1st April 2025

Friends For Life

Jonathan . . . was grieved for David,

because his father had treated him shamefully.

 1 Samuel 20:34

Today's Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 20:26–34.

William Cowper (1731–1800), the English poet, found a friend in his pastor, John Newton (1725–1807), the former slave trader. Cowper suffered from depression and anxiety, attempting to die by suicide more than once. When Newton visited him, they would go on long walks together and talk about God. Thinking that Cowper would benefit from engaging creatively and having a reason to write his poetry, the minister had the idea to compile a hymnal. Cowper contributed many hymns, including “God Moves in a Mysterious Way.” When Newton moved to another church, he and Cowper remained strong friends and corresponded regularly for the rest of Cowper’s life.

I see parallels between the strong friendship of Cowper and Newton with that of David and Jonathan in the Old Testament. After David defeated Goliath, “Jonathan became one in spirit with David,” loving him as himself (1 Samuel 18:1).

Although Jonathan was the son of King Saul, he defended David against the king’s jealousy and anger, asking his father why David should be put to death. In response, “Saul cast his spear at him to kill him” (20:33). Jonathan dodged the weapon and was grieved at this shameful treatment of his friend (v 34).

For both sets of friends, their bond was life-giving as they spurred each other on to serve and love God. How might you similarly encourage a friend today?

Prayer: Father in Heaven, help me to enjoy Your friendship and fellowship, and share You with others. In Jesus name. Amen.

31st March 2025

What God Has Done

“With everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,"

”Says the Lord, your Redeemer.

Isaiah 54:8

Today's Bible Reading: John 3:16-21.

If God is all-powerful and all-loving, it would seem inconsistent with His nature to allow anyone to be lost. Here again we rationalize because we do not understand the nature of God. God cannot go against His own laws and against His own nature. God is holy. He cannot tolerate sin in His presence. He created us free to choose how we would live. He invites us to come His way, but leaves us free to pursue our own ends with tragic, natural consequences. We glibly say, “Surely a loving God would not allow a person He loves to be lost. He just would not allow it.” Far from allowing it, God has done everything He can to prevent it! Talk about love! “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son . . . ” (John 3:16). This is Good News. Because of what God in love has done for us, we need not be lost.

A lost person may trust in many things, like good works, religion, church membership, friendship etc, but they are not trusting in the one and only Person Who can save the soul!

Today's Prayer: Almighty God, your generous love is felt in my life, as I live each day through the grace of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

.

30th March 2025

Loving One Another

. . . love one another . . .

John 13:34

Today's Bible Reading: John 13:31-35.

One of the growing psychological problems facing people today is loneliness. One of the greatest ministries that a person can have today is just being a good listener. Many people are longing not only to be loved, but to have someone who will listen to them. When we love God with all our hearts, then we have the capacity to love our neighbour. The greatest need in the world today is not more science, not more social engineering, not more teaching, not more knowledge, not more power, not even more preaching, the greatest need we have today is for love. And the only way that love can be supplied is by a supernatural act of the Holy Spirit that transforms lives.

The love that God gives is not the ordinary love that we find in the world today. When we love our neighbours, it is not our loving with natural love, it is God loving through us. If you are willing to do this, God will supply His love for you and those you are sharing with.

Today's Prayer: God of Love, how often I take for granted Your immeasurable act of love for me upon the cross. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You, that through Your supreme example I can reach out in love to my neighbour. In Jesus name. Amen.

.