Lean on Me...

 

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"Remember that the most valuable antiques are dear old friends."  ~H. Jackson Brown Jr., author

 💛 What do you think of when the word "friend" comes to your mind?  Calling them at any time and for no reason?  Being able to share any secret with them?  Relying on them for honest therapy?  Gut-laughing til your sides hurt?  Loving you through the hard stuff?  

As the U.S. Surgeon General just released a report declaring America is experiencing an 'epidemic of loneliness and isolation', the importance of friendship is screaming at us.  How do we ever get by in this tough world without having and being the kind of friend described above?  As I begin my sixth decade of life, it is so apparent how much I appreciate, value and depend on my friends.  

 💛 For fun, match the quote with the famous friends from our culture: (answers at the end).

A.  "You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you.  You have to go to them sometimes." 

B.  "Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think.  It's splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world."

C.  "John, I don't have friends.  I have one."

D.  "Dean was my brother.  Not through blood but through choice.  Good times and bad, we were there together."

E.  "Check it out. We're bracelet buddies!"

F.  "Go back Sam, I'm going to Mordor alone."  

     "Of course you are. And I'm coming with you."

G.  "You'll always be my best friend,  You know too much."

1.  Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin

2.  Sam and Frodo, Lord of the Rings

3.  Winnie the Pooh & Piglet

4.  Lucy & Ethel

5.  Joey & Chandler, Friends sitcom

6.  Sherlock Holmes & Dr. Watson

7.  Anne Shirley & Miss Barry, Anne of Green Gables

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💛  Our Lord prioritizes friendship in His Word, starting with His friendship with us.  He said in John 15:13  "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends."  And then Jesus laid down His life for us.  

He spoke further:

    John 15:14  He says,"You are my friends if you do what I command."

    John 15:15  He continues, "Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me."

💛   In regard to our friendships with others:

    Prov 27:17  "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend."

    Prov 22:24  "Don't befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul."

    Prov 17:17 "A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need." 

    Prov 18:24  "There are 'friends' who destroy each other but a real friend sticks closer than a brother."

    Prov 27:9  "The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense." 

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Answers: A3, B7, C6, D1, E5, F2, G4

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✙  Lord, You have given us the ultimate friendship that we are so grateful for - the extension of Your hand reaching out to us so we can spend eternity with You.  Our sin separated us from You, but You made a way.  Forgive us for all the times we aren't good friends to You & to others.  Direct our hearts to desire a deeper friendship with You so that it will overflow in our lives to others.  Thank You for constantly desiring our friendship.  Amen.