Devo Week 24 - Discerning the Unseen Realm
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Matt.10:16
Mercy to Moab - Better Together Than Apart
There is power in friendships. So much so that kings and kingdoms rise and fall because of them. What starts as a casual acquaintance can turn into a divine connection that changes a nation. Imagine Israel’s fate without Naomi and Ruth, Elijah and Elisha, David and Jonathan, Paul and Timothy, to name a few. Of course, they weren’t thinking of their friendship in those terms at the time. And neither do we. Perhaps this is in part what Jesus meant when He said the Kingdom of God comes without observation. (Luke 17:20) We would do well to take account of the company we keep. The enemy does.
WHO IS FOR US
Jesus reduced the Ten Commandments to Two and brought the love commandment to the heart level. (Matt. 22:37-39) The fruit of God’s Kingdom is best seen by how we love God and people. It is not a matter of working for our salvation but the working out of it. (Phil. 2:12)
I remember when our friend, Bu Sheu, shared with us a word of warning from her mother. Apparently, she had heard some villagers were jealous and scheming against our friend who was becoming a coffee broker. She urged him to stop his coffee business because his life was in serious danger. Our friend heeded her warning and paused his efforts. Through friendship, his life was protected from impending harm. (Prov 13:20) The threat was unseen, but real, nonetheless. His decision to redirect his business has made him even more successful today.
WHO IS AGAINST US
Although we don’t war against flesh and blood, our relationships are the battleground where spiritual warfare takes place. (Heb. 12:14) Our friendships can determine whether we breakthrough or breakdown; whether we advance the Kingdom of Light or the kingdom of darkness; whether we draw closer to God or turn away from Him. (1 Cor. 15:33) They can bring to our awareness the reality of spiritual warfare.
In our friend’s case, if business had been prioritized over friendship, there likely would have been a different outcome. You can be equipped with all the strategies and programs, but the weightier issue is the relationships involved. They can make or break you.
PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL BREAKTHROUGH
Lord, pour Your love into our hearts and fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit so we can relate to others as You do. Help us to love at all times, extend compassion when needed, stand against injustice and sin, forgive our enemies, and love You with all of our hearts. Lord, we ask for the gift of godly relationships for the sake of our witness and the advancing of Your Kingdom, in Jesus’ name, Amen.