And friends are friends forever

Our Daily Bread
I am so very fortunate to have the bestest best friend in the world.  When we talk, we are sensitive to what "mode" we are to be in at that moment.  Should I be in "best friend" mode where I say the startling truth no matter how much it might hurt (said in love of course) or "best friend" mode where I need to let him vent and add at the end "That beee-yotch!"  ha!  We have been there for each other in thick and thin.

The devotional gave me a new insight on a Christian friendship.  While I am fortunate to have many Christian friends, I never thought of this:
"A true friend is a gift from God and one who points us back to Him." - Our Daily Bread

The "pointing back to Him" part can be awkward at times.  No one wants to hear that they might need to take a step back and double check with God about something.  Saying it in Christian friendship and love is key here.  For the record, I suck at this approach, especially if the person is as stiff-necked as me.  I have a tendency to go overboard in my delivery.  I am praying about this....

Lord, thank you for friends.  They truly are a gift from God.

Teaching Tuesday
The lesson this week was a little odd in my opinion, but it was very interesting.  The first part of it was about Micah, a prophet contemporary of Isaiah.  Isaiah focused his energies on the southern kingdom.  Micah focused his energy on the northern kingdom.  It was interesting to read about the different perspectives of the city dweller, Isaiah, and the rural prophet, Micah.

The lesson then went back to Deuteronomy.  I finally figured out the reason why.  King Josiah was during the time of Isaiah and Micah.  Apparently, the book of Deuteronomy was rediscovered during his reign.  He read it and was moved to follow it to the letter.  He did all the right things when it came to worshiping YAWH according to the D source.  Very cool!

The book mentions this prayer that I copied to include in my prayers during the week.  It is from the Yom Kippur liturgy:

Our God and the God of our fathers, may our prayers come before You, and do not disregard our supplication. For we are not so bold and stiff-necked to say before you, oh God and God of our fathers, that we are saints and have not sinned; rather we and our fathers have sinned. We have sinned with guilt, we have betrayed you, we have stolen, we have spoken wrongly, we have sinned willfully, and have caused others to sin, we have sinned on purpose, we have forced others to give us things, and we have lied. We have given bad advice, we have falsified, we have made fun of others, we have rebelled, we have cursed others, we have strayed from the proper path, have turned others away, we have committed crimes, we have been wicked, we have been stiff-necked. We have been terrible, we have been corrupt, we have been abominable, we have turned astray and have made others turn astray. We have turned away from your commandments and your good laws, but it wasn’t worth it! And you are righteous about all that happens to us, for you do right, and we have sinned.  -- Holy City Prayer Society

 May this be our prayer today!
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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit - Romans 15:13