… there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24b )
Friendships come in many forms: school friendships, childhood friendships, multi-generational friendships, work friendships. Some friendships are new; others remain solid after many years.
We see some friends almost daily while others are miles away. How wonderful it is to have a friend in whom we have complete trust. One who forgives us, encourages us, and loves us – warts and all. Our deepest friendships are those that share a mutual faith in Christ. What a blessing to have a friend who prays for us and shares God’s Word with us! These relationships are treasured gifts from our Savior Jesus Who is our truest friend.
We thank and praise God for the cross-centered love of Christian friendships. We celebrate the laughter that is shared, the conversations that never end, the hugs that give us strength. Whether a single day or years pass between visits, we can thank God that
A friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17a).
- For dads again – this week we include Scott Martens and family as his dad collapsed of a heart attack and a few days later received his crown of glory. Comfort especially his mother, Sandra, as she adjusts to his being gone. We also pray for Cody Strook and family whose father Jack was called home to heaven. Comfort especially his mother, Avhalee, as she remembers her blessings from 62 years of marriage. Assure these families that you have not forgotten them and that their help always comes from the Lord even in such a difficult time as this.
- We join Doug & Sue Schnell and their family as we are reminded of their son Mike who has now been with Jesus for the past two years. As they lift their eyes to you, remind them of their Savior who gave up his life so that we might have peace forever.
- For successful surgeries for Ron Telega, at the VA Hospital; and Christi Wetzel at St. Mary’s. Comforter of body and soul, help them heal and help those who take care of them to encourage them through their difficulties.
- Tom & Sarah Grisar – close friends of the Gahan family, with three daughters. She has stage 4 colon cancer, which has spread to other internal organs. We ask for a good treatment program with positive results and strength for the road ahead.
- And for Pete Suelfow’s uncle’s ex wife who is in Lasata after what they believe was a stroke that led to a bad car accident. Send your holy angels, along with the doctors and nurses to attend to her injuries.
Peace in Jesus, Boise, Idaho – Lord of the nations, we praise you for your Spirit’s working so clearly among us in places like Boise, Idaho. Thank you for building a congregation of Vietnamese there that aspires to reach others by training for ministry, publishing resources, and preparing for evangelism to loved ones in Asia. Thank you, also, for the support network within our synod that helps new missions gain stability for this kind of service to you. Amen.