The bible warns bad company spoils useful habits. So if we have bad friends they could drag us down spiritually and even emotionally. We all have imperfections when we choose friends we should pay attention to how they respond when those short comings are pointed out. Also pay attention to whether they are forgiving or not. If they are not forgiving then you will have a bitter friend which really is not a friend. Leave them be if they do not forgive the bible warns they will not be forgiven. It is not our place to judge other but if a person consistently shows the qualities mentioned in these scriptures that are bad then we should be cautious about selecting them as a friend. If the person has many friends we may want to be careful it could indicate they are not careful when selecting friends.
(1 Corinthians 15:32, 33) . . .” 33 Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits.
The bible tells us not to walk with scoffers or those who doubt God’s word.
(Psalm 1:1) Happy is the man who does not walk according to the advice of the wicked And does not stand on the path of sinners And does not sit in the seat of scoffers.
The person should be knowledgeable of the bible , when the bible calls someone stupid it means stupid in a spiritual way. Do they put more trust in mans knowledge then God’s the bible warns this can make a person deviate from the faith.
(Proverbs 13:20) The one walking with the wise will become wise, But the one who has dealings with the stupid will fare badly.
(Proverbs 14:6-8)6 The scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none, But knowledge comes easily to the person with understanding. 7 Stay away from the foolish man, For you will not find knowledge on his lips. 8 By wisdom the shrewd man understands the way he is going, But the stupid are deceived by their foolishness.
(1 Corinthians 5:6) Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven ferments the whole batch of dough?
(Ecclesiastes 9:18) Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but just one sinner can destroy much good.
(1 Timothy 6:20, 21)20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, turning away from the empty speeches that violate what is holy and from the contradictions of the falsely called “knowledge.” 21 By making a show of such knowledge, some have deviated from the faith.. . .
(Proverbs 22:24, 25)24 Do not keep company with a hot-tempered man Or get involved with one disposed to rage, 25 So that you never learn his ways And ensnare yourself.
(1 Corinthians 5:11-13)11 But now I am writing you to stop keeping company with anyone called a brother who is sexually immoral or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man. 12 For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Do you not judge those inside, 13 while God judges those outside? “Remove the wicked person from among yourselves.”
(1 John 3:6-8) . . .. 7 Little children, let no one mislead you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as that one is righteous. 8 The one who practices sin originates with the Devil, because the Devil has been sinning from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was made manifest, to break up the works of the Devil.
This scripture does not mean to literally tear your eye out. But if you have a friend who may do things that could lead you to din then it may be better to cut your association with that friend rather then to be destroyed in the day of judgment.
(Matthew 5:27-30)27 “You heard that it was said: ‘You must not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If, now, your right eye is making you stumble, tear it out and throw it away from you. For it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be pitched into Ge·henʹna. 30 Also, if your right hand is making you stumble, cut it off and throw it away from you. For it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to land in Ge·henʹna.
If someone talks about others in a bad way or gossips they are not a good friend. Often times those people are smooth talkers who can easily deceive others. These ones often times flatter people, if they flatter people a lot be cautious. Complementing people once in a while is not bad but watch their actions and if they overly complement people be cautious.
(Proverbs 16:27, 28)27 A worthless man digs up what is bad; His speech is like a scorching fire. 28 A troublemaker causes dissension, And a slanderer separates close friends.
(Romans 16:17, 18)17 Now I urge you, brothers, to keep your eye on those who create divisions and causes for stumbling contrary to the teaching that you have learned, and avoid them. 18 For men of that sort are slaves, not of our Lord Christ, but of their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattering speech they seduce the hearts of unsuspecting ones.
(Proverbs 26:24-26)24 The one who hates others disguises it with his lips, But inside he harbors deceit. 25 Although he speaks graciously, do not trust him, For there are seven detestable things in his heart. 26 Though his hatred is concealed by deceit, His evil will be exposed in the congregation.
(Psalm 12:2-4)2 They speak lies to one another; They flatter with their lips and speak with deceitful hearts. 3 Jehovah will cut off all flattering lips And the tongue that makes great boasts, 4 Those who say: “We will prevail with our tongues. We use our lips as we please; Who will be our master?”
(Proverbs 13:19, 20)19 Desire when realized is sweet to a person, But the stupid hate to turn away from bad. 20 The one walking with the wise will become wise, But the one who has dealings with the stupid will fare badly.
Do they scoff at God’s word or do they happily take it in. Those who scoff at God’s word can deteriorate our faith.
(Psalm 1:1-3) 1 Happy is the man who does not walk according to the advice of the wicked And does not stand on the path of sinners And does not sit in the seat of scoffers. 2 But his delight is in the law of Jehovah, And he reads His law in an undertone day and night. 3 He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, A tree that produces fruit in its season, The foliage of which does not wither. And everything he does will succeed.
Do they hold bitterness towards you when you have erred even after you have correct it? Those who are not forgiving tend to nit pick at your short coming or things that may annoy them about you. These ones do not know how to be happy and can rob you of happiness.
(Proverbs 17:9)9 Whoever forgives a transgression seeks love, But the one who keeps harping on a matter separates close friends.
How do they treat others who are less fortunate?
(Proverbs 18:23)23 The poor man implores when speaking, But the rich man answers harshly.
Be cautious of those who put the pursuit of wealth before spiritual things. It is not wrong to have wealth as long as spiritual things come first. Life’s experience has taught me these ones will turn on you and will even betray you often times.
(1 Timothy 6:9, 10)9 But those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge men into destruction and ruin. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains.
(James 4:4)4 Adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is making himself an enemy of God.
This is talking about spiritual counsel and not worldly counsel. Do they accept spiritual counsel if not then they would not be a good friend. It means they either do not want to change their heart or they are avoiding the bible out of guilt.
(Proverbs 11:14)14 When there is no skillful direction, the people fall, But there is success through many advisers.
Does this person put more confidence in what other say rather then the bible. Does this person boast a lot. These are signs the person may be a bad friend.
(1 Corinthians 5:6, 7)6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven ferments the whole batch of dough? 7 Clear away the old leaven so that you may be a new batch, inasmuch as you are free from ferment. For, indeed, Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed.
(Ephesians 5:6)6 Let no man deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience.
(James 3:13-16) . . .. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and contentiousness in your hearts, do not be bragging and lying against the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above; it is earthly, animalistic, demonic. 16 For wherever there are jealousy and contentiousness, there will also be disorder and every vile thing.
(Romans 1:28-32)28 Just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them over to a disapproved mental state, to do the things not fitting. 29 And they were filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, and badness, being full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice, being whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, schemers of what is harmful, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, false to agreements, having no natural affection, and merciless. 32 Although these know full well the righteous decree of God—that those practicing such things are deserving of death—they not only keep on doing them but also approve of those practicing them.
Therapist claim many of the qualities the bible recommends we look for in friends as bad. I would rather put my trust in God and his Guidance then to trust how or what a friend should be. That being said this is a good list of scriptures for qualities we should look for in friends. These scriptures are pretty self explanatory.What you will notice about friends as the bible speaks of them they will not be afraid to correct each other spiritually and those who are real friends will not be afraid to point out a short coming a friend has this works to protect each other.
(Colossians 3:12-14)12 Accordingly, as God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, humility, mildness, and patience. 13 Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Just as Jehovah freely forgave you, you must also do the same. 14 But besides all these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union.
(Proverbs 27:17)17 As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens his friend. . .
(1 Samuel 23:16) Jonʹa·than the son of Saul now went out to David at Hoʹresh, and he helped him find strength in Jehovah.
(Hebrews 10:24, 25) And let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works, 25 not forsaking our meeting together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you see the day drawing near.
(Proverbs 18:24)24 There are companions ready to crush one another, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
(Proverbs 17:17) A true friend shows love at all times And is a brother who is born for times of distress.
(John 15:12, 13)12 This is my commandment, that you love one another just as I have loved you. 13 No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his life in behalf of his friends.
Be very cautious of friends who flatter you a lot. personal experience has taught me these are the ones who will hurt and betray you the most.
(Proverbs 27:5, 6)5 Open reproof is better than concealed love. 6 The wounds inflicted by a friend are faithful, But an enemy’s kisses are plentiful.
(Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10)9 Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their hard work. 10 For if one of them falls, the other can help his partner up. But what will happen to the one who falls with no one to help him up?
(Proverbs 27:9)9 Oil and incense make the heart rejoice; So does sweet friendship springing from sincere counsel.
when the bible says stupid one it is referring to a spiritually stupid person.
(Proverbs 13:19, 20) . . .But the stupid hate to turn away from bad. 20 The one walking with the wise will become wise, But the one who has dealings with the stupid will fare badly.
(Philippians 2:1-4) 2 If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any spiritual fellowship, if any tender affection and compassion, 2 make my joy full by being of the same mind and having the same love, being completely united, having the one thought in mind. 3 Do nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism, but with humility consider others superior to you, 4 as you look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.
(Galatians 6:1, 2) 6 Brothers, even if a man takes a false step before he is aware of it, you who have spiritual qualifications try to readjust such a man in a spirit of mildness. But keep an eye on yourself, for fear you too may be tempted. 2 Go on carrying the burdens of one another, and in this way you will fulfill the law of the Christ.
(1 Thessalonians 5:14, 15)14 On the other hand, we urge you, brothers, to warn the disorderly, speak consolingly to those who are depressed, support the weak, be patient toward all. 15 See that no one repays injury for injury to anyone, but always pursue what is good toward one another and to all others.
(Proverbs 22:24, 25)24 Do not keep company with a hot-tempered man Or get involved with one disposed to rage, 25 So that you never learn his ways And ensnare yourself.
Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.
We are warned about bad associations. I am going to try and clarify what bad associations are , sometimes the line can be narrow and it is that narrow line that has drawn many away from God.
We are warned not to mislead ourselves when it comes to bad associations. One example we are given is Cain and Able. Cain seemed to be worshiping God the same as Able. Cain and Able made offerings to God. Why did God not look on favor with Cains offering? He could read what was in Cains heart he knew Cain was jealous of Able. He knew Cain had been having thoughts he should not have. Instead of accepting the correction from God Cain chose his own way and killed Able. Often times bad associations are not obvious and those are the most dangerous ones spiritually because they can slowly erode away at our faith they can also cause us to fall short and lose our relationship with God. We will need God now more then ever since things are rapidly winding down.
What if someone may not believe in God or may not take an interest in God but seems to be very kind, and loving and trust worthy. The answer to that is to share God’s word with them. See how they react. God’s word is sharper then any two edged sword able to discern the deeper things of the heart. More subtle things can draw people away like maybe the person makes fun of a certain type or group of people. Or maybe they talk about things others people do like gossip. I am not talking about news events, but more speaking of people in a way to either make themselves look better or dwelling on others flaws. Also pay attention to how they treat those who treat them bad or hate them. Anyone can treat those who love them well but if they return the hate or mean behavior then they are not imitating Christ and it could develop that attitude in us. Does the things a person say build someone up or does it cause division and strife? Does this person tend to be very secretive and only tell you certain things? Often times deceptive people will try to avoid talking about themselves or their day. Does the person hold onto anger and tend to not forgive others. The bible warns this can leave an opportunity for the devil. If a person does do things they should not do how do they respond to correction. If they accept the correction and work to improving themselves daily and work to draw closer to God then we should consider that. Keep in mind we are all imperfect, we should not overlook each others short comings and being aware of a friend’s short comings as they work on them and they being aware of yours can work as a protection when both people have a deep love and faith in God. But many of the world no matter how nice they may seem will usually try to capitalize on those short comings. If we fall into the trap of judging others the bible warns we will be judged likewise. This is a subtle trap to fall into , even gossip can lead to us ruining someones reputation. For example I was stating something good about someone a skill they had. I told someone I thought was a friend how I was impressed by that skill. They started gossiping stating the person was spending all their time with the skill they had and not applying themselves spritually. When the sister was confronted she told the person I stated that which I did not. She twisted what I had stated. So even those who are spiritually related we have to be cautious of if they are a gossiper because that brother stopped talking to me. We should not judge the person if we have confronted them or they have been corrected by the elders for their behavior and still have not adjusted their behavior it may be wise to avoid them when possilbe.
Many can be blinded by the beauty of a woman or man. We must be careful that does not happen. Get to know someone very well and we should do our best not to let their looks fool us into being blind to things the person may do that could cause us to fall short of God. Often times they may seem very nice but we should take note, do they put God first in their life? Does the person put more confidence and faith in the world. We are told putting faith in things of the flesh is in conflict with God. It is not wrong to own worldly possessions or to have wealth but if we put those before God it will draw us away and so can someone who puts wealth and things of the world first. Those who put their confidence in the world even if they are a spiritual relative can cause us more then spiritual harm because they may appear to have faith in God but usually eventually fall away and in doing so hurt many people. Often times whole families suffer from the effects of them putting their faith in the world. The bible tells us the parents are to give the children their spiritual food by sharing the scriptures with them. This takes a lot of work and both parents should be involved because the parents set the example for the children. If one of the parents does not apply themselves and are putting more faith in the world it can eventually effect the whole family. Even worse because a person does not have the reverential fear of God they should , they may betray friends or family. Does this mean we should go through life not trusting anyone? Not at all it just means we need to be careful and watch for patterns. We all fall short at one time or another, it is when the before reoccurs we need to be cautious.
I mentioned earlier about those who do not study the bible or who do not have faith. These ones are usually scoffers. We are even warned to be cautious of scoffers. It could get us to pay no note of the times we are in. It is clear we are in the final minutes of this system but it said many would take no note until destruction was suddenly upon them. We know Jesus said the things that would occur would happen on a grand scale like they have never occurred before. We are now seeing that occur and much more rapidly as this system nears it’s end. We are told it will be just as it was in Noah’s day. Noah prepared for the destruction the flood would cause by building the ark. Only seven people survived the flood. We are told to prepare by entering the narrow gate, the bible said few would enter the narrow gate. Jesus told us to constantly stay awake. We were also told we should imitate Jesus the best we can to enter the narrow gate. Many will want to enter but it will be too late because they did not stay awake and he will say get away from me workers of unrighteousness I do not know you. Those who do not believe in God do not believe in the destruction that is coming. They could distract us enough that by the time we realize what time frame we are in it could be too late. We are told not to become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. Solomon took wives who believed in other gods and they eventually drew him away from true worship. Israel started associating with those in Moab. They have very similar practices as Israel so this caused Israel to be led into Baal worship. There is only one true God and this made him angry. This resulted in 24,000 people dying. If we want God’s protection through these last days we need to make sure of the little things. It was the little things that Satan used to trick people because he knows we are always on the guard for the obvious temptations and things that may draw us away. There are many who will make excuses for not applying themselves more spiritually. Those who are spiritually lazy will always see a lion in the road but those who truly love God and want to draw closer will find a way around the lion. Because this is the last days we are going to suffer no matter what. It would be better to suffer with God on your side rather then against you. I can say God has pulled me through many things that I have watched others die from so I have not doubt what staying close to God can do to protect a person.
I have to interact a lot on social media because I am teaching people things about certain types of illness that I experienced and how I healed from them. I only interact with many of them when I have to because I do not know them well enough to know whether they are a bad association or not. I am very careful who I give my phone number to and my email address. The bible warns to be cautious as a serpent but kind as a dove. For the most part I limit how much I interact with people on social media sites. I have found if you interact too much you can get caught up in news events and other things that can consume large amounts of time and even emotional resources. If I feel this happening I start limiting my time on social media. I post scriptures and share bible truths but I am very cautious when I interact with those on social media. Social media makes information available that you just cannot find anywhere else. The search engines heavily censor preventive health information and information on naturally healing . Things God told us to use to heal often times they will censor even on social media. I and many others were very very ill and if it was not for social media we would could not have learned to heal. We could get a sense of obligation to others on social media for the help we were given. We are to help others when they are in need but we need to be cautious how we go about it. We have to remember Satan and his messengers can appear as angels of light. The bible even warned those who are effected by the operations of Satan could perform great signs and works that could deceive someone. This is where looking at a persons fruits and how many they produce and as they grow spiritually do they produce more fruit. These people can appear to be humble and kind but if you look at the fruits they produced like do they have trust worthy friends, do they have a stable family, do they put spiritual things first in their life so they can draw close and stay close to Jehovah. Is the person we are choosing to associate with prideful, do they show envy, is the person patient when you are working on an imperfection, or does the person get easily provoked? We are told love does not do those things. If they do those things it indicates they do not know know God or they need spiritual guidance if they will accept it. God is love and we are to do our best to imitate him.
Where it gets more difficult is when family is bad associations because we have certain obligations. We just have to be careful how we interact with them and experience has taught me when to interact with them. For example I stopped attending certain family events because this is when it seems their bad qualities would really show. When possible I would not leave family do without. In fact we aren’t even supposed to leave our enemies do without out so how much more would we be expected to take care of family? We have to remember the children in our family follow the examples they see. Would we want the children in our family imitating those we associate with? What children learn from their parents could save their lives as things rapidly wind down. Honoring our fathers and mothers comes with a promise of living longer so it is very important we honor our parents.
We cannot take ourselves entirely out of the world. We have to work, and interact in a variety of ways for daily life. We also were given the work of making disciples of others and of declaring the good news of the kingdom in all the earth which is one of the final prophesies. Our work is almost done and better times are very very near. We need to sure ourselves up spiritually now more then ever just as God had Israel do in the past just before they received the fulfillment of promises God had made. This protects us so Satan and his people cannot blind us to the path we need to take as happened to many who did not listen and were deceived and did not get to see the promised land. We will be wronged many times by the world. We should never retaliate or seek revenge. Some day one of those people could accept the truth and be a spiritual relative. If we responded negatively towards them we could slow them learning the truth and if they do not take an interest in the truth then the judgment will be on them and not ourselves. This is why the bible says conquer the evil with the good. When someone wrongs us even if it is family and they do not repent or make recompense then we need to pray for them, forgive them and be more cautious around them but we should not judge them or seek revenge. We can not read peoples hearts God can. We can not judge righteously because we are imperfect. God is perfect so his judgment is righteous and perfect. We will suffer no matter what , if we want to make it through it or be remembered by God during the resurrection we have to do our best to please him and let him guide us. Many will realize too late and will not have God’s word written on their heart by practicing what they have learned. We are told God will call these things to our minds during the great tribulation to help us through it. We are told those who endure to the end will be the ones who will be saved and these ones will get to enjoy eternal life with no more sadness , pain or death. Often times bad associations can lead us down dangerous paths or even life changing events that can take a very long time to recover from if we survive. Now more then ever we need to avoid that because we are already living in dangerous times and it would not be wise to add to the dangers spiritually and physically that we are already enduring.
(1 Corinthians 15:33, 34)33 Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits. 34 Come to your senses in a righteous way and do not practice sin, for some have no knowledge of God. I am speaking to move you to shame.
(1 John 3:9-12)9 Everyone who has been born from God does not practice sin, for His seed remains in such one, and he cannot practice sin, for he has been born from God. 10 The children of God and the children of the Devil are evident by this fact: Whoever does not practice righteousness does not originate with God, nor does the one who does not love his brother. 11 For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another; 12 not like Cain, who originated with the wicked one and slaughtered his brother. And for what reason did he slaughter him? Because his own works were wicked, but those of his brother were righteous.
(Genesis 4:2-7) . . .Abel became a shepherd of the flock, but Cain became a cultivator of the ground. 3 After some time, Cain brought some fruits of the land as an offering to Jehovah. 4 But Abel brought some firstlings of his flock, including their fat. While Jehovah looked with favor on Abel and on his offering, 5 he did not look with any favor on Cain and on his offering. So Cain grew hot with anger and was dejected. 6 Then Jehovah said to Cain: “Why are you so angry and dejected? 7 If you turn to doing good, will you not be restored to favor? But if you do not turn to doing good, sin is crouching at the door, and its craving is to dominate you; but will you get the mastery over it?”
(Ephesians 4:31-5:2)31 Put away from yourselves every kind of malicious bitterness, anger, wrath, screaming, and abusive speech, as well as everything injurious. 32 But become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave you. 5 Therefore, become imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and go on walking in love, just as the Christ also loved us and gave himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice, a sweet fragrance to God.
(Luke 6:31-36)31 “Also, just as you want men to do to you, do the same way to them. 32 “If you love those loving you, of what credit is it to you? For even the sinners love those loving them. 33 And if you do good to those doing good to you, of what credit is it to you? Even the sinners do the same. 34 Also, if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, of what credit is it to you? Even sinners lend to sinners so that they may get back as much. 35 On the contrary, continue to love your enemies and to do good and to lend without hoping for anything back; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind toward the unthankful and wicked. 36 Continue being merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
(Proverbs 7:20-27)20 He took a bag of money with him, And he will not return until the day of the full moon.” 21 She misleads him with great persuasiveness. She seduces him with smooth speech. 22 Suddenly he goes after her, like a bull to the slaughter, Like a fool to be punished in the stocks, 23 Until an arrow pierces his liver; Like a bird rushing into a trap, he does not know that it will cost him his life. 24 And now, my sons, listen to me; Pay attention to the words I speak. 25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways. Do not stray onto her paths, 26 For she has caused many to fall down slain, And those she has killed are numerous. 27 Her house leads to the Grave; It goes down to the inner chambers of death.
(Ephesians 4:25-30)25 Therefore, now that you have put away deceit, each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, because we are members belonging to one another. 26 Be wrathful, but do not sin; do not let the sun set while you are still angry; 27 do not give the Devil an opportunity. 28 Let the one who steals steal no more; rather, let him do hard work, doing good work with his hands, so that he may have something to share with someone in need. 29 Let a rotten word not come out of your mouth, but only what is good for building up as the need may be, to impart what is beneficial to the hearers. 30 Also, do not be grieving God’s holy spirit, with which you have been sealed for a day of releasing by ransom.
(Galatians 6:7-10)7 Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a person is sowing, this he will also reap; 8 because the one sowing with a view to his flesh will reap corruption from his flesh, but the one sowing with a view to the spirit will reap everlasting life from the spirit. 9 So let us not give up in doing what is fine, for in due time we will reap if we do not tire out. 10 So, then, as long as we have the opportunity, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.
(Proverbs 21:2, 3)2 All of a man’s ways seem right to him, But Jehovah examines the hearts. 3 To do what is right and just Is more pleasing to Jehovah than a sacrifice.
(1 John 2:15-17)15 Do not love either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; 16 because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. 17 Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.
(John 6:39, 40) . . .. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who recognizes the Son and exercises faith in him should have everlasting life, and I will resurrect him on the last day.”
(2 Corinthians 5:17-19)17 Therefore, if anyone is in union with Christ, he is a new creation; the old things passed away; look! new things have come into existence. 18 But all things are from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of the reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was by means of Christ reconciling a world to himself, not counting their offenses against them, and he entrusted to us the message of the reconciliation.
(James 4:11, 12)11 Stop speaking against one another, brothers. Whoever speaks against a brother or judges his brother speaks against law and judges law. Now if you judge law, you are not a doer of law but a judge. 12 There is only one who is Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and to destroy. But you, who are you to be judging your neighbor?
(2 Peter 3:2-7) . . .. 3 First of all know this, that in the last days ridiculers will come with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires 4 and saying: “Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as they were from creation’s beginning.” 5 For they deliberately ignore this fact, that long ago there were heavens and an earth standing firmly out of water and in the midst of water by the word of God; 6 and that by those means the world of that time suffered destruction when it was flooded with water. 7 But by the same word the heavens and the earth that now exist are reserved for fire and are being kept until the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly people.
(Luke 13:23-30) . . .: 24 “Exert yourselves vigorously to get in through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will seek to get in but will not be able. 25 When the householder gets up and locks the door, you will stand outside knocking at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us.’ But in answer he will say to you: ‘I do not know where you are from.’ 26 Then you will start saying, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our main streets.’ 27 But he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from. Get away from me, all you workers of unrighteousness!’ 28 There is where your weeping and the gnashing of your teeth will be, when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown outside. 29 Furthermore, people will come from east and west and from north and south, and will recline at the table in the Kingdom of God. 30 And look! there are those last who will be first, and there are those first who will be last.”
(Psalm 10:2-6)2 The wicked one arrogantly pursues the helpless one, But he will be caught in the schemes he devises. 3 For the wicked one boasts about his selfish desires And blesses the greedy one; נ [Nun] He disrespects Jehovah. 4 In his haughtiness, the wicked man makes no investigation; All his thoughts are: “There is no God.” 5 His ways keep prospering, But your judgments are beyond his understanding; He scoffs at all his adversaries. 6 He says in his heart: “I will never be shaken; For generation after generation I will never see calamity.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:1-5) 5 Now as for the times and the seasons, brothers, you need nothing to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know very well that Jehovah’s day is coming exactly as a thief in the night. 3 Whenever it is that they are saying, “Peace and security!” then sudden destruction is to be instantly on them, just like birth pains on a pregnant woman, and they will by no means escape. 4 But you, brothers, you are not in darkness, so that the day should overtake you as it would thieves, 5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We belong neither to night nor to darkness.
(2 Corinthians 6:14-18)14 Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? 15 Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Beʹli·al? Or what does a believer share in common with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? For we are a temple of a living God; just as God said: “I will reside among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” 17 “‘Therefore, get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’”; “‘and I will take you in.’” 18 “‘And I will become a father to you, and you will become sons and daughters to me,’ says Jehovah, the Almighty.”
(Numbers 25:1-3) 25 When Israel was dwelling in Shitʹtim, the people started to commit sexual immorality with the daughters of Moʹab. 2 The women invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people began to eat and to bow down to their gods. 3 So Israel joined in worship of the Baʹal of Peʹor, and Jehovah became enraged with Israel.
(Proverbs 26:13)13 The lazy one says: “There is a young lion in the road, A lion in the public square!”
(2 Corinthians 11:12-15)12 But what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to eliminate the pretext of those who are wanting a basis for being found equal to us in the things about which they boast. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps disguising himself as an angel of light. 15 It is therefore nothing extraordinary if his ministers also keep disguising themselves as ministers of righteousness. But their end will be according to their works.
(2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)9 But the lawless one’s presence is by the operation of Satan with every powerful work and lying signs and wonders 10 and every unrighteous deception for those who are perishing, as a retribution because they did not accept the love of the truth in order that they might be saved. 11 That is why God lets a deceptive influence mislead them so that they may come to believe the lie, 12 in order that they all may be judged because they did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness.
(Galatians 5:22-24)22 On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Moreover, those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed to the stake the flesh together with its passions and desires.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7)4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up, 5 does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. 6 It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(Ephesians 6:1-4) . . .. 2 “Honor your father and your mother” is the first command with a promise: 3 “That it may go well with you and you may remain a long time on the earth.” 4 And fathers, do not be irritating your children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline and admonition of Jehovah.
(Acts 18:7, 8) . . .. 8 But Crisʹpus, the presiding officer of the synagogue, became a believer in the Lord, along with all his household. .
(1 Timothy 3:1-7) 3 This statement is trustworthy: If a man is reaching out to be an overseer, he is desirous of a fine work. 2 The overseer should therefore be irreprehensible, a husband of one wife, moderate in habits, sound in mind, orderly, hospitable, qualified to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent, but reasonable, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money, 4 a man presiding over his own household in a fine manner, having his children in subjection with all seriousness 5 (for if any man does not know how to preside over his own household, how will he care for the congregation of God?), 6 not a newly converted man, for fear that he might get puffed up with pride and fall into the judgment passed on the Devil. 7 Moreover, he should also have a fine testimony from outsiders so that he does not fall into reproach and a snare of the Devil.
(Romans 12:20, 21)20 But “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals on his head.” 21 Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good.
(John 14:26-29) . . .. 27 I leave you peace; I give you my peace. I do not give it to you the way that the world gives it. Do not let your hearts be troubled nor let them shrink out of fear. 28 You heard that I said to you, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I am. 29 So now I have told you before it occurs, so that you may believe when it does occur. . .
(Matthew 10:16-22)16 “Look! I am sending you out as sheep among wolves; so prove yourselves cautious as serpents and yet innocent as doves. 17 Be on your guard against men, for they will hand you over to local courts and they will scourge you in their synagogues. 18 And you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to them and the nations. 19 However, when they hand you over, do not become anxious about how or what you are to speak, for what you are to speak will be given you in that hour; 20 for the ones speaking are not just you, but it is the spirit of your Father that speaks by you. 21 Further, brother will hand brother over to death, and a father his child, and children will rise up against parents and will have them put to death. 22 And you will be hated by all people on account of my name, but the one who has endured to the end will be saved.
(John 14:25, 26)25 “I have spoken these things to you while I am still with you. 26 But the helper, the holy spirit, which the Father will send in my name, that one will teach you all things and bring back to your minds all the things I told you.
Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am a lousy editor.
Things are rapidly winding down, this means it is very important to pay attention to who we choose as friends. We need to pay attention to how they react to scriptures. If they do not react positively to scriptures reminding about bad associations, or they do not continue to grow spiritually we need to be careful. This system is rapidly winding down and it is becoming clear that it may end very very soon and the new better system will be here soon. The friends we choose could either help us to remain faithful and loyal to God or they could draw us away and cause us to smear God’s good name. We just need to hang on a little longer. Being certain of a person’s standing with God will protect us because we are told even family will betray each other when the end of this system starts. By heeding those warnings it will help protect and guide us through this mess man has made and help us walk through this tribulation. I am going to show examples of those who chose their friends wisely and how even when times were hard it worked as a protection and reduced the impact the hard times had on their life.
The first friends I will discuss is David and Jonathan. Jonathan was kings Sauls son. When Saul was chosen as king by God his faith was very strong and he was humble. But shortly after he was made king by God he started to disobey God. Greed had gotten the best of Saul and instead of devoting things for destruction as God had told him to he kept some of the things that were supposed to be destroyed. Saul had lost site of the importance of complete obedience to God. He put his confidence in the wealth of those he conquered and left greed blind him. The prophet Samuel had told him it was no better then divination, practicing magic and said it was an act of idolatry. We frequently see God warning putting our faith in the wealth of this system as an act of idolatry. Because of this God rejected Saul as king and he chose David as king. This caused Saul to become jealous and he repeatedly tried to kill king David which gives us a clearer picture of why God rejected Saul because those actions showed what was in his heart. Some may think but king David committed a grave errors against God why did he not reject him? I will discuss that next before we discuss the friendship that David and Jonathan had so that we can have a clearer understanding.
We have to remember God can read our hearts, he knows if the heart has become hardened or not. He could read Saul’s heart and knew this would be a pattern for him. When king David committed a very serious error against God he accepted the correction and did not make that error again. As you can see it is whether we accept correction from God and do our best to let him guide us and make the necessary changes when we are made aware of a short coming. If we harden our hearts and ignore what may seem like little things it could cause our hearts to become hardened and we could be led astray. If we have a friend who commits errors, we should pay attention to how seriously they take the correction and how hard they work to prevent committing that error again. If they show signs of their heart may be hardened then we may want to be cautious. We cannot expect them to get over that error quickly it sometimes takes time. Now I will discuss how it was the faith and loyalty to God that made David and Jonathan’s relationship such a strong one. This faith, love and trust in God protected them and made their bond with each other unbreakable.
We need to keep in mind king Saul was Jonathan’s father. Jonathan obviously loved his father but he knew that Jehovah had rejected his father as king and chose David to replace him. This caused Saul to become jealous of David so he was trying to kill him. Because Jonathan put his loyalty to God first he did all he could to help protect David even though he knew that would be in opposition to his human father. Because of David and Jonathan’s love and faith for God they became very close friends. There were some pretty rocky times ahead for David as Saul kept trying to kill him but Jonathan did all he could to try and help David. In the relationships that were very strong in the bible they always kept Jehovah in the relationship and they supported and protected each others relationship with God.
There is another friend king David had that is not mentioned often. Ittai who was not an Israelite , he came from the nations so was a foreigner. His faith and loyalty to God was so strong that he refused to leave king David’s side and return to his own land. He had such loyalty to God that he refused to leave Davids side even though it could have cost him his life. Why would it have been dangerous for Ittai to remain by Davids side? David’s son Abaslom was rebelling against God and was trying to kill his father king David. He had amassed soldiers to try and kill David and any who stayed by his side.
Now I will discus Ruth and Naomi. Ruth was a Moabitess who had accepted true worship and had married one of Naomi’s sons. Another of Naomi’s sons had married a Moabitess named Orpah. Naomi’s sons had died leaving the two women childless. A famine had caused them to leave their native land in Judah. They had heard that Jehovah was showing Israel favor again in Judah so Naomi decided to return to Judah. Naomi recommended that Ruth and Orpah return to their land instead of following her to Judah to get husbands so they could have children and the security that comes with having a family. Orpah returned to Moab but Ruth loved God and had complete faith in him. The love for God and the faith that Ruth and Naomi shared gave them a very good friendship. Rather then having the security that would come from returning to her family Ruth chose to stay by Naomi’s side. Naomi was much older then Ruth and was too old to have children so there was a good chance Ruth would not find a husband and get married. The love Ruth had for God gave her a very close relationship with Naomi. She refused to return to her land and her family but chose to stay by Naomi’s side and travel to Judah with her. Ruth had expressed her faith in Jehovah and expressed to Naomi she would not leave her side and that only death could get her to leave her side. Imagine how that must have made Naomi feel knowing she was not going to be alone and she had a friend that had such strong love and faith in God. We need to take note that in all these relationships they put God and his will first. This built a relationship that was sound and very trust worthy.
Daniel lived in a time when Israel had rebelled against God and had been committing sins that were worse then the sins of the nations who did not have God’s laws to guide and protect them. Because of Israel’s rebellion God had left Israel get taken into captivity. Daniel along with three of his friends Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego were in captivity in Babylon. Their faith in God and his word had made them wiser then the people of Babylon. They gave testimony to God’s glory by remaining faithful even if it meant opposing the kings which could cost their life. Because Daniel and his friends were blessed by God with more wisdom they had been promoted to position of authority. There were those in positions of authority that were jealous of Daniel and his friends so they kept tricking the king into passing laws that would force Daniel and their friends into violating God’s laws. This would have made them lose God’s favor. If they violated the kings orders it could cost their lives. We are not to worship any God other then the one true God. When king Nebuchadnezzer built a golden idol and demanded people bow to it and worship his God Daniel and his friends refused to do so. The king ordered them bound in the fiery furnace. They knew God could save them but did not care if God saved them or not they would not bow to any other God except Jehovah. The king ordered that Daniel and his friends be thrown in a fiery furnace and ordered the furnace be made hotter. Daniel and his friends were bound and thrown into the furnace. The furnace was so hot that those who threw Daniel and his friends into the furnace died from the heat. When the king and his men checked to see if the God of Daniel protected them, he found that God had sent angels to protect them. They were protected so well that not even the smoke from the fire was on their clothes. This gives us an example of what we need to look for when it comes to our friends. Will they put true worship of God and his laws first no matter what the cost to them may be? In doing so God protected them and got them through some very hard times. You can be certain that the faith and loyalty they showed to God made their friendships stronger because they knew they could trust each other because they put their love for God first. Having others who share such strong faith and trust in God can help to strengthen our faith and trust in God.
The last example I will use is that of Paul, and his friends Phoebe, Priscilla and Aquila. Phoebe, Priscilla and Aquila were woman who had such a love for the message of Jesus and for their spiritual family that they risk their lives for them. This was at a time when people of the nations were being accepted into the new covenant Jesus had made, people of the nations had now become part of the new nation of Israel brought about by that covenant. Many Jews were still clinging to the old laws so there was a lot of pressure being put on them and they were frequently accused of teaching false teachings. Many Jews became so angered often times they would try and kill those teaching the things Jesus had revealed. This also came at a time when the Jews had to flee from the Romans because they were under siege and were being killed by Roman soldiers. So these were very dangerous times but they never ceased delivering the message about the ransom sacrifice God provided and how he had appointed him to be our king and sat Jesus on the heavenly throne and how this kingdom would restore the earth to it’s original purpose. This gives us hope that very soon all the bad will be gone and there will be no more sadness and tears. Sad memories will be replaced by the good memories in those who make it through the tribulation into the new system. Things are going to get much worse very soon. Having a solid foundation in God and not in this system and the things in it will help to protect us. If our identities have their foundation build on our trust and faith in God and not material things of the world if we lose them it will not effect how we view ourselves and our hope for the future. Having good friends that have sound faith and love for God can help us endure the things that will occur soon and can help to protect us spiritually and even protect our lives. We need not fear because the bible assures us many will make it through the great tribulation. We do not have to fear death because the bible assures that not even death will separate us from the love of God and the love of Jesus. So he will remember those who faithfully and loyally served him during the resurrection.
(1 Samuel 15:17-19) 17 Samuel continued: “Were you not insignificant in your own eyes when you were made head of the tribes of Israel and when Jehovah anointed you as king over Israel? 18 Jehovah later sent you on a mission and said, ‘Go, and devote the sinful A·malʹek·ites to destruction. Fight against them until you have exterminated them.’ 19 So why did you not obey the voice of Jehovah? Instead, you rushed greedily toward the spoil and did what was bad in the eyes of Jehovah!”
(1 Samuel 15:17-19) 17 Samuel continued: “Were you not insignificant in your own eyes when you were made head of the tribes of Israel and when Jehovah anointed you as king over Israel? 18 Jehovah later sent you on a mission and said, ‘Go, and devote the sinful A·malʹek·ites to destruction. Fight against them until you have exterminated them.’ 19 So why did you not obey the voice of Jehovah? Instead, you rushed greedily toward the spoil and did what was bad in the eyes of Jehovah!”
(1 Samuel 15:22, 23) 22 Samuel then said: “Does Jehovah take as much pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Look! To obey is better than a sacrifice, and to pay attention than the fat of rams; 23 for rebelliousness is the same as the sin of divination, and pushing ahead presumptuously the same as using magical power and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of Jehovah, he has rejected you from being king.”
(Jeremiah 17:10) 10 I, Jehovah, am searching the heart, Examining the innermost thoughts, To give to each one according to his ways, According to the fruitage of his works.
(2 Samuel 12:13, 14) 13 David then said to Nathan: “I have sinned against Jehovah.” Nathan replied to David: “Jehovah, in turn, forgives your sin. You will not die. 14 Nevertheless, because you have treated Jehovah with utter disrespect in this matter, the son just born to you will certainly die.”
(1 Samuel 20:14-17) 14 And will you not show me the loyal love of Jehovah while I am alive and even when I die? 15 Never withdraw your loyal love from my household, even when Jehovah wipes out all the enemies of David from the face of the earth.” 16 So Jonʹa·than made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “Jehovah will require it and call David’s enemies to account.” 17 So Jonʹa·than had David swear again by his love for him, for he loved him as he loved himself.
(1 Samuel 20:18-23) 18 Jonʹa·than then said to him: “Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed, for your seat will be vacant. 19 By the third day, you will be missed even more, and you must go to the place where you hid the other day and stay near the stone here. 20 I will then shoot three arrows to one side of it, as though I were shooting at a target. 21 When I send the attendant, I will say, ‘Go, find the arrows.’ If I say to the attendant, ‘Look! The arrows are on this side of you, get them,’ then you may come back, for as surely as Jehovah is living, it means everything is peaceful for you and there is no danger. 22 But if I should say to the boy, ‘Look! The arrows are beyond you,’ then go, for Jehovah has sent you away. 23 As for the promise that we have made, you and I, may Jehovah be between us forever.”
(Ruth 1:7-15) . . ., 8 Na·oʹmi said to both of her daughters-in-law: “Go, return, each of you to your mother’s home. May Jehovah show loyal love to you, just as you have shown it to the men who have died and to me. 9 May Jehovah grant that each of you finds security in the home of your husband.” Then she kissed them, and they wept loudly. 10 They kept saying to her: “No, but we will go with you to your people.” 11 But Na·oʹmi said: “Return, my daughters. Why should you go with me? Can I still give birth to sons who could become your husbands? 12 Return, my daughters. Go, for I have grown too old to marry. Even if I could hope to find a husband tonight and could also bear sons, 13 would you keep waiting for them until they could grow up? Would you refrain from getting remarried for their sakes? No, my daughters, I feel very bitter for you, because the hand of Jehovah has turned against me.” 14 Again they wept loudly, after which Orʹpah kissed her mother-in-law and departed. But Ruth stuck with her. 15 So Na·oʹmi said: “Look! Your widowed sister-in-law has returned to her people and her gods. Return with your sister-in-law.”
(Ruth 1:16, 17) 16 But Ruth said: “Do not plead with me to abandon you, to turn back from accompanying you; for where you go I will go, and where you spend the night, I will spend the night. Your people will be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May Jehovah do so to me and add to it if anything but death should separate me from you.”
(2 Samuel 15:18-22) 18 All his servants leaving with him and all the Cherʹe·thites, the Pelʹe·thites, and the Gitʹtites, 600 men who had followed him from Gath, were passing by as the king reviewed them. 19 Then the king said to Itʹtai the Gitʹtite: “Why should you also go with us? Go back and dwell with the new king, for you are a foreigner and also an exile from your place. 20 Yesterday you came, so today should I make you wander with us, to go when I must go and where I must go? Go back and take your brothers with you, and may Jehovah show you loyal love and faithfulness!” 21 But Itʹtai answered the king: “As surely as Jehovah is living and as surely as my lord the king is living, wherever my lord the king may be, whether for death or for life, there your servant will be!” 22 At that David said to Itʹtai: “Go and cross over.” So Itʹtai the Gitʹtite crossed over, together with all his men and children.
(2 Samuel 15:13-17) 13 In time an informer came to David, saying: “The heart of the men of Israel has turned to Abʹsa·lom.” 14 At once David said to all his servants with him in Jerusalem: “Get up, and let us run away, for none of us will escape from Abʹsa·lom! Hurry, for fear he may quickly overtake us and bring disaster on us and strike the city with the sword!” 15 The king’s servants replied to the king: “Whatever my lord the king decides, your servants are ready to do.” 16 So the king went out with all his household following him, but the king left ten concubines to take care of the house. 17 And the king continued on his way out with all the people following, and they stopped at Beth-merʹhak.
(Daniel 2:46-49) 46 Then King Neb·u·chad·nezʹzar fell down with his face to the ground before Daniel and paid homage to him. And he gave the order to offer a present and incense to him. 47 The king said to Daniel: “Truly your God is a God of gods and a Lord of kings and a Revealer of secrets, because you were able to reveal this secret.” 48 The king then elevated Daniel and gave him many fine gifts, and he made him the ruler over all the province of Babylon and the chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon. 49 And at Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shaʹdrach, Meʹshach, and A·bedʹne·go over the administration of the province of Babylon, but Daniel served in the king’s court.
(Daniel 3:3-7) 3 So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the administrators of the provinces assembled for the inauguration of the image that King Neb·u·chad·nezʹzar had set up. And they stood in front of the image that Neb·u·chad·nezʹzar had set up. 4 The herald loudly proclaimed: “You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and language groups, 5 that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, zither, triangular harp, stringed instrument, bagpipe, and all the other musical instruments, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Neb·u·chad·nezʹzar has set up. 6 Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into the burning fiery furnace.” 7 So when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, zither, triangular harp, stringed instrument, and all the other musical instruments, all the peoples, nations, and language groups fell down and worshipped the image of gold that King Neb·u·chad·nezʹzar had set up.
(Daniel 3:16-20) 16 Shaʹdrach, Meʹshach, and A·bedʹne·go answered the king: “O Neb·u·chad·nezʹzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If it must be, our God whom we serve is able to rescue us from the burning fiery furnace, O king, and to rescue us from your hand. 18 But even if he does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold that you have set up.” 19 Then Neb·u·chad·nezʹzar became so furious with Shaʹdrach, Meʹshach, and A·bedʹne·go that the expression of his face changed toward them, and he gave orders to heat the furnace seven times hotter than usual. 20 He ordered some of the mighty men from his army to bind Shaʹdrach, Meʹshach, and A·bedʹne·go and to throw them into the burning fiery furnace.
(Daniel 3:26, 27) 26 Neb·u·chad·nezʹzar approached the door of the burning fiery furnace and said: “Shaʹdrach, Meʹshach, and A·bedʹne·go, you servants of the Most High God, step out and come here!” Shaʹdrach, Meʹshach, and A·bedʹne·go stepped out from the midst of the fire. 27 And the satraps, prefects, governors, and the high officials of the king who were assembled there saw that the fire had had no effect on the bodies of these men; not a hair of their heads had been singed, their cloaks looked no different, and there was not even the smell of fire on them.
(Romans 16:1-4) 16 I am introducing to you Phoeʹbe, our sister, who is a minister of the congregation that is in Cenʹchre·ae, 2 so that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the holy ones and give her whatever help she may need, for she herself also proved to be a defender of many, including me. 3 Give my greetings to Prisʹca and Aqʹui·la, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who have risked their own necks for me and to whom not only I but also all the congregations of the nations give thanks.
(Isaiah 65:17-20) 17 For look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be called to mind, Nor will they come up into the heart. 18 So exult and be joyful forever in what I am creating. For look! I am creating Jerusalem a cause for joy And her people a cause for exultation. 19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem and exult in my people; No more will there be heard in her the sound of weeping or a cry of distress.” 20 “No more will there be an infant from that place who lives but a few days, Nor an old man who fails to live out his days. For anyone who dies at a hundred will be considered a mere boy, And the sinner will be cursed, even though he is a hundred years of age.
(Revelation 7:13-17) 13 In response one of the elders said to me: “These who are dressed in the white robes, who are they and where did they come from?” 14 So right away I said to him: “My lord, you are the one who knows.” And he said to me: “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 That is why they are before the throne of God, and they are rendering him sacred service day and night in his temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread his tent over them. 16 They will hunger no more nor thirst anymore, neither will the sun beat down on them nor any scorching heat, 17 because the Lamb, who is in the midst of the throne, will shepherd them and will guide them to springs of waters of life. And God will wipe out every tear from their eyes.”
(Romans 8:35-39) 35 Who will separate us from the love of the Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or hunger or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 Just as it is written: “For your sake we are being put to death all day long; we have been accounted as sheep for slaughtering.” 37 On the contrary, in all these things we are coming off completely victorious through the one who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers 39 nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Acts 24:14, 15) . . .. 15 And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.
Many have told me I am very picky about who I choose for friends. There is a reason for that. Your friends can either build you up or tear you down. I want friends who will build me up and not tear me down. I also want friends who will accept me for who I am and be forgiving as I work through my imperfections as I hopefully will do for them. The bible tells us to let love guide all we do. I look for friends who are not full of hate and let love guide their actions. I want friends who will help me through my short comings and even tell me when I am in error and be forgiving and kind enough to be there for me as I work through them. I want friends who will be there for me through the good times and the bad. Fair weather friends are not real friends they are only in the friendship when it benefits them.
I also want friends who are willing to work through their short comings and who want to grow and draw closer to God. Though it may not be a sin to associate with people who do not want to get to know God and Jesus the bible warns it can draw us away from God. Not only that but often times they do not want to read God’s word because they want to rely on their own understanding which we have been warn can not only draw us away from God it can endanger us spiritually and even physically. By associating with those who rely on their own understanding we could start to imitate their behavior and start relying on our own understanding and it can effect our faith and we could start putting more trust in ourselves instead of God. So we should leave God guide our decisions, even if we have a history of making good decisions we should be cautious we do not get overconfident. This is why you should choose friends that are humble and will help you to remain humble.
Choosing friends who put spiritual things first will help to protect us by keeping us focus on things that last forever , the spiritual treasures. The things on the earth will pass away and be gone but the treasure stored in heaven will last forever. It is difficult now days not having many friends but having a few good friends you can trust is much better then having companions who will destroy you by drawing your sinful nature out or by betraying you.
One way to help determine if they can be a trust worthy friend is sharing God’s word with them or reading the bible with them. How they respond can reveal what is in their hearts. It can help you determine if they prefer to lean on their own understanding or if they may be hiding a sin and do not want to hold themselves accountable. If the scriptures do not appeal to them one of these things may be occurring and we should be cautious. If the person is not growing spiritually we should be cautious. Watching for someone to produce the fruits of the spirit is also another way we can determine if the friend is a good friend.
Experience has taught me often times when someone who does not read and apply God’s word is treating you very kind they usually are either trying to manipulate you or they want something. They become who they believe you would want them to be. So now more then ever we need to be cautious of who we choose to be our friends. We have to remember the whole world lies in the power of the wicked one and there are many wolves in sheep’s clothing. I have included scriptures to meditate on that may help in guiding us when we make knew friends. The bible warned us that bad association can spoil useful habits. Those who do not have faith could slowly get us to start losing our faith. They may be very kind but they could still draw us away from God by slowly getting us to stop our useful habits like praying and studying God’s word.
(Proverbs 18:24)24 There are companions ready to crush one another, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
(James 1:14, 15)14 But each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn sin, when it has been carried out, brings forth death.
(Proverbs 28:14)14 Happy is the man who is always on guard, But whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
(1 Corinthians 10:12, 13)12 So let the one who thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall. 13 No temptation has come upon you except what is common to men. But God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it.
(Proverbs 27:17)17 As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens his friend.
(Hebrews 3:12, 13)12 Beware, brothers, for fear there should ever develop in any one of you a wicked heart lacking faith by drawing away from the living God; 13 but keep on encouraging one another each day, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you should become hardened by the deceptive power of sin.
(Hebrews 3:12, 13)12 Beware, brothers, for fear there should ever develop in any one of you a wicked heart lacking faith by drawing away from the living God; 13 but keep on encouraging one another each day, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you should become hardened by the deceptive power of sin.
(2 Corinthians 6:14-18)14 Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? 15 Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Beʹli·al? Or what does a believer share in common with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? For we are a temple of a living God; just as God said: “I will reside among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” 17 “‘Therefore, get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’”; “‘and I will take you in.’” 18 “‘And I will become a father to you, and you will become sons and daughters to me,’ says Jehovah, the Almighty.”
(John 12:48)48 Whoever disregards me and does not receive my sayings has one to judge him. The word that I have spoken is what will judge him on the last day.
(Hebrews 4:11, 12)11 Let us therefore do our utmost to enter into that rest, so that no one may fall into the same pattern of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints from the marrow, and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart.
(John 3:19-21) . . .. 20 For whoever practices vile things hates the light and does not come to the light, so that his works may not be reproved. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that his works may be made manifest as having been done in harmony with God.”
(Proverbs 28:26) Whoever trusts in his own heart is stupid, But the one who walks in wisdom will escape.
(Jeremiah 10:23) I well know, O Jehovah, that man’s way does not belong to him. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.
(1 Corinthians 3:18) Let no one deceive himself: If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this system of things, let him become a fool, so that he may become wise.
(Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10)9 Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their hard work. 10 For if one of them falls, the other can help his partner up. But what will happen to the one who falls with no one to help him up?
(Proverbs 27:5, 6)5 Open reproof is better than concealed love. 6 The wounds inflicted by a friend are faithful, But an enemy’s kisses are plentiful.
(Proverbs 17:17)17 A true friend shows love at all times And is a brother who is born for times of distress.
(James 4:4-6)4 Adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is making himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that for no reason the scripture says: “The spirit that has taken up residence within us keeps enviously longing”? 6 However, the undeserved kindness that He gives is greater. So it says: “God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones.”
(Colossians 3:12-14)12 Accordingly, as God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, humility, mildness, and patience. 13 Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Just as Jehovah freely forgave you, you must also do the same. 14 But besides all these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union.
(Mark 12:28-31) . . .” 29 Jesus answered: “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel, Jehovah our God is one Jehovah, 30 and you must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength.’ 31 The second is this, ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
(1 Corinthians 15:32-34) . . .” 33 Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits. 34 Come to your senses in a righteous way and do not practice sin, for some have no knowledge of God. I am speaking to move you to shame.
(Proverbs 13:20) The one walking with the wise will become wise, But the one who has dealings with the stupid will fare badly
(Galatians 5:7-9)7 You were running well. Who hindered you from continuing to obey the truth? 8 This sort of persuasion does not come from the One calling you. 9 A little leaven ferments the whole batch of dough.
(Proverbs 19:6, 7)6 Many seek the favor of a noble, And everyone is a friend to the man who gives gifts. 7 All the brothers of a poor man hate him; How much more he is shunned by his friends! He pursues them with requests, but no one responds.
(Galatians 6:1-5) 6 Brothers, even if a man takes a false step before he is aware of it, you who have spiritual qualifications try to readjust such a man in a spirit of mildness. But keep an eye on yourself, for fear you too may be tempted. 2 Go on carrying the burdens of one another, and in this way you will fulfill the law of the Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he is deceiving himself. 4 But let each one examine his own actions, and then he will have cause for rejoicing in regard to himself alone, and not in comparison with the other person. 5 For each one will carry his own load.
(Proverbs 20:19)19 A slanderer goes about revealing confidential talk; Do not associate with one who loves to gossip.
(Proverbs 25:9) Plead your case with your neighbor, But do not reveal what you were told confidentially,
(Proverbs 25:23) The north wind brings a downpour, And a gossiping tongue brings an angry face.
(Galatians 5:22-24)22 On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Moreover, those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed to the stake the flesh together with its passions and desires.
(Proverbs 1:7)7 The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline.
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