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
Abraham is Father of All
Frances Taylor
There are questions in every age about the importance of the Old Testament for Christians. Abraham is considered to be the Father of Faith for Jews, Christians and Muslims. We forget that it was Abraham who believed in the doctrine of only one God. It is through him and his descendants that this tradition comes down to us. Another fact that we can overlook is that Jesus was Jewish. He was born a Jew, lived as a Jew, died, rose and ascended into heaven as a Jew. Because we believe that he was the Messiah, the Christ, and we follow him, we are called Christian. Without the Old Testament, we wouldn't understand the promise of salvation; we wouldn't understand why it was important for Jesus to be of the family of King David. We would not understand his teaching either, because Jesus quoted from Scripture – the Old Testament – frequently. He told us that he came to fulfill the Scriptures, not to abolish them. In the same way, we can ...
Morning Prayer
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Inspiration
We have a responsibility, as Christians, to abstain from the sinful practices we partook in before we became saved. While it may be a gradual process of change, we should ensure that we are putting in our best to play our part in resisting temptation. God enables us to resist temptation, but it is up to us to actually resist.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that I will always be a person of action. Father, I take delight in my new life in you and I do not desire otherwise. I pray that in times of temptation, may I act on the strength you have given me to flee and/or resist. May I never rely on excuses or procrastination, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
Inspiration
We have chosen to surrender our lives and serve the Lord. We serve Him by witnessing, completing missionary projects, and ministering to those in need. There is always work to do and a world full of people to help. We will look for opportunities to provide for our brothers and sisters in Christ by any means necessary. We are servants to one another as a service to the Lord; He will never forsake us.
Prayer
Dear God, Help us see the world through Your eyes. We desire to serve those around us by reflecting Your love through our actions. You will never forsake us, and we will continually lift praises of thanksgiving to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
