‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭32‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.

So far this week we’ve admitted giving an apology is hard and that we all have messes in our lives. In our key verse, it is refreshing to know that the word of God can make us teachable. In our messes there is a lesson to be learned. Often it is humility. Are you teachable?

We are God’s tender plants. May we always be reachable and teachable. May we always slow down and reflect on teachable moments. Envision God showing you with His love and word. Let’s ask God what areas of our lives need watering.

Let’s pray. Dear God, I desire to be reachable and teachable. Teach me. Shower me. Show me what areas of my life need watering. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭40‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭MSG‬‬ — But all who are hunting for You— oh, let them sing and be happy. Let those who know what You’re all about tell the world You’re great and not quitting. And me? I’m a mess. I’m nothing and have nothing: make something of me. You can do it; You’ve got what it takes— but God, don’t put it off.

Life is messy, right? Often we think our stories are messier than others. In reality, we all have messes in our lives. When we are transparent, we learn that we are not alone. I value the close-knit friendships I have, where transparency comes easily. I also value how God can turn my messes into messages for His Glory.

I love The Message version of today’s verse. It comes right out and says, “I’m a mess.” For me and my life, I can relate. How about you? Does your life seem messy? Have you been able to be transparent? Transparency can lead to the healing of our hearts and minds. It also lets others know that they are not alone. Lauren Daigle reminds us in her song that we will “Be Okay.”

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for walking with me through all of life’s messes. Help me be transparent so that I can bring You glory. Remind me to keep looking up and that it will be okay. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭38‬:‭18‬ ‭ESV‬‬ — I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin.

Do you struggle with the words “I am sorry?” We are human so the natural answer is probably a yes. Last week Deborah shared about friendships. Often our closest friends, especially spouses and our children, don’t always get to hear an apology.

In this verse from Psalms iniquity means sinfulness. Although we may not have physically sinned in our relationships, our thoughts may be sinful. Often our thoughts will determine our words and actions. An apology may not solve everything but it is working toward the humility of our hearts and minds. It is also the first step in healing a bruised relationship.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for the forgiveness we have through Christ Jesus. Give us the humility we need to extend a heartfelt apology when needed. May our thoughts, words, and actions be in line with Your word. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬ — Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:

Join us as we have a chat together to finish up our week on friends. Click here to watch today’s See You Saturday post.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a NIV — 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.

Today I have two challenges for you. First, reach out in a different and special way to your friends. Make a phone call or send a text letting them know how much your friendship means to you and how much you value them. If you want to be very daring, actually write and mail a note. Take the time and attention to show appreciation to your Earthly friends.

Secondly, I challenge you to reach out in a different and special way to Jesus. Do something different than your normal routine to show appreciation for your friendship with Him. Perhaps, light a candle and speak out loud to Him. Another idea is to choose a special item to represent your friendship with Him and place it in a prominent place or in your line of vision. Each time you glance at the object, whisper a prayer of thanksgiving for His friendship. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to let Jesus know how much you value Him.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for sending Him to be my friend. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Proverbs 27:17 NIV — As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

As I have been thinking this week about my various friends and friendships I realize there is one thing they all have in common: I have a connection with all of them. Connection is the lifeline of friendship. Some synonyms for connection include relationship, kinship, affinity, and linkage. Think about how those words relate to your friendships. My relationships are strengthened through being intentional about daily connections such as spending time together, having conversations, phone calls, or texts. My friends and I encourage and challenge one another. How do you foster your relationships?

Now think about your friendship with Jesus? What do you do to strengthen your relationship with Him? How do you stay connected with Him? Do you have a daily time to sit at the feet of Jesus to pray and study His word? If not, I encourage you to make that a priority in growing your friendship with Him.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Help me to be intentional about connecting with my friends and especially with Jesus Christ. Help me to cultivate connections. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Matthew 19:26 NIV — Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Has this week been difficult for you as we have been talking about friends and friendship? Are you someone who doesn’t have many friends nearby? Are you lonely and searching for friendships? The best way to make friends is to be a friend. Making friends requires stepping out of your comfort zone and allowing yourself to be vulnerable. To make friends, find ways you can get involved outside of your home. Perhaps you can volunteer with a community organization. Brainstorm ways to get involved with activities at your church.

When tackling a difficult task, Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just the first step.” Making friends requires stepping out of the boat and walking on water. It may be hard, but you can do it!

Let’s pray. Dear God, Help me to take the first step in faith and trust that You will reveal the rest of the stairs as I need them. Help me to step out of my comfort zone to meet others and be a friend. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.