July 14, 2025
A Network of Virtuous Influences
Whom are you connecting your heart to?
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Bible Verse
“I am a friend to all who fear You, to all who follow Your precepts.”
Psalm 119:63
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Introduction
In a world full of networks – TikTok, Insta, WhatsApp, Discord – we are constantly connected. But what if God asked you: “Who are you spiritually connected to?” Psalm 119:63 shows us that there is a special kind of connection – a network of people who love God and do His will. In such a network lies strength, protection, and divine influence.
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Devotional – More than a Like: True Spiritual Connections
David, the author of Psalm 119, was not only a king, musician, and warrior – he was a man who longed for fellowship with people who loved God. He writes: “I am a friend to all who fear You…” This shows us that he understood how much his environment mattered – a great deal.
Influence is never neutral. The people you surround yourself with shape your language, your thoughts, even your faith. That’s why we need a network of “influencers” who draw us closer to God.
Ellen White wrote:
“Association with others exerts an influence upon us. The people we associate with often influence our lives more than we realize.”
(Ellen G. White, Education, p. 179)
That means: every contact – whether real or digital – weaves an invisible net. This net can hold you when you fall – or pull you down when you’re trying to rise.
So: build your network consciously. Connect with people who strengthen you spiritually, who encourage you to be honest, stay faithful, and be a light.
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Story – “The Rope Bridge”
In a remote mountain village in Nepal, there once lived two school friends: Ravi and Aman. The village was divided by a deep gorge. The only connection was a shaky old rope bridge, woven from thick hemp ropes – built by the villagers themselves.
Every morning, the children crossed this bridge to get to school. Ravi was bold, curious – but often careless. Aman was cautious, quiet, but very dependable.
One day, during the monsoon, the river beneath the bridge swelled dangerously. Ravi, full of energy as always, ran ahead – until a loose plank gave way and he slipped. He was left hanging by one arm on a rope.
Aman didn’t hesitate. He was smaller, weaker – but he crawled across the bridge, lay flat on the soaking wood, reached out – and grabbed Ravi’s hand. Inch by inch, he pulled him back onto the bridge until Ravi had a firm hold again.
Later, when everything was over, the teacher asked Aman why he had been so brave. Aman simply said:
“He is my friend. I hold the rope because he’s counting on me. And I know he would do the same for me.”
This story spread through the village – and from that day on, everyone called the rope bridge: “The Bridge of Friendship.”
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Thoughts on the Story
The friendship between Ravi and Aman is like the connection Psalm 119 describes. Spiritual friendship is a bond, a rope that holds us in crisis. In a network of virtuous influences, it’s not about being perfect – it’s about standing by one another in faith, love, and truth.
What is your network? Who are the people drawing you closer to God? And for whom are you a support?
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Reflection – What Does This Mean for You?
Who influences you in daily life?
How strong is your “spiritual rope bridge”?
Who are you helping right now to not fall?
Psalm 119:63 is an invitation: Choose friendship with those who walk God’s paths. That’s not old-fashioned. That’s wise. And strong.
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Today’s Reflections
Recognize: Look at your circle. Who is pulling you closer to God?
Encourage: Write a message today to someone who strengthens you spiritually.
Decide: Choose intentionally to strengthen your network of faith friends.
Change: If you realize someone is influencing you negatively – take a step back. It’s okay to set boundaries.
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Prayer
Dear God,
thank You for connecting me with people who love You.
Help me choose good friends – friends who draw me to You.
Let me be a support, a spiritual friend, a light to others.
Give me wisdom in my relationships and courage to strengthen the right connections.
Build Your network of love through me.
Amen.
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Takeaway
True friendship is a spiritual rope – strong, supportive, and anchored in God.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/14-07-25-a-network-of-virtuous-influences-heart-anchor-youth-devotional/
