Reliable friends who do what they say ...

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The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry, And a wise friend’s timely reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on your finger. Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat—refreshing! Like billowing clouds that bring no rain is the person who talks big but never produces. -Proverbs 25:11-14 MSG

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Life is filled with people. Every day we each contact others in different ways. We sometimes speak to the young person getting our coffee or latte like they are a caffeine dispensing machine. Going past a coworker in the hallway we grunt a hello. When we get to our desk we open up the lid on our coffee and sigh a bit of relief. Often it is difficult dealing with people. Yet it could be argued that people are the reason we exist - why we arise from bed each day.

In the midst of this sea of people there are people who we call "friends". Our relationships with these vary from Facebook friend to close friend - from acquaintence to someone who "gets you". And apart from all of these is the friend who is there for you. These show up when you need them. They do what they say they will do. Their presence in your life feels like a gift - an eccouraging and refreshing force in your life. Such is the influence of a reliable friend.

Help me to be a friend who can be trusted Lord. Teach me to love the way that you love.

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