Hope Fellowship Church

What does the Bible say about choosing friends wisely?

The Bible emphasizes the importance of choosing friends wisely to avoid negative influences and to cultivate relationships that honor God. Proverbs 13:20 in the New King James Version (NKJV) advises, "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed."

This verse underscores the impact that our friends can have on our lives and encourages us to surround ourselves with wise and godly individuals who can positively influence us.

Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, "Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits.'" This verse cautions us against forming close relationships with those who may lead us astray or hinder our spiritual growth. It highlights the importance of being discerning in our choice of friends and ensuring that they align with our values and beliefs.

In essence, the Bible teaches us to choose friends who will uplift us, encourage us in our faith, and help us grow closer to God. By surrounding ourselves with wise and godly friends, we can walk in righteousness and fulfill God's purpose for our lives.

Choose your friends wisely!

What does the Bible say about choosing friends wisely?

Hello! I am here to provide insights on the topic of Relationships from the Bible New King James Version (NKJV). Relationships, including friendships, are a significant aspect of our lives. In the Bible, friendship is characterized by love, loyalty, encouragement, and support. Proverbs 17:17 tells us that "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity." This verse highlights the importance of standing by our friends through all circumstances, showing genuine love and support.

Additionally, in John 15:13-15, Jesus sets the ultimate example of friendship by saying, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends... No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you." Jesus emphasizes the depth of love and transparency that should exist in friendships.

Therefore, according to Scripture, friendship is based on sacrificial love, mutual respect, honesty, and support during both joyful and challenging times. It is a relationship that mirrors the selfless love and compassion shown by Christ.

If you have any questions related to Relationships just message me.

How does Scripture define friendship?

Today’s verse, Ephesians 6:12, speaks to the reality of the spiritual battles we face as Christians. The Apostle Paul reminds us that our struggles are not merely with other people, but with the unseen forces of evil that work against God’s purposes. This perspective is crucial because it shifts our focus from the visible to the invisible, urging us to recognize the spiritual dimension of our daily challenges.

When we face conflicts and difficulties, it is easy to blame the people around us. However, Paul’s words encourage us to look deeper. Our true adversaries are not our neighbors, coworkers, or even strangers, but the spiritual forces that drive negative actions and attitudes. Understanding this helps us approach our interactions with others with more grace and patience, knowing that they, too, are under spiritual influences.

Moreover, this verse emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparedness. Just as soldiers equip themselves for battle, we must put on the full armor of God, as described later in Ephesians 6. This includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, and other vital pieces of spiritual armor. These tools enable us to stand firm against the enemy’s schemes and remain steadfast in our faith.

The battles we face are not just physical or emotional, but spiritual. By recognizing this and preparing ourselves accordingly, we can find strength and peace even in the midst of turmoil. Let us be vigilant and proactive in our spiritual lives, seeking God’s guidance and protection daily.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for reminding us that our battles are not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. Help us to put on Your full armor each day so that we may stand firm against the enemy’s schemes. Grant us the wisdom to see beyond the physical and recognize the spiritual dimensions of our struggles. Fill us with Your strength and peace, and guide us in all our interactions with others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."
Ephesians 6:12

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.” Psalm 37:4-6


Our thoughts truly are a powerful gauge of our level of trust. Thoughts don’t run themselves. We think the way we do for a reason. When we begin to take captive and evaluate our thoughts, we embark on an important process of renewing our minds. Take notice of the way you think today.

Take notice of what troubles you and what brings you peace and joy. Open your heart and ask the Holy Spirit to help you renew your mind and place your trust in him that you might truly have peace.

May your thoughts be marked by the nearness and love of Jesus.
God Loves you!

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God."
1 John 4:7

In practical terms, loving one another means looking beyond our own needs and desires to see and respond to the needs of others. It means forgiving those who have wronged us, offering grace to those who fall short, and extending mercy to those who do not deserve it, just as God has done for us. This is challenging, but it is also enriching and brings us closer to the heart of God.

As you reflect on this verse, consider how you can show love to those around you today. Are there relationships in need of forgiveness or reconciliation? Are there opportunities to show kindness and mercy that you have overlooked? Let's ask God to help us see these opportunities and to give us the strength to act on them.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your overwhelming love that covers us every day. Help us to grasp the depth of Your love not only intellectually but experientially. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we may love others as You have loved us. Let our lives be a testament to Your love, drawing others closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Mother's Day Sunday
Make plans to join us on Sunday, May 12th for a special Mother's Day service at 11:00am
Every mother will receive a rose and find encouragement through God's Word.

I love to hear this lovely voice when I'm in deep thoughts. Thanks to my precious daughter,
Liesl Michelle.

TikTok · Liesl Michelle 89 likes, 37 comments. “A lil acoustic cover of my single “Wither Away” out on all platforms🥀”

Please Join Us For Our EASTER Worship Service !

Easter is the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus from the tomb on the third day after his crucifixion. Easter is the fulfilled prophecy of the Messiah, who would be persecuted, die for our sins, and rise on the third day (Isaiah 53).

Remembering the resurrection of Jesus is a way to renew daily hope that we have victory over sin. According to the New Testament, Easter is three days after the death of Jesus on the cross.

Please Join Us For Our Good Friday Worship Service !

What’s So Good about Good Friday?

Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, is the Christian day to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus and His death at Calvary. This Christian holiday is also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, Great and Holy Friday, and Black Friday.

For Christians, Good Friday is an important day of the year because it celebrates what we believe to be the most momentous weekend in the history of the world. Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation. Paul considered it “of first importance” that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and was raised to life on the third day, following what God had promised in the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3).

"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance; that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

On Good Friday, we remember the day Jesus willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins (1 John 1:10)

Palm Sunday commemorates the Christian belief in the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, when he was greeted by cheering crowds waving palm branches that they set out on the ground along his path, according to the Bible.

This year, Palm Sunday falls on March 24. Also known as Passion Sunday, it marks the start of Holy Week. The most sacred week of the Christian year includes the Good Friday re-enactment of Jesus’ crucifixion story and death, and their belief in his resurrection on Easter.