The Right Spiritual Authority-- Do not allow just anyone to speak into your life

SCRIPTURES: 

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Proverbs 18:21

1 John 4:1, "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

Proverbs 24:6, "⁶ Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers."

Matthew 7:15-20, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."

Hebrews 13:7-8,  "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Proverbs 15:22, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."

Ephesians 4:10-13, "He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."

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I was just thinking today on how blessed I am to have a circle of great friends who through time, I know that they care for me, will stand in prayer with me, offer sound/rational advice...I have selected these people to be figures of spiritual authority, leaders in my life.

I am only 26 years old...a baby to many, and yet to the youngin's, an old lady; however I do believe because I made poor decisions regarding listening to the advice of certain individuals who I barely knew and placing them in a position of spiritual authority in my life...I did not progress in a few areas as quickly as I should have and was steered in the wrong direction.

Therefore I encourage you to take it take time to get to REALLY know the person that you are seeking advice from and asking to pray for you. Be very mindful of the person you allow to encourage, discourage, advise, and mentor you. Be around that individual for a while, within a few weeks, a few hangouts, a few discussions, and by praying to God (ask God to reveal to you if this is an individual who can be your mentor), it will be revealed to you.

I have often heard the phrase, "By beholding we becoming changed...," I believe it to be true. I find that in my past when I am consistently around certain individuals they either raise me to a higher standard or understanding in certain aspects of my life or discourage/challenge certain values or goals that I have.

Be watchful of who you permit to influence your life. 

My favorite church in NYC-Morningstar New York City Christian Church

One of my unexpected dilemmas when moving to New York City was trying to find a home church...actually it isn't as if there aren't an abundance of churches in the boroughs of NYC...there aren't just an abundance of "healthy" churches, in my opinion.

Since moving to New York City, I've visited wonderful churches that had thousands and thousands of members; yet left me feeling as if I was just a number therefore I was unconnected with its members and developing solid Christian associations in that church. I have also visited "weird" churches whose doctrine, beliefs and practices were unhealthy (i.e., controlling, "cultish", or just plain WEIRD.

I am happy to say I have found a very healthy, balanced, and wonderful church in New York City. This church is a 10 out of 10 in my opinion due to the following things:

1. Sound (Healthy) Doctrine. The beliefs, mission, and values of the church are found on their website.

2. Mentoring. You will not be just a number. You are not required to attend; however on a regular ongoing basis there are classes available that offer further spiritual development in regards to topics such as Devotion, Discipleship, Drawing Closer to God, Counseling and etc.

3. Prayer. This is a very prayer heavy church, you do not have to go to an altar call to receive prayer or wait to call a toll-free number. Any of the elders or leaders in the church are available to pray with you upon request or in the beginning and at the end of the service.

4. Friendship Building. I believe as a resident of New York City you will make wonderful friendships regardless of whether you attend church or not since you meet wonderful unique individuals all the time...at least I do. Nevertheless, God wants us to be picky with our friendship and have Godly friendships and associations with other Christians. At Morningstar New York City Church, I have found it to be a great foundation to build Godly friendships outside of service due to the many hangouts of the church members and the small group meetings that are held morning, noon, and evenings, in the five boroughs and in New Jersey.

Finding this church was an answer to my prayer therefore if you looking for a church in New York City, I recommend that you visit Morningstar New York City Church.  I primarily attend the East Side morning service; however there are two other services one in the evening on the East side and the other in the morning on the West Side.

God Bless on finding a church home!