Friends, if they don't bring you closer to God... they aren't friends!

I read this in the Life Application Study Bible devotional for today, and realized that I learned this very same lesson, again, in 2017.

I say again because it seems I am a remedial student who has to repeat certain life lessons. I'm sharing it so you don't have to learn it the hard way. Here is the lesson:

"Our friends and associates have a profound influence on us, often in very subtle ways." If we choose to have "friendships with those who mock what God considers important, we begin to sin by becoming indifferent to God's will."  We begin to bend and blend in where God has created us to be bold and stand out.  Answer this, "do your friends build up your faith, or do they tear it down?"

Remember this truth, "Don't be deceived, bad company corrupts good morals 《1 Corinthians 15:33》!" And, "true friends should help you to draw closer to God, not hinder your relationship with him."

If your friends, no matter who they are, aren't helping bring you closer to the love of God and the grace of Christ... they aren't friends! Period.

May all our true friends rise and help us draw up into the eternal love of God.  May all the fakes and phonies find His love or fall away from us so that we can remain in His love.

Owning my Christ identity!

"Father God, when you entered my heart, I became a new creation!"

Today, I own that truth and the power of Your Spirit in my life.

"No matter how much my past has affected me, I know that I do not have to repeat sinful patterns. Father, you are mighty and victorious in my life! Put to death any offensive way in me and revive me! Heal my heart, Lord! God, I do not want to carry any behavior" (anger, jealousy, bitterness, unforgiveness, lust, greed, malice, envy, insecurity, or strife) from any moment of my past into my future (this year, this month, this week, this day, this hour, this minute or this next second).

"Renew my heart and mind, that I may create a different kind of life for myself and my family (my wife and children). Help me to leave a legacy of love [and hope] , that will carry on for many generations."

God, you are the God of redemption and freedom and beauty! In Jesus' name, I own my identity as your forgiven and saved son. Let me walk in the light and life you proclaimed for me and over me. Amen!

- adapted from Wendy Speake and Amber Lia's devotional "5 Days to Freedom from Angry Parenting"; Day Four.