Recommended Reading for May 4 – May 10
Sermon Series: Stronger Together Week 1Sermon Title: Jonathan and David: A Friend Stands Strong with You delivered on May 4, 2025
Day 1 READ: 1 Samuel 14. How do we see Jonathan’s courage and devotion to God on display? How does this point to Jesus as He courageously confronted religious leaders, false narratives, and those opposed to God?
Day 1 PRAY: Take a moment to pause and pray. Thank Jesus for His willingness to pay the price for your sins and invite Him to show you one area in your life where you need greater courage.
Day 2 READ: 1 Samuel 17. How do we see David’s courage and devotion to God on display? How does this point to Jesus as He courageously waged war on our behalf against our most significant challenge (Sin), our greatest enemy (Satan), and our deepest fear (Death)?
Day 2 PRAY: Take time to pray, thank Jesus for the victory He won for you, and ask Him to help you walk in that victory today.
Day 3 READ: 1 Samuel 18. How does Jonathan and David’s relationship flourish despite King Saul’s growing fear and envy of David? How does this strong brotherly love help us understand Jesus's love for His disciples and his closest followers?
Day 3 PRAY: Spend time in prayer reflecting on your friendship with Jesus and thank Him for His loyalty, steadfast love, and strength to help you today.
Day 4 READ: 1 Samuel 19. How does Jonathan’s standing up for David and having the courage to speak out on His behalf to his father, King Saul, demonstrate the love of a true friend? How does the Holy Spirit intercede as our advocate and counselor?
Day 4 PRAY: Spend time thanking God (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) for their amazing grace and abounding love for you and for their work on your behalf to help you stand strong in whatever you face today.
Day 5 READ: 1 Samuel 23. How did Jonathan’s physical presence, encouragement, and submission to David’s leadership reflect trust in God, true humility, and surrender to His will? How does this serve as an example of Jesus willingly submitting and taking on human flesh to make a way for us to be a part of God’s family? (Hint: Read Philippians 2:5-8)
Day 5 PRAY: Pause and thank Jesus for the ultimate expression of humility and His saving work on your behalf to allow you to become a child of God and part of His eternal family.
Memorize and Reflect
Proverbs 17:17: A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Life Challenge
Life Challenge for Growing in Your Friendships
- Inventory your friendships and assess where you can grow together.
- Plan an uplifting and challenging adventure together.
- Challenge each other to engage in God’s Word with greater consistency and intensity
- Perform one act of sacrificial love for a friend in a real and tangible way
Series Challenge
Stronger Together Series Challenge:- Strengthen an existing friendship.
- Reconnect with a former close friend.
- Make a new friend.