I once heard a cautionary tale about a Christian missionary who sailed the ocean alone to reach the heathen. He ended up stranded (still alone) on a small island in the middle of the Pacific.
A few years later, a passing fishing boat saw the smoke from his campfire and rescued him. His liberators were curious to learn how he survived by himself on a deserted isle.
They were most interested in the three thatch-roofed shelters he built on the beach. What was the purpose of such a living arrangement?
The missionary explained that the first hut was his home, and the second was his church. “But what about the third one?” asked an inquisitive fisherman. “That’s where I used to go to church,” retorted the lone islander.
Somehow, in his convoluted cast-away experience, the man started an argument with himself and split his church right down the middle.
Seriously, doesn’t this silly story remind us of today’s world? Never mind others, we can’t even get along with ourselves.
Furthermore, forging and maintaining lasting friendships seems to be a dying art. For more on this subject, please read my brand-new book, “How to Get Along with Everybody.” I wrote it with this other jerk.
Ok, I stole that joke from Steve Martin.
Actually seriously, some of my richest relationships are with fellow Christian bloggers I’ve never met in person. When I’m in need of urgent prayer, I often contact Andy B in Britain, or Alan K in Scotland—far across the water. Yes, I have a wonderful church family right here in the U.S., but I’m more comfortable on a Skype call with two dudes in the UK who dig my Southern accent.
Why? Here’s an incomplete list: face-to-face friendships damaged during the COVID pandemic, political differences between Christian friends, divorce, and the deaths of dear friends and mentors.
There’s also a negative side.
What happened to positive thoughts from a Christian perspective? Course correction: hard to starboard! I’ll drop a separator here—to show you I’m serious.
And those who know your name will put their trust in You; For you, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
Psalm 9:10 (NKJV)
There’s only one relationship we can count on from cradle to grave, that will take us all the way to heaven: a personal bond with God—through Jesus Christ. All other friendships are transitory. Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives. Wait, that’s from a soap opera my babysitter used to watch when I was supposed to be napping.
Back to the Jesus part. Remember when he prayed in the garden—the night he was arrested? As his three closest friends slept, he cried out to his Father in Heaven, and an angel came to strengthen him. People let the earthly Jesus down, even those who knew and loved him best. But God never did.
Kind reader, it’s the same for all of us who entrust our lives to the Lord.
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil.
Hebrews 6:19 (NKJV)
Thank you for reading, 🙏❤️ prayers and love.
This post is in response to Rainer, The Devotional Guy who started the discussion. Write on and right on, my brother!
#collab4Jesus
Davids Daily Dose 
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