Online Bulletin

Bulletin for November 15, 2009

"PEOPLE OF INFLUENCE"

Tuesday morning, as I sat down to eat my breakfast, the Today Show was doing a segment on the little town of Forks, Washington where the books and movies of the "Twilight" series take place. If you don't know about the "Twilight" series, don't feel bad, it seems to be geared to young women, which leave many of us out! Anyway, the story the Today show was doing was talking about how since these books have come out it has become a tourist town. Many people flock to the town and to the restaurant where the main characters, Bella and Edward eat, and yes they order the same thing! My reaction to this was "people are ridiculous!"

                I got to thinking about this and began to realize just how easily influenced people are. Remember when President and Mrs. Obama arrived at the Inauguration Ball, people began ordering the dress she wore! Why? Because the First Lady was wearing it! I believe we all have fallen victim to being influenced by a fad of some sort. I have to confess, in the 1970's I had an authentic leather jacket just like the one worn by "The Fonz" on "Happy Days."

                All of this led me to wondering how we can influence people to follow Christ. H. G. Wells, an avowed atheist and world renowned historian, said that Jesus Christ was the most influential person in the world of all times. Now I want you to think about this statement. Jesus was the most influential person ever and we are to be like Him. The question arises are we being as influential as Jesus? If the answer is no, and to be painfully honest, I think it is, then we need to ask ourselves, "What are we doing wrong?"

                Family one thing we need to do is know that we can do nothing in and of ourselves. The only power we have comes from God. Knowing that He works through us and desires to do so should give us the courage and boldness we need to be influences in the lives of those around us. The only thing that keeps us from being the influence we need to be is us!

                Friends, as k for the courage and boldness that only comes from God. Ask Him to help you be the good influence you are called to be as His child. Be prepared to listen to His voice and be ready to follow His direction. After all, you cannot be an influence for God if you are not influenced by Him

                                   Read Matthew 5:13-16

                                                                                                                          Steve

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