We need to be careful of the kind of insulation we use in our lives. We need to insulate ourselves from negative people and ideas. But, we should never insulate ourselves from Godly counsel and wisdom.
It is a fact that misery wants your company. In Proverbs 27:19 (TLB) we read: "A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses." Proverbs 13:20 tells us, "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." We become like those with whom we associate.
A single conversation with the right person can be more valuable than many years of study.
- John Mason
Some years ago I found myself at a stagnation point in my life. I was unproductive and unable to see clearly God's direction. One day I noticed that almost all of my friends were in the same situation. When we got together, all we talked about was our problems.
As I prayed about this matter, God showed me that He desired that I have "foundational-level" people in my life. Such people who bring out the best in us, those who influence us to become better people ourselves. They cause us to have greater faith and confidence, to see things from God's perspective. After being with them, our spirits and our sights are raised.
I have found that it is better to be alone than in the wrong company. A single conversation with the right person can be more valuable than many years of study.
The Lord showed me that I needed to change my closest associations, that there were some other people I needed to have contact with on a regular basis. These were men and women of great faith, those who made me a better person just be being around them.
They were the ones who saw the gifts in me and could correct me in a constructive, loving way. My choice to change my closest associations was a turning point in my life.
When you surround yourself and affiliate with the right kind of people, you enter into the God-ordained power of agreement.
Ecclesiastes 4:9,10,12 (TLB) states: "Two can accomplish more than twice as much as one, for the results can be much better. If one falls, the other pulls him up; but if a man falls when he is alone, he's in trouble. And one standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer; three is even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."
You need to steer clear of negative-thinking "experts." Remember: in the eyes of average people average is always considered outstanding. Look carefully at the closest associations in your life, for that is the direction you are heading.
Source: An Enemy Called Average by John Mason.
Excerpt permission granted by Insight Publishing
Events this week:
Monday:
Coastin to the Horizon 8am-10am www.wmucradio.com/wmuc-high.m3u
Prayer Requrest Table 10am-5pm Lower Level Blackburn
Bible Study 7pm Blackburn Room 142
Wednesday:
R.E.N.U. Women's Book Club Meeting 5pm Blackburn Forum
Thursday:
R.E.N.U. Women's Book Club Meeting 6pm Ilab
WordUp Bible Study "Greek Life 101"
Friday:
Donuts and Devotions 7am Truth Hall Lounge
Prayer Walk 12:30pm meet at the flagpole
Prayer at the Flagpole 1pm
Jesus Rock Concert feat. Mali Music, OneWay, Leah Smith, & Jai 7:30pm University of Maryland-Baltimore County http://www.jesusrocktour.com/
Jesus Rock Concert feat. Mali Music, OneWay, Leah Smith, & Jai 7:30pm University of Maryland-Baltimore County http://www.jesusrocktour.com/
Saturday:
Christian Sisters United 4pm Blackburn Room 148/150
Sunday:
Beacon Liturgical Dance Ministry dances during Chapel
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