Joni And Friends Devotional for 19th August 2023
Joni and Friends Devotional for 19th August 2023 Saturday Message. As you study today’s devotional, remember this; “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
TOPIC: Friendship Has a Purpose
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24
Today’s verse underscores why there’s such a thing as friendship. It’s what we do in the body of Christ. We are to consider – think creatively about – spurring one another on in our Christian walk. Christian friendships are never idle. Our relationships with our brothers and sisters in the Lord are either moving onward and upward, or we are diminishing each other.
We are to see our friends in the light of what God intends for them to become. We must not become complacent or disillusioned when friends disappoint us – like anyone, our friends are fallen image-bearers, marred and defaced by the world, the flesh and the devil. But God is in the business of re-creating them. His goal is to restore his image – the image of Christ – in our loved ones.
It is our role to join with God in his glorious work to redeem the people we love, as we encourage them with vision for their growth in Christ (Ephesians 4:15). We can help enhance the “new creation” in them (2 Corinthians 5:17). We can push and prod our friends through our prayers (James 5:16). We must never let our passion for our friendships wane because we lose this marvelous sense of purpose. We must constantly consider ways we can spur one another on.
Who are your best friends and how have you been able to lately spur them on in their walk with Christ? Do not lose your sense of calling when it comes to those you love and spend time with. God has designed all friendships to have a magnificent purpose. Think of a way you can “grow God’s glory” in the lives of your friends today.
Lord Jesus, help me not to become complacent or lazy about my friendships. Show me fresh new ways I can spur my friends on in their growth in you. What a joy it is to partner with you in your redemptive work.
Thank you for reading Joni And Friends Devotional for 19th August 2023
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