Archived Daily Devotionals

Remember, Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this inner light ~Albert Schweitzer

Scripture:
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:15-17(NIV)

People often tell me that my devotionals often come at a time when they need to hear a specific word or message. They offer not only words of encouragement, but are frequently viewed as confirmation to something these people may be going through. What many of you may not know is this; responses like these are one of many reasons I feel so compelled to do these messages as often as I do.

My devotionals are a tool that I myself use to encourage me. I use them as a reflection of my own spiritual walk as I ponder not only my own Christian experience but also the experience of others. They are but one of the ways I pay homage to God.

What’s also interesting about them is they have introduced me to some wonderful people, both on and off-line. Because of these messages, I have been introduced to a multitude of new friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. These messages and my friends are the flame that keeps the fire within me lit.

So my friends thank you for keeping my flame lit and burning in homage to God.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, in the name of Jesus, we come before the throne of grace, humbling ourselves before You Lord, giving You all honor, praise and glory. Father God, as we draw closer to the end of another week, we come to give thanks for all that You have done in our lives, but also for the things that You are about to do. Father, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Your word have I hidden in my heart so that I may not sin against thee. Lord, I come lifting my shield of faith and my sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. I believe that I can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me. I believe that You are doing a new thing in my life. I believe that my breakthrough, my miracle, my healing is at hand. I believe that I am and can do everything that Your word tells me because You Lord, are God alone and You cannot lie. My shield of faith reminds me that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. My faith and hope comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Lord, we know and realize that You are still sovereign and that all things work for the good of those who love You and who have been called according to Your purpose. Thank You Lord, for my faith. Thank You Lord, for my blessings. Thank You Lord, for my Redeemer, Christ Jesus, it is in His name we pray. Amen.

Remember, Adversity is another way to measure the greatness of individuals. I never had a crisis that didn't make me stronger. ~Lou Holtz

Scripture:
Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:20-21 (New International Version)

Adversity can be described as a series of unfortunate events. Just when it seems that things are going right in your life, something can happen to change your perspective. It can be something as small as failing a test or something so overwhelming like death that just rocks your world.
Sometimes when we are confronted with adverse situations, we may want to throw up our hands in surrender. At other times, we just say “oh well” and keep on keeping on. And then there will come times, when you want to give up and give in. It is in those times when what we are made of, will surely be tested.

Whether you realize it or not, adversity in your lives is sometimes necessary for your spiritual development. There will be times when it becomes inevitable for us all to truly see just how strong the word of God is embedded in our everyday lives. Or, it may be a necessary process in order for us to move to the next level in our spiritual growth.

It is at those times that we must learn to depend on God even more than we already do. The reality of most individuals is that when things are going well in our lives, we become content with where we are. That is not where God necessarily wants us to be. Being a part of the Body of Christ is being willing to be stretched so that we become more like Him and less like the world.

It is at times like these, that we must learn to Stand in the face of Adversity.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, we come before the throne of grace with praise and thanksgiving on our tongues and in our hearts. We come asking Lord, for peace that passes all understanding. We come asking for strength to stand in the face of adversity. But most of all, we come asking with humbled hearts and minds, that You would hear our prayers and our petitions. Master, we need You to speak to the winds of adversity that are blowing against us, peace be still. We come asking that You hold on to our hands and the storms of life toss us about. We come asking that You would hide us under the wings of Your salvation as the roaring lions draws near in an effort to devour us. Lord, we ask that You would keep all of our families, friends, co-workers and brothers and sisters in perfect peace this and every day. Bless us right now in the name of Jesus. Our prayers are not complete until we let You know just how much we love You. Our prayers on not complete until we sing songs of praise to You alone. Lord, we lift Your name on high, we give You all of our love, all of our praise and sing songs of praise all the day long. Thank You Lord for one more day. Bless You Lord. Hallelujah, Praise God thank You Jesus, in his name we pray, Amen.

Remember, It is the still, small voice that the soul heeds, not the deafening blasts of doom. ~ William Dean Howells

Scripture:
Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:11-13 (New King James Version)

The prophet Elijah had a personal relationship with God. God often spoke to Elijah and commanded him to do great things in His name.. In the above passage, Elijah was running from Jezebel, after he had torn down her alters and killed her prophets in the name of the Lord. He had fled to the wilderness and gone into hiding, in fear for his life.

Our all knowing God already knew what Elijah was running from, but asked him anyway, what was he doing. It was during this meeting that God, told him to find Elisha who became his servant and would one day, take his place.

The Lord, our God, is capable of many great things. So often when we are seeking him, we look for the “Big” sign. We want him to perform great miracles for us that we, ourselves can see. There are several instances in the bible that tell of him speaking in a booming, loud voice. However, sometimes, He just whispers the answer to our problem.

We must learn not to look for the “Big” sign, but rather to listen for His still small voice.
Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, may we always hide Your word in our hearts. Father, may we learn to be still, listen and hear Your still small voice. Father God, help us to learn to be obedient to Your word. Your word, which is the same today, yesterday, and forever word. Your Word, that spoke the world into existence. Your Word, that sooths our souls when nothing else can. We come thanking You today for Your word. We come thanking You today, for Your hedge of protection. We come giving You our love and adoration for all that You do for us and our loved ones. But most of all we thank You for the greatest gift that could ever be given. The gift of Your son, Jesus Christ. Lord, we just want to say thank You for Your word. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Remember, Trouble is a part of your life, and if you don't share it, you don't give the person who loves you a chance to love you enough. ~ Dinah Shore

Scripture:
After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before. All his brothers and sisters and everyone who had known him before came and ate with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him over all the trouble the LORD had brought upon him, and each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring. Job 42:10-11 (New International Version)

I have often noted that when we are going through trials and tribulations, many of us are unwilling to let our family and friends know about it. Personally, I know that pride has kept me from sharing my bad times with others, even my sisters, whom I am very close to. I usually won’t tell others about my bad days unless I have no other choice.

I know people who are suffering with terminal illnesses, unemployment, cheating spouses and one of the biggest culprits of trouble, financial difficulties. So many are ashamed to admit that there is something wrong in their lives.

I have heard people say; “I don’t want anybody to feel sorry for me” or “I don’t need anybody’s help, I can do it on my own.” The most popular saying among Christians is; “God will provide.”
Now I know that there are some people who will try to take advantage of down situations and to be honest, we really don’t need to have those types of people in our lives to begin with. However, I also know of situations where there are people who would help, if they only knew.

The fact of the matter is that so often our egos or our pride can hinder us as we try to overcome our problems. We pray to God to send us help, but when it arrives, we turn it down for fear of seeming weak or unable to handle our own affairs.

Saints of God, no, trouble don’t last always. But in the mean time, learn to accept a helping hand.

Be blessed

Prayer:
Lord, we come before the throne of grace once again to thank you. Lord, we have so much to be grateful for and sometimes we just forget why. We thank you for waking us up, keeping us warm, keeping us safe, and proving all of our needs. We thank you most of all for your word and for your son, Christ Jesus. Father, we thank you for those friends who only want the best for us. We thank you Lord, because you give fresh grace and mercy each and everyday. Thank you Lord, for my children. Lord, thank you for my friends who constantly encourage me when I am down and catch me before I fall. Thank you father for never giving up on me, even when I wanted to give up on myself. Lord, we just want to give you the praise and honor that you deserve, because you gave us the forgiveness that we didn't deserve. Keep us all in perfect peace and place your hedge around us and your word in our hearts. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Remember, We may not be able to give much but we can always give the joy that springs in a heart that is in love with God. ~ Mother Teresa

Scripture:
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. Acts 9:36 (New International Version)

I love to study the women of the bible. One of my favorites is a woman by the name of Dorcas. Dorcas stands out in the bible as a woman of good works and charitable deeds. While the record of her in the Christian Scripture is limited to a few verses in the ninth chapter of Acts, her example has inspired women throughout history to take upon themselves the needs of the poor.
Dorcas lived during the first century AD. She made her home in Joppa and was associated with a little band of Christians, most of whom were poor. Dorcas, herself, appeared to be a wealthy woman, for her charitable deeds were numerous.

Dorcas proved herself to be a real “doer” of the Word of God, not just a mere “hearer”. What is significant about the account of her life is that Dorcas not only thought up ways of relieving the needy, but she also carried out her plans. She knew what she could do and she did it! Among her charitable deeds was making clothes for widows and the needy of her church community with her own hands. She was not only willing to give money to a cause, but she was willing to invest herself in the works of kindness.

My admiration for this woman of God is grounded in her willingness to serve. Now I know that I am not a Dorcas. However, I do have a heart to serve. I am not a woman of means, but I do give what I can, when I can and I give it willingly. I give not only financially, but I give of myself. I am not afraid to reach out to others.

Today I challenge you my sisters and my brothers in Christ to become more like Dorcas and less like the selfish individuals we all can be. Giving doesn’t always have to be about money, it can be more about your times, your knowledge and your resources.

Remember, when you reach out to help others, your problems will miraculously seem not to be that big.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father in the name of Jesus, we who have chosen to fellowship together desire that our prayers avail much. Father we realize that You know what we have need of before we ask and that we are not all growing in the same manner or on the same time schedule, but we are growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I personally thank You Father for placing Angels in my life that help me to fly when I forget I have wings. I thank You Lord for the grace and mercy that You bestow not only on me but to every one of Your Saints. . We pray for all who have come before the throne of Grace, Kneeling before the mercy seat. Father, may we always be mindful to help those who are need. We ask Lord, for the courage and the conviction to reach out and help others who may be in need. Keep us all in Your care and under Your protection once again. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.

Remember, Everything works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end. ~Unknown

Scripture:
David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished. 1 Chronicles 28:20 (New International Version)

The one constant that I have learned about life is, that there will always be challenges. Whether it be in relationships, on your job, in your ministry and in your home, there will always be something that isn’t going quite the way you may want it to.

As a mother, I often find that both of my sons can be very challenging. Our relationship has gone through some pretty rocky situations. However, I often find that the things that I worry the most about, somehow seem to work themselves out.

As a friend, I sometimes find myself at odds with those whom I love like sisters. We often disagree about things and then will realize that our disagreements are a natural part of the friendship process. We are each our own individual persons with our own individual way of seeing things. It’s only natural that we will not always see things eye to eye.

As a writer, I sometimes suffer from writers block. I sit down to work on something but just can’t seem to get the right words down on paper. And once I do, the daunting tasks of editing, rewriting and getting my work out there, never seems to end.

As a Christian, I have found that the idealistic utopist existence hasn’t quite manifested itself yet. Some days it’s downright hard being a Christian. It seems that everything that I believe in is ridiculed by the world and I often feel that I am on the Roman Road all by myself.

However, in each of the above situations I have come to realize that it ain’t over yet! My sons are still growing into the fine young men that I know they will be someday. Yes, I will lose some friendships along the way but the ones that endure, will be priceless. As a writer, I keep on writing because as long as I can touch someone’s life through the written word, then I am doing what I am supposed to be doing.

As a Christian, God never said it would be easy. As a matter of fact, He warned me that if I followed Jesus, that I too would have my own cross to carry. He told me that I would be ridiculed and made to feel like an outsider because in reality, I am. His Kingdom is not of this world. So if my goal is to make it into the kingdom then I must accept that I am not a part of this world either. I am set apart from the world and sometimes I will be made to feel alone because of it.

So my brothers and sisters I remind you; in this life there will always be challenges. But it ain’t over Yet!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Lord, I asked that You would hide Your word in my heart each and everyday. I turn to Your word in times of discouragement. I turn to Your word when I need guidance. I turn to Your word to seek the answers to my questions. Thank You Lord, for Your Word. Father, I come asking that my brothers and sisters in Christ would be encouraged this day. When things come against them, give them power through Your word. You have said in Your word, that we can do all things through Christ Jesus. You would never leave us nor forsake us. You are with us even until the end of time. Your grace and mercy are sufficient. Thank You Father. Now Lord, we ask that You would continue to bless us this day. Heal our afflicted, encourage our down heartened. Trust in the Lord with all Your heart and lean not to Your own understanding. In all Your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct Your paths. And my God shall supply all Your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Amen.

Remember, Whenever you see darkness, there is extraordinary opportunity for the light to burn brighter. ~ Bono

Scripture:
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12 (New International Version)

Have you ever met a person who seem to light up a room as they enter? You can’t quite put your finger on it, but something about them seems to make the world around them a brighter place. For some unexplained reason, just being around them makes you happy. There are certain people I have met that make me feel this way.

Once we begin to engage in conversation, I begin to understand why. The light of Jesus has been lit in their hearts. It really doesn’t matter what the conversation is about, it becomes obvious they are filled with the Holy Spirit by virtue of not what they do or say but by how they make me feel. I feel a sense of comfort.

That is how it’s supposed to be with Christians. You should be able to see one another, not by what they do or say, but by the light that emanates from within. The spirit of Christ that resides within their hearts.

I often pray for that same light to be lit within me. I pray that others can see the spirit of Christ in my spirit. I pray that the Holy Spirit indwells in my heart and that others can see and feel it. And when I am feeling down, I pray that He will reignite the fire, so that others will be drawn to it, not for my edification, but for His.

Does the light of Jesus Christ burn within your Spirit?

Be Blessed

PRAYER:
My Father, My Lord, My Savior. We who have been reconciled into Your kingdom by the saving grace of Christ Jesus, come before You once again with praises and thanksgiving on our tongues. Lord, we come honoring You for the gift of fresh grace and mercy. Lord, You blessed me and kept me once again and I say thank You. Father, we come before You asking that You would magnify Your power and Your presence in our lives. Lord, we know that we don't always do what is right in Your eyes, but we thank You for forgiveness. We realize and recognize that sometimes we don't always act Christ like. Lord, we come asking that Your light that shines within us would be magnified so that others may see it and seek after it in the same way we did. Lord, we ask that You would continue to bless our loved ones, our family members and our brothers and sisters in Christ. Someone needs a miracle today, so we come claiming a miracle for someone else today, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Remember, If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one. ~Mother Teresa

Scripture:
And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Matthew 25:40

Recently a very dear friend suffered a very tragic event in her life. This single mother of three is trying to recover from a fire in her home that destroyed her children’s bedroom. All of her children’s possessions were either destroyed in the fire or had to be thrown out because of water and smoke damage. Now, my friend and her children are trying to live in what’s left of her house. The front living area.

This strong woman not only has to put up a brave front for her children, she must also go to work to continue to provide for them, protect what’s left of her belongings from those who would try to prey on her misfortune and try to replace the things that were lost.

What’s interesting about her situation is that she is still maintaining a positive attitude. She candidly told me “that sometimes you have to pick which battles to fight in this world. She is not willing to fight the battle of self-pity. She is just happy that her children are alright.”

This particular woman is one of those people who believes in helping others. She too is a writer who has done a lot to promote literacy in the metropolitan Detroit Area. She is the epitome of the “Virtuous Woman.” Personally, I love her spirit.

Now I too am a single mother who knows what it’s like to lose things. Sometimes, you struggle just to survive and then “life happens.” You get knocked down and must struggle to get back up again. The one thing that you have to keep in mind when life knocks you down is to remember what’s important and decide which battles you are willing to fight.

However, it doesn’t hurt to have a friend who is willing to help you get back up again. If you find it in your heart to help, please e-mail me off-line at: Jackiemoore@virtuousliving.com and I will forward her contact information to you.

Be Blessed

PRAYER:
Father, we come this once again to give thanks to the Lord. We give thanks to our Father for all that he has done. We thank You because You love us in spite of. Your grace and mercy abound. You forgive us when we ask. You feed us when we are hungry, You protect and guide us. Thank You. Lord, I pray that You would find favor in something that I do today. Help me to see a need in someone else’s life other than my own. Lord, someone I meet today may not know you the way I do. Help me to reach out to someone else and lead them to You. Father, bless my home, my job, my co-workers and my brothers and sisters in Christ. Keep all families safe from all hurt harm and danger. Where there is strife, speak peace into those situations. Where there is a need, may it be filled. Grant us the desires of our hearts, O'Lord, according to Thy tender Mercies. Continue to touch the lives of our prayers lists. Heal, strengthen, bless, deliver and protect. Grant us greater faith, strength, and compassion. Lord, we love you and uplift the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Remember, Without the rich heart, wealth is an ugly beggar. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Scripture:
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, Ephesians 1:18 (New International Version)

As a member and moderator of a writing group, we often challenge one another with writing prompts. The purpose of the prompts is to stimulate our creative processes and get us to think outside of ourselves. One of my most recent prompts posed the challenge to write about “What does beauty mean to you? Now before you begin, really think about it. Don't just describe it in the physical sense, but look a little deeper.”

As Christians this is a challenge practice daily. Prayerfully without giving it much thought. We learn to look at the world, not with our natural eyes but through the eyes of Christ. As a Christian, we learn to see the heart and spirit of a person rather than his outward appearance. As a Christian, we should be looking at the content of ones character and not the content of his pockets. We should be able to see a beautiful spirit rather than just a beautiful face.

My challenge to you today is to look at the world through the eyes of your hearts. Look at the world through the eyes of Christ. What do you see?

Do you see the hope that He has called you to?

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, I once was blind but now I see. We come before you as the blind did in days of old. Asking Lord, that you would restore our sight. Help us Lord to see the world, not with our physical eyes, but through the eyes of Christ. Help us Lord, to develop greater faith. Help us Lord, to see the world through the eyes of Jesus. Father, we come surrendering our lives to you. Help us to learn to lean on you. Help us Lord to learn that its not always, about what we see but truly, about what you are teaching us. Teach us Lord to lean upon you. To depend upon you and not the things of this world. Lord, help us to realize that our circumstances do not define us, You do. You have already told us that You would never leave us nor forsake us. Bless us Lord. Keep us Lord. Restore our sight once again. So that we may lift our eyes towards heaven and see your divine vision for us. Father, we come praising and uplifting your name once again. As we ask and pray this and all things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Remember, Sometimes He allows us to suffer the worst of it So that when the best shows up There's no mistaking it. ~ John Christopher

Scripture:
This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. Isaiah 48:17 (New International Version)

I often talk about making choices. I learned a long time ago that for every choice that we make, there are consequences. The consequences can be either good or bad. Too often when we make a choice based on our own selfish desires, the consequences are rarely ever good.

As the mother of two sons, I would like to believe that I have taught my sons the things they need to know in order to make the right choices. However, I also realize that they will make the wrong choices in spite of everything I have attempted to teach them. They sometimes still choose to do things their way, no matter what.

Just this past weekend, my youngest son lost one of his privileges because of a bad choice that he made. He chose not to do his math homework, which resulted in him getting a bad grade. As his mother, it was up to me to show him that his choice was the wrong one. The same thing often happens to us in our adult lives as well. We choose to do something that we know is wrong, and as a result, we too must live with the consequences.

The word of God is life’s teaching tool that equips us so that we can make the right choices. However, it is still left up to us to actually do the right thing. As a parent, I try to direct my children to do what is best for them. Just as the word of God teaches us what is best for us.

Won’t you make the right choice today?

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, Sometimes we act as little children, refusing to grow up in our faith and pouting over things that we cannot understand. Lord, I want to grow in grace and grow in faith. Lord, I am sorry for not being a more mature Christian. I am sorry for not acknowledging how much You do for me. Lord, I just want to thank You. Because just like we forgive our children and get over their temper tantrums, You forgive me and overlook my faults. Thank Lord. Father, I ask that You continue to touch my brothers and sisters in Christ. Grant them the desires of their hearts. Bless them as only You can. Thank You Father, Bless You Father. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship. ~ Louisa May Alcott

Scripture:
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him." Luke 8:25 (New International Version)

So often we find ourselves caught in the storms of life. The winds of adversity, the rains of afflictions and sorrow. Tossed about like a rag doll from one situation to the next. Unable to find our footing on stable ground. Be still and listen.

God is still in control. He will calm the storms in our lives if we let him. He has the power to speak peace, into our valley situations. He can quiet the raging winds that threaten to tear down our house, our homes, our very lives. He tells the raging waves to be still and He silences the deafening thunder.

Each of us must learn that no matter what situations life has put us in, God has the power to take us out. Out of our loneliness. Out of our bad relationships. Out of our pain and agony. We just have to learn to trust him and listen.

Listen to the word that has already told us; I will never leave you nor forsake you. The word that says; I am more than a conqueror. The word that has already told you; you are the head and not the tail, above and not below.

Won’t you follow His voice? All you have to do, is be still and listen.

Be Blessed

Prayers:
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Lord, I asked that You would hide Your word in my heart each and everyday. I turn to Your word in times of discouragement. I turn to Your word when I need guidance. I turn to Your word to seek the answers to my questions. Thank You Lord, for Your Word. Father, I come asking that my brothers and sisters in Christ would be encouraged this day. When things come against them, give them power through Your word. You have said in Your word, that we can do all things through Christ Jesus. You would never leave us nor forsake us. You are with us even until the end of time. Your grace and mercy are sufficient. Thank You Father. Now Lord, we ask that You would continue to bless us this day. Heal our afflicted, encourage our down heartened. Trust in the Lord with all Your heart and lean not to Your own understanding. In all Your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct Your paths. And my God shall supply all Your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Amen.

Remember, The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart. ~ Elizabeth Foley

Scripture:
Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, 'The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.' " Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town. 1 Samuel 20:42 (New International Version)

Recently, I reconnected with an old friend. She and I have been through a lot together as friends and as sisters in Christ. For some reason, we grew apart. The reasons for our lapse in friendship, really don’t matter, what matters is that we have found each other again.

The experience reminds me that during the course of our lives, we will connect with multitude of people whom we will develop friendships with. Some of those friendships will last a short time, while others will endure a lifetime.

Since becoming a Christian I have made some wonderful friends in the Body of Christ. I know that some friendships, will last for only a brief time, while others will endure throughout the years. Some of us with continue to grow in the word with one another, while others will fall off this road we travel together.

I thank God for each and every person that He has brought into my life. Both those who will remain in my life as well as those I may lose along the way. Friends are a precious gift, no matter how long they exist in our lives. I pray that God will continue to bless me with friends in the Body of Christ.

Thank You.

Be Blessed
Prayer:What a friend we have in Jesus, all my sins and grief to bear. What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer. You have created us to live in community, O God of love. Bless our friends who provide us with the grace and love of an extended family. Endow them with the riches of Your blessings; good health, sight, and mobility, that they may enjoy the wonders of Your creation and share their delight with others. Bless them with keen minds and compassionate hearts that they may create a better life for all. Guard them from injustice, oppression, and evil that they may know freedom and hope lifelong. In their waking and in their sleeping, in their laughter and in their tears, surround them with Your love until the end of their days; and bring them to eternal life in peace. Through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.