TOPIC: A FRIEND INDEED?.
MEMORISE:
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24
READ: 2 Kings 4:3-4
3 Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.
4 And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.
MESSAGE:
I know that the widow of one of the sons of the prophet, whose story is told in today's Bible reading, lived ma predominantly poor area. However, I also know, from their response to her request for empty vessels, that she was friendly with her neighbors. There are a few lessons you can learn from this story, as a believer.
First, you must acknowledge that you are living in the midst of opportunities. You don't always have to relocate for you to make progress. God will open your eyes and like that widow, you too will see the opportunities available around you in Jesus' name. You must also be friendly with people around you. Imagine what would have happened had the neighbors refused her request for containers because she had quarreled with them all. She would have had nothing with which to collect the object of her miracles. You must always be at peace with your neighbors, whether they are believers or not, without soiling your faith. Hebrews 12:14 says:
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:”
There are some people around you who are wealthy but do not have salvation; reach out to them and watch God do wonders. I recall a young lady who was able to win a rich man to Christ. This man became so filled with the joy of salvation that he decided to do something for this sister; he got her a brand-new car in appreciation. What God did for that sister; He can do for you too. Just like the story in Matthew 17:27, there is a river in your neighborhood that harbors a particular fish; this fish has a golden coin in its belly. All you have to do is catch the fish, open its mouth and claim the gold coin that will enrich you for life. Evangelism brings material and eternal rewards.
As you go out today, be a good neighbor to everyone around you by offering them messages of love, hope, salvation and deliverance. Show the love of Christ by evangelizing to lost souls, then wait patiently for the bountiful harvest of your labor of love. It will certainly come.
PRAYER POINT:
Father, please help me to be at peace with my neighbors, so that I can be an effective weapon for soul winning, in the mighty name of Jesus.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Romans 1-3
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 28: WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS.
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
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.
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 thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.
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