I've found a friend who died for me

“Against all odds”

When considering the many dramatic victories recorded in the Bible, many of us will immediately think of David and Goliath. I’m sure you remember that story of a bold, young shepherd who took down a huge Philistine warrior using a slingshot and a ton of confidence in God (1 Samuel 17:1-50). Most of us forget, however, that before David killed the giant, Jonathan (who would become one of David’s closest friends), displayed a similar level of courage and trust.

Here’s the setting: The army of Israel was in a dangerous bind. The Philistines had assembled a mighty military force that was armed to the teeth and ready to fight. Unarmed and outnumbered by thousands, the men of Israel fled to the hills and hid in caves (1 Samuel 13:6-7).

Eventually Jonathan, the son of Israel’s king, got tired of living in fear and decided to take action on his own. He and his armor bearer challenged a Philistine outpost that was strategically positioned high on a cliff. At first glance, it looked like a suicide mission. But Jonathan’s view was “nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!” (1 Samuel 14:6). Through a miraculous chain of events, Jonathan and his companion overtook the Philistine outpost (vv.8-14). Their victory triggered a major panic that swept through the entire Philistine army and led to their defeat (vv.15-20).

Against all odds, God rescued Israel that day. It may not be as obviously dramatic, but God will sometime call us into situations where the odds will seem to be stacked against us. Why all the drama and suspense? Perhaps to increase our awe and confidence in Him. For the one who wins the battle is God—not us.

—Jeff Olson, Our Daily Journey

1 Peter 3:15 - "but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;"

“Borrow me”

The Malmö Library in Sweden has allowed its patrons to borrow live human beings, instead of just books. The Living Library project featured nine people including an iman, a gypsy, and a journalist. Library members could check out the person for a 45-minute conversation at the library’s café to learn more about him or her.

As Christians, people around us are “checking us out” all the time—especially friends who might not share our faith. That’s why Peter advises, “If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it” (1 Peter 3:15).

And, he reminds us to “do this in a gentle and respectful way” (v.16). He wants us to share our faith in love, not with a judgmental, “I’m right and you’re not” approach. After all, it was because of God’s love that that He gave “His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Our friends may become interested in God’s offer of eternal life when they see how our faith influences our everyday living. When we “don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world” (Romans 12:2), people notice! Although it’s not about appearing perfect, it is about living to please God and letting the “Holy Spirit guide [our] lives” (Galatians 5:16).

Even when we’re doing okay spiritually, it’s a little scary to think about sharing our beliefs with friends. That’s why we need to pray for openness and trust that “even if [we] suffer for doing what is right, God will reward [us] for it” (1 Peter 3:14).

I don’t know about you, but I want to be ready to share my faith with kindness. Until then, I’ll strive to live in a way that makes me the first to volunteer, “Borrow me!” when it comes to speaking up for Jesus.

—Jennifer Benson Schuldt, Our Daily Journey

“Failures and rejects”

John Mark, a young man, had joined Paul and Barnabas in their first missionary journey (Acts 13:4-5). For some unspecified reason(s), he abandoned the missions trip (v.13). Perhaps he was homesick. Perhaps he couldn’t take the tough life of the mission field. Paul was ticked because of John Mark’s lack of commitment and because he abandoned the mission.

Three years after his first missionary journey, Paul wanted to revisit the same cities to encourage the new believers there (15:35-36). Barnabas wanted to bring John Mark along for this second missionary trip. Paul strongly disagreed. He felt that the young man had proven himself unreliable (vv.37-38). To Paul, the mission was important. Paul was right in not taking Mark. To Barnabas, the man was important. Barnabas was right in wanting to take him. Entrenched in their convictions, “their disagreement was so sharp that they separated” (v.39).

John Mark had failed before. But Barnabas believed that Mark deserved a second chance. Barnabas saw the value and potential in his young cousin who had been rejected as a failure (Colossians 4:10). Barnabas saw beyond John Mark’s failure to restoration and a future usefulness and effectiveness.

Given a second chance, John Mark made it good. Later, Paul acknowledged (perhaps almost apologetically) that John Mark was a great help to him in the ministry (2 Timothy 4:11). This young reject went on to write the book that bears his name—the Gospel of Mark.

Can you remember a time when you failed, and a Barnabas came alongside—believing in you and restoring you to wholeness and usefulness? It’s your turn. There are John Marks all around you who are crying out for a second chance. Will you be a Barnabas to them?
—K.T. Sim, Our Daily Journey

"Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." -Genesis 28:15

“Alone in the night”

In 1963, Darryl Hill endured scorn. A wide receiver for the University of Maryland football team, Hill was the first black player to break into the racially segregated Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Each week, Hill encountered hostile crowds, with some opposing fans dressed in white Ku Klux Klan robes or holding large dangling nooses. During one game at Wake Forest, Hill faced a particularly vitriolic atmosphere. Brian Piccolo, a Wake player, crossed the field to Hill and led him directly in front of the frothing Wake student section. Piccolo wrapped his arm around Hill—and just stood there with him. Almost instantly, the crowd went silent.

Simple presence with another can be a powerful and healing act. But the truth of God’s nearness to His people is something truly stunning and comforting.

Jacob experienced that nearness. Estranged from his family and out in the wilderness on a solitary journey, with no bed to curl up on, Jacob merely “found a stone to rest his head against and lay down to sleep” (Genesis 28:11). What followed was an odd vision from God. Jacob saw stairs leading to heaven with angels moving up and down on them. God stood at the top of the stairs.

His powerful words to Jacob reminded him of his identity. They revealed Jacob’s place in his family’s narrative. God’s words declared the truth that He was the God who had always been with Jacob’s fathers. “I am the Lord, the God of your grandfather Abraham, and the God of your father, Isaac” (v.13). And God assured Jacob, as he slept alone on a rock in the dark night, that He would always be with him as well. Always. “I will not leave you,” God said (v.15).

When we’re alone or tired or despondent, it’s easy to feel like we’ve been left entirely to ourselves. But that’s not true. For God is with us.
—Winn Collier, Our Daily Journey

Hi all! Recently, I had some doubts bout God, but then he spoke to me & gave me an answer to all my questions. I always had very little frens in school & one fren in my class. This made me feel very lonely & caused me to feel as if theres no love at all in my life, many times in the past. Gradually, I started having the feeling that I cant find any love in this world & even thought that God's love cant be felt. I also kept getting temptations to start a r/s, which may be cos of my yearning for companionship. But of course, I didnt succumb to those temptations.

However, time after time these thoughts jus kept replaying in my mind. Soon I started to feel lost in my r/s with God, becoming numb to his love. I didnt give up on God, but I had many questions, questions which I assumed could never be answered. One day, as I was in deep thoughts, I started thinking bout the way I wanted ppl to love me & felt that nobody I know can do that. Suddenly, a thought came into my mind, " if God is my creator & he knows everything bout me, then wont he know how to love me as well? He knew me before I was born, he knows my deepest thoughts, he searches my heart & knows every desire I have. Thats why he knows how I wanna be loved & thats the way he loves me! Even better, he loves me no matter what happens, unless I choose to turn away from him! After knowing this, how can anyone back away from God & his amazing love!

From this journey, I realised that God is the only one for me & I will be satisfied jus by having him, not by having many close frens or having a girlfren. That is why I will abide in God's love now, knowing that I may lose anything or everything, but his love will still be near, always & forever.

-Chengs

Birthdays!♥