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Devotional for True Friendship “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27: 17 KJV Growing up one of my mom’s frequent sayings to me was, “I can always tell who you are hanging around.” As a teenager, I thought she was just being critical and judgmental. After all, my mom didn’t know my friends like I did, or so I thought. What she was able to see that I didn’t want to see is that their behaviors where becoming my behaviors whether I realized it or not. You know, kinda that birds of a feather flock together mentality. As I started to grow from a child to a woman, I realized that friendship is indeed rare. Gone are the days where someone is your friend simply because you like the same toy. Now, there are other situations and complexities to maneuver that can make any relationship a challenge. We are left to confront pains and scars of past relationships which we have used as excuses to keep others at bay; thus, causing some of us to be quite skilled at wearing the masks of “fine”. You are fine. Your job is fine. Your marriage is fine. Your kids are fine. Yadda, yadda, yadda. We’ve become hesitant to even be open and honest with those we deem a friend. In Proverbs 27: 17, just like iron sharpens iron, so is a friend to sharpen, or improve, a friend. When iron would become dull or begin to lose its ability to complete its task, the owner would simply take the iron and rub it against another iron. In this process, both irons would be improved, thus be able to be more effective at its task. Sometimes sparks, though not deadly or damaging, will occur from this process. A true friend is to sharpen the other in the same way. We are given the opportunity to help each other reach our full potential in Christ. Sometimes that is not always a pleasant experience. By holding each other accountable to Godly living, we help each other stay the course that Christ has place in front of us. We are to chasten each other in love if we see that one of us is straying away from the words of Christ. We are to challenge each other to give more or do more. We are to pray together and for each other. Just as a positive friend can evoke growth, sharpening a friend with words of wrath, anger, or jealousy can deter growth. When we begin to sharpen a friend, we must first be led of the spirit. It is all too easy to speak from our limited knowledge on a subject, instead of allowing Christ to lead us in our conversation. Love one another. Take the time to call one another, write or email. Don’t take for granted that your friend will be there. Use your voice in the friendship as a voice of love, encouragement, forgiveness. Hold each other accountable. When we see one of our friends going astray, we are not to just stand idly by but are to go to one another. Prayer My God, it is so wonderful to be able to be here today lifting my voice in prayer to you. I count it a privilege that you love me so much, that you allowed me to see another day. Thank you for love, peace and a sound mind as you have said in your word you would give. Lord thank you for all the friends, past, present, and future that you have allowed to be in my life. Thank you that they are here to help me grow in a manner that is pleasing in your sight. Please remove any individuals who seek to do me any harm and come in my life behind the cloak of friendship. Let me discern between godly friendships and wordly ones. Help me to appreciate each of my friends for their gifts, abilities, and talents. Forgive me of any harsh word or hurtful action that I may have done toward those I call a friend. Please touch their hearts so that they may forgive me of the pain I have caused. Help me to also have a forgiving heart toward those who have hurt me. Thank you Lord that you not only hear my prayers, but you are also a prayer answerer. I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen. Suggested Weekly Monday Proverbs 27: 17 Tuesday John Wednesday Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12 Thursday 1 Samuel 18: 1-4 Friday Proverbs 27:10 Saturday Deuteronomy 13: 6-9 Sunday Proverbs Application Take time this week to be a true friend to your friends. Let them know just how much you love an appreciate them. About the author: As a wife, mother, educator, daughter, friend, I , Minister Mamie L. Pack, seek to be an accessible tool to the Lord. It is my desire to use my gifting of writing to reach the lost, encourage the believer, and teach others through the Word of Jesus Christ.
******************************************************* Devotional for It Shall Come to Pass “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” Psalms 37: 5 KJV Most of us can remember being asked as children, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Some of you knew even as a child that you wanted to be a teacher, a cop, a mom, etc. In some cases, that is exactly what happened. Then there were others that dreamed big dreams and along the way settled for something else. What happened to those dreams of wanting to be a business owner? A writer? A singer? Earning your degree? I am sure that life is what happened. No one says as a child that when they grow up they want to be in debt, to be a single parent, to experience divorce. Yet, for several of people, life experiences have caused them to leave dreaming as a childhood fancy and face “reality”. These people aren’t necessarily bitter, but have become complacent that this is all they are meant to have. They believe that God blesses and dreams are attainable, but just maybe not for them. In Psalm 37:5, there is a contingency the believer is faced with. We are directed to commit our ways to the Lord. In committing our ways--cares, concerns, problems, worries, decisions—to the Lord, this means we give everything to Him. We allow God to be in control. This requires us to make a choice. We can choose to give any situation to God or we can choose to try to handle things on our own. We can choose to live life our way or choose to live life committed to God’s way. Once we commit everything to God, we then are called to trust in Him that God is working everything out. Trusting God does not mean we will understand everything that is happening, but it does mean that we have the faith to know that God ultimately knows what is best for us. After we have committed our ways to Him, trusted in Him, then God promises that whatever He has put in you shall come to pass. God does not say He will do it in a week or a year, but He does promise that it will happen. What has God spoken to you? Has he shown you that your family will be saved? Has he revealed a ministry within you? Has he told you that you will be healed? Start a business? Own a home? Whatever it is, hold on to it. If we do our part, then our God promises to do His. Prayer Lord, thank you for this blessed day. For protecting me while I slept. Thank you for not allowing any harm to come to me or any of those I love and care for. I pray that I may choose to surrender my will to you each and every day. When I cast my cares upon you Lord, please give me the strength not to try to pick it back up again. Help me to relinquish my need to be in control and to trust you in the areas where I lack faith. Lord I know that you know my beginning and my end. Even though the enemy may seek to do me harm, all things are working together for my good. Lord, thank you for the plan and promises you have made to me. Help me to be patient while you bring all things to pass. I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen. Suggested Weekly Monday Psalms 37 Tuesday Psalm 55:22 Wednesday 1 Peter 5:7 Thursday Luke Friday Proverbs 3: 5-6 Saturday Psalm 62:8 Sunday Jeremiah Application When you begin your day, in prayer ask God to guide you in every aspect. About the author: As a wife, mother, educator, daughter, friend, I , Minister Mamie L. Pack, seek to be an accessible tool to the Lord. It is my desire to use my gifting of writing to reach the lost, encourage the believer, and teach others through the Word of Jesus Christ.
************************************************************* Devotional for February 25- by Minister Mamie L. Pack
Pass it on “3) Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;4) Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 KJV Have you ever noticed how quick we are to criticize someone who has a joyful disposition? We say things like, “She can’t be that happy all the time” or “Just wait, she’ll learn.” Why do we do that? Why are we suspicious of other people’s happiness? If someone’s marriage is fine, they just haven’t been married long enough. If someone enjoys his/her job, wait until he/she has been there for a year. It is as if we wait, wanting that person to experience difficulty, pain, unhappiness. If they feel pain, then does that mean we now can relate? Trials and tribulation are indeed a part of life. Actually, it is an expected part of life. For some of us, when we are faced with painful situations, we may seek out a parent, a friend, liquor, sex, tears, or even video games to ease the hurt. Some prefer to be soothed in the company of others, while the next person may prefer to isolate from people all together. We each handle our situations differently. But what do we do after that? Once you are okay and your trial has passed, then what? I love how Paul begins verse 3. He says “Blessed be God” or rather praise God. Even in the midst of persecution and his life constantly being threatened, Paul says to praise God. He then acknowledges the varying roles of God as the Father of Christ, the Father of mercies and comfort. He knew more than anyone just how much God protects us from those who seek to harm the believer. He also knew that God has the ability to comfort us, when it seems like everything is crumbling in front of us. In his letter, Paul admonishes the leaders that just like God comforts us in our tribulations that we are to also get outside of our situation and comfort others. Now for some of us, this can seem like a huge task. How do you comfort others, when you are hurting? Simple. Let God carry your worries, cares, and problems. When we give them to God, He is able to comfort our spirit so that we can have faith to continue to endure. We won’t allow ourselves to become bitter, distant, discouraged, or depressed. Then when we see others going through, we can have compassion to help them. Help may come in the form of prayer, monetary giving, offering affection, preparing someone a meal, or any other way you may be led. So the next time you see someone joyful, be glad. For the same God that changed your outlook and comforted you even in the midst of your storm, can do the same for them. Joy does not mean problem free. Joy is simply a God focused outlook. Prayer Awesome and loving father, who is alpha and omega. I give all praise, honor and worship that you rightfully deserve. Lord thank you for providing your word for me and being a light to my path. Help me to stay the course you have created for me. Please forgive me for being critical of others and their happiness. Help me to be able to celebrate with others the blessing you have bestowed upon them. Help me to get outside of myself and my situation and be a blessing into the lives of others. Please guide me so that I may know how to be a blessing to someone else. When you speak to me, let me be obedient and do what you have called me to do. In Jesus name, Amen. Suggested Weekly Monday 1 Corinthians 1: 3-4 Tuesday 1 Peter 1:3 Wednesday Ephesians 1:3 Thursday Isaiah 51:12 Friday 2 Corinthians Saturday Isaiah 51:3 Sunday Isaiah 66:13 Application Take the time to help someone else in need in prayer and deed. About the author: As a wife, mother, educator, daughter, friend, I , Minister Mamie L. Pack, seek to be an accessible tool to the Lord. It is my desire to use my gifting of writing to reach the lost, encourage the believer, and teach the people through the Word of Jesus Christ.
************************************************************* Devotional for It Shall Come to Pass “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” Psalms 37: 5 KJV Most of us can remember being asked as children, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Some of you knew even as a child that you wanted to be a teacher, a cop, a mom, etc. In some cases, that is exactly what happened. Then there were others that dreamed big dreams and along the way settled for something else. What happened to those dreams of wanting to be a business owner? A writer? A singer? Earning your degree? I am sure that life is what happened. No one says as a child that when they grow up they want to be in debt, to be a single parent, to experience divorce. Yet, for several of people, life experiences have caused them to leave dreaming as a childhood fancy and face “reality”. These people aren’t necessarily bitter, but have become complacent that this is all they are meant to have. They believe that God blesses and dreams are attainable, but just maybe not for them. In Psalm 37:5, there is a contingency the believer is faced with. We are directed to commit our ways to the Lord. In committing our ways--cares, concerns, problems, worries, decisions—to the Lord, this means we give everything to Him. We allow God to be in control. This requires us to make a choice. We can choose to give any situation to God or we can choose to try to handle things on our own. We can choose to live life our way or choose to live life committed to God’s way. Once we commit everything to God, we then are called to trust in Him that God is working everything out. Trusting God does not mean we will understand everything that is happening, but it does mean that we have the faith to know that God ultimately knows what is best for us. After we have committed our ways to Him, trusted in Him, then God promises that whatever He has put in you shall come to pass. God does not say He will do it in a week or a year, but He does promise that it will happen. What has God spoken to you? Has he shown you that your family will be saved? Has he revealed a ministry within you? Has he told you that you will be healed? Start a business? Own a home? Whatever it is, hold on to it. If we do our part, then our God promises to do His. Prayer Lord, thank you for this blessed day. For protecting me while I slept. Thank you for not allowing any harm to come to me or any of those I love and care for. I pray that I may choose to surrender my will to you each and every day. When I cast my cares upon you Lord, please give me the strength not to try to pick it back up again. Help me to relinquish my need to be in control and to trust you in the areas where I lack faith. Lord I know that you know my beginning and my end. Even though the enemy may seek to do me harm, all things are working together for my good. Lord, thank you for the plan and promises you have made to me. Help me to be patient while you bring all things to pass. I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen. Suggested Weekly Monday Psalms 37 Tuesday Psalm 55:22 Wednesday 1 Peter 5:7 Thursday Luke Friday Proverbs 3: 5-6 Saturday Psalm 62:8 Sunday Jeremiah Application When you begin your day, in prayer ask God to guide you in every aspect. About the author: As a wife, mother, educator, daughter, friend, I , Minister Mamie L. Pack, seek to be an accessible tool to the Lord. It is my desire to use my gifting of writing to reach the lost, encourage the believer, and teach others through the Word of Jesus Christ. Devotional for February 25- by Minister Mamie L. Pack
Pass it on “3) Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;4) Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 KJV Have you ever noticed how quick we are to criticize someone who has a joyful disposition? We say things like, “She can’t be that happy all the time” or “Just wait, she’ll learn.” Why do we do that? Why are we suspicious of other people’s happiness? If someone’s marriage is fine, they just haven’t been married long enough. If someone enjoys his/her job, wait until he/she has been there for a year. It is as if we wait, wanting that person to experience difficulty, pain, unhappiness. If they feel pain, then does that mean we now can relate? Trials and tribulation are indeed a part of life. Actually, it is an expected part of life. For some of us, when we are faced with painful situations, we may seek out a parent, a friend, liquor, sex, tears, or even video games to ease the hurt. Some prefer to be soothed in the company of others, while the next person may prefer to isolate from people all together. We each handle our situations differently. But what do we do after that? Once you are okay and your trial has passed, then what? I love how Paul begins verse 3. He says “Blessed be God” or rather praise God. Even in the midst of persecution and his life constantly being threatened, Paul says to praise God. He then acknowledges the varying roles of God as the Father of Christ, the Father of mercies and comfort. He knew more than anyone just how much God protects us from those who seek to harm the believer. He also knew that God has the ability to comfort us, when it seems like everything is crumbling in front of us. In his letter, Paul admonishes the leaders that just like God comforts us in our tribulations that we are to also get outside of our situation and comfort others. Now for some of us, this can seem like a huge task. How do you comfort others, when you are hurting? Simple. Let God carry your worries, cares, and problems. When we give them to God, He is able to comfort our spirit so that we can have faith to continue to endure. We won’t allow ourselves to become bitter, distant, discouraged, or depressed. Then when we see others going through, we can have compassion to help them. Help may come in the form of prayer, monetary giving, offering affection, preparing someone a meal, or any other way you may be led. So the next time you see someone joyful, be glad. For the same God that changed your outlook and comforted you even in the midst of your storm, can do the same for them. Joy does not mean problem free. Joy is simply a God focused outlook. Prayer Awesome and loving father, who is alpha and omega. I give all praise, honor and worship that you rightfully deserve. Lord thank you for providing your word for me and being a light to my path. Help me to stay the course you have created for me. Please forgive me for being critical of others and their happiness. Help me to be able to celebrate with others the blessing you have bestowed upon them. Help me to get outside of myself and my situation and be a blessing into the lives of others. Please guide me so that I may know how to be a blessing to someone else. When you speak to me, let me be obedient and do what you have called me to do. In Jesus name, Amen. Suggested Weekly Monday 1 Corinthians 1: 3-4 Tuesday 1 Peter 1:3 Wednesday Ephesians 1:3 Thursday Isaiah 51:12 Friday 2 Corinthians Saturday Isaiah 51:3 Sunday Isaiah 66:13 Application Take the time to help someone else in need in prayer and deed. About the author: As a wife, mother, educator, daughter, friend, I , Minister Mamie L. Pack, seek to be an accessible tool to the Lord. It is my desire to use my gifting of writing to reach the lost, encourage the believer, and teach the people through the Word of Jesus Christ.
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