Verses from John

Don’t you know me, Philip . . . ? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. John 14:9 John 14:5-11

In John 14, Jesus made it clear how closely He resembled His Father. When an inquisitive Philip requested, “Lord, show us the Father” (v. 8), Jesus responded, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (v. 9). How was it that the Father was revealed through the Son? It was through Jesus’ “words” (v. 10) and “works” (v. 11) that God’s love, mercy, grace, and more were brilliantly displayed.

Empowered by God’s Spirit, believers in Jesus are privileged to share family likeness. The invisible God becomes visible through His children. Regarding Christlike love, John reminds us, “No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us” (1 John 4:12 nlt).

Verse from Hebrews

Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14

The writer of the book of Hebrews describes angels as “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). The passage highlights the greatness of Jesus and emphasizes that angels—wonderful and glorious beings that they are—exist to further His purposes in saving us. Jesus sustains “all things by his powerful word” (v. 3).

All around us is an unseen reality in which God sends angels to aid those who have gladly received the good news of Jesus. Sometimes our nights may be long, and we may wonder if we can keep going. But He’ll always give us the help we need—help that will nudge us on in Him.

Verse from Psalm

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

Because God is our “light,” “salvation,” and “stronghold” (v. 1), we can trust Him to offer hope amid darkness (v. 3), comfort us during our trials (v. 13), and secure us safely in “his dwelling” (v. 5).

When God seems to delay in answering our prayers, we can still put our complete trust in His unchanging attributes. As we bring our heartaches to Him, let’s also instruct our hearts: “Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (v. 14). He is with us and always working for our good.

Verse from Proverbs

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely. Proverbs 10:9

When we practice integrity, we never have to worry about remembering what we said to whom, because truth is our only concern. When we practice integrity, we don’t have to fear for our reputation or that our schemes will catch up with us (v. 23). We don’t have to be concerned about being a person whose “crooked paths will be found out” (v. 9). We simply live true—displaying wisdom (v. 13) that comes from God. We’re secure and free in Him.

We face numerous temptations to lie or manipulate in life, but God calls us to walk with Him. And as we do, we can lead “blameless” (v. 29) lives of integrity.  

Verse from 2 Chronicles

Do not be afraid or discouraged . . . . For the battle is not yours, but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20:15

When King Jehoshaphat heard of a powerful enemy approaching Jerusalem, his first response was to pray. Appealing to God’s sovereignty, he said, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12). Instead of relying on their own strength, the king and people of Judah submitted themselves and their troubles to God (v. 18).

God’s answer to the king and people through the prophet Jahaziel was heartening: “Do not be afraid or discouraged . . . . For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15). God commanded Judah to march out, but to trust Him with the result. They did so in faith, praising God as if the prayer was already answered (vv. 20-21)—and found the battle already won (v. 24).

Whenever we face difficult situations, let’s pray and look to God for help. We may not always see victory, but whatever happens, we need not be afraid, for the battle is His.

Verse from Proverbs

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20

A scientific study revealed that watching TV programs featuring mean characters can actually lead people to be mean. Various forms of aggression—whether outright fighting or subtle gossip—primes viewers’ brains for similar behavior. This connection is often subconscious, meaning that even shows with seemingly “harmless” jokes at others’ expense can subtly influence how we treat others. So, too, the people we choose to spend our time with will affect our behavior.

Solomon provides timeless wisdom on this important subject: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20). He implies that individuals may not achieve this wisdom alone, so they should associate with wise, God-honoring people—teachers and friends—instead of those who are foolish. Surrounding oneself with wise individuals fosters “good judgment” and helps us steer clear of “destruction” (v. 15). One scholar calls this “education by friendship.” Regular companions inevitably influence each other, for better or worse. Solomon urges us to be aware of the company we keep, recognizing that “the teaching of the wise is a fountain of life” (v. 14).  

As God helps us, let’s consistently surround ourselves with people who will encourage us to revere Him, love others, and grow in wisdom.

Verses from Psalm

If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it . . . . But it is you, . . . my close friend. Psalm 55:12-13

In one of her novels, Toni Morrison tells the story of Nel and Sula, friends since childhood. But the friendship frays as Sula’s self-centeredness grows, culminating in her seducing Nel’s husband. “Why didn’t you think about me?” Nel asks Sula. “Didn’t I count?” Sadly, Sula doesn’t even care enough to answer.

As anyone who’s experienced it knows, the pain of a friend’s betrayal is hard to rival. King David felt such “malice and abuse” when a political conspiracy of “threats and lies” engulfed him (Psalm 55:10-11). The worst part was who was behind it. “If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it,” he says. “But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend” (vv. 12-13).

How should we respond to such betrayal? While David takes his turmoil to God (vv. 16, 20), he prays retribution will fall on his betraying friend (v. 15). We see a different approach taken by Jesus. Faced with Judas’ betrayal, he says, “Do what you came for, friend,” refusing to retaliate in kind (Matthew 26:49-50).

Can a friendship recover from betrayal? Only if the offended can stay open to reconciliation and the offender proves their repentance over time. Sula’s lack of remorse means Nel must walk away. As God helps us, let’s treasure our friendships and swiftly make amends for any hurt we cause.