Daily Devotional
Who are Your True Friends?
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Proverbs 17:17
April 5, 2023
Ponder This
There was a publication that ran a contest for a definition of friendship, and there were some great entries. One of them was, “A friend is somebody who multiplies our joys and divides our grief.” Another was, “A friend is somebody who understands our silence.” Those things are true of friendship, but here’s the one that won the prize: “A friend is someone who comes in when the whole world goes out.”
We need friends! We need friends who will strengthen us with their prayers, who will bless us with their love, and who will encourage us with their hope. A friend is on the scene when you need him or her. A friend is somebody wise enough to leave you alone when needed. A friend is there to help you to celebrate when there’s something to celebrate.
A friend is somebody who sharpens. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” A good friend will sharpen you, but a false friend will blunt and dull your life. Our English word friend relates to the word freedom because a friend is somebody who sets you free to be all that you can be. A friend is somebody who encourages you and knows how to speak the word that will draw you out and lead you on.
- Who has been a good Christian friend to you?
- How have you been sharpened by that friend?
Practice This
Reach out to a friend that has been there for you and sharpened you. Tell your friend about the impact he or she has made on your life.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
