No Better Friend

         "There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

Proverbs 18:24b

It's good to have earthly friends; the world would be a lonely place without them.  The truest friendship is shown in action. Talk costs us nothing, but action always has a price. Even if we show up just to listen to a friend, it costs us the time involved. Jesus counted the cost of being a friend to sinners and paid the ultimate price -- His life. He redeemed us by the shedding of His blood for the forgiveness of our sins.  He sent His Holy Spirit to live within us, to comfort us and guide us. Now Jesus stands before the Father as our intercessor and one day He will return to gather us to Himself. There can be no better friend than Jesus Christ.  The Friend who sticks even closer than a brother.

The Power of Three

"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.

 For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.

 Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone?

 And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart."

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Everyone needs a friend. A friend encourages us when we're down, stands by us when everyone else has left, and challenges us to turn around when we're headed the wrong way. Work is always easier when someone helps, and the cold is less noticeable when you're with someone. The most rewarding friendships are those where Christ is the common bond. For though there is more strength in two than one, when Jesus is present and acknowledged the friendship becomes eternally strong.

A Friend In Need

"Make every effort to come before winter."

2 Timothy 4:21a

Paul is writing to Timothy from a Roman prison. His letter is full of exhortation regarding how Timothy should carry out his ministerial responsibilities. Then, in the final paragraphs, Paul's words become more personal. He asks Timothy to come to him soon, and to bring his cloak and books, especially his parchments. Paul names those who have deserted him. All have gone, except Luke. He requests that Timothy bring Mark.  Just before he ends the letter, Paul extends one more plea to Timothy, "Make every effort to come before winter." Perhaps Paul wanted his coat in the cold prison cell before winter set in. Or maybe he was concerned for Timothy's traveling safety and wanted him to arrive before the harsh weather. Whatever the reason, he loved Timothy and wanted him near. God places friends in our lives to help us in our time of need. We just have to be humble enough to ask them for assistance.