Good Friends

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,

I fear no evil; for you are with me;

your rod and your staff—they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

Dear Friends,

Last Sunday, I reflected on how Psalm 23 was a “good friend” to my father as he spent his last few days here on earth. I also shared a few of the Scriptures that are my friends and are ready to ground me or comfort me at any time. For this week’s email update, I thought I’d go ahead and share some of my other Scripture friends with a brief explanation of their meaning for me.

A core verse to remind me that it is God’s grace that heals and saves me:

For by grace you have been saved through faith,

and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—

not the result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

An initial “checklist” to identify whether the Holy Spirit (or some other spirit) is present:

By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.

Galatians 5:22-23

A reminder to not dwell on the negative but to look for the good:

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just,

whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable,

if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  

Philippians 4:8-9

In the midst of hard things, a reminder that God can use even this for the good:

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God,

who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

When it seems like the world is against me, I know that God is for me:

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers,

nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, ^nor height, nor depth,

nor anything else in all creation,

will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39

The “Gospel in a Nut Shell”:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,

so that everyone who believes in him may not perish

but may have eternal life.”  

John 3:16

A mantra to slow down and get grounded when I am stressed:

“Be still, and know that I am God!”

Psalm 46:10

Seeking to expand my sense of “us”:

^“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ^

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”

Matthew 5:43-44

Reminder to show compassion and grace to people… even when what they are doing is harmful:

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Luke 23:34

It’s all about love… God is love.

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. ^Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.

1 John 4:7-8

^

God knows me inside and out and loves me:

For it was you who formed my inward parts;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

^I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Psalm 139: 13-14

What are some of your friends?

Peace,

Pastor Phil