Devotion
Godly Friendships
Chipo Biti
Jonathan and David had a friendship that was bonded in love. They didn't just see each other as friends, they treated each other as if they were brothers. They were so close with each other the Bible records that they "knit with the soul" which means that they were in one accord. They loved each other like brothers. This friendship continued until Jonathan's tragic death. David was so moved by Jonathan's death, he pledged to take care of anyone who was part of Jonathan's family. When David discovered that Jonathan had a son who was born with a disability, he took him in and treated him like royalty. He remained loyal to the promise that he made.
This is one of the examples of the way a godly friendship should be. Friendships should be rooted in love. It helps to have godly friends because when the two of you walk in one accord, you'll be doing so with Jesus at the center of your friendship.
It is sad to see that friendships have a completely different meaning nowadays. People tend to become friends for all the wrong reasons. Some use friendship as a way of getting things that they couldn't get on their own.
There are a number of friendships were loyalty is non-existent. This is not the plan God had when it came to companionship. Our friendships should reflect the love of God in them. When people take a look at you and your friends, they should see the bond of unity - not a heap of distrust. It will be hard for you to minister effectively if people notice that all of your friendships are founded in dishonesty.
Follow the example of Jonathan and David and love each other as if you are family. If you know that there are friendships in your life that do not glorify God because they are based on the wrong things, you need to walk away. It will help you and it will help the other person too.
Prayer
Godly friendships should be about loving each other, looking out for each other, and striving to bring out the best in each other - the same way Christ loves you, looks out for you, and strives to bring out the best in you.
Night Prayer
The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
Inspiration
When a king rules with fairness and justice, his kingdom will flourish. If the same king accepts gifts or bribes, his kingdom will fall. We've all observed a person in a leadership position who acted wrongfully. Perhaps a boss did not discipline employees fairly, or a political leader accepted kickbacks for legislation decisions. These corrupt actions lead to their demise. Scripture advises leaders to maintain justice with fair decision-making. As leaders, we must reflect on the mercy and grace God shows to us and lead others in the same fashion.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for coaching us in our leadership endeavors. We have faith in Your Words and will lead Your people accordingly. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Devotion
The Widow of Naim
Frances Taylor
This story of Jesus' raising the son of the widow of Naim gives us some information that lets us know just how important it was for this widow. At that time, women had no way to earn a living. They were property of their parents until they became property of their husbands, and actually moved into the home of the husband. Now that this widow's son had died, she had no one to take care of her. The compassion that Jesus showed meant life to that widow. I'm sure the leaders weren't too happy that the power of God to raise someone from the dead rested in Jesus. There must also have been those who were saying, "Why her and not me?" We all will die and we will all lose someone we love including those of us who have and will lose children. We can easily read this passage and question. It can be difficult to understand God's plan for us, even though we keep trying. It is better to concentrate on the positive than the negative. A priest I once knew lost ...
