Read Proverbs 18:23 — 19:3

“A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (v. 24).

As I write this devotional, our church is making a special effort to invite people to church. This morning, while walking and praying around our community, I saw a man on his front porch. Stopping to hand him a brochure, I learned that he attends another church in town. His first question was about salvation by grace. We were very much in agreement. We stood on his sidewalk and visited, and he shared his testimony with me. He did not emphasize some outlandish experience; instead, he talked about how God dealt with him until he finally realized that he could not save himself. Only God could do that! We prayed together, wished each other a blessed day, and I walked away. Friendly people find friends. Not everyone is as outgoing as I try to be, but a friendly attitude does open the door to sharing our testimony. Most of us also know people whose attitude is very different from this man. Instead of friendliness, they exude anger, hatred, and bitterness. You don’t have to be around them for long before you discover those traits. Today, let’s demonstrate the character and attitude of our best friend, Jesus. As we reflect Him, others may be drawn to Him. (Mark D. Avery)

Be friendly.

Read Psalm 91:4-10

“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings, shalt thou trust; his truth shall be thy shield and buckler” (v. 4).

This scripture passage is often misused by people to support the belief that Christians will never be ill or suffer loss in a physical sense. To understand how to live these verses requires one to be surrendered to the absolute will of God. We must recognize that God’s ways are indeed higher than our ways. That we are looking at the happenings of this life from Earth’s point of view while He is allowing events to transpire based on heaven’s purpose. The fact that some of the negative events described here may happen to us does not mean that His care for us is any less, nor that we have “fallen through the cracks” of His consideration or become a disposable commodity. It does mean that He is using us to see His will accomplished. It is through these times that we learn to run under His wings and take strength from His truth. Understanding the deeper truths of God’s love for us enables us to see that he truly does care for us as individuals as well as a creation of never dying souls. (Tim J. Brubeck)

“The flames shall not hurt thee, I only design thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine” (John Rippon).

Read Proverbs 9:1-8

“Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee” (v. 8).

Those who fear the Lord are teachable. Ouch! Refusing to tell a commercial pilot that he is off course could result in the demise of many innocent passengers. When we embark on a journey, we have a destination in mind. The highway to heaven passes through deep valleys and dark tunnels. Treacherous mountains lurk at us; tsunamis threaten our souls! God’s Positioning System (GPS) will correctly guide us heavenward if we will but seek His counsel. Thank God for Christian friends who are honest and loving. Reading God’s Word and fellowshipping with God’s family, our brethren in Christ, will ensure a safe landing on the heavenly shores. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:25). The trumpet could sound at any moment, as Christ’s return appears to be imminent! The Captain of our soul will guard and guide us. There is not a nanosecond that He is asleep or taking a much-needed break! Listen to that still small voice that guides you throughout your busy day. Get quiet before our Heavenly Father and ask for His divine leadership in your life! He will safely steer us homeward. (Beverly K. Tatum)

Pressing more closely to Him Who is leading, When we are tempted to turn from the way; Trusting the arm that is strong to defend us, Happy, how happy, our praises each day. — Eliza Edmunds Stites Hewitt

“Labor to keep alive in your heart that little spark of celestial fire — Conscience” (George Washington).

Read Proverbs 4:1-6

“Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee; love her, and she shall keep thee” (v. 6).

I enjoy how Solomon gives a persona to Wisdom, picturing her as a woman standing in the busy intersections of life, crying out her message in the marketplaces, pleading with all to seek her.  The wise man urges us to clasp Wisdom to our hearts and to cling to her as to a treasure. If we do not forsake godly wisdom, it will preserve (keep, defend, protect) us; if we love wisdom, it will keep (guard) us. How many of us have yearned for this wisdom as we face decisions, disappointments, disasters, and death?  And we have found that as we ask God for wisdom and humbly await His response to our request, He has ultimately provided the direction we need. We need wisdom in the home and with the family, in the schoolroom and the market, on the road and in solitude, in the choices large and small that we must make.  And God is the giver of wisdom without reproaching us for the asking; He gives liberally when we ask Him. (Leonard L. Sankey)

Higher, higher in the school of wisdom, More of grace to know — Charles P. Jones

God is pleased when we turn to Him and ask for His wisdom and understanding.