“A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.”—Proverbs 17:17 NLT

For many, the sight of Doberman Pinschers strikes fear. But to their owners, these dogs are known to be loyal and faithful. The breed derives its name from Louis Dobermann who was determined to breed dogs that could serve as night watchmen and alert him to danger. These dogs also were bred to be rugged and intelligent and to have extraordinary smelling capabilities. They had unusual endurance and could travel long distances in a short amount of time. These dogs have proven their value in countless police and military operations throughout the world. They make ideal guard dogs and are assets in search and rescue operations. They have developed the nickname of Velcro dogs because they stick to their owners. Loyalty can be bred into dogs but is difficult to develop in people. As the Bible says, “Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?” (Proverbs 20:6) Being loyal means being faithful, keeping promises, being dependable through all situations, and putting aside selfish interests. The Bible teaches that God looks for people who are loyal and seek first His Kingdom, who will die to self, take up their cross daily, and follow Jesus. Be totally committed to serving Him. Ask God to help you be loyal in your relationships—to Him and to friends, family, and other believers as well as people in the community. Be committed and faithful.

Reflection Question: How would you rate your level of loyalty?

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit … and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel … that in it I may speak boldly.”—Ephesians 6:18–20 NKJV

The apostle Paul may have had a brilliant mind with an encyclopedia knowledge of God’s Word. He may have understood the political climate of the day and had a profound relationship with Jesus. But he also recognized his weaknesses and knew he needed God’s help to be a bold witness. This was a spiritual issue, something for which he prayed. Paul specifically asked others to pray for him to be able to serve God boldly and be a bold witness. He was not just asking for assurance to speak the right words; he was asking for discernment, so he could deliver these words in the right spirit and with the maximum impact. He knew even the most mature believers need a deeper faith to speak with conviction, to be bold and not tentative, to be confident and not halfhearted, and to be articulate and speak with clarity. He would urge each of us to pray for this kind of boldness. We are to share our testimony with conviction, be free from doubts or worries, and be sure in our relationship with Jesus. Be free from the weight of sin, free from uncertainty, and free to let the Spirit flow through your life. Today, ask God to free you from sin and anything that displeases Him. Ask Him to fill you anew with His Spirit so that you might be overwhelmed with the Spirit. Speak with authority, anointing, and confidence in Him, standing on His promises.

Reflection Question: What burden do you need to be free from?