Devotionals by Dale O'Shields
The Right Friends
Who are your friends?
Friends are an important part of life for many different reasons. Because of their power, they must be carefully chosen. Your friends will be one of the most significant influences in determining where you end up in life. Our friends greatly shape our destiny. Wise choices in friends bring blessing. Foolish choices at best limit us and at worst can destroy us.
In the book of Psalms we find some guidance when it comes to our choices in friends. Take a look at the decision David made about who would and who would not be counted as one of his friends:
“I will have nothing to do with a perverse person; I will not permit evil. I will destroy anyone who slanders his neighbor in secret. I will not tolerate anyone who has a cocky demeanor and an arrogant attitude. I will favor the honest people of the land, and allow them to live with me. Those who walk in the way of integrity will attend me. Deceitful people will not live in my palace. Liars will not be welcome in my presence.” — Psalm 101:4-7 (NET)
David understood the impact of people. He set boundaries around his choice of friends and associates. He was very conscientious, careful and deliberate about those he allowed into his life. He understood the potential of being spiritually and morally polluted by hanging around with the wrong folks.
The Apostle Paul reminded us of this life principle as well:
"Do not be misled; “Bad company corrupts good character.” — 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)
What about you? Have you been led astray by the bad influence of others? Are you suffering spiritually and morally because of the people you have allowed into your life?
Choose the right friends. In many ways they are shaping your destiny!
Dale O'Shields
For more information, visit the Church of the Redeemer's website.
Listen to Practical Living on OnePlace.com or watch Practical Living on LightSource.com.
About Practical Living
About Dale O'Shields
Dale O’Shields is the founding and Senior Pastor of Church of the Redeemer, a multi-cultural church that operates four campuses in Maryland, just north of the greater Washington, DC area.
Dale O’Shields is known for his relevant teaching style focused on practical application in people’s lives. His messages are regularly broadcast on radio and television. He is also the author of several books, devotionals and group study guides.
Dale O’Shields is a frequent conference speaker with a passion for leadership development and church growth. He has served as the Senior Pastor of a thriving local church for over 25 years. His heart to equip and encourage pastors and church leaders has led him to be a key founder of United Pastors Network.
Dale O’Shields has been involved in pastoral ministry since 1978, serving previously as Director of Campus Ministries and as an adjunct instructor at Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. He and his wife Terry have two married daughters and seven grandchildren.Contact Practical Living with Dale O'Shields
Info@church-redeemer.org
Church Of The Redeemer
19425 Woodfield Road
(301) 926-0967