The Third Quality of a Blessed Woman

She is a Friend of God's

What qualities do you look for in a potential friend? For most of us, a verse in Proverbs probably answers that question best, Proverbs 18:24 tells us that he who has friends, must first show himself friendly. We look for a responsive smile, pleasant conversation, or something welcoming that draws us to a person, letting us know that that person is open to a connection. Once that initial connection is established, the connection when nurtured and cultivated—through talks, activities, support in tough times, commitment, consistency, and similar experiences—develops into a friendship.

At times our definition of friendship may get distorted by our hurts, pains, and our own expectations, but true friendship according to God is the ability to love someone so much, that you are willing to lay down your life for that friend. Few friendships go that deep now days, forget laying down one’s life, some of us aren’t willing to sacrifice comfort, a man, a paycheck, time, etc. to preserve a friendship.

Why is friendship the third quality of a blessed woman? First of all, let me say, you are right if you think this quality does not qualify to be a quality of a blessed woman, because it doesn’t describe a blessed woman like the other qualities do—but the friendship she has with God defines her. In John 15:14, Jesus gives a definite condition for being His friend: "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatever I command you." Her obedience to God’s Word is rewarded with a deep intimate friendship with God and the peace of mind that God will only seek the good of those who love and obey Him.

It is through her friendship with God (a faithful friend she can count on! Who does not change and who does not withdraw his love whatever the circumstances may be) that keeps her in good company. That familiarity with God guides her in choosing her other friends wisely, building deeper friendships, and influencing new friends for Christ.

Ever wondered why God called Abraham His friend (Isaiah 41:8)? Or why Jesus told the disciples in John 15:15, "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.” Besides the fact that they were obedient to the Word of God, God talked intimately with all of them. In addition, they shared God’s interests, they enjoyed God’s company, they had a deep sensitivity to the Word of God, they feared (respected) God, they had faith in God, there was consistency in their worship of God, and they made themselves available to God.

Your Call to Order...
Will you be the friend of God or the friend of the world? Your choice does not negate the fact that God loves you unconditionally. However, God desires an intimate relationship with you, a relationship that is not one sided, but both you and He are actively pursuing intimacy with each other. Will you:

1) Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind?
2) Be obedient to God’s commands?
3) Tell others what a wonderful friend you have in God?

Power Verses:

“A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).
“As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17).
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).

See also "The First Quality of a Blessed Woman"
See also "The Second Quality of a Blessed Woman"

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"Enjoy Good Health"

Since this blog is about balance, I should strive to be a positive role model by showing some balance in my devotional topics. I’ve talked mostly about spiritual qualities, mental development, and emotional challenges, but as you well know many women are also dealing with physical challenges.

So many friends and associates have shared with me how tired, drained, stressed, and overwhelmed they feel at the end of most days; and statistical data reports that we are the heaviest we’ve ever been. This does not mean we are to be model thin. Slenderness runs in my family, but being slender does not automatically make me or anyone else healthy.

Just as the apostle John said to Gaius the Elder in 3 John 2, I want to say to you: "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

Although I enjoy hearing the poetic words of the King James Version, the New International Version simply says, “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”



As you continue to grow and mature in Christ, don’t forget that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 6:19). Your continuous ministry to the masses is predicated not only on God’s will, but also whether you are willing to eat healthy and exercise regularly. Exercising may not be something you want to add to your to-do list, but I guarantee you, that exercising makes all other tasks seem less laborious (it changes your attitude). In addition, eating healthier foods, will give you more energy.

I am still developing better eating habits, but I can definitely tell the difference between the days I take time to ride my treadmill and the days I don’t. For starters exercising energizes my day; the circulation of blood through my heart, and blood vessels gives me more energy to do the things I need to do. Exercise also helps me to sleep better, think better, and keeps me focused longer.

Enough about me, the truth is balancing blessings and obtaining order in this area of our lives requires us to live healthier life styles so we have the energy to respond to God’s call and to perform our daily responsibilities. The benefits of exercise and physical activity according to a surgeon general report are:

· Reduce the risk of premature death
· Reduce the risk of developing and/or dying from heart disease
· Reduce high blood pressure or the risk of developing high blood pressure
· Reduce high cholesterol or the risk of developing high cholesterol
· Reduce the risk of developing colon cancer and breast cancer
· Reduce the risk of developing diabetes
· Reduce or maintain body weight or body fat
· Build and maintain healthy muscles, bones, and joints
· Reduce depression and anxiety
· Improve psychological well-being
· Enhanced work, recreation, and sport performance

Your Call to Order...
Obtain order in this area of your life by finding a simple and convenience activity that you can do regularly that will help you get your heart rate up. I walk on the treadmill every other day for 20 to 30 minutes. It may be more expedient for you to walk up and down your stairs seven to eight times back-to-back, three to four times a week.

Next, make some small changes to your diet; consider adding more fruits, raw vegetables, water, whole-grains, and fish.

Power Verses

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10: 24-25, NIV).

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones” (Proverbs 3:7-8, NIV).

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