Unusual Friends

Friends are one of the greatest treasures we have. When friends betray and turn on us - when they talk to others about us before they talk to us, it is one of life's greatest tragedies, and the pain of this kind of loss can be intense. Even Jesus experienced betrayal like this (Ps. 46:9).

These beautiful animals show us how precious friendship can be. You would think that these animals would not be natural friends, and yet they have found a way to enjoy one another.

These scriptures are from the NLT...look at these photos and see how the Lord has placed secrets of kindness and friendship in His creation:

Num. 6: 24 The Lord bless you and keep you 

Ps. 31:20 You hide them in the shelter of your presence,

safe from those who conspire against them.

You shelter them in your presence,

far from accusing tongues.

Eph. 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle;

be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Is. 43:2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.

Ps. 15:1-3 Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?

Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?

Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,

speaking the truth from sincere hearts.

Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors

or speak evil of their friends.

Eph. 1:8 He has showered his kindness on us,

along with all wisdom and understanding.

Ps. 5:12 For you bless the godly, O Lord;

you surround them with your shield of love.

Ps. 13:5 But I trust in your unfailing love.

I will rejoice because you have rescued me.

Ps. 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made.

We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Prov. 18:24 There are “friends” who destroy each other,

but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

Ps. 148:7, 10 Praise the Lord from the earth,

you creatures of the ocean depths…

wild animals and all livestock,

small scurrying animals and birds,

Col. 3:12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves,

you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy,

kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Ps. 36:5 Your unfailing love,
O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;

your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.

Is. 40:11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd.

He will carry the lambs in his arms,
holding them close to his heart.

He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

The Lord is Good!

The Lord has hidden secrets of His love and greatness in all of creation. These sweet creatures have so much to teach us about His kindness:

Ps. 4:8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;

for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety   

Prov. 12:18 ...the tongue of the wise promotes health.

Ps. 61:4 I will abide in Your tabernacle forever;

I will trust in the shelter of Your wings

Prov. 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. 

Ps. 148:7 Praise the Lord form the earth,

You great sea creatures and all the depths.

Ps. 18:24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly,

But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Prov. 27:17 As iron sharpens iron,

So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend

Prov. 16:28 A perverse man sows strife,

and a whisperer separates the best of friends

Ps. 146:9 The Lord watches over those who are in a strange land;

He gives help to the widow and to the child that has no father.

Ps. 121:8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, 

Both now and forever

Ps. 68:19 Praise the Lord; praise God our savior!

For each day he carries us in His arms