Today’s scripture: 1 Kings 11:1-3 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Cheryl Stonestreet):
When I was a child my mother was always careful about who I played with. If I met a new friend, Mom would always ask if they went to church. She felt that other kids who went to church were a better influence on me and that we would have the same values.
As an adult, I’ve found that it’s essential to surround myself with good people. Firm in my faith, I am not concerned about befriending people with other beliefs. I do not see myself changing religions. Where I need to take care is in keeping negativity at bay.
Nay-sayers, people who scoff at vision, those who diffuse enthusiasm — they are the ones I must avoid. That old saying about one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch rings true, if it is allowed.
When my dreams and goals seem farther away rather than closer, I need people around me who will be encouraging, not cynical. When I am not approaching a task in a solvable manner, I need someone who helps me tease out the place where I went wrong, and break it down into doable steps. I do not need someone to criticize me for my attempts — I’m already my own worst critic. When things are not working out, how easy it is to abandon a goal! It is especially easy when I let negativity come into my heart.
God did not want the people of Israel to marry outside of their people, because God did not want them to incline their hearts toward the gods of others. That theme still exists in people today. Those around us have influence over us. The people who we let come around us can change us — for worse, or for better.
Jesus said, “. . .if you have faith, and do not doubt . . . say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will be done. Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.” (Matthew 21: 21-22.) People who remind me of these words are the ones I need around me.
Thought for the day: As we make plans and set goals for our lives and church, do we allow negativity to keep us from doing what God has in store for us?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.