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06-24-2008, 08:32 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 8,102
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The Power of Influence
We are all impressionable.
I have only recently, at the pinnacle of middle-aged clarity, begun to realize just how many of the decisions I've made sprang from the influence of others.
Influence can be a powerful thing.
We are all changed by those who enter and exit the stage of our lives. Sometimes the change is imperceptible, other times the sphere of influence is so strong that the change is immediately evident.
A queer realization has begun to settle on me of late. A realization that I am the sum total of my daily interaction. A realization that I can be influenced in both positive and negative ways by my wife, my kids, my parents, my co-workers and - most importantly - those whom I choose to call my friends.
At first glance, this realization seems simple, and petty. A deeper look reveals stark truths that are sometimes unbearably painful.
I am the product of every screaming match my parents had in front of me. I am the product of every dirty joke my brothers told me. I am the product of every unsavory movie I have ever watched with friends or family. I am the product of every sermon I have heard, every song I have listened to, every newscast I have watched, every news clip I have read. These influences, for better or worse, shaped me.
I am impressionable.
So, once again, I find myself at the feet of Jesus asking Him, no begging Him, to be my greatest influence. To deliver me from myself. To reshape me in His image, an image that rises above any worldly influence I've let in my life.
Paul, who seemed to have some of the same struggles I do, said it best.
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Philippians 4:7-8
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06-24-2008, 08:34 PM
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Forever Loved Admin
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 26,537
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Re: The Power of Influence
Oh we all need this Pastor Poster, Amen!
__________________
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8 KJV
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2 KJV
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06-24-2008, 08:37 PM
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Getting to know Jesus
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,036
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Re: The Power of Influence
I'm going to share this with my son. Excellent & timely post!
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Psa 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
1Pe 5:6-7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Tit 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
Psa 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
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06-24-2008, 08:42 PM
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His Eminance, High Potatohead Potatotate
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Stockton, California
Posts: 5,376
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Re: The Power of Influence
Good Stuff!!...The Right Stuff!!
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06-24-2008, 09:03 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 8,102
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Re: The Power of Influence
Thanks folks.
G'night.
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06-24-2008, 09:05 PM
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Registered Member
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 5,529
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Re: The Power of Influence
This is a faithful saying and worthy to be accepted!
The Devil is a great influencer....but Jesus is Greater!
__________________
Psa 119:165 (KJV) 165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
"Do not believe everthing you read on the internet" - Abe Lincoln
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06-24-2008, 09:06 PM
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Administrator
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,848
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Re: The Power of Influence
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pastor Poster
A queer realization has begun to settle on me of late.
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Scary. I don't think I would have admitted this on a public forum.   
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06-24-2008, 09:07 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 8,102
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Re: The Power of Influence
Quote:
Originally Posted by CC1
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06-24-2008, 09:07 PM
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Administrator
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,848
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Re: The Power of Influence
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pastor Poster
We are all impressionable.
I have only recently, at the pinnacle of middle-aged clarity, begun to realize just how many of the decisions I've made sprang from the influence of others.
Influence can be a powerful thing.
We are all changed by those who enter and exit the stage of our lives. Sometimes the change is imperceptible, other times the sphere of influence is so strong that the change is immediately evident.
A queer realization has begun to settle on me of late. A realization that I am the sum total of my daily interaction. A realization that I can be influenced in both positive and negative ways by my wife, my kids, my parents, my co-workers and - most importantly - those whom I choose to call my friends.
At first glance, this realization seems simple, and petty. A deeper look reveals stark truths that are sometimes unbearably painful.
I am the product of every screaming match my parents had in front of me. I am the product of every dirty joke my brothers told me. I am the product of every unsavory movie I have ever watched with friends or family. I am the product of every sermon I have heard, every song I have listened to, every newscast I have watched, every news clip I have read. These influences, for better or worse, shaped me.
I am impressionable.
So, once again, I find myself at the feet of Jesus asking Him, no begging Him, to be my greatest influence. To deliver me from myself. To reshape me in His image, an image that rises above any worldly influence I've let in my life.
Paul, who seemed to have some of the same struggles I do, said it best.
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Philippians 4:7-8 |
Excellent! This should be Church bulletin or Church magazine material. Maybe even the Herald!
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06-24-2008, 09:08 PM
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Administrator
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,848
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Re: The Power of Influence
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pastor Poster
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LOL!!! You should have seen that one coming from a mile away.
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