DATE POSTED
Monday, July 13, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

Psalm 1:1 ~ Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers). (AMP)

Proverbs 13:20 ~ He who walks [as a companion] with wise men will be wise, But the companions of [conceited, dull-witted] fools [are fools themselves and] will experience harm. (AMP)

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

Those of us who were blessed with godly parents can often look back and recognize how much they shaped the course of our lives. My parents genuinely wanted God’s best for me. One way they expressed that love was by carefully watching the friends I spent time with. As a child, I found that frustrating. I wanted the freedom to spend as much time with my neighborhood friends as I pleased. Looking back now, however, I realize they were protecting my heart, my character, and ultimately my future.

Looking back, this childhood scenario perfectly mirrors the spiritual reality of a life surrendered to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Just as loving parents set boundaries, a life After Christ, controlled by the Holy Spirit, stands in sharp contrast to a life Before Christ lived by one’s own rules and desires.

Before Christ, we lived exactly how we wanted. We hung out with friends who often led us down the wrong paths, even if it felt like innocent “fun” at the time. But as Proverbs 13:20 reminds us, we were choosing to be companions of the unwise. Psalm 1:1 declares that we were pulling up a seat with scoffers—those who mock truth and look down on others. Life BC was often filled with a careless drift, pulling us into close relationships with people who were struggling to survive morally and spiritually. Unfortunately, when people are spinning out of control, they often try to pull others down with them.

After Christ, everything begins to change.

When Jesus becomes Lord of our lives, He gives us new desires, new priorities, and a new destination. As we grow in Christ, we naturally begin to evaluate the influences around us. We still love those who do not know Christ, and we desire to point them to Him, but we also recognize the importance of surrounding ourselves with believers who encourage our walk with the Lord rather than weaken it.

God never intended for us to fight our spiritual battles alone. He places godly people in our lives to encourage us, correct us when necessary, pray with us, and help us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. These are the friends who lovingly challenge us to become more like Christ every day.

Romans 8:31-39 beautifully reminds us of God’s unwavering commitment to His children. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” And again, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Because God is for us, we can confidently choose relationships that strengthen our faith, even when that means leaving behind influences that once held us back.

The friends who help us love Jesus more are among God’s greatest earthly blessings.

Today’s Challenge

Take an honest look at the people who have the greatest influence in your life.

Do your closest friendships encourage you to know Christ more deeply, love others more sincerely, and pursue holiness more faithfully? Or are they pulling your heart back toward the life God has already rescued you from?

God is for you, not against you. Since He is committed to leading you safely home, be equally committed to surrounding yourself with people who will walk beside you, encourage you, and help you cross the finish line with your eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, your Lord and Savior.

May your life bring glory to Him here on earth, until the day you glorify Him face to face for all eternity.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me enough to guide every area of my life, including the friendships I choose. Forgive me for the times I allowed the wrong influences to shape my thoughts, attitudes, and decisions. Help me to love everyone as Jesus loves them, while also seeking the companionship of those who will encourage my walk with You. Give me wisdom to be a godly influence on others without allowing ungodly influences to pull me away from You. Surround me with faithful brothers and sisters who will help me grow, persevere, and finish the race well. May every relationship in my life ultimately bring glory to Jesus. In His precious name I pray, Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!