Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Proverbs 27:17 (04/27/23)
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TITLE: Flames of Friendship | Previous Challenge Entry
By Linda Lawrence
05/03/23 -
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Bev and I spent an hour on the phone discussing a book, Becoming Elizabeth Elliot. I suppose you could say Bev and I were being sharpened by Elizabeth. Although she is now with the Lord, she left behind a powerful example and strong words that cut into our apathy. Bev and I laughed at ourselves that the first half of the book spoke to me but it was the last few chapters that stirred her spirit. So often this has been the case. She recommends a movie and I don’t “get it”. I love a song and I see her “ho-hum.” But, explaining our likes and dislikes expands our understanding of each other—and the different worlds in which we live. Bev loves anything that helps her understand our humanness. She brings my too-heavenly-minded ideals down to earthly-good realities that I need to face and address.
Fifty years of friendship, filled with her family's trials and tribulations and my comparatively easier life often left me feeling like a softy—not strong enough to be used for honing her walk with the Lord. But He allowed me to provide a place prepared for her to rest and spend quiet time with Him. Those were sharpening times for me, and strengthening times for her. I learned to listen. She taught me the need to ask more questions.
Rebekah, a friend I’ve met with regularly for twenty years, needs me to pull out what she fears is same old, same old. A follow-up question is needed as proof I’m not tired of listening. This week her confession, once again, of guilt over dreading her dutiful, dull, “required” Bible reading gave me an idea. She’s never experienced feeling God’s delight in her and that leaves her doubting His love. “Okay, Rebekah, you are free to not open your Bible for the next two weeks. His love for you is not dependent on dutiful Bible reading.” I hope fasting will sharpen hunger!
“You’ve told me the only time you feel close to God is when you’re singing worship songs in church. During this time of fasting from Bible reading, try to delight Him by singing to Him. In the morning and in the evening. You know scripture songs that He’ll love to hear you sing to Him. They will feed your soul also. You might even sense His delight in you. Want to give it a try?”
The next day I received this text: Well today didn’t go as planned. I’ve been sick all day. Still had to work. It was rough—worked for 30 minutes then laid down for 10. I finally clocked out at 2:30. The great news though is during my lying down time I sang worship songs in my head. Last night I listened to a Maranatha album–a lot of my favorites. I think your idea is inspired. I have so much calm and joy in my heart, despite a rough day. Looking forward to more time in His Word set to music! Love you!!!
Catherine, my daughter’s age, was looking for a spiritual mother when we met twenty-five years ago. She hungered for spiritual meat and reality. I was actually intimidated by her fervor and self-disciplined life, but the Lord orchestrated our friendship and today we both enjoy the harmony of practicing walking in the Spirit together—still meeting regularly. I was given the privilege of discipling two of her daughters. What joy to be trusted to sharpen their awareness of multiple ways the Lord leads His children. Their family is so different from my family and we learn much from each other’s experiences. Theirs is a family that strives to grow in obedience to the Lord. Believe me, that keeps me on my toes, even though their admonitions are always gentle and respectful. All the more reason for me to intensely take note.
The best part of these one-on-one get-togethers is the Lord’s presence with us. We gather in His name and He is part of each conversation. How do we know He is there? Because He promised.
And because He is there, we measure our words. We know He is listening, and that—more than iron on iron—is what warms our hearts.
Non-fiction
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Nicely done,
Blessings~