How Sharp Is Your Pencil?

Tuesday, July 12, 2022
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "Brighten The Corner Where You Are"1 (Lyrics)

Proverbs 27:17 – As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (NLT)

I am so blessed to have a spiritual friend who loves Christ, is steeped in theology, shows her warm smile, and encourages everyone she meets. We became friends at a time when I was at a crossroads in my spiritual life, and she discipled me to deepen my understanding of God's Word. Each morning, I expect a phone call from her, ready to share a bright gem of Scripture with a joyous application. I welcome the good news at my work desk, and I always reach for a pencil, ready to take notes. She will ask, "Is your pencil sharpened?"

Both of us love whimsy and understand one another very well, so we laugh and giggle at the drop of a hat. What a gift of friendship that God has given to us as we sharpen each other spiritually. Thirty years ago, I might have found that type of relationship to be too "churchy", but now, having matured deeper in the Spirit, I find great joy in bouncing scriptural ideas off one another and finding applications through our daily lives.

God has called us to have friends. We aspire in our relationship to place Jesus Christ into our conversation on any topic. He guides our praise, problem solving, and prayer for all things to bring honour and glory to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

How sharp is your spiritual pencil? You might compare your own life with Scripture to evaluate how you are doing. When you locate an area that needs to be fine-tuned, pray and work on improving the issue in question. If you have a spiritual friend, ask that friend to help you to become accountable in this regard. Our light always shines brighter and our ministry tools are always sharper while working closely with another Christ-minded person.

Let's use the gifts that God has given us to share with one another as we give humble and gentle encouragement, always in a God-honouring way. It's when we pray the promises of God over one another that the love of God pierces our hearts, stirs our hope, and uplifts the countenance of those who are suffering.

Prayer: Dear Father, we thank You that those who are united with Christ are also united with each other. Help us each to find someone else to be spiritually close to, or to be willing to pair up with another who needs us. Thank You for teaching us how to sharpen our understanding of Your Word through friendship, acknowledging that Christ is the whisper of hope when He steps into a situation with us. Amen.

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About the author:

Karen Milam <karenbmilam@gmail.com>
Penn Valley, California, USA

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Thanks for the encouraging words, Karen.


    And so it is as you have said! Blessings Karen.


    Thank you, Karen. You two are blessed in your friendship.


    Thank you, Karen for sharing your experience, understanding, and inspiration today.


    Friends are wonderful, Karen, and Christian friends are the best. Thank you for sharing that friendship with us today.


    Dear Karen. I absolutely love to bring Jesus into my conversations. There are not that many who want this I’m afraid.


    Thanks, Karen, for another of your special writings. Very good advice to take to heart. Blessings for these insightful devotionals you prepare.


    Hi Karen
    That is a beautiful devotional. I too have a special friendship as you mention. It is truly a blessing from God. May God bless you!


    Your heart felt description of spiritual friendships made my heart sing!!
    Thank you for this lovely reminder of how blessed we are to have true sisters-in-Christ share in this heaven bound journey.
    Keep Sharing.


    A friend like that is priceless! I never had such a friend until a few years ago. How I value our friendship! Though she is moving next summer, I know with zoom and email we will continue to keep in touch. She values our friendship as much as I do. Truly a blessing from God.


    Good afternoon, Karen
    Such good words today, You are so blessed that you have someone to discuss scripture with. A great way to learn and strengthen one’s faith.
    Thank you for writing.
    Blessings.


    Thank you, Karen, for being my DD spiritual counselor. Your clear (and often humorous) analogies have guided me as a “follower of the Way” and helped me face the rigours that await me everyday.
    Bless you and keep using this gift that God has bestowed upon you!


    Good morning, Karen,
    An excellent analogy and so true that a Christian friend helps keep us “sharp” and on our toes so that we are looking at life from a spiritual aspect. We notice our blessings. We think about reaching out to others. We keep ourselves focused on God’s will and not our own (even though we are not perfect).
    You are blessed that God put this person in your life and you value the friendship.
    I think that you and your friend do “Brighten the Corner Where You Are” even though I have never heard of this hymn. Excellent choice for your devotional. Blessings.


    The best we can do is share our love and concern for each other.

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