AUGUST 16, 2024
Topic: “BEARING GOD’S PRESENCE THROUGH POSITIVE INFLUENCE – A FRIEND INDEED”
Text: 1 Samuel 18: 1, 20: 41& 42
Memory Verse: 1 Samuel 18:1b. …”the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul”.
Do you have a close friend with whom you love to gist, pray, share aspirations, celebrate victories and review failures? Maybe a spouse, a classmate, a neighbor or colleague in the office? Jonathan was such a friend to David.
Despite understanding the fact that God had taken the kingdom away from his father, Saul (and himself) and given it to David, he did not despise David. Rather, the Bible says his soul knit with David’s soul and he loved him as his own soul. He made sure to prevent his father from killing David. (I encourage to you to read the entire account in 1 Samuel chapters 18, 19 & 20)
Everyone needs such a friend or friends. Friends who bring out the best in you. Not fair-weather friends who love you only for what they can get from you. God-fearing friends who will challenge you to be a better person for God, as you also challenge them. Friends who will exert a positive influence on you and you over them, because you both carry God’s presence.
The Christians in Antioch were seen as “Little Christs”. As “Bearers of God’s Presence”, we should be spreading the aroma of His love to a world in need of Jesus.
PRAYER: Let my life be a picture of You, Dear Jesus. Telling the story always; JESUS SAVES.