A FRIEND FOR LIFE AND BEYOND

I have a great friend, one I can trust completely. He opens His heart to me, and I feel safe doing the same in return. He knows what’s going on inside my heart and understands what’s important to me.

I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.— Jesus, John 15:15

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.”— Psalm 91:2

The word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword. … It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. —Hebrews 4:12 NLT

I mess up often—that’s the kind of person I am. But my friend never

judges. He always sticks up for me— that’s the kind of friend He is.

Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.— 1 John 3:20 NLT

I judge no one.— Jesus, John 8:15

If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. — 2 Timothy 2:13

He helps me out when I’m stuck. Sometimes, when I can’t figure out where I should be going, He gives me advice. Sometimes He starts down the path so I can follow in His steps. Other times, He shines a light so I can see ahead.

When he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep

follow him, for they know his voice.— John 10:4

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.— Psalm 119:105

I’ve had some pretty rough times recently, when it was hard for me to cope. And there He was, at my side, always ready to help.

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.— Psalm 121:2

I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, “Fear not, I will help you.”— Isaiah 41:13

But He’s not only around when I’m having a hard time; He’s also a great friend to celebrate with and knows all about enjoying life. He strikes a good balance between knowing

when to laugh and be happy, and when to cry and sympathize.

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.— Ecclesiastes 3:4

“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.— Jesus, John 10:10

He’s not my only friend. My other friends do bits and pieces of what He does. But there is no one, absolutely nobody, who is constant like He is.

Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.— Matthew 28:20

He’s not exclusive. He doesn’t look at our size, age, gender, race, or social standing. He’ll accept all who come to Him.

I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all Christians the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.— Ephesians 3:16–19 MSG