Cherish your loved ones, and build deep, meaningful friendships.

Another beautiful summer weekend in Michigan! You can travel to many places in the world, but none can beat West Michigan this time of year! I hope you had time to enjoy it with family and friends this past weekend. 

We finished our journey through 2 Timothy and now have ventured into Philippians. This is another great book of the Bible to spend some time in. As a refresher, Paul wrote Philippians while he was in prison. God gave Paul the wisdom to take the dire circumstances to provide encouraging words for all of us. When we think of the challenges Paul went through to spread the message of Jesus, we reflect that no circumstance we face should hold us back from being BOLD in our faith journey and sharing the message of Jesus with others. The verse that caught our attention this week and also served as a basis for our Seven24 ministry is the following:

"I thank my God every time I remember you" Phil. 1:3

It is a very short verse but one packed with wisdom. God created the world so that we could be in a community with each other. He wanted us to have a connection. Paul was greatly joyful when he thought about his friends in Philippi. He wanted them to know how much they meant to him, even from his jail cell. How about YOU? Who are the people in your life that bring you great joy and have impacted your life? Who are the people God has put in your path by design? Have you let them know how much they mean to you?

How about your wife and kids? Given today's fast-paced schedules, do you tell them how much they mean to you? Just take a moment, look them in the eye, and tell them how important they are to you and how much you love them. Send them a random text message that says, "I appreciate YOU!" or just a simple "I love you." Catch them off guard. We promise you that it will be the highlight of their day.   

Think about yourself. How do you feel when someone looks you in the eye and tells you how much they appreciate and love you? A true, genuine expression of the love God has for each of us. Some guys think we are too "tough" to show this level of emotion. In our humble opinion, we do not think so. We believe it is a sign of strength! How about those friends who God put in your life that you know will be there for you, no matter what? These are not just superficial friends but those you would want in your foxhole if you were in battle. When was the last time you told them how much they meant to you, how much you appreciate and love them? Guys, it is OK to do this!

"Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty" Job 6:14

Statistics show that most men do not have many deep friend relationships. We have talked about this before in previous Fist Bumps.    Our belief and why we started Seven 24 is that men DO need deep, meaningful friend relationships as they journey through life. Men need men other than their wives, whom they know they can be transparent with. Someone they know accepts them just as they are. Someone they know they can be transparent with and have unquestioned trust in. Who is that for YOU? Do not miss the opportunity to build this relationship. We all go through struggles in life. Sometimes even in our families. Who can you lean on in those situations?

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ" Galatians 6:28

"A friend loves at ALL times, and a brother is born for adversity" Proverbs 17:17

God wants us in a relationship, guys. Take advantage of the joy meaningful friendships can bring as you journey through life. This is another reminder for those of you who still have parents alive. Tell them how much you love them and appreciate them. It will mean the world to them.

We know family relationships can be tough at times, but no matter what, when someone tells you you are appreciated and loved, it is amazing what can happen! Give it a shot this week.