Influence

I began tonight's devotional time with the song "He Knows," by Jeremy Camp.

"He knows! He knows every hurt and every sting. He has walked the suffering. He knows! He knows! Let your burdens come undone. Lift your eyes up to the One Who knows."

"The chains of doubt that held you in between, one by one are starting to break free!"

"Every time that you feel forsaken, every time that you feel alone, He is near to the brokenhearted. Every tear He knows."

Believe it or not, you have an influence on God. You can make Him happy or sad by your actions. Follow Him closely and serve Him so that you have a happy influence.

The Scripture reference for tonight comes from Acts 9:21-22:

"All those who heard him were astonished and asked, 'Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this Name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?' Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ." (NIV)

Saul, later named Paul, began by being a horrible influence, killing those who followed the Name and Way of Jesus. After he was hijacked by God on the way to Damascus (shout out to Chris Abbott of Faith Church for that phrase), he changed his ways and started following God vigorously.

Influence can be powerful. You can bee a good influence or a bad influence. The choice is up to you.

As a leader, you should make sure to follow God and let Him and His Word influence your life. In doing so, you have a better way to let His light shine through you.

You may have great influence with some people, but little with others. Regardless of the level, make sure your influence is good, Godly, and driven by the Holy Spirit! Seek Him!

God bless you!