OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR JANUARY 9, 2023 (EVERYONE NEEDS GOOD FRIENDS)
TOPIC : EVERYONE NEEDS GOOD FRIENDS
MEMORISE: Proverbs 18:24 (KJV)
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother
READ: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (KJV)
9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 29-31
MESSAGE
Love is a two-way street (Proverbs 8:17). You show someone love, and typically, they will show you love in return. If you want to make friends with people, show yourself friendly to them first (Proverbs 18:24). If you want them to favour you, favour them first. I have seen people arrive at my house frowning but depart with beaming smiles after experiencing my wife’s hospitality. Indeed, some people don’t have friends because they don’t show themselves friendly.
Several years ago, one of my daughters came to me and said, “Daddy, I’m this old, and nobody has approached me to say, ‘Thus saith the Lord…’”. I said, “With the way you glare at everybody as if you are spoiling for a fight, who is going to approach you and say, “Thus saith the Lord” even if God is actually speaking? You never smile; you are always looking as if somebody offended you, and so, if a brother should even be coming your way, one look at your face is enough to make him change his mind. “Thank God she took the feedback graciously and made the necessary changes. It wasn’t long after that she got married. Love should be reciprocal.
Whether you believe it or not, everyone needs good friends. Our Bible reading for today says for the one who has no friend, WHEN he falls, there would be no one to lift him. Take note that the word ‘when’ was used, not ‘if’. Everyone will have times when they need someone to lift them; God forbid that there is no one to lift you when that time comes. Proverbs 18:24 says that there are some friends that stick closer than a brother. You need friends, so show yourself friendly to those around you.
You must, however, choose your friends carefully because, as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), so does evil communication (bad company) corrupt good manners (1 Corinthians 15:33). Everyone needs good friends, and the greatest friend of all is our Lord Jesus Christ. Surrender your life to Him today if you haven’t, so you can also become His friend (John 15:15).
Open Heaven 9 January 2023 Reflection:
Are you friendly to your neighbours and colleagues?
Open Heaven 9 January 2023 HYMN 27: What A Friend We Have In Jesus
1 What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!
2 Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
3 Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge–
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.
