"Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul." Proverbs 22:24-25
Solomon encourages us in 17:17 that a friend loves at all times. This verse implies loyalty, faithfulness, trustworthiness, and times it requires service to this person. Reflecting on 17:17 and heeding the warning of today's key verse we can deduce we need to be careful who we choose to be our friend. I remember the old sayings, "you become the company you keep" and "guilty be association." Not only is our reputation in danger but the state of our soul is in danger if we run with the wrong crowd.
How should we choose our friends? I have discovered that like Jesus' friends (the disciples) my friends have come from unlikely places. Jesus had smelly fisherman by his side and a tax collector. Something about this men drew Jesus to them. I believe that something was the Holy Spirit.
After many years of making the mistake of choosing friends who were most popular, drove the right car, lived in the right neighborhood, and looked like me, I decided to let God choose my friends. I have learned to trust God to do this after He proved Himself faithful when He led me to an unlikely candidate. She did not look like me, dress like me, have children the age of my children, a husband with similar interests as my husband however as I allowed myself to look past the differences I discovered God led me right to the person I needed in my life at the right time to help me with an issue only she could understand. We have been friends ever since.
Allowing God to choose your friends is as simple as hearing and listening to His prompting. It means that we lay aside what we think we need a friend to be and leave ourselves open to be surprised by our Lord. I love surprises and His are the best. Letting God choose our friends will help us get out of unhealthy relationships (a topic for another day) and enable us to develop healthy relationships that will be good for us and glorious to Him.
Will you open your heart to the unexpected and trust God to bring the right people into your life at the right time?
How should we choose our friends? I have discovered that like Jesus' friends (the disciples) my friends have come from unlikely places. Jesus had smelly fisherman by his side and a tax collector. Something about this men drew Jesus to them. I believe that something was the Holy Spirit.
After many years of making the mistake of choosing friends who were most popular, drove the right car, lived in the right neighborhood, and looked like me, I decided to let God choose my friends. I have learned to trust God to do this after He proved Himself faithful when He led me to an unlikely candidate. She did not look like me, dress like me, have children the age of my children, a husband with similar interests as my husband however as I allowed myself to look past the differences I discovered God led me right to the person I needed in my life at the right time to help me with an issue only she could understand. We have been friends ever since.
Allowing God to choose your friends is as simple as hearing and listening to His prompting. It means that we lay aside what we think we need a friend to be and leave ourselves open to be surprised by our Lord. I love surprises and His are the best. Letting God choose our friends will help us get out of unhealthy relationships (a topic for another day) and enable us to develop healthy relationships that will be good for us and glorious to Him.
Will you open your heart to the unexpected and trust God to bring the right people into your life at the right time?
18 Comments:
good morning my God-girlfriends!
i don't know about you, but each morning i could write a dissertation of self-reflection on 20-30 verses of each of the proverbs!! my brain reels from the immense wisdom, insight, and conviction they bring... humbly i share with you that in the past i have been frustrated with them for this very reason...so power packed i cannot grasp them... i tried to create a central theme to each proverb, tying the thoughts all together , which is really too big a task, since each proverb is just chocked FULL of concepts, not necessarily all relating to one theme...
then i had an insight.... they are sort of like one of those 'little nuggets for each day' tear-off a sheet for each day calenders... with each VERSE in and of itself being a piece of wisdom (that may or may not tie into the next verse!!)... God's own little wisdom-a-day calender....maybe my small brain can handle all this wisdom in small bites!!! good thing i have the rest of my existance to work on this!! :)
i continue to enjoy and learn from all of your comments, and pray for you all. i love seeing the way God has connected this amazing community of God-loving women/people... i gain strength and insight from you all. thanks Wendy! may we all use our gifts for the advancement of others...
love,
amy jane
ps. PRAISE REPORT...tess is back to dancing for the Lor after her ankle fracture, and will be able to dance in this weekend's dance recital...she is about 80% recovered, and shining in physical therapy... my beautiful 11yo speaks out her healing Scriptures daily, and i have had amazing reports of teachers, classmates, and others who have been affected by her beautiful witness within her time of trial...PRAISE MY LOVING AND HEALING GOD!!! tears of joy and thankfulness...
Thank you for the devotional today. I am wondering how I will juggle things once my third child arrives until we get into a new routine again. This encouraged me so much that God will give me just enough time for what is important each day. Thank you and God bless!
Good morning! This morning's key verse was one that I read over several times. Like I mentioned before, I have been reading about "Safe and Unsafe People". Proverbs is chalked full of wisdom when it comes to identifying those who are safe people...those we can call our friends.
Working in my church,community, and school I have many friends on various levels. There are many books written about the levels of friendship but the Bible makes it all so clear...who can you be loyal to? Solomon continues to contrast those who will "endager our soul" and those who will encourage us in our daily walk with God.
Wendy, I believe that you are right when you said that we need to trust God to put friends in our life when we need them. I believe that God put this ministry into my life. Through this blog, I believe I have developed some special friends. Your prayer requests go with me throughout my day and I always look forward to reading your comments. I am truly thankful for each of you.
nancy
Today's reading is something that has been on my heart for some time. I have felt for a while now that God wants me to work on balance in areas of my life. Give but with balance. Eat but with balance. Be loving and friendly but with caution and balance. I am often exposed to hostile people, angry and ungrateful people and it bothers me. I especially struggle with my associates that are born again believers that plot evil on others, back biting and doing things to trip others up. I in no way am professing that I have got the love walk down or that I act perfectly godly, I am very much human. But it is hard to have to work day in and out being exposed to this type of behavior. Cussing, yelling, slamming doors and drawers. I do walk in love towards them, but it's so hard because I don't feel I can trust them.
I am usually the type of friend that jumps in with both feet, and I guess God is showing me how to love my fellow brothers and sisters that are not acting lovely. And yes I do pray for them. :)
On a happier note, I do have a friend that I feel God has placed in my life. It is not someone I would have picked, or that I feel I have a ton in common with, but truly feel God wants me to befriend them. I am excited to see where God is taking with me in this new friendship.
Blessings to all - Thanks Wendy for your dedication, hard work and prayers to benefit all of us.
Lynn - OR
Growing up I was trapped in a home with a horribly angry father. He was very short fused and the cursing he did on almost a daily basis would curl your toes. Because of this I've had to identify the bad habits I picked up from living there. I now strive for a very peaceful home. I am free of having to be around an angry person so choose to avoid angry people. When I find myself in the presence of anger I feel myself getting angry. It is such an ugly feeling. I'm thankful to God that He has released me from that angry place I was trapped in. I have great empathy for others who are trapped there yet. I can totally understand how a soul can be endangered by it.
Morgen
Growing up I was trapped in a home with a horribly angry father. He was very short fused and the cursing he did on almost a daily basis would curl your toes. Because of this I've had to identify the bad habits I picked up from living there. I now strive for a very peaceful home. I am free of having to be around an angry person so choose to avoid angry people. When I find myself in the presence of anger I feel myself getting angry. It is such an ugly feeling. I'm thankful to God that He has released me from that angry place I was trapped in. I have great empathy for others who are trapped there yet. I can totally understand how a soul can be endangered by it.
Morgen
Thank you for this discussion. I have had a few God-inspired friendships, and it is absolutely awesome to see how God works! However, I am having a problem with some of these friendships ending. I know that we all go through different seasons-seasons come & they go, but I find it difficult to cope with the 'going' part. For example, I have a dear friend that has fallen into a backsliden state (although she won't admit it) & I am having a hard time dealing with that. She is pulling away from me and I guess I'm in pain because I miss her. I need some wisdom on how to deal with friendships ending. Please keep us both in your prayers.
This is the first time I have EVER commented on a Blog. I really wanted to confirm what Wendy has said about God being in control of our time. Three years ago my husband asked me if I would be willing to get up with him in the mornings to have a couple devotional time before he headed to work. The only problem was he gets up between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m.! What was I supposed to say, "Are you nuts?" Of course not. He was making a huge effort to help heal a small tear in our marriage and as his help mate, I needed to meet him halfway. Of course, I said I would be happy too. He made if easy for me by bringing me a cup of coffee to wake me up, giving me a shoulder rub and then we would have our coffee, read from the Word and pray together.
The first two months were the hardest. Each morning I told God, "This is getting old", but then I started having my personal time with God after my husband went to work (I had an hour before I had to get ready for work). It has made such a difference in my life! I love starting my day off spending time with God. I find that I get more done and what doesn't get done is replaced by what God wants me to accomplish. I don't fret or worry about the 'undone' anymore either. It all eventually gets done. Another blessing was the sweetness it brought to my relationship with my husband. It is an extra hour or so I get to spend with him each day and we cherish that time together.
I am even amazed at the way God gives me the strength and energy I need even if I don't get many hours of sleep the night before. We go to bed at 9:00, but some nights I don't sleep well (still not sure of the blessing in menopause yet:() but I am able to get through the day without falling asleep at my desk or getting cranky. I know it is all from God.
So, if you are contemplating make a change for God by getting up earlier to spend the time with Him, don't let the concern of how you will manage everything else in the day or the lack of sleep stop you. Let him manage it!
Blessing to you all!
Cindy
By the way, I was commenting on the Proverbs 31 devotional for June 3 in case anyone was wondering what my comment had to do with friendship.
Cindy
Great devotional Wendy,
I am her and listening ladies.
Blessings to all,
Diane
Thanks for your discussions on friends and angry people. Morgen and Lynn, the situations you describe sound very stressful! Morgen, I am glad that God delivered you from that situation. Lynn, I support you in prayer that God will give you peace in the midst of strife and will allow you to be a peacemaker among your associates!
Cindy, thank you for that very refreshing story about your time with your husband in the morning. How great it is that he wanted to have the devotion time with you too! It is so encouraging to see a couple bond together in the presence of God that way and I hope it gives hope to some of the others who read this blog and pray for their husband's faith. Maybe we should take the step and ask our husbands (those who are already of a mind to believe in God and Christ) to join us for devotion time in the morning or in the evening before going to bed.
The verse the struck me today was Proverbs 23:7, but not in the wording in the NLT. Here is the wording from the NASB:
For as he thinks within himself, so he is.
He says to you, "Eat and drink!" But his heart is not with you.
I don't know why the NLT (and the NIV) translate this verse as "They are always thinking about how much it costs." (though the NIV has "As he thinks within himself, so he is" as alternate wording in the footnote). Seems a pretty dramatic difference to me! I prefer the NASB. We need to put our mind on the right things; on heaven, on God's will, on loving each other, and then our actions will reflect our minds. As our minds reflect the will of God, our actions then will reflect the mind of God.
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." - Romans 12:2
Karen, CA
Chiming in with words which always fall justthisshort of expressing the depth of my thankfulness to God for putting me on this path of study...for Wendy's obedient and knock-your-socks-off leadership, and for all of you who share your hearts, lives and insights as God connects us all and draws us close to him.
Commit yourself to instruction
listen carefully to words of knowledge. Proverbs 23:12
Amen and Hallelujah!
We are so blessed sisters, and blessed to be blessings, as well!
Reaching out my hand to grab that of the next sister to share today...I'm imagining us forming a circle of praise and thanksgiving...faces glowing in the light of the love of our Abba...daughters of our King,
Liz
Alaska
Great devotional today Wendy. Thanks, B
Today's focus verses further clarify the phrase that I grew up hearing, 'birds of a feather flock together'. I am so thankful for the many cautions that I received back then from the older folks, that came in the form of parables, but would have appreciated them more if they were explained further - who knows, maybe they weren't explained to them either!1LOL
Praying for Godly friendships and the relinquishment of unhealthy ones.
Be blessed all!
Chanan, Bahamas.
Wendy...I just love what you wrote here!!! The Lord has blessed me with friends from very unlikely places. As a teenager I shared a friendship with a gal many would have thought was an "unlikely candidate" for many reasons. She was not a believer at the time, but through our friendship the Lord used me to help bring her to a point of decision. Although we lost touch when we each got married and moved away, the Lord has just recently led her back into my life. Not only have we picked up our friendship where we left off over 20 years ago, but now she is the one with this amazing faith and trust and she is encouraging me in my walk with the Lord. He brought her back at just the right time as I journey through the crisis with my family and she is a continual blessing and prayer partner. God is so good and His timing always best.
The verse that held my thoughts today was, “I am teaching you today - yes, you - so you will trust in the LORD.” Proverbs 22:19
Do you remember this childhood clapping rhyme?
“Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar?
Joy stole the cookie from the cookie jar.
Who, me? Yes, you!
Couldn’t be! Then who?"…etc…
“Yes, you” here was accompanied with a tone of accusation. Sometimes it’s repetition was just for clarification. Often times it’s used to confirm recognition. Whatever it’s purpose a ‘yes, you’ is personal and the recipient becomes the center of attention.
I hate being the center of attention. I’m a back row girl all the way. I avoid being up front as much as possible and I despise all eyes being fixed on me. I embarrass easily and turn a lovely shade of red. I don’t enjoy being the object of everyone’s focus.
This morning I felt God’s eyes on me as I read the above verse. I mean, I KNOW he’s always watching me, but this was an intent concentration. As I looked around trying to squirm my way out of this lesson, hoping His finger was pointing past me to some other student of His Word, His voice spoke loud and clear…Joy, I am teaching you today - yes, you - so you will trust in Me.”
Who, me?
Yes, you!
Being singled out for instruction is a little intimidating, but also exciting.
Lord, what is it? What do you want me to learn today? Give me ears to hear and eyes to see. Help me sit up taller and be attentive to Your Word and world today. What teaching needs to be imparted? What subject needs upgrading and refining? Where have I neglected application? Please Lord, don’t let me miss the truth You desire to write across my heart today. It’s for the purpose of trust. Definitely an area that always needs stretching.
Lord, with eager anticipation I look to You, - yes, You!
Joy
Thank you for the Proverbs 31 devotion "Time is in His Hands." HE spoke right to me through it.
Tricia
I loved the verse you chose this morning as well Wendy.
God has put many women in my life throughout my life time.
Have you ever met someone for the first time and it's as if you have known this person all of your life you get along so well?
Perhaps this is God's way of connecting me with these women that I have come to call friends.
Friendship is such a treasured jewel. It takes love, peace, patience, trust, kindness, understanding, long suffering at times, and gentleness at times as well. Sounds like Fruit of the Holy Spirit doesn't it?
I've always said I would love to get all these women together that have come and (some have gone) in my life at different times and seasons and have a great big party! How fun would that be?!
This year I invited 3 friends to our church's Women's Retreat who know each other just by name. One is a life long friend from high school, one from college and one is a "couple" friend. These women I just love so much. I wanted them to be there since I was one of the speakers at the Retreat. They all new my story and personal witness and I just wanted them to be there and connect with one another.
At lunch I introduced them to a couple of church friends at my table and told them how I met them and something special about each one. It was such a blessing to have them there in support of me that day.
I have also run up against some believers that our spirits seem to clash...or another term we are like oil and vinegar together. So hmmm that one is a difficult one for me. Perhaps God is showing me something. Perhaps how to make a decision to love as he loves...and to agree to disagree sometimes and not take what is said so personally.
Anyway I do seem to feel a kindred spirit with all of you and we haven't even met! But I do know the common thread in our "friendship" and that is Jesus Christ! Praise God!
Love from Debbie in Illinois
Enjoying all your comments dear sister's...thank you too, Wendy. We get an added bonus today, your Proverbs 31 devo. along with the Chron. Study one! :)
I've enjoyed the Proverbs so much. I see why reading a chapter a day would be so good. So much wisdom to grasp! some of them are just funny too! God has a great sense of humor!
I loved 23:12- "Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge." We have to be in-tuned if we want to hear God's instructions. If we allow ourselves to get too busy doing our own thing, how can we stay tuned-in? Something I did this year to grow closer to God, was set a goal to read through the Chronological Bible. Quite honestly - I was nervous! I have tried many times, to read through the Bible, but have always given up because of lack of understanding. Most of the time, I'd just go through the motions of reading the designated chapters to get it over with! Prior to the new year, I actually began praying...dear Lord help me this year. I want to stick to it. Open my eyes to your Word. Give me a nugget to cling to everyday. Open up space in my day so that I can complete this task...and I will have to say, early on, I was praying like crazy. I was so worried that I lose my enthusiasm, or that I'd begin to lose interest.
*A goal written down.
*A simple prayer request given to God.
*A teacher who obeyed God and faithfully meets us each morning.
(WENDY! :) )
And, my oh my, what He's has done to me the past 6 months! He's met me beyond my wildest imaginations!
Now, I can't even imagine a day not beginning with time in the Word! I go to bed, excited to wake up and see what He has to say to me! He's hooked me in. I'm learning to abide by what He wants...not always easy, but, what He is showing me is that He creates the added time in my days for me to get the necessary things done.
If we focus on listening and hearing God's instruction He will meet us. Loving Him, Lori - AZ
Post a Comment
Home