In recent weeks I have lost a friend, a true Christian friend, generous in every respect, but most of all wise in counsel. The little notebook was a last gift; she passed into the Lord’s nearer presence on the 14th December. I feel absolutely certain that Mary is one of those who will hear these words from the Lord Jesus. “Well done, good and faithful servant”
Besides the notebook I received from Mary over the years many small texts and messages. “Felt sure this was for you” she would say; often I would look at the Bible verse (Mary loved her Bible) and puzzle over it, not so sure that it was … but I kept them all … and often find that tucked away safely in within the pages of a Bible or some other book, coming upon them months and years afterwards that they were just the words of support, encouragement and counsel I needed right then.
Do friends make our life better just by being in it?
Yes they do!
Especially that Most Excellent Friend of all, our Saviour and God. You know Jesus said “You did not choose Me, but I chose you” How special is that! I cannot think of any greater joy. For me there is no greater joy than to receive the wise counsel of such a Friend, a Friend who told us He did not speak on His own, but the words, the commandments He gave the works which He did, were from His Father and our Father… here are more words of wise counsel….
Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters; and you who have no money, come buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen diligently to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you- the sure mercies of David.
Isaiah 55. 1-4
Our God does not choose us for our wealth. Position , or rank are not important to the One who chose David for his heart and raised him up from keeping sheep to protect and keep Israel pouring into David’s heart the songs and humble petitions to Himself that we use in worship today. David inclined his ear and listened. My friend inclined her ear and listened. I will incline my ear and listen.
Will you? Do you?
Lord,
Teach me to be still, to incline my ear and listen.
You do not require anything else, no treasure, great or small
Can buy from you that gift of Wise Counsel,
Your Blessed Word who when the right time was come,
Came into the world, a humble sower of seed, not requiring any
Other thing than to do Your Will.
May the blesser and the multiplier of the loaves and fishes,
Bless and multiply His Words of Wise Counsel in us, and amongst us,
And ourselves abide in His Grace, Your Love, O God, and Fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Jean Harcourt — for Mary G. a friend and sower if the Word.
Fresh Whispers 
So sorry for your loss, Jean. Mary sounds like someone I wish I’d known.
You would have liked her very much. Really down to earth with a generous heart. Thank you for your condolences
I’m sorry for the loss of your friend. And yes, I have friend in Jesus and I’m so thankful for loving friends. This is a beautiful tribute to your friend who’s finally “home”.
Amen. Thank you for your kind condolences x
You’re so welcome.
Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Be Blessed and comforted in the LORD!
I had a friend like that. And years ago I stupidly betrayed her friendship. Even so, she slipped a Bible verse to me after. I found Linda’s note years later and tried to find her, to apologize, with no luck. I’m glad your Mary was beloved by you.
My friend, your friend knew how you would feel I am certain that your friendship still endures wherever she may be, nothing separates friend from friend in the Grace of God your friendship endures yet… blessings
Thank you for sharing your friend in this way with us.
Thank you for allowing me to.