Let’s consider some practical items on how to start friendships and deepen them...

1. The best thing you can do to start and deepen friendships with others is to make God your greatest friend. He truly knows you and deeply loves you. To put a human into that role will crush them and discourage you. Jesus is the supreme friend. Martin Luther stated, “God’s friendship is more precious than that of the whole world.” You’re bestie if I may. As well as if you are enjoying your friendship with Jesus it will flow into your horizontal friendships. 

• Proverbs 12:26 – The righteous should choose his friends carefully.

• Proverbs 13:15 – Good understanding gains favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard.

• Proverbs 13:18 – Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored. 

• Proverbs 13:20 – Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. 

• Proverbs 14:10 – The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.

We are about God getting glory and people meeting Jesus through churches planting churches that plant churches. Here a is quick introduction to one of the church plants Grace Church supports and how we can be praying for them.

When people ask me to explain Redemption Groups I usually refer to the basic definition from Mike Wilkerson: “A Redemption Group is an intense small group that digs deep into difficult and seldom-discussed areas of life, such as abuse, addiction, and trials of all sorts…Far beyond Bible study, Redemption Groups are about life study—your life connecting with Jesus’ life. Participants challenge one another, and the Word reveals hearts.” 

Jesus triumphed over Satan and all his demons through His work of redemption, particularly by canceling the power of sin at the cross. (Matt. 12:28-29; Eph. 1:19-23; Col. 2:13-15)  Satan is already condemned. (John 12:31; 16:11; Rev. 20:7-10)

from 5 Things To Pray For Your Heart by Rachel Jones which we gave out months ago

Father, help me to be a friend to others who is:

None of us live in a world where conflict does not exist. It is unavoidable. Since that is the case, it makes sense to face the fact that you will have conflict. Admitting this opens the door for conflict to become a redemptive opportunity to mature in Christ. Some basic perspectives can help us as we tackle the tough issues involved.

I drove away from the parking lot of the Korean Central Church building on Sunday at 10:10am just after singing the first two songs with my Grace family. As I made my way down Chisholm Trail I prayed and listened to a pastor talk about his experience of being a part of revitalizing First Baptist Church, Durham the past 20 years. It gave me hope and excitement for what I was driving towards. After 35 minutes I came over the hill on FM 1434 and saw a steeple. A steeple that has been pointing to the glory of God for decades.