“Go in peace! And what we both swore in the Lord’s Name… let it be forever.” — 1 Samuel 20:42
In the chapel of Christ’s College, Cambridge, there is a monument dedicated to two seventeenth-century doctors, John Finch and Thomas Baines. Known as “inseparable friends”, Finch and Baines collaborated on medical research and went on diplomatic trips together. When Baines died in 1680, Finch mourned their “unbreakable marriage of souls” of thirty-six years. It was a friendship based on love, loyalty and devotion.
David and Jonathan had the same close friendship. They shared a deep mutual affection (1 Sam. 20:41), and even made a vow of loyalty to each other (vv. 8-17, 42). Their friendship was marked by total loyalty (1 Sam. 19:1-2; 20:13). Jonathan even sacrificed his right to the throne so that David could become king (1 Sam. 20:30-31; see 1 Sam. 23:15-18). When Jonathan died, David lamented that Jonathan’s love for him was “more luxurious… than the love of a woman” (2 Sam. 1:26).
We may be uncomfortable comparing friendship to marriage today, but friendships like those of Finch and Baines, David and Jonathan, can help our friendships reach greater depth. Jesus invited His friends to cling to Him (John 13:23-25), and the affection, loyalty and devotion He shows us can become the basis of the deep friendship we build together.
How do you think faith in Christ can deepen friendships? How can you show more affection, loyalty, and devotion to your friends?
Dear Jesus, please help me to build real friendships.
Author: Sheridan Voysey
“But He humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant.” — Philippians 2:7
After the game, the college basketball star stayed behind to help workers clear away empty cups and food wrappers. When one of the fans posted the corresponding video, it was viewed by more than 80,000 people. One person commented: “The young man is one of the most humble guys you will ever meet in your life.” It would be easier for a basketball player to go with his teammates and celebrate his role in the team’s victory. Instead, he volunteered for a thankless job.
We see the highest manifestation of humility in Jesus Christ, who left His high position in heaven to accept the role of a servant on earth (Phil. 2:7). Jesus voluntarily humbled Himself. His earthly ministry included teaching, healing, and showing love to all people, as well as death and resurrection for their salvation.
While Christ’s example may inspire us to sweep the floor, pick up the hammer, or set the table, his imitation is most powerful when it is reflected in the way we treat others. True humility is an inner trait that not only changes our actions, but also changes what is important to us. It motivates us to appreciate “one another as more than ourselves” (v. 3).
Author and preacher Andrew Murray said, “Humility is the flower and beauty of holiness.” So let our lives reflect this beauty as we, with the help of the Holy Spirit, reflect the heart of Christ (vv. 2-5).
How has the humility of Jesus Christ affected you? In what areas do you want to show pride?
Dear Jesus, thank you for humbling yourself for me. Help us to follow Your example of perceiving the needs of others as higher than our own.
By Jennifer Benson Schuldt
“What good is it to a man who gains the whole world but loses his own soul?” — Mark 8:36
In 1920, John Sung, the sixth child in the family of a Chinese pastor, received a scholarship to study at one of the universities in the United States. He graduated with honors, completed a master’s program, and earned a Ph.D. Unfortunately, during his studies, he drifted away from God. However, later, in 1927, he rededicated his life to Christ and felt called to become a preacher.
There were many high-paying positions waiting for him in China, but when he sailed home, he threw all his awards into the sea, leaving only his doctorate to give to his parents as a sign of respect.
John Sung understood Jesus’ words about how to become His disciple: “What shall it profit a man that shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mr. 8:36). If we reject ourselves and leave our former life to follow Christ (vv. 34-35), we may need to sacrifice personal desires and material interests that will get in the way.
For the next twelve years, John was fully devoted to his God-given commission, preaching the Gospel to thousands of people throughout China and Southeast Asia. What about you? Perhaps you are not called to be a preacher or a missionary. But whatever service the Lord has appointed you to, may His Spirit help you to give yourself completely to Him.
What do you need to leave behind to truly follow Jesus? What personal ambitions might you be holding on to?
Heavenly Father, help me to put aside everything that prevents me from fully giving myself to You in service.
Posted by Jasmine Goh (guest)
“So by righteousness the king will reign… like streams of water in the desert.” — Isaiah 32:1-2
When geologists were drilling an oil well in one hot and arid country, they unexpectedly discovered a huge underground water system. For example, in 1983, the “big man-made river” project appeared, within the framework of which a network of water pipes was laid to supply high-quality fresh water to a large city. The sign near the well reads: “Here begins the artery of life.”
The prophet Isaiah used the image of a spring in the desert to describe the righteous reign of the future king (Is. 32). His princes, who will rule according to the law, will become “like streams of water in the desert, like the shadow of a heavy rock in a thirsty land” (v. 2). Many of today’s rulers prefer not to give, but to take. But a God-fearing leader provides people with shelter, shelter, refreshment and protection. In the beautiful future described by the prophet Isaiah, “the work of truth will be peace, and the work of truth will be tranquility and security forever” (v. 17).
Isaiah’s prophecy will find its final fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who will “descend from heaven”, after which we will “always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). The “Great Man-made River” is just a man-made water supply system. Someday this water reservoir will be exhausted. And our righteous King brings freshness and living water that does not run out.
Where do you need the living water of Christ? How can you follow His example to bring freshness to others?
Lord Jesus, thank You for bringing peace through Your perfect, righteous rule.
Author: Karen Pimpo
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” — Galatians 5:14
The young pastor asked God every morning to bless others through him. To his delight, such cases did happen regularly. Once, during a break at his second job, he was sitting in the sun with a colleague, and he asked him a question about Christ. The pastor began to answer casually. Without philosophizing and arguments. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he managed to start an interesting conversation. In addition, he made a new friend – a person who wanted to learn more about God.
Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us is the best way to tell others about Christ. The Lord said to His disciples: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit is angry with you, and you will be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8).
The fruit of the Spirit is “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, goodness, mercy, faith, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23). Thanks to the help of the Holy Spirit, the young pastor put Peter’s teaching into practice: “Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you about the hope you have, with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15).
And even if we suffer for our faith in the Lord, our words will show the world that we are led by His Spirit, and this will draw others to Him.
What communication style do you prefer when talking to unbelievers about Christ? How do we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us so that our testimony becomes effective?
Lord, guide me with the Holy Spirit as I tell people about Christ, so that I may be filled with Your love.
Author: Patricia Raybon
“Good news from a distant land is cold water for a thirsty soul.” — Proverbs 25:25
“Mom! We have a fly in the honey!” – came the daughter’s voice from the kitchen. I answered with a well-known proverb: “A spoonful of honey will catch more flies than twenty barrels of vinegar.” To tell you the truth, this was the first time we caught a fly in the honey jar. Of course, the proverb is not talking about flies at all. It hides a wise observation: friendly requests are more successful than bitter reproaches.
The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings and sayings inspired by God’s Spirit. These ancient sayings help us navigate life and teach important truths about honoring God. Many proverbs are about relationships between people, including the influence that our words have.
King Solomon warns readers against false accusations (Prov. 25:18), teaches that a “secret tongue” harms relationships (v. 23), and condemns quarrelsomeness (v. 24). On the other hand, Solomon encourages the readers to spread the good news – this brings blessings (v. 25).
If we try to apply these principles, God’s Spirit will send the right words to our hearts (Prov. 16:1). Thanks to His action, our speech will be pleasant and refreshing.
Remember a time when you observed the powerful influence of words? What must be done for the Holy Spirit to direct our speech?
Heavenly Father, help me to reflect Your compassion in my dealings with people, using kind and healing words.
Author: Lisa Samra
“For a man looks at the face, but the Lord looks at the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7
Many years ago, Julia Landsman auditioned for the position of first horn player of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in New York. The contestants played behind a screen so that the judges did not have a biased attitude. Landsman passed the audition “excellently” and eventually won the competition. But when she appeared from behind the screen, some of the male judges retreated to the end of the courtroom and turned their backs on her in open displeasure. Obviously, they wanted to see someone else.
When the Israelites wanted a king, God went to meet them and offered the handsome and strong Saul. Such were the kings of other nations (1 Sam. 8:5; 9:2). But because Saul’s heart was marked by unbelief and disobedience, God sent Samuel to anoint the new king. Samuel came to Jesse’s house and, seeing his tall and handsome first-born Eliava, thought that the Lord had chosen him as king. However, God challenged Samuel’s prejudiced attitude, saying: “For a man looks at the face, but the Lord looks at the heart” (v. 7). As a result, a fair-haired young man, David, was appointed head of God’s people (v. 12).
In judging a person’s fitness for His purposes, God looks at character, will, and motive. And He calls us to look at the world and people in the same way as He looks – paying attention not to external data, but to what is hidden behind them.
Why is it important not to judge people based on personal preferences? What does it mean for you to see as God sees?
God, help me not judge people by their appearance.
Author: Marvin Williams
“Who knows, maybe for a time like this, you have reached the kingdom.” — Esther 4:14
Lord, why? Is this really Your plan? I have a family, small children, and suddenly such a terrible diagnosis: cancer. No wonder these and many other questions were running through my head. Moreover, we have recently started a joint ministry with a missionary team. Many children and teenagers were converted to Christ, God gave clear fruits. We had so much joy! And now this?!
Esther probably also had many questions and prayers after being torn from her home and placed in a strange, new world (Esther 2:8). Cousin Mordechai raised her, an orphan, as his own daughter (v. 7). But then she was taken to the royal harem, and after a while Esther became queen (v. 17). Mordecai was understandably worried about “what she was doing” (v. 11). But later it became clear that God elevated her to a high position for a special purpose – to save the entire nation from destruction (Esthe 4:14).
It is evident that God’s providence placed Esther in a new and strange place for her with a special purpose. The Lord did the same with me. My battle with cancer has been prolonged and I have been privileged to share my faith with many patients and medical staff. Perhaps the Lord has also brought you to a completely new, unfamiliar and terrifying place? Trust Him. He is good, and this is His perfect will (Rom. 11:33-36).
Has God taken you to strange places? Why can we trust His perfect plans?
God, help me to trust You even when I don’t understand what You are doing.
Author: Tom Felten
“Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.” — James 1:19
A close friend made harsh accusations against me. My heart was ready to burst out of my chest and I already opened my mouth to refute her words. What I posted on the Internet had nothing to do with her, but somehow she took it to heart. Before I began to speak, I whispered a prayer. Peace came to my soul, and suddenly I felt the pain that was hidden behind her accusations. It became clear that everything was more serious than it seemed. My friend was in pain, and the urge to fight back suddenly disappeared. I wanted to help her.
So I understood what James meant when he called us to be quick to listen, but slow to speak and to anger (James 1:19). Listening will help us understand what is behind the words and refrain from anger, which “does not do the truth of God” (v. 20). We will be able to look into the heart of the speaker. Pause and prayer helped me restore my relationship with my friend. I became more sensitive to her words, and not to my offense. Maybe if I hadn’t stopped and prayed, I would have said something that I would later regret.
And although I don’t always succeed in following Jacob’s instructions, I think I succeeded that day. Pause and prayer became the key to listening more and talking less. Anger and resentment could not take over my heart. I pray that God will give me the wisdom to do so more often (Prov. 19:11).
Did Jacob’s teaching help you? How can you apply it today?
Merciful God, help me to be quick to listen and slow to anger.
Author: Katara Patton
“And they beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into sickles.” — Micah 4:3
My wife has a necklace and earrings from Ethiopia. Their elegant simplicity is evidence of the special talent of an unknown master. But the most amazing thing about these ornaments is their history. After decades of armed conflict and an ongoing civil war, Ethiopia’s land is littered with munitions fragments and shell casings. With hope for a better future, people clear the scorched earth and collect metal. Local artisans make jewelry from it.
In this story, I heard echoes of Micah’s prophecy, which spoke of a beautiful future. One day, the prophet proclaimed, people will beat “their swords into plowshares, and their spears into sickles” (Mic. 4:3). Weapons made to kill and maim will be transformed into tools to sustain life. In the Lord’s Kingdom, “nation will not lift up sword against nation, and war will no longer be learned” (v. 3).
Micah’s prophecy seemed as incredible in his lifetime as it does in ours. We also regularly encounter violence and war, and it seems impossible that the world will ever change. But God promises that, by His grace, the miraculous day of healing will come after all. And it is important for us to start living according to this truth right now. God is already helping us today to take up His work, turning the debris into beautiful things.
Have you ever seen God’s love turn evil into good? How can you participate in this transformation?
God, change our world. Work through me to bring Your beauty into him.
Author: Wynn Collier
