Page 28 - Living Light - A Message of Joy!

THIS WEEK’S BIBLE INSIGHTS ARE BY:
Ian Moore and are based on Philippians 2:12-18 (NIV)
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ MORE ON THIS WEEK’S MAJOR THEME:
1 Peter 1
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in 14 order to fulfil his good purpose.
Do everything without grumbling or arguing,15 sothatyoumay become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’
Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labour in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Sunday December 31 - How friendship works
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed... Philippians 2:12
Our text begins, ‘My dear friends’ or ‘My beloved’ – words written by the Apostle Paul, most probably while under house arrest in Rome. Despite his intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus, Paul needed friends. Proverbs 17:17 describes a loyal friend as one who ‘loves at all times’. There is a constancy in friendship, loving each other deeply in non-judgemental ways (1 Peter 4:8), especially when we are troubled. It’s at these desperate times that we realise who our true friends are. They are the ones who do not distance themselves, risking criticism and refusing to throw rocks!
Today, you may feel bereft; your heart cries out for someone to come alongside to listen, comfort and advise. Take a moment to listen to Jesus’ profound words: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no-one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command” (John 15:12-14). Jesus wants you to know that he is your greatest friend (Proverbs 18:24); furthermore this friendship is realised in our willingness to love others. Consider whom you should befriend today. The Apostle Paul, at a time of great need, chose not to ‘lick his wounds’ but to write a letter to his friends. How does friendship work? It puts others first! Let’s do it.
Father God, thank you for good friends; but above all I treasure your abiding friendship. Today, may I love in like manner. Amen.
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PRAYER FOR TODAY