September 1 - Guard Your Circle

SEPTEMBER 1 - Guard Your Circle3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 22:24–25; Leviticus 1–2⁠⁠⁠⁠3-Year Bible Devotional Book Now Available on Amazon.________________________________________“Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.” — Proverbs 22:24–25“He shall bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. And he shall take from it a handful of the fine flour and oil with all of its frankincense, and the priest shall burn this as its memorial portion on the altar, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord.” — Leviticus 2:2“If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without blemish.” — Leviticus 1:3________________________________________Who you spend time with can shape who you become. Have you ever noticed how someone else's mood—especially if it’s angry or negative—can change the vibe of a whole group? Proverbs 22:24–25 reminds us that constantly hanging out with people who are always angry or reckless can lead us into trouble ourselves. On the flip side, Leviticus 1–2 talks about offerings given to God—gifts that are chosen carefully and given from the heart. It’s about giving God our best, not just following rules but showing devotion through actions. Just like those offerings had to be “without blemish” and done in the right way, the people we allow close to us shape how we live out our devotion to God. Your life, your time, your relationships—they're like an offering. Are you offering God something pure and pleasing, or are you letting yourself be influenced in a way that draws you away from Him?________________________________________THINK ABOUT IT1. Choose Your People Wisely: Who are you surrounding yourself with? Are your friends encouraging you to grow closer to God, or pulling you away?2. Guard Your Influence: Are you more influenced by others, or are you influencing them in a way that honors God?3. Living Your Offering: What kind of “offering” is your life to God? Are there areas where you need to be more intentional in honoring Him—like your attitude, habits, or friendships?________________________________________BOTTOM LINEThe people we spend time with shape the way we live—and our lives are like offerings to God. Let’s make sure we’re surrounding ourselves with people who help us grow in faith and offer our best to Him.________________________________________PRAYERHeavenly Father, thank You for reminding me how important it is to guard my friendships and live a life that honors You. Help me choose the right people to walk with and give You my best in everything I do. Teach me to be a positive influence and to live in a way that’s pleasing to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.