"But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24b (NIV)

Do you know what BFF means? Neither did I. However, I discovered that BFF is something that we all long for and need in our lives. Here’s how I learned the meaning for the acronym BFF.
Recently, I spoke at a conference in California where a beautiful young woman worked the soundboard. I was desperate to have all the sessions recorded, so I could produce a good quality promotional CD. Although I try to record myself on a small digital recorder, it seems something always happens. The battery goes dead. The microphone doesn’t work. Or more than likely, I forget to turn on the recorder. So as I said, I was desperate.
But this sweet servant of the Lord smiled at me, crossed her fingers tightly in front of my face, and said, “I will be your BFF this weekend.” A blank looked must have crossed, because she grinned and translated: “best friend forever.”
Do you remember in grade school when your BFF was whoever you happened to be playing with in the sandbox on that day? Do you remember in high school when your BFF was the girl who could be trusted to know about your crush on a certain, cute boy? Do you remember at your wedding when your BFF stood beside you in a bride’s maid dress? Do you know where all those women are today that you once deemed your “best friend forever?” Me neither.
As I pondered the phrase, “best friend forever,” I realized whom it most appropriately applies to: Jesus. We can always know where He is – He is right by our side daily! The Bible describes Jesus as a friend who sticks closer to us than a brother does. He wants us to believe Him and to walk beside Him. Just as with any friendship, time must be spent to build an intimate relationship. We make time to go to lunch, coffee, or shopping with our girlfriends. Do we make time for Jesus in our day-to-day life? Do we deem Him our BFF? Or is He just a friend on Sunday mornings when we attend church?
Let’s decide today to concentrate on our relationship with Jesus. Let’s make time to spend with Him on a one-to-one basis. Grab a cup of coffee and have your devotional in a quiet place. Make time to develop your relationship with Jesus. He’s the best Friend you will ever find!
Dear Lord, I want You to be my Best Friend Forever. Remind me each day to spend time with You and to develop my friendship with You. I thank You and praise You, for You are a friend that is closer than a brother. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Related Resources:

Traveling Together, by Karla Worley
Visit Susanne Scheppmann’s blog
Perplexing Proverbs for Women Bible study by Susanne Scheppman
Do You Know Jesus?
Application Steps:Read John 15. Pray and listen for what Jesus would say to you throughout the verses. Determine to memorize one verse that will aid you in developing a deeper friendship with the Lord Jesus.
Reflections:How am I developing my friendship with Jesus?
Do I consider Jesus as my best friend? Why or why not?

Power Verses:

John 15:13-15, “And here is how to measure it-the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends. You are my friends if you obey me. I no longer call you servants, because a master doesn't confide in his servants. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.” (NLT)
Mark 6:31, “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (NIV)
Matthew 11:28-29, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (NIV)