Does life ever surprise you with the joys and sufferings that happen, sometimes simultaneously? There are so many encouraging things happening in and around our church. People are meeting Jesus. God is saving people as well as transforming lives.
At the exact same time, however, a brief review of my prayer journal reveals people are suffering through job loss, death, and grief. Along with that, there are hospitalizations, accidents, sicknesses, and several other challenging circumstances.
Isn’t that description beautiful? Not a big title. No grand exploits mentioned. Just “the king’s friend.” And not just any king. But King David, the man after God’s own heart. Out of all the military leaders, advisors, and warriors surrounding David, Scripture makes a point to name Hushai for one thing: friendship.
Let’s be honest—we all need a Hushai in our lives. Someone who shows up not because they need anything. But, simply because they care. A friend who stands with you in the palace and the wilderness. One who brings joy and tells the truth. Also, one who reminds you of who you are when you start to forget.
David knew the pain of betrayal (remember Ahithophel?). However, he also knew the strength of real friendship. Hushai stuck by him when others turned away (2 Samuel 15). Additionally, his loyalty helped preserve the kingdom.
Friendship is not a bonus—it’s a lifeline. In Proverbs 17:17, we read: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” And the greatest friend of all? Of course, it’s always Jesus.
Your Friend Jesus
Jesus said, “I no longer call you servants… instead, I have called you friends” (John 15:15). He doesn’t just save us. On the contrary, He walks with us and listens to us. Along with that, He rejoices and weeps with us. That’s the kind of friend He is. And He invites us to be that kind of friend to others.
So, let me ask you something. “Who’s your Hushai? And who are you being a Hushai to?”
Let’s be intentional today. Text a friend. Invite someone for coffee. Open up. Listen well. Laugh hard. Cry if you need to. Pray together. Don’t do life alone.
Without question, we were made for friendship. Even kings need them. And so do we.
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” — Ephesians 5:1-2
These are certainly some marvelous verses! The Apostle Paul is instructing Believers to live like Jesus — the image of the invisible God.
I have always been a fan of biographical TV shows or movies. It’s an amazing experience to watch an actor transform into a historical figure, like Winston Churchill or Johnny Cash. If done well, the viewers feel transported into the room. Additionally, it’s as if we are actually sitting with the real-life person. After watching, we may also feel as if we even know them. And ultimately, we may want to learn more about them.
Have you ever noticed how quick and easy it is to change your diet, clothes, or even your daily routine? But it’s pretty much impossible to change the way you think?? It doesn’t matter how hard you try to shut down certain thoughts. The same temptations and worries always sneak back in.
Well, that’s because the greatest struggle that you and I face each day isn’t around us. Instead, the battle is inside us. It’s in our minds.
Our culture today offers us all kinds of solutions. Download this app. Read this book. Think these thoughts. And some of those things may help for a moment. But, sooner or later, the same thoughts and worries absolutely return. No matter how disciplined or determined we are. We can never truly renew our hearts and our minds. Without a doubt, that work belongs to God alone.
“A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” — Proverbs 22:3 (NLT)
This proverb is very clear. Wisdom isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about being aware. The prudent person sees trouble coming and then makes adjustments. They aren’t so wise that they can see into the future. Instead, they stop to think. “What are the outcomes ahead?” The simpleton certainly doesn’t stop to think. They assume everything will work itself out. And then they just keep walking straight into their decision. Not knowing if it will be a problem or not. It’s not about assuming things will work out. Instead, it’s about having the courage to pause, think about what’s ahead, and have the humility to course correct.
Every once in a while, I get myself into a situation where I know I’ve been misunderstood. There are also times when I realize that I’ve misunderstood what somebody was trying to tell me. Without a doubt, we all experience this, don’t we?
As I’ve thought about this, I’m struck by the story in Joshua 22 (verses 10-34). It’s an example of a misunderstanding that certainly could have ended in disaster. In fact, if one group of people hadn’t explained themselves to another group, there would have been a war.
In the midst of day-to-day life, it’s so easy to get caught up in our complaining and disputing world. At least for me, anyway. I’m as guilty as anyone. On the side, I prowl the headlines in an effort to get the scoop. As a pastor, I feel as though I ought to know (at least a little) of what’s going on. Then perhaps I won’t be caught off guard.
But, I can too easily enter the wormholes of bad information. And it influences my soul. Of course, this has probably never happened to any of you. However, on occasion, I’ve looked up from my phone, gasping for clarity. Then I ask myself, “Why am I even reading this?”
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” — Acts 3:19-20 (NIV)
In Acts 3, Peter performed a miracle—he healed a man who couldn’t walk. The crowd was amazed. However, Peter didn’t bask in the attention. Instead, he used that moment to speak hard truth with bold love.
He told the people to repent and turn to God. Their sins would be wiped away. Times of refreshing would come from the Lord. That hard truth wasn’t just for the people in that crowd. He meant it for all of us. It doesn’t matter if you’re 16 or 60. Maybe you’ve followed Jesus for decades. Perhaps you just recently surrendered to Him. Peter’s message still applies to you today.
“For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 2:20-21
In April, my sons and I watched part of the Masters golf tournament. While watching, I realized something strange was happening; no one had a cell phone. The tournament had banned them from the event. The TV commentators even mentioned that people were really present in the moment.
Ephesians 3:14a (NIV84) “For this reason I kneel before the Father…”
Last Thursday, my wife (Mary) and I put our 20+ year-old furniture on the driveway with “FREE” signs attached. We then held hands and prayed, “Lord, have someone take these before the day is over.” Four hours later, a neighbor a few doors down claimed the well-worn couches for her daughter. Soon after, Mary and I held hands (again) and thanked the God who answers prayers!
