5 posts tagged “influence”

GUIDANCE

Nov 22, 2008
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INFLUENCE OF A FATHER

Read Proverbs 3–4

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5–6 NKJV

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The wisest thing that Solomon ever did was to acknowledge his own limitations and ask God for wisdom. There is a reason why Solomon knew he needed to do this: He says, When I was a boy in my father's house, still tender, and an only child of my mother, he taught me and said "Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:3–4a, 7 NIV) Solomon heeded his father David's sound advice, and asked God for a wise and discerning heart, which God was more than happy to give.

We cannot overestimate the importance of our influence on our children. Both good and bad kings in the Bible were influenced by their parents. David started teaching a very young Solomon that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of God, and as a result, Solomon started out in the right direction.

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Lord, I pray for the salvation of each one of our children. Help us to be faithful in teaching them to seek after You, asking for Your guidance in both small and large decisions.

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Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. Proverbs 4:10–11 NIV

MY STORY - Part 3

Aug 2, 2008
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Steps Toward Faith

At middle school or junior high age I read the classic book "What Would Jesus Do?" by Charles Sheldon. That influenced me to think about the standards of Christian living.

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Later, I received more teaching about the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives - helping us to live the Christian life. I especially responded to the idea that God had a plan for my life. I wrote a song in high school and sang it at a Youth for Christ ralley. My piano teacher helped me write the music. I was thrilled as I got a standing ovation after singing it. The words tell something of what was on my heart at about age 16.

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"One day as I was out walking - a thought occurred to me;

Perhaps the Lord up in Heaven is making plans for me.

Maybe he's planning my every step - what I will do and say;

Maybe he's planning some glorious things - if only I follow His way.

Dear Lord, I call - I give You my all;

please mold my life lest I fall.

My vision is clear, and now I can see;

I know that the Lord up in Heaven - is making plans for me."

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Can you think of anything in your early years that led you step by step toward a closer relationship with the Lord

INFLUENCE AND PERSONAL CHOICE

Jul 26, 2008
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THE RESCUE OF JOASH

Read 2 Chronicles 22:1–12

Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem one year. His mother's name was Athaliah… He too walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother encouraged him in doing wrong. 2 Chronicles 22:2-3 NIV

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Athaliah, the mother of King Ahaziah was perhaps the most evil woman who ever lived, with the exception of her mother Jezebel. She murdered her own grandsons so that she herself could assume the throne. But Athaliah's sister, wife of the priest, rescued baby Joash and hid him in the temple for six years. At the age of seven, Joash was made king and he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the years of Jehoiada the priest. (24:2)

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After Jehoiada died, the ungodly officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them. “Therefore they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served wooden images and idols; and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem because of their trespass. (2 Chronicles 24:18 NKJV) King Ahaziah was influenced by his wicked mother, Athaliah, and King Joash was influenced by godly Jehoiada the priest–but in the end both of them rebelled against God.

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Lord, I pray for the personal salvation of each one of our children. Help us to influence them toward God, but also to teach them that ultimately, the choice must be theirs to follow Him.

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… to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God– children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12-13 NIV

My Story - Part 2

Jul 22, 2008
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Consistent Christian life

In my last post I discussed the impact of my parent's decision to be faithful church attenders. I want to build on that in saying that they not only attended church, but they loved the fellowship with other believers. They were not legalistic in their attitude, but they lived consistent Christian lives - driving the speed limit, telling the truth, giving regularly - all practical evidences of their faith. They were the same at home as they were at church - there was no hypocrisy. What other people saw was the real thing.

My father was a quiet person who did not talk about his Christianity very much, but he lived it. My mother was talkative, had a beauty shop in our home, and influenced her customers - who were also her friends - for the Lord. At their 50th wedding anniversary celebration there were many younger people who gave testimony of the influence my parent's life had on them. One woman, a friend of my sister, said that my mother gave her the first birthday party of her life.

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In what way has the consistency of another believer influenced you?

Consistent Christian life

Feb 27, 2008
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In my last post I discussed the impact of my parent's decision to be faithful church attenders. I want to build on that in saying that they not only attended church, but they loved going to church to fellowship with other believers. They were not legalistic in their attitude, but they lived consistent Christian lives-Driving the speed limit, telling the truth, giving regularly - all practical evidences of their faith. They were the same at home as they were at church - there was no hypocrisy. What other people saw was the real thing. My father was a quiet person who did not talk about his Christianity very much, but he lived it. My mother was talkative, had a beauty shop in our home, and influenced her customers - who were also her friends- for the Lord. At their 50th wedding anniversary celebration there were many younger people who gave testimony of the influence my parent's life had on them. One woman, a friend of my sister, said that my mother gave her the first birthday party of her life.

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In what way has the consistency of another believer influenced you?