Well, it seems God uses you to convict me at least once a week, so thanks for being THAT friend - lol. I am blessed to have so many great friends one of whom I have lived with since I was 20. God has been so faithful to put people around me during different seasons of my life. Some are believers, some are not. I do feel afraid of turning people away if I get too "preachy" about my faith, so I soft-peddle it far too often. I want to believe they can see my faith in the way I live. But bottom line, faith comes through hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). I want to be a "life-giving" friend. So I just have to be open and let God give me what to say and when and how to say it while continuing to live like His Word is the most important thing to me. I'll be thinking and praying about whether that list of verses you shared is the kind of friend I am. Thanks for another great walk! I look forward to others' thoughts on this topic.
Once again, Espírito Santo guided you to such a cool and necessary topic, especially in times of social media when people are looking for a number of followers to put themselves in a position of “nice person”.
Graham in the first Podcast with Amber said something that I loved, said that I would rather have 50 followers that really connect with the content he produces, to the point of impacting these people's lives, than having a bunch of people on a superficial level, WOW!
I like to think of the concept of friendship in the light of the Bible based on the friendship between David and Jonathan, whoever attended Sunday school probably learned about being a friend from this scripture - 1 Samuel 18.
What I find beautiful about their friendship is that there is no expectation, but there is reciprocity, pillars that can sustain or destroy a friendship. Recently I found myself analyzing a person based on “my expectations” without considering that precisely because it is my expectations, the other is not obliged to behave as I determined (I am still re-signifying this experience).
My challenge is not in the friendships I already have, but in the ones I'm building. We believers live almost a duality, fulfilling God's commandment "love one another as I have loved you" and managing our emotions, for me this is a daily challenge!
In the “what is love” walk you said that the word “love” is being misused. I think we can consider this same perspective for the word “friend” as many friendships are being built on the fragility of modern relationships.
I loved the part where you say about offering to do something and actually don't. This is so important to me, I try to do what I promise! I try to be altruistic, but sometimes I get into a situation of seeking recognition for what I did, man, how dangerous this is, because it hurts a lot...
I agree with you when you say that we need to talk about our wonderful experience with Jesus, but I also think that “talking” can be through example, that is, the way I live says much more about my relationship with Jesus than mine ability to speak.
Anyway, another excellent walk, thank you for the message and reflection!
Donny, the subject of friendship on this prayer walk really resonates with me. My deepest desire is to be that friend that you speak of who will encourage and inspire others to be the best they can possibly be. That also involves listening and praying for others. God and HIS word is the guiding light that leads me to do any of this. Can I be better at this than I do now? Of course, I think we all can if we are perfectly honest with ourselves. I read John 15:13-15 before I viewed the video as I felt sure you would reference it. Friendship is marked by sacrifice in giving of ourselves to our friends and also to God/Jesus like you said, once we are truly saved, Jesus becomes our friend. I sincerely hope to continue to spread the love of God/Jesus I have even better than I do now after listening to the video. We are all a work in progress, and I know I am because I'm constantly growing. I know I cannot do any of this without God's direction and the love and support I continue to get through this community. I feed off that and love to give it right back. Thank you for this wonderful prayer walk. I will take everything you talked about, pray on it, read the Bible and let that guide me through the coming days.
I would like to add a prayer request for myself. I don't ask for prayer for myself too often, but I would appreciate it if you keep me in your prayers through this entire weekend. My brother is driving in Thursday, tomorrow from Alabama. He will be in town through Sunday I believe. I haven't seen him since last Christmas. I've changed quite a bit since he last saw me. Not because of the weight loss, but my faith has grown so much deeper and of course there are a lot of new things I'm involved with or doing, etc. He is a believer, but we never have discussed what our faith in Jesus means to one another. It's just something my family never discussed growing up. We were tight lipped. What I'm asking prayer for is guidance to be who I am NOW and to remain faithful to that. I don't want fear to take hold and those old walls/boundaries start to form. If the subject comes up, I want to be honest but not fearful of holding back like I can with you guys or my friends. I hope this makes sense. I appreciate this very much.
Donny, God bless you and this entire community. Have a great week.
Thank you for this week prayer walk Donny. I am beyond blessed to have meet so many become friends from different walks of life thru this community.
I am faithful and I have meet some are non believers and meeting them under circumstances they ask what happened to me and I tell them without God I wouldn’t be here. A day later seeing them in the hallway of the place where we all stayed they started listening and praying along with me. I continue to spread my love of God with others some turn there backs and some stay’s and pray along with me. When all seems lost we can walk outside and breath - listen to the sounds surrounding us that can bring us back on our feet, looking around and knowing God is in all we see and do. Today, the Lord says; I am the friend who will not disappoint, I am the friend who will be strong when you need ME to be. I am the friend who will give you words of hope when you feel sad or disappointed. I am a friend who knows what you mean when you say “ I am dying inside” or I am so alone” and you are lost and afraid of the quiet. I am the friend who brings light into the darkness. “ God is my friend”, God says “ cast your burdens on me” - be still and know that I am God.
Hey my friend, Donny. I was walking and really listening to what you shared. I’ve had friends in the past I committed my personal thoughts and beliefs to that seemed to share mine. I’m still friends with one of them but when she moved it’s like I became invisible and she doesn’t even try to write, I guess she was a seasonal friend. Mark you know had a friend who was mostly a good friend but he never took him as his friend unless he was preaching or teaching to him. We both met a friend who not only confessed Jesus but treated us like we meant something. You are that someone. This is why you could speak so very well on being a friend. For that act of love and kindness I will forever remember you. In this social media space I have made a few friends but one in particular who has helped so much and allowed me to speak from the heart. I don’t have to say her name she knows who she is. When we are called to be a friend it takes a lot of courage to be one. We should be one regardless of how the other person treats us. I know only a few people that if I need prayer they literally stop what they are doing to pray. You do that too. Those I consider my friends.
So many wonderful comments! This community never does cease to amaze me. Donny, ugh, that is part of how I felt watching the walk. I was convicted. I am busy, and I feel I allow that to dominate more often than I prefer. I am committing to prayer that God help me to balance. I have had to limit time with friends in the last couple of years, so it is hard sometimes to feel that I am being selfish. Another feeling I had watching the walk was humbled and gratitude! I don't think I can fully comprehend the extent of how God loves me as a friend. Part of me does not really believe it to be honest. That is the part of me that still sees God on one hand up on a throne and not present right here with me but more sitting on a seat of judgment. I have not a doubt at all that He loves me fully, but it is hard to comprehend it at times. I am His friend...wow! What a thought. I agree I will continue to chew on this for a while. Thanks for being a friend to challenge me!! Blessings to you all!
Donny it's so funny that you were talking about a true friend I have been friends with someone sense 2006 and we have been thought Alot together but something about her has changed this past year we have been working together for 4 years now and she tries saying that the job causes her to loose her friends cause she already lost one and she stopped working with us and now she is trying to say that is what is wrong with us I have told her that the job has nothing to do with our friendship it's her that has changed she says she believes in God but haven't been saved and will never go to church 🙏🙏 please help me I try to love her but she makes it so so hard
I've thought about this for the past couple hours. When Don was sick, I truly found out who my friends were. Some took us from upstate NY to New York City to catch a plane to India, Picked us back up when we came back from India, helped with his care. Then he passed and those same friends are still there for me. They live far away but I only need to call day or night. I would call them non- practicing believers. Now here in SC, I have close friends again that are practicing believers. We would do anything for each other. I really found my faith when Don passed. I wasn't good about my faith throughout our marriage. Don was an atheist which didn't help. But now I need Jesus in my life. He is always there and helps me all the time. But I find I can't talk to non-believers about that. They watch me go to Church but its just not their thing I guess. Maybe in time. It took me a long time. This was a great walk. Thanks Donny.
Hi Donny – absolutely loved the sunlight on your face & shoulder during your walk this morning. I had to chuckle when you kept referring to the term BEST friend at the end of your walk. There seems to be some synchronicity between us today. I just published an entry in my blog That’s Good To Know called The BEST. It’s about a good friend who passed away many years ago named Barb Best. https://substack.com/inbox/post/76521643 I'm pretty sure God is at work in me through this "coincidence." xoxo As always you gave me lots to think about. Thanks for the Bible references!
Ps Watch out on those country roads for the crazy deer and the busy farmers. Hee hee!
Hey Friend! I woke early to start on the treadmill, not wanting to disturb the wild horses in the neighborhood. Yes northern Nevada home to large herds of mustangs. Beautiful but hard on yards and protected.
I wanted to say when the lord picks a venue for your prayer walk, it’s stunning.
I have a friend who would lay down her life for me as John 15 says. She has been with me in some very hard times and some good times. She prays for me daily as I pray for her. I couldn't ask for a better friend. And Donny, I continue to pray for you daily. You are at the top of my prayer list.
Like Donna, I too learned who my true friends were when my husband died. I have just a couple I would call close friends, that I can call anytime day or middle of the night and they'd be there for me as I would for them. We can know a lot of people but just as Jesus with the disciples have only a few select close. Am I a good friend? I like to think I am, but I'm sure there is always room for improvement. You asked what our gift(s) are, and I would say mine would be service/helps. Which would include opening my home.
I have to say that your prayer walk today has left me devastated as I realise that I am not a good friend. Not to Jesus which is a horrible thought nor to my friends as I cannot really say that I am a friend . I have read those verses many times but until they are all put together like you did today they have not had the impact that they needed to. I find it hard to speak to people about Jesus and today I realise that that is because I have not been a real friend to Him nor have I really allowed Him to be my Friend. I have much soul searching and repenting to do in the coming days and weeks. Thank you so much for being so willing to share what God has placed on your heart even when you think it is a hard thing to say. You are a true friend even to those you have not met personally.
How timely is this topic! I am meeting up tonight with friends that I have not seen in many years. Yes, I have changed since I last saw them, having gone so through so many trials and hopefully grown in my faith. I just hope we can reconnect in a real way, and that the Lord will guide me. It feels like this is where “the rubber meets the road,” so to speak. On the one hand, it's not easy, and yet if my faith is real, what do I have to fear?
I have a little story that I would like to share. I work three days in a Christian home, caring for a lady that has Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Lewy body dementia and she now has hallucinations from the time she wakes up in the morning till she goes to bed at night as these are the Lewy body dementia. Her hallucinations are only vision. I have been working with her for a year and a half, and I knew she was a born-again Christian and had been since she was about seven. I knew that she and her husband raise their children in the church and then a godly Home. When I first started working with her, she wasn’t as bad as she is today. She told me for stuff that she loved the Lord and she was a Christian and most of her family were Christian. Now today she has lost most of her memory, except when she was a young child. But one thing holds true she knows who Jesus is. Her and her husband have devotions about the time I arrive every morning, And she always prays out loud after their their devotion
Well, it seems God uses you to convict me at least once a week, so thanks for being THAT friend - lol. I am blessed to have so many great friends one of whom I have lived with since I was 20. God has been so faithful to put people around me during different seasons of my life. Some are believers, some are not. I do feel afraid of turning people away if I get too "preachy" about my faith, so I soft-peddle it far too often. I want to believe they can see my faith in the way I live. But bottom line, faith comes through hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). I want to be a "life-giving" friend. So I just have to be open and let God give me what to say and when and how to say it while continuing to live like His Word is the most important thing to me. I'll be thinking and praying about whether that list of verses you shared is the kind of friend I am. Thanks for another great walk! I look forward to others' thoughts on this topic.
Once again, Espírito Santo guided you to such a cool and necessary topic, especially in times of social media when people are looking for a number of followers to put themselves in a position of “nice person”.
Graham in the first Podcast with Amber said something that I loved, said that I would rather have 50 followers that really connect with the content he produces, to the point of impacting these people's lives, than having a bunch of people on a superficial level, WOW!
I like to think of the concept of friendship in the light of the Bible based on the friendship between David and Jonathan, whoever attended Sunday school probably learned about being a friend from this scripture - 1 Samuel 18.
What I find beautiful about their friendship is that there is no expectation, but there is reciprocity, pillars that can sustain or destroy a friendship. Recently I found myself analyzing a person based on “my expectations” without considering that precisely because it is my expectations, the other is not obliged to behave as I determined (I am still re-signifying this experience).
My challenge is not in the friendships I already have, but in the ones I'm building. We believers live almost a duality, fulfilling God's commandment "love one another as I have loved you" and managing our emotions, for me this is a daily challenge!
In the “what is love” walk you said that the word “love” is being misused. I think we can consider this same perspective for the word “friend” as many friendships are being built on the fragility of modern relationships.
I loved the part where you say about offering to do something and actually don't. This is so important to me, I try to do what I promise! I try to be altruistic, but sometimes I get into a situation of seeking recognition for what I did, man, how dangerous this is, because it hurts a lot...
I agree with you when you say that we need to talk about our wonderful experience with Jesus, but I also think that “talking” can be through example, that is, the way I live says much more about my relationship with Jesus than mine ability to speak.
Anyway, another excellent walk, thank you for the message and reflection!
Donny, the subject of friendship on this prayer walk really resonates with me. My deepest desire is to be that friend that you speak of who will encourage and inspire others to be the best they can possibly be. That also involves listening and praying for others. God and HIS word is the guiding light that leads me to do any of this. Can I be better at this than I do now? Of course, I think we all can if we are perfectly honest with ourselves. I read John 15:13-15 before I viewed the video as I felt sure you would reference it. Friendship is marked by sacrifice in giving of ourselves to our friends and also to God/Jesus like you said, once we are truly saved, Jesus becomes our friend. I sincerely hope to continue to spread the love of God/Jesus I have even better than I do now after listening to the video. We are all a work in progress, and I know I am because I'm constantly growing. I know I cannot do any of this without God's direction and the love and support I continue to get through this community. I feed off that and love to give it right back. Thank you for this wonderful prayer walk. I will take everything you talked about, pray on it, read the Bible and let that guide me through the coming days.
I would like to add a prayer request for myself. I don't ask for prayer for myself too often, but I would appreciate it if you keep me in your prayers through this entire weekend. My brother is driving in Thursday, tomorrow from Alabama. He will be in town through Sunday I believe. I haven't seen him since last Christmas. I've changed quite a bit since he last saw me. Not because of the weight loss, but my faith has grown so much deeper and of course there are a lot of new things I'm involved with or doing, etc. He is a believer, but we never have discussed what our faith in Jesus means to one another. It's just something my family never discussed growing up. We were tight lipped. What I'm asking prayer for is guidance to be who I am NOW and to remain faithful to that. I don't want fear to take hold and those old walls/boundaries start to form. If the subject comes up, I want to be honest but not fearful of holding back like I can with you guys or my friends. I hope this makes sense. I appreciate this very much.
Donny, God bless you and this entire community. Have a great week.
Thank you for this week prayer walk Donny. I am beyond blessed to have meet so many become friends from different walks of life thru this community.
I am faithful and I have meet some are non believers and meeting them under circumstances they ask what happened to me and I tell them without God I wouldn’t be here. A day later seeing them in the hallway of the place where we all stayed they started listening and praying along with me. I continue to spread my love of God with others some turn there backs and some stay’s and pray along with me. When all seems lost we can walk outside and breath - listen to the sounds surrounding us that can bring us back on our feet, looking around and knowing God is in all we see and do. Today, the Lord says; I am the friend who will not disappoint, I am the friend who will be strong when you need ME to be. I am the friend who will give you words of hope when you feel sad or disappointed. I am a friend who knows what you mean when you say “ I am dying inside” or I am so alone” and you are lost and afraid of the quiet. I am the friend who brings light into the darkness. “ God is my friend”, God says “ cast your burdens on me” - be still and know that I am God.
Hey my friend, Donny. I was walking and really listening to what you shared. I’ve had friends in the past I committed my personal thoughts and beliefs to that seemed to share mine. I’m still friends with one of them but when she moved it’s like I became invisible and she doesn’t even try to write, I guess she was a seasonal friend. Mark you know had a friend who was mostly a good friend but he never took him as his friend unless he was preaching or teaching to him. We both met a friend who not only confessed Jesus but treated us like we meant something. You are that someone. This is why you could speak so very well on being a friend. For that act of love and kindness I will forever remember you. In this social media space I have made a few friends but one in particular who has helped so much and allowed me to speak from the heart. I don’t have to say her name she knows who she is. When we are called to be a friend it takes a lot of courage to be one. We should be one regardless of how the other person treats us. I know only a few people that if I need prayer they literally stop what they are doing to pray. You do that too. Those I consider my friends.
So many wonderful comments! This community never does cease to amaze me. Donny, ugh, that is part of how I felt watching the walk. I was convicted. I am busy, and I feel I allow that to dominate more often than I prefer. I am committing to prayer that God help me to balance. I have had to limit time with friends in the last couple of years, so it is hard sometimes to feel that I am being selfish. Another feeling I had watching the walk was humbled and gratitude! I don't think I can fully comprehend the extent of how God loves me as a friend. Part of me does not really believe it to be honest. That is the part of me that still sees God on one hand up on a throne and not present right here with me but more sitting on a seat of judgment. I have not a doubt at all that He loves me fully, but it is hard to comprehend it at times. I am His friend...wow! What a thought. I agree I will continue to chew on this for a while. Thanks for being a friend to challenge me!! Blessings to you all!
Donny it's so funny that you were talking about a true friend I have been friends with someone sense 2006 and we have been thought Alot together but something about her has changed this past year we have been working together for 4 years now and she tries saying that the job causes her to loose her friends cause she already lost one and she stopped working with us and now she is trying to say that is what is wrong with us I have told her that the job has nothing to do with our friendship it's her that has changed she says she believes in God but haven't been saved and will never go to church 🙏🙏 please help me I try to love her but she makes it so so hard
I've thought about this for the past couple hours. When Don was sick, I truly found out who my friends were. Some took us from upstate NY to New York City to catch a plane to India, Picked us back up when we came back from India, helped with his care. Then he passed and those same friends are still there for me. They live far away but I only need to call day or night. I would call them non- practicing believers. Now here in SC, I have close friends again that are practicing believers. We would do anything for each other. I really found my faith when Don passed. I wasn't good about my faith throughout our marriage. Don was an atheist which didn't help. But now I need Jesus in my life. He is always there and helps me all the time. But I find I can't talk to non-believers about that. They watch me go to Church but its just not their thing I guess. Maybe in time. It took me a long time. This was a great walk. Thanks Donny.
Hi Donny – absolutely loved the sunlight on your face & shoulder during your walk this morning. I had to chuckle when you kept referring to the term BEST friend at the end of your walk. There seems to be some synchronicity between us today. I just published an entry in my blog That’s Good To Know called The BEST. It’s about a good friend who passed away many years ago named Barb Best. https://substack.com/inbox/post/76521643 I'm pretty sure God is at work in me through this "coincidence." xoxo As always you gave me lots to think about. Thanks for the Bible references!
Ps Watch out on those country roads for the crazy deer and the busy farmers. Hee hee!
Hey Friend! I woke early to start on the treadmill, not wanting to disturb the wild horses in the neighborhood. Yes northern Nevada home to large herds of mustangs. Beautiful but hard on yards and protected.
I wanted to say when the lord picks a venue for your prayer walk, it’s stunning.
I wrote this recently...
I’ve been thinking
Friendship is indeed a superpower
We all are capable of processing it
We all are capable of reaching out and
Touching human beings with our words,
Actions, and deeds.
Stay close to the people who feel like sunlight.
Awesome walk! Hugs!
I have a friend who would lay down her life for me as John 15 says. She has been with me in some very hard times and some good times. She prays for me daily as I pray for her. I couldn't ask for a better friend. And Donny, I continue to pray for you daily. You are at the top of my prayer list.
Like Donna, I too learned who my true friends were when my husband died. I have just a couple I would call close friends, that I can call anytime day or middle of the night and they'd be there for me as I would for them. We can know a lot of people but just as Jesus with the disciples have only a few select close. Am I a good friend? I like to think I am, but I'm sure there is always room for improvement. You asked what our gift(s) are, and I would say mine would be service/helps. Which would include opening my home.
I have to say that your prayer walk today has left me devastated as I realise that I am not a good friend. Not to Jesus which is a horrible thought nor to my friends as I cannot really say that I am a friend . I have read those verses many times but until they are all put together like you did today they have not had the impact that they needed to. I find it hard to speak to people about Jesus and today I realise that that is because I have not been a real friend to Him nor have I really allowed Him to be my Friend. I have much soul searching and repenting to do in the coming days and weeks. Thank you so much for being so willing to share what God has placed on your heart even when you think it is a hard thing to say. You are a true friend even to those you have not met personally.
Donny, Thank you again for another great prayer walk. I find a special friend right on your prayer walk. I appreciate her every day.🙏🏻
How timely is this topic! I am meeting up tonight with friends that I have not seen in many years. Yes, I have changed since I last saw them, having gone so through so many trials and hopefully grown in my faith. I just hope we can reconnect in a real way, and that the Lord will guide me. It feels like this is where “the rubber meets the road,” so to speak. On the one hand, it's not easy, and yet if my faith is real, what do I have to fear?
I have a little story that I would like to share. I work three days in a Christian home, caring for a lady that has Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Lewy body dementia and she now has hallucinations from the time she wakes up in the morning till she goes to bed at night as these are the Lewy body dementia. Her hallucinations are only vision. I have been working with her for a year and a half, and I knew she was a born-again Christian and had been since she was about seven. I knew that she and her husband raise their children in the church and then a godly Home. When I first started working with her, she wasn’t as bad as she is today. She told me for stuff that she loved the Lord and she was a Christian and most of her family were Christian. Now today she has lost most of her memory, except when she was a young child. But one thing holds true she knows who Jesus is. Her and her husband have devotions about the time I arrive every morning, And she always prays out loud after their their devotion