Inspired

Nick "Burton" Davis 261E , Thank you for being a reflection of Christ in my life and inspiring me to be Christ-like in all my friendships!

Sometimes God will place people in your lives that will inspire and encourage you. My Lil Bro has been one of those people in my life. This is a testimony of God's love in my life. Cheezy, Yes! But I must share how God has worked in and transformed my life through friendship. God has used my brother to lift me up and push me to be all that He has called me to be. Verses like Psalm 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend," became real truth through this friendship. I believe God designed humanity to be interdependent so we can help our brothers' grow toward Christ's likeness. Friends like Burton care about our walk with God and take time to provide spiritual investment. Only God can fulfill us but He uses true friends to influence us and lead us back to Himself. My life has been challenged and enriched by many people in the body of Christ, and Burton has definitely been the most inspiring.

I have been able to watch God move in Burton's life and that has always encouraged me to press on! It reminds me of God's transforming power. Burton has changed immensely since the day that I first met him, I have seen him let God take control. And I have seen God transform his heart and bless his ministry. Think about all the people who inspire you, it's a gift from God!

When I read about Jonathan and King David's friendship in 1 Samuel Chapter 20 I'm amazed how God blessed David through this friendship. Jonathan was a loyal and faithful friend. Jonathan wanted what was best for David (God's will) and put his own interests aside. Jonathan was next in line to inherent the throne, but God anointed David. Instead of letting jealousy get in the way Jonathan chose to love and serve his friend. It is amazing that God gives us friendships that bless us in a similar manner. We all have to be willing to let people come close. It's a risk worth taking especially when the relationship is kept Christ-Centered. One thing that I know I can count on is that Burton will never let me settle for less than God's best. We all need people like this in our lives. Remember that a great person loses their greatness with the lack of accountability (Mango).

David had another God sent friend named Nathan. Nathan spoke truth into King David's life and led him to repent and return to God. Friends like Burton are also people who will speak truth and give you hope in God's redeeming love. There have been plenty of time where Burton has spoke truth into my life and helped me draw closer to God.

Our ultimate example of true friendship is Jesus, John 15:13 "greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." He kept God's will the number one priority. He loved us through self-sacrifice. And He has spoken truth into our lives. The overwhelming truth is that He is alive and well. Friends will come and go but there is one friend that we can count on to be there always and that friend is God (Joshua 1:9). Being a true friend is Being Christ-like!!

God thank you for giving us Christ-Centered friendships! May we all learn to be loyal and faithful friends that seek nothing but God's best. May our influence only lead people to You and Your Glory.