Everyone. Everywhere. Part 2Sample

Looking Forward

The Holy Spirit and our flesh are constantly at war with each other. Our flesh pulls us in the opposite direction of righteousness while the Holy Spirit is constantly shifting our mind and heart to be more like Jesus. Our heart’s desires and the environment we place ourselves in can make us who we are. The people we yearn to be like and the friendships we pursue shape how we act. Who you surround yourself with shapes you to be more like Christ or the opposite of Him. As Christians, when you unite together with our Lord and each other we are better together. 

This might mean that you are to make new friends which can be intimidating and takes effort, but it is so worth it! Or it means that you are to press in harder and take advantage of the friendships God has already given you.  Do not be fooled: life-giving friendships can be hard to find if you are looking in the wrong places. Do not be discouraged if you do not yet have friendships that are sweet and refreshing to your soul. Ask God to provide new friendships or keep existing friendships that are centered around Jesus, and watch Him respond! Thinking ahead to the upcoming year, where do you want to invest your time? Who are the people you want to know better? 

Questions to Ask Yourself:

1. Who are the top 5 people you spend the most time with? Are those people you would want to be like?
2. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says that bad company corrupts good character. Do you have friends who may influence you negatively?
3. In Proverbs 27:17 it says that we should sharpen one another as iron sharpens iron. Do you have people in your life who influence you positively and challenge you to live a Christ-centered life?

What’s Next:

1. As you think about the summer coming to an end and a new semester starting, are there any changes that you would like to make concerning your community? 
2. In prayer, ask God to surround you with people who will sharpen you.