Devotion
God-Centered Friendships
Chipo Biti
Jonathan and David's friendship was centered on God, which is probably why it was loving as it was. When David had to flee from Saul's rage, he and Jonathan wept because they were not sure if they would ever see each other again. But they wished each other well and went their separate ways. In other circumstances, Saul's rage could have actually had a negative impact on their friendship. Saul was Jonathan's father. The fact that his father wanted to kill his best friend put Jonathan in an awkward position. But he rose above it and chose to do right by his friend.
Choosing to defend David was a very risky choice but Jonathan didn't care. He felt that their friendship was worth defending. When Saul was on the rampage, Jonathan was quick to go to David and inform him of his father's plans. This helped David escape Saul's murderous mission. It broke their heart to see such a situation occur. David held no resentment against Saul. He looked up to Saul. Saul's motives were inspired by jealousy. This is why you should never accommodate jealousy in your heart, it can lead to disastrous consequences.
David and Jonathan looked out for each other. They were concerned for their wellbeing. Jonathan risked his life several times to protect David. Saul would have punished Jonathan severely if he discovered that Jonathan was assisting David. That did not scare Jonathan. To him, his friendship with David was worth the risk.
Prayer
We should strive to have friendships that are just as fulfilling as this one. Friendships like this are not built overnight - and they do not fall from the sky. You need to commit your friendship to God, making Him the center of it so that in everything the two of you do, God is glorified.
That is a friendship worth having.
Devotion
We will Do It
Why do you obey
Frances Taylor
Moses came down from the mountain and told the people what the Lord had commanded. They all said, Okay! No problem! As we shall see in a few days, that didn't last long. The Israelites said yes over and over to God, and then said, no, over and over again. So much like us! It's a good thing God forgives us over and over again. It is always interesting to read the full account of the commandments and their amplified meaning in Exodus, because it gives an idea of what the civilization was like in those days. The commandments were not all totally new as many of them were based on the code of Hammurabi. The first three commandments were new as they listed the proper behavior towards God. The other seven concerned social behavior and social structure. So, what's the difference between Hammurabi's code and the Ten Commandments other than the first three? The difference is in the why. We don't obey the commandments because they promote civility...
Morning Prayer
Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.
Inspiration
Our mouths may be filled with all sorts; idle chatter, gossip, news, profanities or slander. Yet it would be best of all to fill it with praise and love. God gave us our voices to not only communicate, but to choose our words wisely. Don't use it to injure or babble, but to spread his gospel and praise.
Prayer
Lord Almighty I exalt your name on earth as in Heaven. Grant me the wisdom and the will to spread your name and deeds, to use my voice for beauty and truth rather than lies and disparagement. Grant me this Lord, in your holy name I pray, Amen.
