Sharpened Friends

Knives and boys go together like
peanut butter and jelly

Martin Wiles tells us, "True friends hold one another accountable."

"Boys and knives. When I was young, they went together like peanut butter and jelly. There were two important
 rules: 'Never cut toward you' and 'Be careful with a dull knife.'

I loved knives so I started a collection that included a long hunting knife and several pocket knives. I made a habit of looking at knives in every store I visited. I oiled them and kept them clean. Most importantly, I kept them sharpened.

A knife is still a standard feature in my pocket just like keys and fingernail clippers. I may not need it often, but when I do it’s there — a trusted friend who performs well when available and sharp.

I remember the emptiness I felt when I misplaced a favorite knife . . . and the joy I experienced when I discovered it in a pair of pants I hadn’t worn for a year.

By the very nature of the term, friendships should be beneficial and will be when time and a good cutting edge are present. Friends sharpen other friends. My friends make me a better person.

True friends hold one another accountable. When a genuine friend views another as traveling a destructive path, they confront each other because they care.

Friends help when they see each other experiencing financial challenges or struggling with difficult decisions. Friends stretch my mental capabilities by helping me view ideas with greater clarity.

An authentic friend may attack my ideas, attitudes, or actions but they will never attack me. And that parrots the mindset of our best friend, God, who sharpens us.

God knows who and what we need to help make us the best we can be. He places those we can trust to care for us, challenge us, and sharpen us so we are prepared for what the world tosses at us.

When friends give advice, remember it comes from love. Adverse circumstances, disagreements, and times of testing, like in our trials with Christ, make us stronger."

"As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend." Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)

Sharpened Friends – Martin Wiles

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Senior Editor, Cindy Sproles of www.christiandevotions.us

Photo courtesy of microsoft.com free image gallery

Martin Wiles is a native South Carolinian, author and speaker currently residing in Hodges, South Carolina. He and his wife Michelle are the founders of Love Lines From God http://www.lovelinesfromgod.com/.

Wiles has authored Morning By Morning, Morning Serenity and Grace Greater Than Sin and has served as a regional correspondent for the Baptist Courier. He has also been published in Proclaim, Secret Place ,Word Magic and Fires of Genius.

He is a regular contributor to Christian Devotions, Christian Writers, PCCWebDaily, The WOW Blog, Faith Writers, The Eagle Record, and the Common Ground Herald.

Read Martin’s devotions.

Receive a daily devotion on your Kindle!




Used by permission www.christiandevotions.us

A post from July 21st may be of interest to you: The Treasure of Friendship 

In John C. Maxwell's book, "Failing Forward", he quotes Sam Peeples Jr. to have said: "The circumstances of life, the events of life, and the people around me in life do not make me the way I am, but reveal the way I am." [pg.97] 

"Lord, thank you for the reminder that far from

being stingy You bless us with good things in

abundance. Thank You for Your presence and

the comfort of the promises in Your Word.

Keep praising God from whom all blessings flow."

OUR DAILY BREAD

11/22/12



Today’s treasure truth #4: If you are “born again”,you are saved by grace through faith. Eph. 2:8

Our thought for today: Do you trust God for friends who'll be a good influence on you?

Saturday morning's post:  Do You Want a Life Less Ordinary?  Pocket Devotions

Saturday evening's post: Rest  Ann McCuley

Sunday's post:  God Speaks  Barbara Duram

   

 A devotional book for women contemplating 
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How to Stay Young

 Mary Southerland shares these suggestions with us today:

"1. Throw out non-essential numbers such as your age, weight and height.

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. If you really need a grouch, there are probably family members to fill that need.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Just never let the brain idle.

4. Enjoy the simple things. When the children are young - that is all you can afford. When they are in college that is all you can afford. When they are grown, and you are on retirement, that is all you can afford.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. Laugh so much that you can be tracked in the store by your distinctive laughter.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person that is with us our entire life is ourselves.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it is family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies or whatever. Your home is your refuge.



8. Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Go to the mall, the next county, a foreign country - but not guilt.

10. Tell the people you love how much you love them every chance you get. Never assume they know.

11. Don't worry about things you cannot change or do anything about. Accept them and move on.

12. Read more and dust less.

13. Spend more time with your family and friends and less time working.

14. Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. Recognize these moments now and cherish them.

15. Do not 'save' anything. Use your good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the next blossom of flowers you see.

16. Wear your best outfit to the market.

17. Don't save your good perfume for only special occasions. Use it even if you are going shopping or just to the bank.

18. 'Someday' and "one of these days" should vanish from your vocabulary. If something is worth seeing, hearing or doing, go and see, hear or do it now.

What about you? Are you living each day to the fullest? 

Jesus is all about living an abundant life in the here and now … whatever stage of life that might be for you. Jesus came so that we can live abundantly and eternally. 

Eternity began the moment you accepted Him as your Lord and Savior. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.

Let’s Pray:  Father, I want to live life to the fullest. I want everything you have for me and don’t want to miss a single blessing or trial that is for my good. Please help me keep my eyes on You and celebrate every day and all that it holds. I trust You, Lord, to work all things together for my good and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Who or what is stealing the joy from your life?

What circumstance are you facing that you need to see through God’s eyes and boldly trust Him for?

Look around. What can you find in your life to celebrate?

Are you living out God’s purpose for your life or are you bowing to the wrong audience and listening to the wrong voices?

Today, make the decision to celebrate life and all God has for you.

Read Romans 8:28 and know God is at work to make your life exactly what He wants it to be

How to Stay Young     Mary Southerland 7/23/13 info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com

Be sure to check out the FREE MP3s on Mary’s website.

Need help getting the Word of God into your life? Check out Mary’s Weekly Online Bible Study, Power Up With Proverbs, to learn how to seek and find the wisdom of God for daily life.

Are you ready to begin a new faith adventure? Get a copy of our new book, Trusting God. Connect with me by email or on Facebook.

Let’s pray:  Father, when we think of the above thoughts of Mary's, may we begin to understand Your way for us, that there is to be a good life for each of us. Help us to maintain good attitudes, so we can learn to be satisfied in what our life is now, and how to walk out Your plan for us. We pray in Jesus' 
Name, amen.
                                   
                                     STAYING YOUNG

                                       "The spirit never ages.

                                       The essence of the soul

Is sure and strong forever

And keeps us young and whole!

The body shows that time has passed

When lines enrich the face,

When sight and hearing weaken,

When movement lacks in grace;

And yet we know that deep within

We're winsome, bright and fair,

Just as we were when we were young

And life was ours to dare!"

by Charlotte Pease

Today’s Bible verse: Job 42:12a "So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning."

Today’s quote:  Brenda K. Hendricks – “Like our physical bodies, our souls crave spiritual food. We can choose healthy nourishment through devoting time to Bible study and prayer. Or we can choose to feast on junk. But be sure one way or the other our souls will be fed today.”

Some thoughts today: It is to be understood that God has a plan to use us in the Kingdom. You'll find great fulfillment and true fulfillment.

- Apprehend God’s involvement through prayer. We miss out when we fail to pray.

- God moves in answer to prayer. Imagine what God would do if you pray! 

A popular post:  Sharpened Friends   True friends hold one another accountable.   

[Google images added]

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Samples of Jean's crafts 

http://twitter.com/jeanoathout

http://facebook.com/jean.oathout

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1938499999/  Link to Granny’s Guide to Marriage in Verse  my book with new title and cover for women contemplating marriage.

  {From My Personal Testimony}

#9  I Often Wanted My Own Way

"I often wanted my own way.

Rebellion was still there.

I felt I had something to say

And longed to voice my share."

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DP77URG/  Kindle addition

Happy Thanksgiving

 

~Elisa Morgan- "A study by psychologist Robert Emmons divided volunteers into three groups that each made weekly entries in journals. One group wrote five things they were grateful for. One described five daily hassles. (Google image-Happy Thanksgiving)

The Measurable Power: Prayer Note #92

Dutch Sheets, in his book, Intercessory Prayer, tells us, “It is important to realize that his [God's]power is measurable.

There are cumulative amounts of it. That there are measurable levels of almost any spiritual substance is easily proven.

There are measurable levels of faith. Romans 12:3 says, “as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.” The word ”measure" here is metro from which we get the word ‘meter.’

In other words, God has ‘metered out’ to each a portion of faith; from there it must grow.

There are levels of faith. There are measurable portions of righteousness. There are even measurable portions or degrees of sin. [See Gen. 15:16] There are also measures of grace. [See 2 Cor. 9:8; Acts 4:33].

There are measurable degrees of the power of God. In Mark 6:5, there was a measurable degree of the power of God missing.

The verse says that because of the unbelief of the people in Nazareth, “He could do no miracle there.”

The Greek does not say, ’He chose not to’ or ‘He didn’t.’ It says literally, “He could not” because their level of faith or unbelief had hindered the flow of the power of God. Although He was able to heal a few sick people, He could not work a miracle.

   Certain amounts of this power or river or life must be released in the realm of the spirit to accomplish certain things. Different amounts are required for different things.

    Just as in the natural you need different levels of power for different things, so it is in the spirit realm. It is like the difference between the amount of power it takes to light a flashlight versus a building, or a building as opposed to a city.

    The same thing is true in the spirit. Different amounts of God’s power are needed to accomplish certain things.”

Today's Prayer Note #92 – The Measurable Power, is taken from Dutch Sheets’ book, IntercessoryPrayer (202, 203) 

[Google image added]

[Father, help us ask for more of Your Life power, as we understand now that certain amounts of this power or river or life must be released in the realm of the spirit to accomplish certain things.]

The next Prayer Note will be on 11/27- Differing Measures of Power

Charles Stanley: "When we're wearied by our circumstances, thanksgiving energizes us."

I Sam. 12:24  "Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things He hath done for you." (KJV)

Today's truth #3: If you are "born again", you are forgiven. (Col. 1: 13, 14)

Our thought for today: When we can be thankful for what is not enough, it will become more than enough.

Tomorrow’s post: Sharpened Friends Martin Wiles

 A devotional book for women contemplating marriage and 
looking for godly advice.

   Wisdom for Brides (Christian Marriage, 

Counseling, & Help) 

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse 

jowildflowers@gmail.com

Samples of Jean's crafts 
http://twitter.com/jeanoathout
http://facebook.com/jean.oathout  

Reach Out

Gloria Penwell tells us, "I came across a mother and her two-year-old. The boy was riding his Big Wheel.

He stopped beneath a tree where a limb draped downward. The branch wasn’t low enough for him to touch, but he wanted very much to do so.

He stretched as high as his little arms would reach and still couldn’t grab a leaf.

'Up, Mommy. Up.' He jumped, but to no avail. His mother watched his efforts.

She slowly walked toward him, allowing him enough time to do it on his own.

When he grew frustrated, she gently pulled the branch down to him.

The little guy touched the leaf and a smile spread across his face. He stroked the soft leaf, happy that he could experience it, then he was on his Big Wheel and off for new adventures.

As I watched this little boy, it reminded me how gracious my heavenly Father is to me.

I try and try to do things on my own. I jump and stretch to accomplish things, and just as my frustration hits its limits, God bends the branch for me.

God waits for me to trust him, to reach for him. He promises to be my refuge and fortress. He stands ready to cover and shield me from the world.

Reach out to God, just as a child reaches to their parent.

He will be your strength.

   Precious Father, help me to always lift my arms up to you, to trust you in all things, and to thank you for your loving care. Help me to see you in the things you do for me. Amen.

Put your trust in Him and He will lift you up."

"I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." Psalms 91:2, 4

Reach Out - Gloria Penwell

Gloria Penwell traveled for many years to Christian writers conferences with her husband Dan.

During this time she developed a great love for new writers.
She now teaches and represents AMG Publishers at writers conferences.

Gloria is a mother of four and grandmother of eight wonderful grandchildren.

When she's not traveling, she spends as much time as possible with them. She also is a patient advocate for her disabled sister.

Read Gloria's devotions.

Receive a daily devotion on your Kindle!

(Used with permission by http://www.christiandevotions.us/ 
& Gloria Penwell  gpenwell44@yahoo.com
(Google image added)

When Words Puddle on Paper

Posted: 07 Apr 2014 04:00 AM PDT

by Cathy Baker

"Words hold power.

I can testify to this truth after recently having led a Writing to Heal workshop at a retreat for mothers who've lost children of any age.

Our goal during each session was simple: Take what's on the inside and put it on paper.

The handout provided a list of writing prompts, such as:

I am...
I wonder...
I hear...
I see...

The prompts were simple—filling it out was anything but for these moms." 

(Be sure to check out Cathy's post today, as it holds help for those who've lost a child.)

Michael Brooks asks, "When was the last time you sought after God? How does your approach to life's daily challenges reflect your faith? Do you allow the Lord to comfort you in times of distress or are you still trying to manage your own affairs? How bad does it need to be before you call upon the Lord? Don't wait any longer. No problem is too big or too small for the Lord."

The Testament League  4/25/14

Let’s pray:

   Father, this message of Gloria's, reminds me how gracious You've been to me, when I've tried to do things on my own. 

   Please help me to reach up to You each time I have a need, even when it's only a small problem.

   I know that You love me, and that You are the perfect gentleman, who waits for me to ask.

   I am asking now, to become more free in reaching for Your embrace and help.  In Jesus' Name, amen.

Today’s Bible verse: 

(Is. 26:3) "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind 
is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

Today’s quote: 

Gwen Smith – “We are distracted cravers when we expect our people, places and things to fill our hearts as only God can. God loves us so much. Why do we forget this all the time? His plan is perfect and we can trust Him. He knows our needs and desires. When we seek Him as the answer instead of for the answer, God enables us to rest in confidence that He’s working on our behalf and in our best interest, to bring glory to Himself through our lives.”      

Some thoughts today: 

- As Christians, we can function as God's witnesses, as we face each day with hope and Life.

- Your life has a purpose! If you're rejecting God's offer of salvation, it doesn't change His Hand upon you.

-The "work" has been accomplished by Christ's death and resurrection, so the door to heaven is open now!

4th- Sunday’s post:  Thrive Where You Are Planted                                                                                      Kathy Bellows

4th- evening post:  Let Me Explain...  
                                           Jean Oathout

6th- Tuesday's post:  #81  She Is An Intercessor  
                                          C. Peter Wagner

8th- Thursday's post:  #82  Life-Saving Intercession 
                                           C. Peter Wagner

A popular post:

 Sharpened Friends  Martin Wiles tells us, "True friends hold one another accountable. Boys and knives. When I was young, they went together like peanut butter and jelly."

Samples of Jean's crafts

http://twitter.com/jeanoathout

http://facebook.com/jean.oathout

1

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse

Bridal Shower Devotional: Bridal 
Wisdom for Women

Things That Make Me Happy

Jean Oathout has some 
thoughts for us to consider:

It does seem, that when we obey the Lord's promptings, He brings other blessings we need, too.

The following are a few things I'm thankful for, that make me happy:

#1 Recently, a friend mentioned her new cleaning schedule, and as I was interested, I inquired what it was.

She had been advised to plan a certain chore for each day in the week, thus dividing it up into easier, more manageable ways to keep her house clean and neat.

My dad died when I was six, so my mother had to work five days a week. I learned from her to clean when company was expected. Otherwise, things just mounted until time was made to do something about it.

I find that that habit has been a burdensome way for me to follow.

I've begun delegating a main chore for most days, and what a difference it has made! I think the Lord has used it to free me up in other ways.

Now, for example, I look forward to different challenges in getting projects clean instead of dreading them. I'm sensing a joy, but can't explain it. I'm thankful to be able to enjoy my home more.

I'm also finding a willingness to pitch things I now find I'm tired of saving, and don't see a need of. When I look for something in particular, I take time to clean as I go, (I actually discovered some money in a drawer which I'd forgotten about. It will come in handy for a dentist bill coming up!)

I notice drawers that I haven't investigated for probably years, that I have no idea their contents...more projects that will be waiting. 

I'm finding that every week doesn't turn out the same, (as life changes), and I do what I can to adjust the cleaning schedule. A friend told me of a 15-minute idea for cleaning. Set the timer, and tackle a project for that amount of time!

#2 Another new habit I have is sitting quietly before the Lord early in the day. It causes me to become more sensitive to His presence, and more willing to wait on His leading in my prayer time.

(I found a station on Pandora which I listen to, "Hymns 4 
Worship Radio", that helps me concentrate on the Lord. I 
especially enjoy this music as it has music that I am familiar 
with.)

#3 I've begun to walk in the freedom from eating things that I know aren't good for my health. When I ask the Lord for help, I see it really does make a difference! When I'm tempted, I find that I can resist things, and simply walk away. 

The book I've been reading: Lysa Terkeurst, MADE TO CRAVE. SATISFYING YOUR DEEPEST DESIRE WITH GOD, NOT FOOD, is a great book. 

What I've read so far has helped me to recognize the thoughts that have tripped me up so many times, like "This a special time", and "Everyone else is doing it". I have to stop and remember why I'm not eating such things, and what my goals are.



I'm trying to choose foods 
that are better for my health.




#4 Other activities that tend to make me happy are; serving on our church's worship team and 
the First Impressions Team, attending a writers 
by-weekly group, and a weekly ladies home 
group, and receiving counsel on my finances.

#5 Recently, I helped welcome my new granddaughter, Savanah. She is in Catskill, NY with her mommy and daddy,(my youngest son, John). 

That  was a joy to me, and 
hopefully, a help to them. 
John and I traded places each 
day, so he could go to the 
hospital after work, and be 
with Leah and Savanah. 

#6 The thing that makes me the most happy is 
my relationship to God, through Christ Jesus. Life 
is well worth living with His guidance, blessing, 
provision, protection, companionship, and presence.

#7 I'm thankful for this blog, Treasures in Christ, for in the challenges I receive through the various authors' messages I share, there will be more changes for me; and with changes, there will come new freedoms to walk in.

#8 The following is a very important admonition from a friend, and I highly recommend we follow it:

A Different Kind of Diet

by Frances Gregory Pasch

"I recently discovered

A different kind of diet.

I hope that when you read about it

You will want to try it.

It nourishes your spirit,

Gives your face a special glow;

It reaches deep into your soul

So peace and joy will grow.

Just set aside ten minutes

On your calendar each day,

 For time along with Jesus

To worship Him and pray.

Cast all your cares upon him;

He'll lighten up your load.

With Him in charge of all you do

 You'll walk a smoother road.

Soon you'll find you crave more time

 Instead of wanting less.

A daily diet of God's Word

Is guaranteed to bless."

Double Vision: Seeing God in Everyday Life through 

Devotions and Poetry by Frances Gregory Pasch published 

by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas.

Used by permission

Let’s pray:

   Father, The information given today may be challenging to us, but as we're on the road to progressive improvements, may we be honest to admit our need for You to help us.

   Whether it is chores, eating habits, or making a regular diet of Your Word, help us respond in such a way that our lives are blessed.

   Help me crave more of You in every part of my life, so I can please You, and be more productive in my Christian walk.

   In Christ's Name I pray. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: 1 Sam. 12:24 "Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things he hath done for you."

Today’s quote: Jennifer Benson Schuldt – “Many of us suffer from the pain of abandonment, rejection, and betrayal. Despite all of this, through Christ we can understand the sacrificial, compassionate, and enduring nature of true love. Today, remember that you are loved by God. Jesus said so with His life.”

Some thoughts today: Allow God to control your desires. He is well able! Surrender them, and trust in His ability to help you.

- Christ makes us alive, and can deliver us from all hurts and sin. Ask Him to heal you! He is Faithful! 

- Repent, and make it right, my friend. Allow Him to cleanse you, and give you New Life and a hope for your future!

25th- Tuesday’s post:  #69  Aarons and Hurs  C. Peter Wagner

27th- Thursday's post:  #70  Recruiting Prayer Partners  C. Peter Wagner

29th- Saturday's post:  Releasing Secrets, Restoring Hope  Gwen Smith

30th- Sunday's post: The Little Tent  Dave McCasland

A popular post:  Sharpened Friends   Martin Wiles tells us, "True friends hold one another accountable."

Such beauty is on its way again! Have faith! 
Your Father loves you, my friend, 
for He created things like this to tell you so!
Can you imagine the smell already?

jowildflowers@gmail.com

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