticker on the windshield. It read: “Heidelberg Village Resident.” It struck me at that moment that the previous owner of this car had indeed been living in a well-known local retirement home for independent seniors.  

To make a long story short, we took it for a spin, were quite pleased with it, Ben negotiated a very good deal for us directly with the Sales Manager, the dealership offered financing at a much lower rate than the bank…and, as of this afternoon, it is now ours. (The Royal Bank might contest this claim…a mere technicality, I say…lol!)

Wow! We could only stand amazed at how God granted the desires of our heart that we had decreed.

As you advance toward your destiny in 2014, please take seriously the power and authority you carry to make decrees…and watch as they come to pass!

(If you’re not familiar with decrees, you may wish to listen to this message that I preached recently at the beginning of the Thirteen Decrees in December Fast)

Filed Under: Pastor Jeeva Sam

Jan. 01, 2014–You Need A Friend

January 1, 2014 By

Iron-Sharpens-Iron(Be blessed by this DWOD for Jan. 01, 2014 by guest contributor John Chasteen. I believe that what he shares is a key to advancing into your destiny this year)

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)

King Solomon’s writings are filled with illustrations meant to enlighten us about the power of meaningful relationships. He believed good friends could sharpen one another—that “metal to metal” relationships would result in an improved life.

He also believed that poor relationships would wound us. Ultimately, he claimed, we are the product of our friendships, whether good or bad.

The king clearly understood that human beings were never made to “go it alone.” He taught us that God often uses the influences of others to shape and prepare our destinies. We can never be all God intended for us to be without significant people in our lives. 

Solomon also taught that true friends correct one another. “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy” (27:6). Pity the person who has no healthy “wounding” from a friend!

Solomon’s words tell us that a quality friend will offer valuable counsel: “The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense” (27:9). Literally, this means a real friend will give “fit”—that is, timely and appropriate—advice (see 15:23).

Another characteristic of friendships is that friends offer mutual support and encouragement. We each need someone who will hold us accountable.

For this reason, we must work hard at developing friendships with those more stalwart than ourselves—colleagues who aren’t afraid to “level with us,” who are more impressed with character than accomplishment.

What about behaviours that spoil friendships? Solomon gives us a list that includes gossip, excessive talking (see 16:28; 17:9), the improper handling of money (see 19:4), anger and self-control issues (see 22:24), and odious and obnoxious behavior (see 27:14).

Finally, we need to understand that going to the next level in God will always require us to discover and develop new relationships. However, we should never discard time-honored, meaningful relationships. Benjamin Franklin once said: “Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing.”

So who needs friends, right? After all, this is America—the great bastion of independence and self-sufficiency.

Think again! Maybe it’s time once more for you and me to hear the sound of grinding metal in our lives. Iron to iron—friend sharpening friend. Lord, give us good friends!

(John Chasteen is a professor of history at the University of North Carolina. This post first appeared as a column in Charisma Magazine).

Filed Under: Guest Authors
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