None of us can deny that friendships have a huge impact on us. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” How many of us can think of a time when a good friend … Continue reading Gooder
friends
Want to be steady for someone? Don’t be zig-zaggy
For the better part of a week I’ve been touching on the idea of being a person of your word. I’ve talked about keeping track of your promises, keeping your promises, what to do when you haven’t kept your word, and how your reliability can be someone else’s stability. Let me share another idea that … Continue reading Want to be steady for someone? Don’t be zig-zaggy
Wounds from a friend
Proverbs 27:6 says: “Wounds from a friend can be trusted…” But what in the world does that mean? It means that true friends are in a unique position of trust in our lives. They care about us (and we care about them). Because of that, they can be honest. Although we tend to like honesty, … Continue reading Wounds from a friend
Make time for fun
Having fun is fun. But do you know what? Some people probably don’t do fun things as much as they should. Or, when they do something fun, they feel bad about it. Why? Because they know about people who are struggling, and feel bad or guilty that they’re out having a good time anyway. But … Continue reading Make time for fun
The ear of gossip
When I think of the word gossip I think of Rachel Lynde from Anne of Green Gables. She constantly snooped, made judgments, and then scattered her version of the “news” to other people around the town of Avonlea by flapping her unstoppable gums. But hear what it says in Proverbs 17:4 (NLT): “Wrongdoers eagerly listen to … Continue reading The ear of gossip
God sometimes uses miracles, but he often uses this
Have you ever prayed for a miracle and it didn’t happen? Have you ever wondered why God didn’t act? Have you ever been told that you just didn’t believe enough? In these moments we can feel very alone or angry or disillusioned—as if God’s apparent silence meant (or means) that he doesn’t care… or maybe … Continue reading God sometimes uses miracles, but he often uses this
Advice that only a friend can give
Some people have annoying habits and don't do anything about them. But what if that annoying person was you? Here's what to do about it with the help of a friend.
The best way to stand up for someone?
Sometimes standing up for someone is simpler than you think. Just take this advice from a 2-year old...
Fertilizing Joy
[Notice - Since I’m away for vacation in August (yahoo!) the devotionals you’ll receive for these four weeks are some favourites from the past few years. Consider them previews from my upcoming book: “Up! – 313 Devotionals To Help You Start Your Day In A Biblical, Relevant Way.”] Joy. It’s listed as one of the “fruit … Continue reading Fertilizing Joy
A companion of fools suffers harm
Lately I’ve been thinking about how wildly impressionable we humans are. It’s not always a bad thing, but I think it really is the truth. One study I read suggested that you’re more likely to have warm and favourable thoughts toward someone you’re talking to if you’re holding a warm drink at the same time. … Continue reading A companion of fools suffers harm
