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 CONSIDER MAGAZINE Volume 1, 2005 Editorial: Garreth L. Clair
... Ending our First Year of Publication ...
ConsiderMagazine.com had its beginning the middle of January 2005 with the able help of my good friends, Bill and Erin Kirke. The magazine is an ongoing process by the editor, the work is more complex than I had thought. Indeed, it is good to have high expectations of oneself but sometimes we have a tendency to tackle projects that are much more involved than we thought in the beginning. The work that we are doing with considermagazine.com is such an undertaking.
As time has passed I have been working to make the online magazine an aid for those seeking help with Bible [i.e. the book] related concepts and other related Bible questions, the areas that we need to cover also expand. I do not fully know at this point where we will be [i.e. in relation to this effort's progress] at this time next year with volume 2 of the magazine. Many of you have assisted me with ideas and good articles, news, and suggestions relating to important subjects and issues. The greatest effort in the coming year will be to have as much success and improvement as during 2005.
The News and sermon pages are two of the most popular pages seekers hit on in searching the magazine, I will continue to add news items of interest for those involved in a search for change and information about religious issues.
If you as one of our readers have news items that would be of interest to a greater audience please send them to me via email at glclair@sbcglobal.net or glclair@aol.com
As the New Year [i.e. 2006] comes upon us, let us appreciate the opportunities that will be ours to use to the glory of God, May we encourage one another as we also encourage the lost ones to join with us as true Christians with a desire to always extend the influence of Jesus Christ.
CONSIDER THIS FACT:
Matthew 6:33-34, "But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." ASV
OTHER FACTS ABOUT THE EDITOR THIS YEAR
EDITOR CELEBRATES 7OTH BIRTHDAY [October 14, 2005]
Garreth Clair has finally reached an age when he can no longer deny that he is getting old, Seventy is getting old! While I realize that age is slowing me down, I have no intention of throwing in the towel. I want to continue working for God as long as I am able to consciously do an acceptable and dignified service for Him.
One thing that I am continually thankful to God for is that He has allowed me to live longer than I had expected. I do not know when I will finally finish my life here on the earth, so I will continue to study, write, preach, visit, pray, teach, call, and do whatever I can to interest other people in the good things that God can do for them if they will let Him. The apostle Paul's message at the end of his life is a message that all teachers and preachers hope for, when he said --- 2 Tim 4:6-8, "6 For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: 8 henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing." ASV --- "Me too!"
FORTY-SIX YEAR (Anniversary)
Today (March 7, 2007), marks the 48th year of the editor’s marriage to Barbara. These years have all been good years with lots of good times and happy days, yet there have been occasions of unhappiness (death of loved ones – serious sicknesses – lack of dedication to God of some – and other problems), yet if we had it to do over again, we would! There are reasons for our happiness in spite of the problems of living that are common to everyone, our undiminished faith in God to carry us through because we are faithful and our untiring desire to go to heaven someday has aided us in staying the course, as the apostle Paul says, 2 Timothy 4:6-8.
CHURCH WEBSITE – ARCHIVES-2005 4840 Cemetery Road - Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Garreth L. Clair
THOUGHT FOR JANUARY 2005: The winter has set in here in Ohio with a lot of ice and snow, the weather is very cold with 7 to 40 degree temperatures. The winter is a time when many older folks spend more time indoors, probably reading the Bible, praying, and taking care of physical problems. The rest of us are busy coming and going to worship, Bible study, and generally trying to do the right thing. Well, well; life goes on, perhaps we will all thaw out in March.
THOUGHT FOR FEBRUARY, 2005: God is always good to mankind. God will never do anything that will cause man to sin, man sins whenever he turns away from God's instruction and rebels against God's laws.
THOUGHT FOR MARCH, 2005: There will always be a need for people to improve their lives; will you improve your life this year - 2005? Perhaps you will seek God's way during this year, please feel free to come together with us - 4840 Cemetery Road in Hilliard, Ohio as we worship God regularly. You may find that we do serve God according to the Bible.
THOUGHT FOR APRIL, 2005: Are you preparing for a Spring, Summer, and Fall of warm weather, vacation, going to the park, etc. - If you are not planning for a continued and growing relationship with God too you are unwise.
THOUGHT FOR MAY, 2005: It is always right to obey the Lord's instructions. Many people do not understand this principle of true religion but Solomon says this is man's all" - Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, "13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil" (NKJV).
THOUGHT FOR JUNE 2005: Just finished a good gospel meeting with Gary Fiscus, Gary is a good preacher with good sound words to convey, we were happy to have him with us. The church here was edified and all of us were encouraged to live for God.
THOUGHT FOR JULY 2005: If you do not follow the Bible's teaching in all things, then you are not right with God, period. You say you can't follow the Bible! Indeed, would the God of heaven and earth give us a Book of instructions that we could not perform - then condemn us because of our inability to perform - SEE WHERE YOU PUT YOURSELF IF YOU REJECT GOD'S WRITTEN WORD or its PRECEPTS!
THOUGHT FOR AUGUST, 2005: Matthew 6:33 "seek the Kingdom of God” [i.e. the things of God] first in our list of priorities while we live in this world.
THOUGHT FOR SEPTEMBER 2005: Katrina the great storm of 2005 will surely be one of the most destructive and expensive tragedies that has ever hit America. Members of churches of Christ [Including Hilliard] are involved in an effort to assist the brethren on the Gulf Coast with whatever we can; we pray that our efforts will be helpful. Today [Sept. 6, 2005] a number of brethren from churches of Christ have set their sights south, gathering assistance from other churches along the way so that help of our distressed brothers in Christ may be delivered. Pray with us that our efforts are carried out successfully with no injuries to the messengers and workers.
THOUGHT FOR OCTOBER 2005: This month I will turn 70 Years of Age [October 14]. It seems like only a short time ago that I was a small boy playing in the back yard with my brothers. Time sure does pass fast - Ecclesiastes 12:1, 'Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, "I have no pleasure in them": NKJV
THOUGHT FOR NOVEMBER 2005: Be careful of busybodies who meddle in things that they know nothing about - many good relationships have been destroyed by believing the false gossip of a tale bearers.
THOUGHT FOR DECEMBER 2005: Matthhew 6:33-34, 33 But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. ASV
CONSIDER MAGAZINE Volume 2, 2006 Beginning Our 2nd Year of Publication
JANUARY 2006 - NOTES FROM THE CHURCH WEBPAGE
The New Year [2006] has now begun for us here at Cemetery Road in Hilliard. We have an obligation this year just as we have had in every year since we became a Christian to do all those things that God would have us do as named in His Book [i.e. the Bible]. Perhaps we have not really given a great deal of thought to what we ought to do daily, yet we need to always be conscious of who we are, indeed ? we are children of God.
Some of those things that we might want to do pursue in the current year are some of those things that we planned to do for God in the past but just did not seem to find time for them. Maybe this year is the year that we will look carefully at some of the passages of Scripture that we have neglected in the past [i.e. study them and apply them to ourselves], such passages as:
BE A GOOD STEWARD OF ALL THINGS THAT GOD HAS BLESSED US TO ACQUIRE: 1 Cor 4:2, "2 Here, moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." ASV
MEN; UNDERSTAND THAT BECOMING QUALIFIED TO BE AN ELDER [i.e. ONE OF THE PASTORS] IS A GOOD WORK: 1 Tim 3:1, "1 Faithful is the saying, if a man see catch the office of a bishop, he desired a good work"
WOMEN; BE FAITHFUL TO GOD IN ALL THINGS; 1 Tim 3:11, "11 Women in like manner (must be) grave, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.?
TEACHERS FOR CHRIST, COMMIT YOUR KNOWLEDGE TO FAITHFUL MEN SO THEY CAN CONTINUE THE PROCESS:
2 Tim 2:2, "2 And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."
FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS HELPING OTHERS IS DECLARED BY THE APOSTLE JOHN TO BE A FAITHFUL WORK: 3 John 5, "5 Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal;" ASV
ALWAYS STRIVE FOR THE GOOD THAT GOD REVEALS TO US VIA HIS WRITTEN WORD
ATTENDANCE
What do you plan to do this year about your attendance at the opportunities to study God?s Word and participate in the worship to Almighty God?
Do you plan to do the same this year about your attendance or do you plan to make better use of your time and seek the things of God ? You know that God wants you to seek His things first: Matt 6:33-34, 33 But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.? ASV
Do you plan to worship God regularly, you know that He wants you to do so: John 4:24, "24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth." ASV
Do you plan to study God?s Written Word more this year; you know that God wants you to do so; 2 Timothy 2:15, "15 Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth." ASV
King James Version: "15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
GIVING
Do you plan to give of your money, time, and effort just like you have been doing in the past or do you plan to do better this year with all three things that you possess that can further the cause of Christ in this area [Money, Time, Effort]?
Acts 20:35, "In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring ye ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Eph 4:28, "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need." - See also James 1:27 ? Galatians 6:10 Garreth L. Clair
PERSONAL HEALTH PROBLEMS IN 2006
FIRST REPORT: On 27th of February, 2006 - the editor underwent knee-replacement surgery on the right knee. The surgery went well and after 4 days he was directed to a rehab physicality where he was cared for and assisted to walk and deal with the new knee for 13 days. After the 13 days he came home to further recuperate. 4 days later he returned to the doctor where it was immediately detected that he had an infection in the knee wound. He was hurried from the Dr's office to the hospital where the same night surgery was again performed and the discover of M R S A - Methicillin resistant Staphalococcus Areus "STAPH" was located.
I am now home undergoint intervenous treatement two times a day of 2 1/2 hours duration, I am also being treated by a machine (i.e. VAC) that I am connected to 24 hours a day. Today - Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - I am being cared for at home for the next few weeks
SECOND REPORT: May 17, 2006 --- After 10 weeks of absense from the work here in Hilliard, Ohio due to a total knee-replacement and a 7 week bout with infection I am back at work and making good progress. We have just finished a good gospel meeting with Norman Fultz preaching. We heartily recommend Norman as a good sound and wise elder and gospel preacher. Norman did us good in the selection of sermons. I was able to attend every day of the gospel meeting and resumed my work in the pulpit on May 14, 2006.
Thank you to everyone who have sent letters and cards from many places, also thank many of you for your calls, and some of you for your visits and encouragement.God bless all of you and maybe we will see you sometime in the future if not here in Hilliard.
THIRD REPORT: September 29, 2006 --- Today I am about 90 pecent recovered from the knee-replacement ordeal. I have missed a lot of good association with brethren and have had to decline opportunities offered because of this health event, yet I understand all of it is normal human experience, perhaps a little unusual but never-the-less problems that all of us face in life to some differing degree.
I am happy that brethren have been so kind to me during this time, if it were possible I would repay every statement of encouragement, every card sent to me from near and from far, every phone call received encouraging me, and for every visit while recuperating from this health ordeal.
During this time I have been taught that one must possess patience, one must hold on to God's promises with great determination, and one must never forget the friends of life.
This will be my last report on this matter unless something new arises, I will request of you that you continue to pray for me. Garreth L. Clair
FROM THE CHURCH WEBSITE-ARCHIVES-2006 4840 Cemetery Road, Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Garreth L. Clair
THOUGHT FOR JANUARY 2006: As we begin the New Year let us look at the good things that have transpired during the past year. It is easy to become depressed and discouraged in the Winter time [Dec-March], yet there are so many delightful and uplifting events that we have to look forward to during this year we ought to be filled with joy and expectation.
THOUGHT FOR FEBRUARY 2006: The work here at 4840 Cemetery Road continues to prosper. The spirit of good will, cooperation, and faithfulness to the BOOK continues. Garreth Clair had knee-replacement surgery on the 27, he seems to be doing well.
THOUGHT FOR MARCH 2006: Several men of the congregation are teaching and preaching during Garreth Clair's, recovery from knee-replacement surgery. We have also had several volunteers from other churches in the area to preach one or two sermons during this time.
THOUGHT FOR APRIL 2006: The work continues with Garreth Clair still recuperation, he has contacted a staph infection -he is home recuperating. The work continues with good will continuing and a desire of the membership to grow and prosper in Christ.
THOUGHT FOR MAY 2006: Every day is a blessing from God to enjoy, if you want to live the really good life serve God continuallu. Happiness is found only in a good relationship with God. Whenever one has a good relationship with God, their relationship with others will also be good because they serve God. Gospel meeting rhis month with Norman Fultz.
THOUGHT FOR JUNE 2006: Every day is a good day if one is right with God and can interact with other people in an understandable way.
THOUGHT FOR JULY 2006: Phil 4:8-9, "8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you." ASV
THOUGHT FOR AUGUST, 2006: Every good gift comes from God! Evil and terror is a consequence given to those who seek Satan's path, avoid the path of evil - serve the one true God; "JEHOVAH"
THOUGHT FOR SEPTEMBER, 2006: Hebrews 5:8-9 - "Though He were a son yet learned he obedience through suffering, and became the source of salvation unto all those that will obey Him."
THOUGHT FOR OCTOBER, 2006: 1 John 2:15-17, "15 Love not the world , neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vain glory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." ASV --- SEE YOU AT HE GOSPEL MEETING - Speaker: Billy Ray Ford - October 15-20, 2006.
THOUGHT FOR NOVEMBER, 2006: James 1:19-20, "19 Ye know (this), my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak , slow to wrath: 20 for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." ASV
THOUGHT FOR DECEMBER, 2006 One may disobey God in five ways: 1.Do what God forbids 2.By refusing to do what God authorizes 3.Adding to the Word of God 4.Taking from the Word of God 5.Substituting for what God has commanded From Cecil Willis ...
CONSIDER MAGAZINE Volume 3 - January 2007 Beginning our 3rd year
January 1, 2007 - Today we begin a New Year of hope for the future. I am including a copy of the letter that I have sent to all of the members of the church here on Cemetery Road in Hilliard and to a few good friends in other places.
The letter to our brethren and friends:
HAPPY NEW YEAR [2007] FROM GARRETH AND BARBARA
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
We are thankful this year for each of you and for the collective good that we have accomplished together in God’s service. The work of the church here has experienced continued peace, growth, and sincerity as each one of you together with us have contributed to the success of the work as a whole. Surely the Godhead is pleased with the work that this good congregation continues to do.
Please know that we are thankful for your kindness and support while I have experienced serious health problems during this year of 2006. I do not believe that I could have survived this year without your prayers, constant care, and gifts that you have so abundantly bestowed on Barbara and me. There is no way that we will ever be able to repay you for the kindness, mercy, love, and consideration you have shown us.
We will, by God’s great grace continue to work continually together with you to make our calling together and election sure. We will extend ourselves beyond our ability if that were possible to assist in our collective preparation to someday meet our Savior and hear that welcome home my faithful ones.
Let us therefore with renewed appreciation for our relationship together with the Godhead do whatever we can do to promote growth, both in knowledge and numbers. We will not become tired or overburdened with the needs of others but will become renewed each time a crisis arrives that effects one of the faithful ones here. We will rush to the side of the faithful who suffer infirmity or tribulation of whatever kind and aid in whatever way we can.
We love you all; Garreth and Barbara
Finally, Galatians 6:9-10, “9 And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.” ASV
2 Thessalonians 3:13-16, “13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well-doing. 14 And if any man obeyeth not our word by this epistle, note that man, that ye have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. 15 And (yet) count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all.
THOUGHTS FOR 2007 From The Church Webpage
THOUGHT FOR JANUARY 2007: God is always good to those that serve Him faithfully. History records the benevolence of God on behalf of the faithful, therefore; the faithful today might have great faith in the final outcome.
THOUGHT FOR FEBRUARY, 2007: The work here at 4840 Cemetery Road continues to prosper. The spirit of good will, cooperation, and faithfulness to the BOOK continues.
THOUGHT FOR MARCH, 2007: Selfishness and personal ambition often destroys more people and their usefulness in society, their home, the workplace, and yes! The church May we each take inventory of our actions and motives often so that we will never fall into a state of selfishness.
THOUGHT FOR APRIL, 2007: Let us do well unto all men, especially unto those who are of household of faith - James 1:27; Galatians 6:10; John 13:35
THOUGHT FOR MAY, 2007: Seek the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace." Never compromise the "TRUTH" for any reason.
THOUGHT FOR JUNE 2007: Life is good when you are a Christian; you possess hope that the non-Christian does not. Indeed, heaven is your future home - the non-Christian has no good, happy home but can only look forward to eternal torment.
THOUGHT FOR JULY 2007: All good things come from God - James 1:17, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." KJV
THOUGHT FOR AUGUST, 2007: The value of a person may not always be appreciated at first meeting. Yet, as one continues to associate with a true Christian they soon find that this person is a pleasure to know.
THOUGHT FOR SEPTEMBER, 2007 Gospel Meeting in Norwalk, OHIO Garreth Clair local preacher here preaching each service - September 7-12
THOUGHT FOR OCTOBER, 2007: Phil 2:4, "not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others." Proverbs 16:31, "The hoary head is a crown of glory; it shall be found in the way of righteousness." Proverbs 20:29, "The glory of young men is their strength; and the beauty of old men is the hoary head." ASV
THOUGHT FOR NOVEMBER 2007: There is no time like the present to get your life right with God. This is true because we do not know whether we will be here for another week.
THOUGHT FOR DECEMBER: Last month in the year, if there are things that you need to get done this year now is the time to do them. James 4:13-15, 13 Do Not Boast About Tomorrow Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say,” If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." NKJV glclair@sbcglobal.net
THOUGHTS OF ASSURANCE "COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS"
INTRODUCTION: Possibly one of the most neglected facets of true disciples is their lack of appreciation for all the blessings that are theirs to enjoy. In many instances those of us who live here in America do not often count our blessings; we have taken them for granted. Indeed, there are material and spiritual blessings for God’s People if they simply understand the relationship they sustain with God and other people. In our study today let us look at some of the spiritual and some of the material blessings available in the church of Christ [i.e. in our relationship to God].
MATERIAL BLESSINGS WE ENJOY:
SPIRTTUAL BLESSINGS WE MAY ENJOY: WE ARE BLESSED TO BE PARTAKLERS OF ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS: Ephesians 1:3, “Blessed (be) the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly (places) in Christ:” ASV
WE ARE BLESSED BECAUSE WE GIVE WORSHIP TO GOD AND AID OUR BRETHREN AND OUR NEIGHBORS: Acts 20:35, “In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring ye ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” ASV
WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE OUR SINS REMITTED: Romans 4:7, “7(saying) Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.” ASV
WE ARE BLESSED BECAUSE OUR SINS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN: Romans 4:8, “…Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not reckon sin.” ASV
WE ARE BLESSED TO LOOK FORWARD TO OUR SAVIOR’S COMING: Titus 2:11-13, “11 For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world; 13 looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” ASV
WE ARE BLESSED WHEN WE ARE TEMPTED: WE ARE BLESSED WHEN WE OVERCOME TEMPTATIONS: WE ARE MADE STRONGER AS WE OVERCOME EACH TEMPTATION: James 1:12-15, “12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life, which (the Lord) promised to them that love him.13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempteth no man: 14 but each man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then the lust, when it hath conceived, beareth sin: and the sin, when it is full-grown, bringeth forth death.” ASV
WE ARE BLESSED WHENEVER WE DO GOD’S WILL: James 1:25, “But he that looketh into the perfect law, the (law) of liberty, and (so) continueth, being not a hearer that forgetteth but a doer that worketh, this man shall be blessed in his doing.”
WE ARE BLESSED IF WE DIE A FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN [i.e. Faithful in Christ]: Revelation 14:13. “And I heard the voice from heaven saying, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them.” ASV
CONCLUSION:
We are blessed through so many avenues because we faithfully serve God. We ought to be appreciative of these things and others that we did not list here. To be a faithful Christian is truly a blessing. Will you become a Christian today or will you be restored to faithfulness today? “What a great series of blessings you are missing!” Garreth L. Clair
CONSIDER MAGAZINE Volume 4 - January 2008 Beginning our 4th year on the Web!
We are truly thankful to God and to all of our friends who have supported us and stood by us while we continue to serve God as a gospel preacher and as creator and editor of Considermagazine. I especially want to thank Bill Kirke who is the Webmaster for his aid and encouragement from the beginning. In the following article by glc with an addition by Norman Fultz of Kansas City, I submit my thoughts to all my friends in many places throughout America and other nations.
..... A FRIEND INDEED .....
The greatest relationship among humans is the relationship between parents and children, between brothers and sisters, between Christ and His Children [i.e. the saved], and the relationship of friends. The great relationships between friends are often unnoticed by most people but the true friend is one who will stand by us through good and bad times. There are not many friends who will stand with us when our health is gone or when we are poverty stricken through untoward circumstances.
One of the passages of Holy Scripture that comes to mind whenever I consider friendships that have developed between me and some other person in life is that in Proverbs 18:24, “He that maketh many friends (doeth it) to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” ASV --- AND in Proverbs 27:9, “Oil and perfume rejoice the heart; so doth the sweetness of a man's friend (that cometh) of hearty counsel.” ASV
The two passages from Proverbs listed in paragraph two shows us that a good friend is a true asset in life’s struggles and trials that we must all deal with during life. It has been said by wise men that a man who has one friend in life will surely be happy but to have two or more good friends in life is to be a king. I would therefore encourage everyone to appreciate a good friend and thank God that he/she is there when trials of life do come upon us. Yet, there is another side to this matter; many people never develop long friendships with anyone. People who do not value friendships are surely unhappy people with no outlook in life and little to give themselves joy, honest and interactive dialogue about important junctures in life’s struggles.
CONCLUSION:
Let us be humbly aware of the value of good friends, keeping in mind that interactions with others will build our self esteem and expand our knowledge of good. To develop and cultivate good friends in life is a wise occupation. Before cultivation any friendly relationships make sure that the first step you take will be to find out of he/she is a true Christian and remember Paul’s admonition in this regard; cf. 1 Cor 15:33, “Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals.” ASV --- AND Proverbs 4:14-17, “14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and walk not in the way of evil men. 15 Avoid it, pass not by it; Turn from it, and pass on. 16 for they sleep not, except they do evil; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. 17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.” ASV --- glclair@aol.com
Further Thoughts About Friends Norman Fultz
In recent weeks with our thoughts focused on reasons for being thankful, I’ve done a fair amount of thinking about that myself. And at different times when the idea has returned to be further mulled over and reasons are being thought upon, there has recurred repeatedly the blessedness of good friends in Christ. In brother Clair’s little treatise he mentioned that “to have two or more good friends in life is to be a king.” Well, then, if that be true, I must consider myself to truly sit over a vast domain. Usually, in such moments, I’ve been contemplating how blessed I am to have folk who still bear with me in my efforts at teaching and preaching the word of life. When I think upon having “many friends” I guess I’m mostly referring to the kindness of thought and nobility of the interactions that have been experienced with so many folk through the years as well as the continuing fondness felt toward so many. I say that because, thankfully, I’ve seldom been in a position to really “test” friendships to see whether they will “come through in a pinch.” Someone has said that “Friendship is a responsibility, not an opportunity.” Is that very different from what Jesus taught about who is one’s neighbor in the parable of the good Samaritan? (Lk. 10:25-37). In that wonderful story, one’s neighbor is the person in need of that which another of generous and helpful spirit is in position to give. To Ralph Waldo Emerson is attributed the sagacious statement, “I do with my friends as I do with books. I would have then where I can find them but seldom use them.” He is also credited with having said, “The only way to have a friend is to be one,” a statement that reflects the NKJ rendering of Prov. 18:24a, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly.” An unknown scribe, equally as astute as Emerson, is credited with this observation, “A friend is a present you give yourself by being one.” When I muse upon the friendships I envision myself to possess, though I have those who are not Christians I’d call friends, for the most part my friends are folk whose lives fairly well mirror my own estimate of how life should be lived. An unknown author is credited with this insightful remark, “Friendships cemented together with sin do not hold.” An appreciation of that value makes even more meaningful the warning we often give to youth to be wary of those who would entice to evil (cf. Prov. 1:10). The kinds of friendships that most of us hope we have are not immediately formed upon initial acquaintance. Do we want the kind of friend that “sticks closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24b), that will “love at all times” (Prov. 17:17), whose “hearty counsel” will “delight the heart” though at first it may seem as “wounds,” but we know it is given because he is a “faithful” friend (Prov. 27:6)? It surely must have been that type of friendship George Washington spoke of when he said, “True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.” Another great statesman, Benjamin Franklin, is quoted, “Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing.” Before I cease to dissertate about this matter, I urge you to go back and read Garreth’s last paragraph before his conclusion. Truly how deprived and unhappy must be the person who is devoid of long established friendships? Someone stated, “Every friend lost pushes you one step closer to the brink of character bankruptcy.” So, finally, I’ll just end by sharing this little tidbit: “There’s happiness in little things, There is joy in passing pleasure….But friendships are, from year to year, The best of all life’s treasure.” Ponder this: “If you were another person would you like to be a friend of yours?” (The selected quotes on friendship are taken from “The Speaker’s Sourcebook of 4,000 Illustrations, Quotations,” etc. compiled by Eleanor L. Doan, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, 1960.)
Let Your Light Shine: How brightly is your light shining when the same thing that keeps you home from services where you can bless and be blessed is not enough to keep you home from work or some entertainment venue? Perhaps when others “behold your good works…(they will) glorify God…” (I Pet. 2:11. Now There's A Though; "Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.”
HAPPY NEW YEAR
To all our friends here in Hilliard and everywhere else, we wish for all of you a very happy New Year and great progress in life and in your faith as we all together grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ – cf. 2 Peter 3:18, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. … To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. … Garreth and Barbara Clair
CONSIDER MAGAZINE Beginning our 5th year on the Web! January 1, 2009
Consider Magazine is an independent work by Garreth L. Clair Garreth has over 46 years experience as a preacher, and is currently the preacher for the church that meets at 4840 Cemetery Road, in Hilliard OH. http://www.cemeteryroadchurchofchrist.org/ Copyright 2005, All Rights Reserved. (Please contact us for permission to reprint.) Please help us show up on search engines, by putting a link to http://www.considermagazine.com on your website!
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