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influence :: Thursday E-Devotion

I said it yesterday, and I repeat it again today.  (like it or not....think about it)  82% of people you invite to Easter worship will attend.  Those are not people off the street.  They are friends and family, co-workers and peers.  The number is huge.  Know what you call that?  Influence.  And we have it.
 
Jeremiah 15:19 (nlt) --- This is how the Lord responds:"If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me.  If you speak good words rather than worthless ones,you will be my spokesman. You must influence them;do not let them influence you!
 
Like it or not, you are a person of influence.  Far too often we let others influence us.  It may pushing us toward anger or resentment or even apathy.  Yet God is ALWAYS pushing us to use our influence for Him.  Think about it.
 
How many people do you go to church with who are there because of your influence?  Good question.  Some of us would rather think we have little or no influence when in fact we are swaying lots of people in one direction or the other.  There is no sitting on the fence.  Jesus said it this way:
 
Luke 11:23 (nlt) --- Anyone who isn't with me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me.
 
Matthew 5:16 (nlt) --- In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
 
Shine on.  Share every chance you get.  Smile big.  Do it all to let people see Jesus in and through you.  That is influence.   That is influence at work at its best. 
 
Easter is a time to celebrate Jesus, to share with family and to let Jesus live through ya.  What are you going to do to influence the people you know?  Some don't know Jesus.  What are you going to do?  Some don't go to church.  What are you going to do?  Some need a kind word.  What are you going to do?
 
John 8:12 (nlt) --- Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."
John 12:32 (nlt) --- And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.
 
That is what Easter is all about.

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