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.
Devotion
The Barrier is Removed
Frances Taylor
Moses had brought the Israelites out of Egypt and now they were wondering if they were any better off! They had reached the Red Sea, and couldn't see any way around this barrier that had been placed before them. But God knew what he was doing and Moses followed his instructions and the sea parted so that the Israelites could pass through on dry ground. A question sometimes asked at a job interview is, "What do you do when you face an obstacle?" How would you answer? Would you try to go around it, through it, or perhaps over it? Moses could not go around his obstacle and knew that without help, he could never bring all the people, animals and supplies through it. So, he asked God for help. Was that the first thing you thought of? There is a saying, "If God brings you to it, he will bring you through it." The key here is to ask God to bring us through it.
We often face challenges in our lives, especially when we are trying to live as Jesus wants...
Morning Prayer
Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Inspiration
What is grace? It is the free and unmerited favor of God, his gifts to us. One such example was the salvation brought to us by Christ. It is state of being favored and of being the chosen people. One such further example would be the Israelites, who God led to their promised land. We today, have inherited this grace. We today, are simultaneously unworthy of him, yet we are his chosen. Rejoice, rejoice in his grace.
Prayer
To my Lord God almighty, who art in Heaven, I thank you for your divine light and grace, given to me every day. I may not be worthy, I may not be pure and perfect, but I beg you to be merciful. For in your grace, in your faith, I may go on to improve each day. In your grace, I will strive to be a better servant, here as in Heaven. Amen.
