THOSE TO AVOID

Memorise:

Make no friendship with an angry man: and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Proverbs 22:24

Read:

Proverb 22:24-25

Everyone needs the support of someone else. Our Lord Jesus Christ was not an exception. According to Acts 10:38, He depended on the Holy Spirit throughout His ministry. What of His disciples? After His resurrection, the Lord depended largely on His disciples to continue the work He had started. Earlier, people like Mary Magdalene ministered to Him of their substance while He shared the good news of the Kingdom (Luke 8:1-3). As a result of people who were ready to support the Lord, Jesus never lacked money or what He needed in the ministry, to the point that He had a treasurer. Even today, when God sends His servant on an assignment, He would give him or her helpers who would sustain the ministry and help to achieve the task. In one way or another, the Lord has given you as a helper to the ministry of your pastor. How effectively have you played this role? God is blessing you so that you can be a blessing to both your leader and the work. Never think all His blessings are limited to you and are yours alone. Concerning supporting the ministry, there is an appropriate portion that should be released in order for you to receive the level of blessing God has in store for you. Ask God on how you should key into the commission and the grace to do so. You will not fail God in Jesus name.

Having seen that you need one or more partners, how do you choose one? Proverbs 22:24-25 says you must watch the temperament of the fellow to be chosen. Never choose an angry fellow as a friend or else you could be forced to learn his ways and enter a trap.

Apart from your spouse, if the one you call a friend is highly emotional or temperamental, he would have done you irredeemable havoc before he comes into his senses. Avoid such people! Avoid those with violent tempers. Avoid anyone of questionable character. Anyone who says you should turn after some other god or powers must be avoided. Never make friend with anyone that will lure you into immorality. No matter how close, such a fellow is a tool in the hands of the enemy to keep you perpetually in bondage. Don't make friend with thieves, miscreants, lazy or idle people. Check through your list of friends and any that does not fit must be dropped now.

Bible in one year:

Deuteronomy 1-3

KEY POINT:

Some helpers have become helpless because those they are meant to help have allowed them to take God's place in their lives and ministries.