Gods News For Today ~ Friday June 28th 2019
Studied in the king James Bible
FRIENDS
Have you ever had a friendship that had positive and negative aspects as well? I believe everyone has, I remember a friend of mine his name was Josh. We grew up together, doing everything together, sharing our fears and beliefs, made fun of girls until we realized girls were for loving.
Josh's family never went to church, so that was pretty much the only thing we didn't do together. Yep, there's nothing that could come between us, at least that's what I thought. When I was 16 years young, I accepted Christ into my life and became a new person. I was excited and couldn't wait to tell my best friend. What a surprise after I told him what I thought was the greatest news ever. And what a surprise I had when his face showed no excitement, only showing disappointment and disapproval.
"How could you do that Eric, Josh said with an upsetting voice, you know I don't believe in religion. And if there is a God why did he let my father be murdered and leave me and mother alone? That's when I began hating God Eric, and when someone talked about Him, I'd make fun that they believed in a God they could not see. I just don't understand why you did this Eric."
I tried to explain how good my life would be and his as well, but my baby Christian brain didn't know what to say. So, I asked our pastor that next Sunday, but what he told me upset me even more.
He said that it's hard for Christians to be friends with a nonbeliever, because they might lead the Christian astray just by living their non-believing life style. They can also provide false comfort and bad advice as Job’s friends did, making his suffering worse and displeasing the Lord, see (Job 2:11-13,) 6:14-27, 42:7-9) (Job 2:11-13) 11 Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him. 12 And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven. 13 So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.
(Job 6:14-27)14 To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty. 15 My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away; 16 Which are blackish by reason of the ice, and wherein the snow is hid: 17 What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place. 18 The paths of their way are turned aside; they go to nothing, and perish. 19 The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them. 20 They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed. 21 For now ye are nothing; ye see my casting down, and are afraid. 22 Did I say, Bring unto me? or, Give a reward for me of your substance? 23 Or, Deliver me from the enemy's hand? or, Redeem me from the hand of the mighty? 24 Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred. 25 How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove? 26 Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind? 27 Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig a pit for your friend.
Job 42:7-9) 7And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. 8Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job. 9So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job.
I told the pastor that Josh and I had been friends our whole life and that I loved him as a brother. The pastor told me he understood and that he wished he could change things, and I should be careful not to let him lead me away from Jesus. He also told me that God tells us to choose our friends carefully as Paul told the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 15:33)33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
I left church that day with a saddened heart, one I'd never felt before. I didn't want to do what I had to do. My lifelong friendship had to cease if I wanted Christ in my life. Later that evening I told Josh what pastor Rick had said.
"So, it's like that is it? Josh said. Then you go with this Jesus fool, besides I can't hang with a holy roller. You should leave now Eric." I left, and as I was walking out of his house, He shouted at me. The last words I ever heard Josh say were these, "Why don't you just make Jesus your new best friend ?" I said, “Fine, I will," and I did. Ever since that day my new best friend has stuck with me through many trials and snares. Every night I thank Jesus for being my best friend.
My final thoughts
Folks, I know this is a hard thing to do in the world we live in today, but we as Christians should not befriend folks who may entice us to do wrong. We should be careful and include God heeding advice, if we meet someone that we'd like to be friends with. This will help us make the right decision. And remember folks when choosing a friend, make sure they are on the same path you are, “the path of the righteous.” That’s the only path that leads to friendship with God, which is the goal of a Christian.
Let us all pray together
Lord we try our best to make the right choices, especially when we choose our friends. But our human nature sometimes makes emotional mistakes. So, we ask You to help us remember to include You and Your Father God. This way we will make good friends that are walking with You Lord down that path of righteousness. In Jesus Name we pray, amen.
Rev James Erick