Letโs Pray. Father, thank you for your Son Jesus who has given us access to you. I also thank you for every son or daughter who comes across this letter. Bless them continuously beyond measure. Keep them as the apple of your eye. Release your unconditional love into the depths of their heart & soul. Remind them of your faithfulness and all the wonderful things you have in store. Forgive us for our sins and wash us in your saving blood & love! In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
As always I pray all is well with you and yours! And I’m so grateful and glad to have this opportunity for us to share together in this journey called life. Iโve been reflecting on some of the things we talked about in our last post, and the word INFLUENCE stood out to me GREATLY!!
The Oxford Dictionary defines influence as the capacity to have an effect on the outcome/flow, character, development, or behavior of something or someone, or the effect itself. It also goes on to list some synonyms such as: impact, control, power, sway, authority, mastery, guidance, and rank. We talked a little about this before when talking about prayer/intercession, and its ability to make an impact on, in, and through us & others. In fact the bible tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverb 18:21).
Never underestimate the power vested in us to speak and create/make. My time in prayer/ worship is the most important, influential, and special part of my day daily. Not only am I able to talk to & with God, but Godโs presence impacts my heart to live and love (what He loves & hate what He hates)! Recently I had a moment where I was so overwhelmed that all I could do was speak in my heavenly language. I did not know the words to express what I needed at that moment, but after a few minutes praying I heard Father say โRestโ as I fell asleep. When I awakened I felt refreshed, renewed, and amazed at how something as โsimpleโ as rest was exactly what I needed. And notice I had no idea of what was going on with me as my mind raced, but God (fore-) knew and KNOWS EVERYTHING there is to know about absolutely everything. In this I find both GREAT comfort and reverential fear!
Psalm 94:7-9 Yet they say, The Lord shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it. Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise? He that planted the ear, shall He not hear? He that formed the eye, shall He not see?
1 John 4 warns us beloved to believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Even those with little discernment can see & agree that the times/conditions we are currently living in are quite abnormal. Letโs not forget that a few years ago MILLIONS of people WORLDWIDE lost their lives to an unseen virus transmitted through the airways. And to this day it and others of its kind are still active. In addition to diseases we have natural disasters, terrorist like crimes, unstable leadership, danger, peril, and famine all throughout the land. โThese are the times that try menโs soulsโ -Thomas Paine.
1 John 2:15-17 ESV Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the worldโthe desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of lifeโis not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Jesus before leaving his disciples forewarned them that they would experience hardship and trouble in this world, but also encouraged them to take heart because He overcame the world(John 16:33). The bible also reminds us we donโt have a high priest who is unable to be touched by the feeling of our infirmity,ย He (Jesus) was tempted in all ways yet without sin(Hebrews 4:15). This passage reminds me of both the deep connection to humanity God has with His creation and the complete divinity and rule that He has OVER ALL HIS CREATION! Which is why although we ought to remain conscious and prayerful about these times, we ought not be unguarded or fearful. For neither of these are influenced by Godโs Spirit.ย
Itโs up to us which type of influence we will abide in & under, heavenly or hellish. Because of Godโs just righteous sovereignty He has given us the power to choose. TALK ABOUT INFLUENCE! However, we ought not be deceived. God is not mocked; a man shall reap what he sows(Galatians 6:7-8). This is one of those superpowers that cannot & will not ever change because it is a Kingdom (King Dominat-ed/-ing) principle. Regardless of our awareness of it we all are govern-ed/-ing by principles & principalities. (Iโd love to talk more about this when space & time permits it.) Nevertheless our right to choose doesnโt relinquish us from the effects of those choices on our lives.
Sometimes we look at our lives circumstances and wonder how did we end up here? This is a good thing. Asking questions and making assessments/evaluations is a wonderful way to monitor growth & development. This type of awareness shows that we are conscious of our whereabouts and curious as to where we stand. The disciples often asked Jesus questions as they journeyed with Him. Even when Jesus exposed the sin sickness of their(&our) generation, their hearts were convicted as they inquired how to increase their Faith. It takes a certain level of “bigness” and boldness to seek God with the intent of becoming better.
โGo Big or go homeโ
American Authors
Last post we were challenged to take an assessment of who, what, where, how, and why we say and do what we say and do. To determine if the people, places, and things we find ourselves coming into alignment with TRULY align with the word of God. And to pray that God would give us the wisdom to make any necessary adjustments. Remember small adjustments over the course of time makes a big difference in our lives and the lives of those around us. In this journey be encouraged and IN JOY!
Inscribed, XOXO K. Joiย …… P.S. Coming Soon!
โฅโฅ๐พ๐๐ธ๐ ๐ช๐!๐โฅโฅ 