Impact of Friends

"I say to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.'  As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight." Psalm 16:2-3 English Standard Version

"I say to the Lord, You are my Lord; I have no good beside or beyond You. As for the godly (the saints) who are in the land, they are the excellent, the noble, and the glorious, in whom is all my delight."  Psalm 16:2-3 Amplified Bible 

"I say to God, 'Be my Lord! Without you, nothing makes sense'. And these God-chosen lives all around—what splendid friends they make! Psalm 16:2-3 The Message

As I was studying The Book of Job, and the response of his "friends", God brought to mind lessons I've learned from people He introduced me to over the years. It was a joy to reflect on some of those people and the impact they each had/have in my life as they taught/teach me truths about God Himself and showing examples of living godly lives. 

This week God made me very aware of some of the purposes He has for introducing me to various people. 

Purpose 1: For me to share God's love 

Purpose 2: For me to help them grow in their spiritual lives

Purpose 3: To teach me more about Himself (God) 

Purpose 4: To teach me more about God's truths and living a life pleasing to Him

Purpose 5: To share joys and laughter

Purpose 6: To share sorrows and encourage each other

Purpose 7: To support each other through prayer

Often we don't know the impact we have in the lives of people we meet. But I'm learning more and more that I do have an impact on EACH person I meet. Am I impacting them in a positive way? Or am I having a negative impact? 

I have a dear friend who often says, "It's not about me." And that is true... it's not about ME, rather God should be shining through my life and radiating to those around me. My actions, attitude, words, tweets, Facebook posts (including pictures, etc), should be reflecting God and His goodness.

"And these God-chosen lives all around—what splendid friends they make!" I am VERY grateful for each "God-chosen friend" in my life. My life is much richer because of the impact they each have in my life. 

Creating a positive day is more fun
when you can share it with God-chosen friends!