“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” Psalms 1:1
“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” Proverbs 13:20 Today’s Christian daily devotional
“What ever happened to your friend Ivan?” Grandma Ellis shuffled away from kitchen the sink.
“He got caught up with the wrong crowd.” Ronnie’s eyes drifted to the floor.
“Ivan dropped out of school. Last I heard he was helping his uncle with his import/export business.” Locking eyes with her, Ronnie’s serious expression indicated what type of business Ivan was involved in.
Grandma Ellis sighed, shaking her head. She understood street slang.
Wanting to break the uncomfortable silence in the room, Ronnie got up to turn on his favorite television station, RAP T.V.
Grandma Ellis dried her damp hands on a dishtowel before trudging towards the front door. Peering through the peep- hole, she fastened the two dead bolts and secured the bottom lock.
Inwardly, she resolved to make this a regular habit. The West Side of Chicago was far from being a safe place to live. And now that one of Ronnie’s old pals had officially tapped into street business, it couldn’t hurt to take that extra precaution.
As she turned, Grandma Ellis caught a glimpse of her most precious possession sitting on the couch. The light from the T.V flickered off of Ronnie’s round face. Heavy thoughts seemed to pull his thin shoulders down. This aged young Ronnie in a way she hadn’t noticed before.
Grandma Ellis was wise to guard her door. Sadly, she missed the most dangerous predator still lurking in the room; the one who first seduced Ivan into turning to a life of criminal behavior. This hunter wasn’t just satisfied with Ivan; he was after Ronnie, too.
As long as Ronnie tuned into his favorite program, he would be sure to receive a steady stream of the seductive influences of this unseen entity.
As Psalms 1:1 and Proverbs 13:20 both so clearly state, the influences we surround ourselves with are crucial. In fact, they can make a difference between a blessed life and a cursed life.
Television may look as innocent as child’s play, but the effects of it’s influences are very real. In today’s world where media replaces blood and flesh friendships, the effect of these non-human relationships can be just as damaging.
Who is invading your home and influencing the lives of those you love right before your very eyes? If a man with a gun were to threaten to take the life of your child or grandchild would you just stand there?
There is a movement of rebellion, anarchy and demise that threatens to steal, kill and destroy and will kindly do it slowly…By the time you see the effects of this poison you might even lose hope that anything can help.
God warns of the very real dangers of bad friendships. He can help and He will help the minute you call out to Him. But, why put yourself and your family in this position in the first place? Guard your home and your family as if your lives depend upon it; because, they do.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I have felt you prompting my heart to set healthy boundaries for my home. But, whenever I did in the past, I would come across so much opposition, I wondered if it was really worth the trouble. So, I backed down.
I can see now this was the wrong choice. I am losing my sweet family. My children are starting to become hard, bitter and rebellious.
I have told myself that this is natural with the coming of age. But, that is not the whole truth. These attitudes can be expected if I don’t monitor the friends they hang around with and the television shows they watch. The most powerful influences on my children’s lives should be a priority to me.
Lord, forgive me for not taking my children’s future into serious consideration. Bless my children. Don’t let my ignorance and lack of action have a lasting effect on them.
Help me to make the changes I need to make—today. Right now, in the name of Jesus give me the wisdom that I should have tapped into a long time ago.
My own rebellious heart has caused me to quiet the voice of wisdom. I repent. I know you are quick to forgive. I receive that forgiveness now. Make my rebellious heart soft to the promptings of wisdom. Help me to obey quickly. So, I won’t talk myself out of obedience like I have in the past.
In Jesus’ precious name, because my family is worth the trouble, Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: Psalms 1:1 and Proverbs 13:20
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan