BFF

We all have that "Best Friend Forever" right?  and that person has never, ever let us down, have they?  What?  They have?  There has been a time when even with the BEST of intentions, not meaning to, our BFF let us DOWN?!?!

Yes, it happens.  Our closest confident repeats words whispered in confidence.  Our dearest friend just isn't "there" for us when we feel like we need them the most.  

Or, worse, it's been US who is the BFF that let someone down!  We didn't mean to, we didn't want to, but our own needs, our own lives just got in the way of "being there" for them.

But there is a friend who truly NEVER lets us down.  Who is always present, always loving, always seeking our best interest and not His own.

But we miss it if we think that friendship comes with no price.  As in ANY friendship, it is a two way street. We expect that our earthly friends will have expectations toward us, because we also have expectations toward them.  Yet there is a friend who willingly gives far more than He ever gets - and He expects no more!

John 15: 9-17

9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

11: “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12: This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13: Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14: You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15: No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16: You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17: These things I command you, that you love one another."

This Best Friend Forever really is Eternal!

ACCOLADES

            Accolades.  We all seek them whether we acknowledge it or not and do you know what?  We all need them.  That’s right.  We need them.  We as human beings need a pat on the back and once in a while someone to come along side of us and assure us that we are on the right path and we are doing the right things.  A father figure if you will that not only gives us encouragement but wise counsel.

            However there is a unhealthy attainment of accolades that some endeavor to get through manipulation and coercion, putting others down, even stepping on them in order that they might get ahead of them to receive a promotion, a title of importance, a place of authority that they might be the one in charge and giving the orders.

            Those with an unhealthy attitude often find themselves constantly covering their tracks, having told lie upon lie in order that they may sound important or even terribly spiritual, but always unequivocally in charge and therefore worthy to be approached only with reverence.  The image that they are creating is hard to live up to even for themselves which usually encourages more lies and hypocritical actions in order that they seem super human; a real live super hero having no faults, shortcomings or weaknesses of any kind.

            Are you looking for accolades? Do you need a pat on the back?  We all do.  We need to know that our existence on this planet means something; we want to exit stage right and leave behind some kind of lasting impression. 

            May I suggest that we find solace in our Heavenly Father and that we find importance in the fact that He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for us.  Steal away from your routines, go to your mountaintop,  your prayer closet or just go for a walk.  Your Heavenly Father wants to put His arm around you, encourage you and give you all the accolades you need and deserve and you just simply have to be yourself.  Be who He has made you to be.  You don’t have to be a super hero or have super human strength.  His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

            Let me tell you: it is a great feeling to come before Him naked, arms open, heart expectant, ready to receive from him the accolades we need and deserve and to obtain them honestly.  It also enables you to give them freely and honestly to others who are struggling in their lives.  

A word in due season brought to you in love by those who know what it is to struggle in the flesh, and how wonderful the release when we rest in the Heavenly Father.  Are you struggling?  We'd love to hear from you.  You may comment publicly by clicking on "COMMENT" below, or send a private prayer request to turnthetideministry@live.com  Our gracious Lord called us to a family that none of us need stand alone.  United we are a strong Body in Christ!