Hosanna

A Tabernacle of Praise ----

A Word of Faith, Spirit-Filled, Nondenominational - interacial church at 13779 Highway 51 South in Munford, TN.

Four Stages of Friendship

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up."
(Eccl. 4:9-10)

Friends are a gift from God. But good friendships don't just happen; there is a process involvement if it is to be worked out. Yes that's right; to have good close friends you must constently work at it. I believe there are four stages of our friendships:

1. The acquaintance stage
2. The casual friendship
3. The close friendship
4. The intimate friendship

Each of these stages must be handled correctly in order for the relationship to be godly. We need God's guidance throughout the entire processes. The acquaintance stage takes place when you first meet someone who is at the least, friendly. An acquaintance becomes a casual friend when you spend time with this person. As we ask and answer basic questions to each other about life (getting acquainted), while ever praying for God's everday guidance in our lives; we begin to make decisions if to include them into our friendship circle or not. Remember, we have the responsibility to ask God,
"Why has this person crossed my path? Did You send this person to me?"Once you have gone through the acquaintance and casual friendship stages with someone, you use the same standards for establishing a close friendship. Here you decide at what level the relationship should stay. If you desire to bring the person further into your life, then you move to the intimate friendship stage, which can involve best friends, sharing intimate feelings, dreams and desires. Be sure to move slowly forward, and allow the relationship develop. It is so important that we teach our children this process also. After years of practice in establishing what type of relationship is or isn't right for them; it will help them in choosing the right friends at school, in their neighborhoods, and even when it's time to find the that one true friend for life. Always remember, friends are a great blessing at every one of these stages.

Happy Friend Day!

Jesse Laney's spirit-filled roots are found as far back as his great-grandparents. Accepting the call to ministry, and pursuing that call at a young age; he graduated from Central Bible College, Springfield, Missouri, went on to attend Memphis State University, Memphis, Tennessee; and received his Doctorate at Saint Thomas Christian College, Jacksonville, Florida. God has led Dr. Laney to pioneer, plant & build seven churches in Mexico, and eight churches in the United States. Although a pastor at heart, he has been referred to by his peers as a, "revivalist".

Dr. Laney has been privileged to serve as a Christian Television talk show host: five years hosting "Celebrate Jesus", for Sonlight Broadcasting a TBN affiliate; and two years with "Faith Action" broadcast, reaching thousands with the message of hope and faith in Jesus Christ. He can be currently seen weekly on TCT (Total Christian Television) ministering the word of God in over 170 nations. Pastor Laney has also made many appearances on various radio programs, written many articles for magazines, and is a requested conference and convention speaker. In 2007 Pastor Laney was listed by Cambridge Institution as "Who's Who" among outstanding businessmen and professionals. Dr. Laney currently serves as the Eastern Regional Director for the International Convention of Faith Ministries, Ministerial Association.

Sharon, (his wife), and Jesse are both accomplished musicians and songwriters, and singers. Dr. Laney is the Founder and Senior Pastor of "Hosanna" a Tabernacle of Praise, (a Word of Faith, Spirit-Filled, Nondenominational - interracial church), Munford, TN, where his wife and he presently pastor, "The perfect church for people who aren't perfect."

Jesse and Sharon have been blessed with three sons, one daughter, and six grandchildren, crediting all of their success to the blessings of Almighty God. Their one true desire in life is to reach people with the message of faith, proclaiming God's Word of Truth; by preaching and teaching forgiveness, healing, blessing, restoration and hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.