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Start in worship:

The Devo:

A friend like Johnathan

Have you ever sat in church, a place of peace and found yourself stressing about a situation or an up coming event, completely being robbed of the Joy of being in God’s house. A few months back, I was stressing about an upcoming event. After the service, I asked my friend for prayer and we had a great quiet moment where he prayed peace over me. 

I consider my friend a godly person, there is a trust in our friendship that allows us to be vulnerable with each other.

Speaking of vulnerable. I was helping out at the church, with a friend and one of our pastors. We were doing a job that I was certainly capable of doing but not really confident. Well I messed up and as I did a word slipped out of my mouth. Well I figured that was it, I was out of the group. But to my surprise they didn’t even flinch. We fixed the problem and went on. What a feeling of acceptance and friendship. It wasn’t the approval of what I said but the approval and value they had for me.  A godly friend understands your present situation and knows the situations you have experienced in the past and they are simply there for you. Not tolerating you, valuing you and helping you come closer to Jesus as you are helping them do the same.

Proverbs 27:17

“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friends.”

David and Jonathan, Moses and Aaron, Barnabas and Paul, Elijah and Elisha are biblical examples of godly connections and friendships.  They had each other’s backs, they were confidants, they supported and taught each other and they knew each other very well. When you allow a godly person to get to know you, they are a source of encouragement, they are present in your down times and celebrate your successes. Like Jesus and His disciples this friendship is built on trust, love and purpose. 

It is a blessing to have a godly friend. You understand and relate to each other at a deeper level because Jesus is in the middle of it. 

So I encourage you to ask God for a godly friend. There are a lot of opportunities to meet people at Ascent or other places outside of church. When you are blessed with a godly friend you share, support and encourage each other and just like David you will have a Jonathan. 

Prayer: Lord, I need a godly friend in my life and I want to be a Johnathan in someones life. I ask you to open new doors of godly friendship that bring me closer to you. 

Let's light up our world : Digital Postcards

Note: It's easiest to do this part from your phone if you are going to use texting or social media to send it. If you are using a computer it is best to email or telegram the postcard.

1. Pick one of the Postcards. 2. Ask Holy Spirit who this is for? 3. Look at the card and ask Holy Spirit for a word of encouragement for them.  4. Send the postcard with the word of encouragement.

Quiet Prayer Video