CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

            One taper lights a thousand, yet shines as it has shone; and the humblest light may kindle one brighter than its own.-Butterworth

            Have you ever thought you are an essential part of reaching those who are closest to you? Your family, friends, and co-workers are being impacted by the things you watch, listen to, and visit? With scrutiny, they are dissecting your life like a master surgeon exposing who you truly are.

Do you really know how far your circle of influence goes? It’s probably further than you think! So, be careful with your eyes what they see. Be careful with your ears what they hear. I believe you know the rest of the song! You are influencing someone else with your life so keep your life clean and holy by staying in God’s Word, Walking with God’s people, doing the Work of God!

JUST LISTENING

We have two ears and only one tongue in order that we may hear more and speak less.- Laertius

And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? Mark 12:28

            As this scribe listened intently at the conversation Jesus had with the Sadducees He had an important question he needed to be answered. I like the fact he did not blow out Jesus and make a spectacle of Him. I like the fact he respected Jesus enough to come to Him and ask the question. I like the fact that He acknowledges Jesus’ authority in the Scriptures. I like the fact he understands that to love God means more than the works people do, “is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” But I am afraid this man did not know Jesus as his personal Saviour. I’m afraid he never repented and trusted Jesus as is only hope of salvation.

            What are you trusting in to get you to Heaven? Is it the finished work of Jesus or is it the futile works of the flesh? Let me give you a simple reminder this morning of truth; “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

            Have you been listening to His Word? Have you been listening to His people? Have you be listening to His Pastor/Preacher? If you have you will know that you need to GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH TODAY! When you get there… JUST LISTEN!

COMBINED PRAYER BREAKFAST

Join us this morning at Hardee’s in front of Walmart on HWY 70 for a time of fun, food, and fellowship. See you there at 8 am!

HALF DONE

Anything less than your best… is half done!

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

            Some people only do what they need to do to get by. They never have the mentality of 1 Corinthians 10:31. Some work just enough to get a paycheck or a pat on the back. Some never quite come to the realization our motivation is not the almighty dollar but the Almighty Himself!

            If you are ever asked to do something and you agree to do it, do it with all of your might. Do it for the glory of God! Go the extra mile and you may get some extra money! If not, at least you will know God is please and to be honest, that’s all that matters!

REACTION OF VICTORY

It is cynicism and fear that freeze life; it is faith that thaws it out, releases it, sets it free.–Fosdick

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

            Newton’s third law of motion says, “For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction.” I believe the fear in our lives will be decimated at the same rate as our faith grows. In each step of faith we walk we take a step further away from fear; fear of worrying over what tomorrow will hold, fear of losing our job, fear of likability, fear of finances, fear of health issues, etc. When we walk away from fear, God is honored and our faith grows deeper!

            Is your faith growing or is fear grappling your life? Trust Jesus and fear will be removed!

RESPONSE OF VICTORY

I fear God, and next to God I chiefly fear him who fears Him not.- Saadia Ben Joseph

Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. Psalm 46:2-3

            What do we have to fear when we understand God is on our side? Why should we fear man or what He may do to us? Why do we fear the unknown when He knows what that is? Why do we fear what we don’t understand? When we have victory in our life by knowing He is God, we will also come to realize we have God for our defender and we need not fear any evil! That my friend is our only reasonable response.

RESOLUTION FOR VICTORY

            Before any victory comes in your life there must be an understanding that God is.

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10

             Understanding that God is our refuge; He is the place of safety when life goes wrong. He is our place of refuge when the enemy attacks.

            Understanding that God is our strength; He is much more than a set of crutches, He is the very reason we stand. He is our source of strength when everything else doesn’t work. That’s why I developed this saying, Before all else fails—God is the answer!

            Understanding that God is our help; Be still, and know….God is our only help to be saved!

God is all this and much, much more! He is our all in all! He is the reason for victory!

OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE

           A Sunday School teacher once asked her class 'How is the will of God done in heaven?' One child answered, 'Cheerfully.'  Another, 'By everybody.'  A third 'All the time.'  But the best answer was, 'It is done without asking any questions.'" -D.L. Moody

            And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22

            Obedience is better than sacrifice in dealing with your salvation- For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Eph 2:8-9

            Obedience is better than sacrifice in dealing with your sanctification- That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

            Obedience is better than sacrifice in following the Lord is service- I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2

It’s not our way but God’s so follow His way!

It’s not our will but God’s so follow His will!       

It’s not our work but God’s so do His work!

GOD’S MARVELOUS GRACE

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

            I have never known the time when I have felt for a moment free from a sense of unworthiness, or free from a consciousness of imperfection and of a sinful nature, but since I have come to understand that I am accepted of God on the ground of Christ's righteousness and not my own, and therefore my standing is in Him and His righteousness and not my own, I have ceased even to question the fact of my present salvation. -Stebbins

            If you ever taste God’s marvelous grace there will never be a question of where you ought to be at on Sunday—IN CHURCH! Have you made plans to be there this morning? Are you GETTING UP, GETTING READY, and HEADED TO CHURCH?

JUST A “LITTLE” MORE

You say, "If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied."  You make a mistake.  If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled. –Spurgeon

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11

There is absolutely nothing wrong with trying to improve your situation in life. There is nothing wrong with getting an education, getting training, or even moving up the corporate ladder to improve your finances. But in a world that attempts to persuade us that we need more of this or that, God says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6 So what do we do?

            Pray, asking God to give you wisdom and direction.            

            Go through the open doors and stop when the door closes.

            Be patient and wait on the Lord, having faith He will bring to pass what is best for you in this life!

LEARN BY EXAMPLE

The scars of others should teach us caution. -Saint Jerome

And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. 1 Samuel 8:3

            Samuel was a Prophet of God that led the Children of Israel. When he was old, he made his sons to judge Israel. These two boys were wicked. They chased after money, taking bribes affecting the way they governed Israel. When the people had enough and were disgusted with their situation they called out for a king! But they didn’t know what they were in for!

            Not long after Saul took office, the office went to his head. Pride and envy was just part of Saul’s downfall. His final nail was an unrepentant heart and it’s the same with you and I!

            These are just a few examples in the Word of God that warns us to, “Take Heed”! There are many others and if that’s not enough just look around you. You will not have to look far until you see a man of God, a Pastor’s wife, a Deacon, a Sunday School Teacher, etc. that let pride and envy get in their way of serving the Lord. When they would not repent, God made them an example!

            Don’t let that be you, Child of God! You be the good example to the believers!

ONE BLOOD

Jesus washed my sin stains away!

God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Acts 17:24-28

            In a day of racial divide, I am reminded this morning, we are all cut from the same sinful cloth in need of a Divine Dye Technician. I am thankful He picked me up one day and washed me in the Blood of Calvary! Instead of being sin stained I’ve been Blood Washed!

            Be reminded of what John the Revelator said in Revelation 1:4-6, “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

            Get rid of the racial divide and believe what the Bible says about you and I, We are all of the same sinful blood and It takes the same Blood of Jesus to save us all!

TEARS ARE NEVER WASTED

Tears are sometimes as weighty as words. –Ovid

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. Psalm 126:5

            Many times when a person cries it shows a deep meaning into their heart. It sheds light on what really matters to them. They represent thoughts, prayers, and words that could never be spoken.

            Do you still shed a tear for the lost? Do you shed a tear over those that use to walk with the Lord but now they are nowhere to be found? Where are the cries of your heart? Where are the cries for the lost, dying, and hurting world? When you shed a tear for the lost—it’s never wasted!

YOU USE TO HAVE MY WORD ON IT...

The sacred promises, though in themselves most sure and precious, are of no avail for the comfort and sustenance of the soul unless you grasp them by faith, plead them in prayer, expect them by hope, and receive them with gratitude. -Spurgeon

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Timothy 3:1-5

In the Webster’s 1828 dictionary this word trucebreaker is defined as “One who violates a truce, covenant or engagement.” We used to seal deals with a hand shake. When someone said, “You’ve got my word on it”, it actually meant something. Now, you sign your life away and some fancy lawyer will find a loop hole out of a commitment someone made with you. I’m glad God isn’t that way! His promises are true and everlasting!

Have you broken a promise, a covenant or truce you made to God? Have you gone back to some of your old ways? Why not do an about face (repent) and get back on track with the Lord? The Lord will give you mercy, grace and strength because He has said He would—if you take the first step! 1 John 1:9

LISTENING TO GOD OR MAN?

A great many people are trying to make peace, but that has already been done.  God has not left it for us to do; all we have to do-is to enter into it. - D.L. Moody

I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly. Psalm 85:8

How often do you go to friends and family before talking things over with the Lord? We seek guidance from people who don’t even know the Bible much less lives by it. The Psalmist said it best, “I will hear what God the LORD will speak.” Today, spend a little time with Him and allow Him to guide your steps. When we are in His will, nothing else matters and we have a peace that passes all understanding.

LOVE ‘EM ENOUGH

Pointing others to Christ is done more with the lips than the tongue.

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; Ephesians 5:25

             If more of us spouses would take the lead in church attendance maybe our spouses would follow the lead. Maybe more men would step up to the roll God has called them to being a leader in the house instead of being a wimp. Maybe more women would be a Proverbs 31 woman; loving their husbands and their children. Maybe our children would walk in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; loving Him, making their parents proud, and seeking to do God’s will. Maybe sinners would get saved and saints would get sanctified.

            Child of God, love the ones in your circle of influence to “Be thou the example”! Talk is cheap! Actions speak louder than words! Love ‘em enough to; GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH this morning!

FRIENDS—YOU NEED AT LEAST ONE

            Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life. Many might have failed beneath the bitterness of their trial had they not found a friend. –Spurgeon

A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17

            A true friend will not only be there for you in the greatest times of your life, they will also be there for you when you face the darkest times as well. They will instruct you when the way seems unclear. They will listen when no one else will. A true friend will tell you what you don’t want to hear. Everyone needs at least one real friend and the Bible says, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly:”

GIVE ‘EM SOMETHING TO SING ABOUT

When your heart is full of Christ, you will want to sing. –Spurgeon

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Isaiah 35:10

            Prior to my salvation the music I listened to, let’s just say, wasn’t pleasing to the Lord. It pumped me up feeding the desires my flesh. It gave me an emotional high much like that of someone on some mind altering drug. After the high was gone, I had to feed it again and again and again. It never satisfied!

            What the world’s music could never do, God’s music has done for me and many others time and time again! It gave me something really to sing about! Not only does it fill our heart with joy, it feeds the Spirit in such a way that builds us up to have a deeper, richer, walk with Jesus! It is just like chorus to a very well known congregational song, ”Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, sweetest name I know, fills my every longing, keeps me singing as I go!”

            Don’t keep those songs to yourself, sing them! And when you do, you’re giving this lost, dying, and hurting world something to sing about as well!

GOT REST?

Rest is given through the shed blood of Jesus Christ!

There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. Hebrews 4:9

Knowing I don’t have to work for my salvation gives me a sense of rest. Knowing all anyone has to do is repent of their sin and trust Jesus as the One who has done everything needed for their salvation brings a heavenly rest that passes all understanding. To some that doesn’t make sense, but it doesn’t change the truth- For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

            Are you still trying to be good enough? Are you still trying to work your way in? Here are two great truths; you’ll never be good enough and you will never work enough to get into Heaven. If you could, then why did Jesus have to die? Friend, trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Him alone brings rest!

SHOUT IT OUT!

Grace, Grace, God’s Grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within!

 My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Psalm 45:1

            As I read through Psalm 45, I cannot get a little happy! Well, I told a lie, I get a lot o happy! Really, I get ecstatic! When I am reminded of God’s amazing grace in my life I cannot help to begin to be overfilled with joy! The word indicting means just that; overfilled, overflowing, or bubbling up.

            Hey Christian friend, when is the last time you felt the love of Jesus come bubbling up in your soul in such a way that you could not contain yourself? When is the last time you shouted, “Hallelujah”, “Praise the Lord” or “Amen”? We have a lot to be thankful for! As a writer about to pen down a bestselling novel, let those who you come in contact with every day know about God’s Amazing Grace and what He has done in your life! Don’t hold it in—shout it out!