Monday, July 27, 2009

How Far for a Friend?

How far would you be willing to go for a friend? Would you be willing to loan her your favorite outfit? Jewelry? Your car? Money? How about babysit her kids? Would you stay by her side during tough times? Like separation. Or divorce. Or illness. Sure we would. To the best of our ability and our resources. We want to be a friend who's there during both the good and bad. And the truth is that we need that kind of friend. A good friend. Remember that guy from my last post. The one with the name that no one can pronounce. He made history simply by being a friend. Yeah, him. Hushai. Well, just in case you're not into those old-timers, I won't share the whole story; however, if you like details, you can find them in 2 Samuel 15-18. I do want to give you a few highlights about Hushai though.
  • He was loyal to his friend, King David, when those closest to David betrayed him.
  • He almost single-handedly turned the tide of treason and restored the throne to David.
  • He risked his life for his friend.

What was that about risk his life for a friend? Now wait a minute. Risk my life. That's going too far. Seriously.

But, that's the question though: How far will we go for a friend?

Would we give our life for a friend? Surely, that's going where no man has gone before. No friend would be willing to do that. Right?

Wrong.

I have a friend who did just that. He gave His life so that I could live. Actually, He didn't give His live just for me. Although, He would have.

He gave His life for you, too.

His name? Jesus.

"And being found in appearance as a man, He [Jesus] humbled Himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!" (Philippians 2:8)

Incredible! To go that far. To die. On a cross.

For me. For you.

But that's exactly what He did. While we were still His enemy.

Because of our sin.

He died for us.

So that we could become His friend. So that He could give us abundant life now. And hope. Peace. Joy.

So that He could give us eternal life. Forever. With Jesus.

What a Friend!

What love!

Do you think that you might need a friend like that?

If you'd like to know more, feel free to E-mail me at -- debcarroll@ymail.com . I love to talk about my best Friend.

Sweet dreams,

Deb

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14 comments:

  1. Lemonade Makin' MamaJuly 27, 2009 at 11:08 AM

    Thanks so much for your sweet comment this weekend! I'm still struggling up out of the mountain of laundry from a long weekend camping trip, but wanted to just stop by really quick. It's wonderful to "meet" you!

    Blessings,
    Sasha

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  2. Lyla LindquistJuly 27, 2009 at 12:25 PM

    You don't fail to proclaim Gospel here. And I so appreciate that.

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  3. Crown of BeautyJuly 27, 2009 at 8:35 PM

    What a friend we have in Jesus, Deb! It never ceases to amaze me how far He has gone for me, to save me, and give me an eternal abode in heaven!

    Thanks for this post, and how beautifully you wove the story of friendship of Jesus with us around the friendship of Hushai with David.

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  4. elaine @ peace for the journeyJuly 28, 2009 at 7:32 PM

    What a friend, indeed! I'm not sure I could lay down my life for a friend. Family for sure.

    You've given me a good pondering tonight. Oh that I would hold loosely this life that I adore and be willing to lay hold of the hem of his garment. Where he leads, I pray I'll follow.

    peace~elaine

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  5. JoyfulJuly 29, 2009 at 7:16 PM

    What a friend we have in Jesus!

    Thank you for beautifully directing my thoughts tonight. My heart is filled with praise and thanks.

    He is a faithful friend.
    Blessings,
    Joy

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  6. AnonymousJuly 29, 2009 at 9:04 PM

    Visiting over from SITS. Hope you're enjoying camping and thank you for the beautiful reminder of what kind of friend we have in Jesus.

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  7. AmyJuly 29, 2009 at 10:27 PM

    Visiting from SITS! I think God sent me to your blog tonight. I just finished pouring my heart into a post on my blog about being a friend. Today I am thanking God that he provided me with a friend that is always with me despite my flaws.

    Please check out my blog, I would love to hear your thoughts.
    girlfriendsgetreal.blogspot.com

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  8. AnonymousJuly 30, 2009 at 10:12 AM

    I'm moving in a week away from friends God blessed me with for the past 18 years. I know that God has friends ready to help lift me up when I'm down. It's amazing how God always provides the best!

    You always write such lovely, God-inspired posts!

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  9. Priscilla - The Wheelchair MommyJuly 31, 2009 at 6:48 PM

    wOW!! vERY powerful!! Thanks for visiting me :)

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  10. jennie.newlandJuly 31, 2009 at 7:58 PM

    Thanks so much for coming to my blog! I am so glad that you did because I feel we could be great friends, because you see, really we are sisters because we have the same Father! I am in LOVE with the ministry that you do here. I am working on a pretty powerful post about something that happened to me yesterday I'm just waiting to get the pictures to go with it. Thanks so much, I can't wait to get to know you!

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  11. Decor mammaAugust 1, 2009 at 12:10 AM

    Thanks for visiting my blog today...your kind words made my day! I so admire your faith. God really is an amazing friend...thank you for reminding me!

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  12. Teresa @ ♥ Too Many Heartbeats ♥August 1, 2009 at 10:29 AM

    Hi Deb! I am so thankful that you stopped by my blog and left a comment. I'm especially thankful because it led me to YOUR awesome blog. It has been a true blessing reading your post today about the awesome friendship of our Lord Jesus. I am so thankful to say that I know Jesus and I am glad to call Him my Forever Friend. He has been with me through so many difficult trials in my life and no matter what, I can always depend on Him.

    I have truly enjoyed reading your blog and I look forward to reading more and getting to know you better. Thank you so much for committing your life to telling everyone about our Lord Jesus. I know there will be a big, beautiful crown waiting on you when you get to Heaven. What a glorious day that will be!

    I will see you again soon!

    Faithfully Serving Him~

    Teresa <><

    http://toomanyheartbeats.blogspot.com/

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  13. Farmgirl PaintsAugust 1, 2009 at 10:51 AM

    Great post Deb. I love your bold witness for Christ. He will definitely bless you for being such a soul winner!!

    Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

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  14. DebAugust 1, 2009 at 11:10 AM

    Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts with me.

    I love reading your comments.

    ReplyDelete

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