"Look carefully at the closest associations in your life, for that is the direction you are heading" (John Maxwell). This is what Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, failed to do. He was wonderfully blessed by the Lord in every area of his life, that is until he formed an allegiance with wicked King Ahab (2 Chronicles 18:1).

 The two kings joined together and fought against Ramoth Gilead—a common enemy. In the heat of the battle the rival chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, and thought, “This is the king of Israel. So they turned to attack him, but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him". (2 Chronicles 18:31). This near tragedy was totally unavoidable. We often want to keep God at a distance. We want to be in control and call the shots until things get out of hand, then and only then, do we call on the Lord for help. After the storm passes, we continue in our former role of control and push God back into the shadows of our priority. This mind set has terrible consequences. Over the years our lives become walking autobiographies, telling friends and strangers alike of the good and bad choices we've made.

 Ephesians 4:27 says, “Give no place to the devil.” One of our biggest challenges is learning to make room in our lives for God and refusing to compromise by wrongdoing. We should strive to become absorbed in our walk with the Lord so that there is no room in our hearts for anything else. "The greatest victory an individual can win is victory over him or herself" (Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi). How long will it take for you to master yourself? A lifetime! Get started, you have not a moment to spare.  Fight the good fight of faith. Fellowship with God through Jesus Christ. Learn from God’s word and make prayer an important of your everyday routine. Our war is not won on a battlefield; victory and defeat is decided in our hearts. Do not be distracted from the Lord in the midst of conflict. "The most important of life’s battles is the one we fight daily in the silent chambers of the soul". (David McKay)

Associate yourself with people of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company (Booker T. Washington)