A Daily Devotion for Wednesday, July 22
- ontrakk
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
John 15:11-17
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit —fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
The writer of today’s devotion is a wise man of 92 years, who lives alone in a small trailer. But he feels blessed to have so many friends around the world through the Upper Room, friends from the Bible, and most of all his best friend, Jesus Christ. We never, ever, are alone when we have faith in God, and remember the gift of His son, Jesus Christ. Another message for me from today’s scripture is this: we need each other, to reach out to each other to provide support and love. God did not create us to live alone , but to live together, with love for God and each other.
Holy Lord, you created us to live together and to love one another. When we cannot physically be together, you have provided ways for us to remain connected. Help me to be more intentional and to have courage to reach out to those I may have neglected. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen
Becky, transforming
Daily devotions
Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026
Friends Near and Far
(focus: those who are lonely
Today’s reading John 15:11-17
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!
God never intended for us to live this life isolated. From the very beginning, He created us for connection, support and fellowship. This verse is a reminder that life’s journey is not meant to be walked alone. There will be times when we stumble—whether through weakness, weariness, or death —and in those moments, the presence of another…
John 15:11-17 Friend Near and Far
Of course, music comes to mind, "What a Friend we have in Jesus." All our sins and griefs to bear, what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. Today's Upper Room author understood this. What do those who don't know Jesus do with their grief? Where do they find comfort? Jesus knows our every weakness. Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Prayer: Gracious God, your important words have inspired so much wonderful music. Thanks to all who used that inspiration to create the music we sing. AMEN
John 16:11-17 / Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
God did not create us to go through life alone. Living and working together with family and friends makes life lighter. I love how the Upper Room writer found others even when he was alone… and of course I know we are never alone with Jesus Christ by my side.
“Greater love has no one than this, to lay one’s life for one’s friends”. Today my heart and my prayers are with the four young service men and women brought home today.
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me people to love and for the people who love me. Help please help me to notice those around me who are lonely and could use a…
John 15:11-17/Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
These verses hit close to home as I am at an annual conference at which I reconnect with respected colleagues and good friends I get to see but once a year. It is a time to make new friends as well, a real gift in this season of life. The pressures of this kind of work can be taxing and perhaps more important than the lectures is the time we spend together outside the lecture hall helping each other up after our respective falls.
Prayer - God of friendship, please watch over my friends, old and new, as we finish our time here in Maine and head back to the challenges of the work we do. May…