July 24 - Choose Your Circle Wisely

JULY 24 - Choose Your Circle Wisely3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 20:19; Luke 24//3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon//________________________________________“Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.” — Proverbs 20:19 (ESV)“Then he said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.’” — Luke 24:44 (ESV)“And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.” — Luke 24:9 (ESV)________________________________________Have you ever had someone in your life who loved to spread gossip or secrets? It can feel like being trapped in a drama you didn’t sign up for. Proverbs 20:19 warns us that associating with people who slander can pull us into trouble. But in Luke 24, we see the power of remembering and sharing God’s truth. Jesus reminded His disciples of everything He had taught them, helping them understand the bigger picture and giving them hope. When we surround ourselves with people who build up instead of tearing down, we create space for truth, encouragement, and growth.Your circle—friends, classmates, teammates—shapes not just your daily mood but also your values and choices. Being around positive, trustworthy people who encourage your faith can help you focus on what really matters: living in God’s truth and sharing it with others.________________________________________THINK ABOUT IT1. Guard Your Circle: Who are the people you spend the most time with? Are they uplifting and trustworthy, or do they tend to spread gossip and negativity (Proverbs 20:19)?2. Remember God’s Truth: How can recalling God’s words and promises (Luke 24:44) guide your choices when peer pressure or drama arises?3. Share What Matters: Like the disciples, we can share truth with others. How can you use your words to encourage friends or bring God’s hope to someone this week (Luke 24:9)?________________________________________BOTTOM LINEThe people you surround yourself with and the words you choose to remember and share shape your character and your walk with God.________________________________________PRAYERHeavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and for the people You place in my life. Help me to choose friends who build me up, stay away from gossip, and remember Your truth every day. Teach me to speak life and encouragement to others, reflecting Your love in my circle. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.