What is Your Sphere of Influence? Part 2

“…I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.” [Romans 1:8]

A positive influence within our sphere of influence demands good character. How is character developed? Good character is the result of making right choices. Our choices reveal who we are and every right choice is part of the development of who we are. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” [Matthew 5:8] Jesus is not concerned with what we do because he knows what we do is determined by who we are. The foundation for good character is Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the builder of our character. The tools in building godly character are the Word of God and our one another relationships. The Word of God determines right choices and our one another relationships serve as a form of positive peer pressure.

As person I have a mind that enables me to now the truth and to look for creative ways to implement the truth in life. I have a conscience that keeps me on the right path and a will to choose my path based upon the knowledge of the truth and the dictates of my conscience. As the mind, will and conscience function, a portrait of whom and what I am begins to develop. My choices answer the questions those around me have. Is he honest? Is he loving? Is he dependable? Is he trustworthy? Is he kind? Is he patient? Is he loyal?

Another key to being able to positively influencing those around us is to realize that no matter where you are physically, no matter what emotional relationships you enter into and no matter what you do, you are first, foremost and always a member of the body of Christ. “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.” [1 Corinthians 12:12] We are not individuals fully functioning independently of each other but individuals that fully function interdependently within the body of Christ. What may seem obvious is that there is a difference between being carnally minded and spiritually minded, immaturity and maturity and being self-oriented and others- oriented. In the successful movement from one to the other, we need the encouragement and accountability that comes from our one another relationships. How important are these relationships within the body of Christ? Paul reminded us, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’” [1 Corinthians 15:33]

Within the body of Christ [the church] there is a unity that is indispensable [we need each other], a unity that comes from humility [the admission we need help – 1 Corinthians 12:15 – 24]] and a unity that comes from mutual care and compassion [1 Corinthians 12:24, 25]. This unity is a sphere of influence that helps in the development of our character.

What kind of influence do you have within your sphere of influence?

What is Your Sphere of Infuence?

“…I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.” [Romans 1:8]

What is your sphere of influence? It is normally limited to those you come into contact with on a daily basis – family, friends, church family, coworkers and those with whom you do business. People that have access to various forms of media are able to extend their influence. For our purposes in this and subsequent blogs, we are going to limit our discussion to the influence we have on the people we come into contact with on a daily basis.

Within that sphere what influence do you have? People around you will respond to the way you act. You will have either be positive or negative influence on them and as a Christian it will positively or negatively affect their view of Christianity and Christ.

What is it that enables you to have a positive influence? I believe it is our orientation toward being [character] rather than our orientation toward problems [that which is out of our control] that influence those within our sphere of influence. Problem oriented people are reactors seeking to absolve themselves of responsibility by suggesting they are not able to chose their response to the problems of life. In other words, they claim victim status. The use the following excuses to justify their actions.

1. That’s the way I am. There is nothing I can do about it.
2. He makes me so mad. I am not responsible for my emotions because they are governed by something outside my control.
3. I can’t do that. I don’t have time. In other words something outside of me controls my life.
4. It’s my father’s, mother’s, wife’s, etc. fault. Someone else’s behavior is limiting my effectiveness.
5. I had to do it. Circumstances or other people are forcing me to do what I do. I’m not free to choose my own actions. I’m not responsible for my actions.
6. Everybody’s doing it. The devil made me do it. The excuses go on and on. They are all designed to absolve me of any responsibility and they all severely limit any positive impact on those within my sphere of influence.

People who focus on being [character] choose their response to problems. They recognize their limitation and realize they have the indwelling Holy Spirit to be their source of power enabling them to over come their limitations and do right.

The Holy Spirit begins by reminding us who we are. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” [Romans 8:16] Then He reminds us of our condition, free from the power of sin. “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” [Romans 6:6] He also reminds us we do have to sin. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” [1 Corinthians 10:13]

How is character developed? See our next post.

Thanksgiivng

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” Psalm 100:4

Thanksgiving and praise are a couplet designed to allow us honor God for both His blessing and His person. Thanksgiving and praise should never be limited to one day a year. In thanksgiving we express our thanks for the blessing we receive from the hand of God and in praise we honor God who He is.

In order for us properly express our thanksgiving and praise unto God, we must turn to God’s Word and find the principles of thanksgiving and praise. We find in God’s Word that thanksgiving and praise:

Have for its rightful OBJECT God.

Should be ORAL and OPEN. Our open expressions of thanksgiving and praise to God provide opportunities for others to be encouraged. The Psalmist instructs to sing, shout for joy, extol and laud God. Thanksgiving and praise should be outward expressions that stem from an inner excitement about God and the things of God.

Are voluntary acts of the redeemed but they are acts of OBEDIENCE. All the expression noted above are put in form of a command.

Are associated with OBLATION – an offering of sacrifice. “I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.” [Psalm 116:17] The sacrifices of thanksgiving and praise are acts whereby we forfeit all personal attention and direct give God the glory He rightly deserves.

Are appropriate for all OCCASIONS. ”At all times, in every situation, under every circumstance, before, in and after trials, in bright days of glee, and dark nights of fear. He would never have done praising, because never satisfied that he had done enough; always feeling that he fell short of the Lord's deservings. Happy is he whose fingers are wedded to his harp. He who praises God for mercies shall never want a mercy for which to praise. To bless the Lord is never unseasonable.” [Spurgeon]

Thanksgiving and praise not only bring to God the glory He deserves but they also provide a secondary benefit of bringing hope to the worshipper. In 2 Samuel 22 we read David’s Psalm of praise for his deliverance from his enemies. As you read the Psalm you come away realizing the impact upon the writer was one of comfort. It allowed him to focus on his resources in difficult circumstances not his circumstances. He expressed hope [v. 4], acknowledged the source of his strength [v. 8], and recognized that he was never alone for the Lord is at hand [v. 18]. One further benefit was that his thanksgiving and praise protected from any hostility toward God that came from complaints and criticism of God and His ways.

On this Thanksgiving Day and every day “…let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” [Hebrews 13:15]

PS: Please our other blogs on Thanksgiving: August 28 – Comfort of Praise and September 26 - Every Day is for Thanksgiving along with Thanksgiving Quotes at Hope Triumphant using the link below.

Whiter Than Snow

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” [Isaiah 1:18]

There is a pristine beauty that comes with the first snowfall of the year. It hides the ugliness of the ground strewn with dead leaves and the browning grass. We just had our first snowfall of the year and I was reminded of this verse of scripture and of the words of the Psalmist – “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”[51:7]

There is an ugliness to sin that cannot be removed unless we are washed in the blood of the Lamb [Jesus Christ]. One problem with snow is that its pristine beauty soon disappears and the ugliness it covers son appears. When we are washed in the blood of the Lamb our sins are washed away not covered and we stand as white as snow [justified] in the sight of God forever.

As children of God we are called to a life of holiness. Sin raises its ugly head we find ourselves in need of a cleansing. Cleansing comes when we confess our sins. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9] What is it that cleanses us from sin? It is “…the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” [1 John 1:7b]

In our constant battle with sin it is possible for us to be victorious because of the power of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The writer of Revelation tells us, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” [12:11]

What does it mean to be washed in the blood of the Lamb? It simply means you have acknowledged that you are a sinner, that you are unable to save yourself from the power and consequences of sin and have asked Jesus Christ to forgive you your sins and be your Lord and Savior. When this happens, the shed blood of Jesus Christ washes your sins away and you are in the words of Isaiah as white as snow. Your sins are gone and you a new creation in Christ Jesus.

There is power in the blood. It is the power of our protection from the evil one. It is the power to forgive sins. It is the power to say no to sin. It is the power to be an overcomer. The power of the blood is the power of God working on our behalf. The Apostle Peter wrote, “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” [1 Peter 1:5] The words of a great hymn of the faith say it best.

There is Power in the Blood

Would you be free from the burden of sin?
There's power in the blood, power in the blood;
Would you over evil a victory win?
There's wonderful power in the blood.

Refrain:
There is power, power, wonder working power
in the blood of the Lamb;
There is power, power, wonder working power
In the precious blood of the Lamb.

Would you be free from your passion and pride?
There's power in the blood, power in the blood;
Come for a cleansing to Calvary's tide;
There's wonderful power in the blood.
Refrain:

Would you be whiter, much whiter than snow?
There's power in the blood, power in the blood;
Sin stains are lost in its life giving flow.
There's wonderful power in the blood.
Refrain:

Would you do service for Jesus your King?
There's power in the blood, power in the blood;
Would you live daily His praises to sing?
There's wonderful power in the blood.
Refrain:

Pastor Sterling's Wit and Wisdom

Some years ago I invented the fictitious Pastor Sterling and his sayings. Below are some of those sayings.

Everybody wants to play first violin but the harmony comes from the second violin.

The gossip is like a leaky picture - neither of them can hold anything.

Learn to do your best when no one is looking, 'cause if you don't, you'll never know if you did your best when someone was looking.

A fool is like a bad wagon wheel because they both make a lot of noise and don't say anything.It's easier to be against something than to be for something.

The trouble with being lazy is that you travel so slow that poverty soon overtakes you.

Tough times can destroy our dreams but tough people don't quit because tough times don't last.

A lazy man is bad enough but what is worse is a lazy mind.

The most effective way to use a hammer is to hit the nail on the head until it's all the way in! (Reference to Bible as a hammer - Jeremiah 23:29)

Bad habits are easier prevented than broken.

Often a lazy person is a very smart person because he knows the right time to look busy.

Falling down doesn't make you a failure but not getting up does.

It's bad enough that a man who knows everything is always in a peck of trouble. What makes matters worse is that he isn't smart enough to ask for help.

Courage's foundation is a holy fear that produces obedience in life's darkest hours because we can trust God.

Fear of unpleasant circumstances often keeps us from swiftly dealing with problems. No matter how unpleasant these consequences maybe, they are miniscule when compared to the consequences that arise from putting off dealing with a problem. (Matthew 18:15-18)

It takes courage to admit our faults and deal with them. While we fear being transparent, dealing with our faults increases our effectiveness in proportion to our willingness to deal with our faults.

Do it right the first time, it saves time and embarrassment.

Being in a hurry doesn’t make things happen any faster, so slow down and enjoy the going. There is so much to see and hear.

If a man does something foolish, the test of his wisdom is his ability to recognize his foolishness and turn from it.

When playing chess, my opponent so carefully disguises his plan of attack that his announcement of checkmate surprises only me.(On Satan's Tactics)

God's Ways

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8, 9

All around us evil is on the throne and right is on the scaffold. We are perplexed by God’s inaction. Why doesn’t God do something? Why does God allow these things to happen? Why is God so silent? How long will God allow evil to triumph? These and many more questions come to mind as we continue to live in a world where immorality and vice run rampant, godlessness and lawlessness rule and there is no fear of God in the hearts of men and women.

Our problem is not a new one. The prophet Habakkuk asked these same questions as he looked around at condition of his own people. Faced with what he thought was God’s inaction he brings his complaint to God. God’s response was not what he expected. As you read the first eleven verses of the first chapter of Habakkuk, you will discover that God’s ways are not our ways and God is never inactive toward the plight of his people.

Habakkuk learned that God’s ways are mysterious and misunderstood. Mysterious because He usual unusual instruments to carry out His plans and misunderstood because He does things differently than we normally would. In order for us to even begin to understand the movement of history, we need to recognize some basic principles.

1, History is under divine control. God said to Habakkuk, “I will raise up the Chaldeans…” [Habakkuk 1:6] Solomon reminds us that the “king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord.” [Proverbs 21:1]
2. History follows a divine plan. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” [Jeremiah 29:11]
3. History follows a divine timetable. “But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.” [Galatians 4:4]
4. History is bound up with the coming Divine Kingdom. The key to history is to understand the kingdom of God as the events of history have a bearing on the establishment of the kingdom of God.

When we are perplexed about what God is doing, the first thing we need to do is to take time to see what God has done in history by studying the scriptures. You will be surprised how often God does explain his ways. Secondly, when Habakkuk didn’t understand God’s ways, he sat down and observed the events that were happening around him. Solomon advice to his son to “…give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways” [Proverbs 23:26] is good advise in reference to the ways of God. Thirdly, Habakkuk needed to learn the basic principle of life in reference to knowing and understanding God. “…The just shall live by his faith.” Habakkuk 2:4] When we don’t know what God is doing or don’t understand His ways, we need to learn to trust God for neither the world or our lives are out of control.

God is neither inattentive to our problems nor inactive. While we may not understand his ways, He is always working out the path of history in harmony with His ways for our good and His glory.

Serving the Lord

“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” [Romans 12:11]

Among the responsibilities cited here by Paul regarding our responsibilities believes is that of “serving the Lord.” This all encompassing phrase presents us with many options and opportunities to show our love for Christ and those with whom we come into contact.

The real question before us is, “What are the characteristics of a true servant of the Lord?” Among the many, there are three I would like to highlight. First, we must make ourselves available. Availability begins with commitment – “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” [Romans 12:1] Availability is being ready 24/7, no excuses. When the opportunity comes to serve the Lord and we make excuses, we miss out on the blessing.

Secondly the temptation to fall back on an excuse is ever with us; but some people are available but they are not willing. Willingness sees serving the Lord as an act of love not duty, as a privilege not drudgery. Others temper their willingness by putting limitations on when, what or where they will serve the Lord. Lord I serve you anywhere you want, well accept please don’t ask me to be a missionary. Lord I’ll be a missionary but not in Africa, etc. True willingness is not conditional. There isn’t any room for exceptions.

Lastly, some people are available and willing but they are not obedient. They want to serve the Lord on their terms, in their way and in their time. Their attitude says, “Lord you’re really lucky that I’ m on the team.” The lesson of obedience is one of love. Because I love you Lord, I will obey you – no questions asked. Obedience acknowledges our true relationship with the Lord. He is the master and we are his servants. Therefore our availability, willingness and obedience must be absolute.

Despair Gives Way to Hope

"But we had hoped that it had been he who would have redeemed Israel; and, besides all this, today is the third day since these things were done." Luke 24:21

To have hope is good. These two disciples were experiencing despair not because they dared to hope but because the expected God to act when, where and how they thought He should. As a result, when God did act, they failed to recognize His hand at work. They were in danger of missing one of the greatest works of God. Instead of rejoicing in faith, they were wallowing in despair - "we had hoped." When we think this way, we miss what God is really doing. Our infinitely wise God knows and does what is best in response to our needs and prayers.

In His infinite wisdom, He knows both the right way and the right time to solve a problem or answer a prayer. Consider the disciples on the evening of the resurrection, As they walked home they were filled with despair because in their eyes their hopes had been dashed. They failed to realize that God did exactly what He said He would do when He said He would do it. Why were they is such a state of mind. They could not believe without seeing. They lacked true faith.

Listen to their report: "Yea, and certain women also of our company amazed us, who were early at the sepulcher; and when they found not his body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. And certain of those who were with us went to the sepulcher, and found it even as the women had said; but the saw not." (Luke 24:22-24) Hear those last words "but they saw not." Faith that demands evidence is not faith. Faith that cannot believe God's Word does not bring hope, peace and joy. It only brings despair and discouragement.

The writer of Hebrews gives us the essence of true faith in eleventh chapter and verse one. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." When our faith rests upon the promises of God, we do not need to demand that God work in any specific way. We should just sit back and watch and wait for God in His wisdom to respond to our need in His time and His way. This is not a time for inaction on our part. We do what God has instructed us to do in His Word without putting any specific expectations on God. The Psalmist said, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God; for I shall praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." (42:5)

Our hope is based upon God's trustworthiness not our expectations and dreams. Paul reminds us that we "walk by faith and not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7) Thomas would not believe Jesus was risen from the dead until he saw Jesus and touched Him. In response Jesus said, "Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." (John 20:29) Peter adds these words, "Whom (Jesus), having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:8,9)

Having the ability to let go and trust God with our problems allows us to escape despair and discouragement. We can experience joy unspeakable in the midst of our difficulties as we look for God to act in infinite wisdom.

Faithfulness

"Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." [1 Corinthians 4:2]

The basis of our reward is faithfulness not results. All results are the work of God [1 Corinthians 3:7]. God does require of us to be faithful. Our desire when we enter into glory should be to hear our Savior say, "Well done thou good and faithful servant." [Matthew 25:21] What does it mean to be found faithful? I believe there are three conditions for being declared a faithful servant.

The first is in terms of length. Did I finish the job? Many people are starters but few are finishers. The Christian life is race and it's all about finishing. Apostle Paul said, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." [2 Timothy 4:7] Beside finishing the race, it also means finishing the tasks we take on in serving the Lord. How often have you started a job but for a myriad of reasons we never finish it?

The second condition of a faithful servant is that of obedience. Did I do the job the way God wanted it done? There are a lot of Christians today who are serving the Lord their way. God has given us the pattern for life and ministry in the Bible. Today's Christians are what I call "Ford Christians." Years ago the Ford advertisement carried the slogan "Ford has a better idea!" Instead of serving the Lord according to the guidelines set forth in the Bible, many believers today are saying to God and the world, we have a better idea. What arrogance for a person to say he knows better than God. The problem with the church and its missionary enterprise is we have stopped doing it God's way and substituted human reasoning and personal preference in place of clear cut Bible instruction and well defined Biblical principles. "All the activity of the disciples is subject to the clear precept of their Lord. They are not left free to choose their own methods or adopt their own conception of their work. Their work is to be Christ-work, and therefore they are absolutely dependent on the will of Jesus." [Dietrich Bonhoeffer]

The third condition for being faithful is quality. Did I do the job to the best of my ability? Faithfulness means doing your best. There isn't room for sloppy work, a half-hearted effort or just doing my duty. Faithful servants are prepared, wholly involved in what the are doing and excited about the privilege of serving the Lord. Too many of the Lord's servants have the "whatever" attitude. Whatever I do is better than nothing. No it's not! A "whatever" attitude discourages other servants of God from doing their best. It drives people away from Christ because "whatever" attitude says to them "you're not worth my best effort."

Do you consider yourself a faithful servant of the Lord? If not, don't you think it's time to start being faithful? We expect the Lord to be faithful to us. He requires us to be faithful and will reward us on that basis.

Abel's Faith

“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” [Hebrews 11:4]

Abel’s faith governed how he worshipped. It was his faith that motivated his sacrifice. Cain “brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD” [Genesis 4:3] while Abel “brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering.” [4:4] On Cain’s offering God had no respect. What was it that made Abel’s sacrifice “more excellent” than Cain’s? Was the quality of Abel’s sacrifice better than Cain’s? I don’t think so. I think they both brought the best they could.

What was the difference? Abel acted in faith and Cain did not. Abel believed God and brought the sacrifice God required. Cain did not! How do we know that when we have no detailed information regarding God’s instructions for proper worship? The answer is in the first two words of this verse “by faith.” In Romans 10:17 we read, “so then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” The source of Abel’s faith and all faith is in the Word of God. We have the written Word of God while Abel and his family had the privilege of hearing God give instructions regarding worship.

The results or evidences of Abel’s faith are threefold.

1. He offered a more excellent sacrifice. The excellence of the sacrifice was in the sacrifice itself. It followed the pattern established by God when He clothed Adam and Eve. The fig leaf coverings were not acceptable because they were the result of human effort to make oneself presentable to God. God showed Adam and Eve the only way they could be presentable was by the dead of an innocent substitute, the shedding of its blood and the willing acceptance of the coat of skins. God’s way not man’s. This has been God’s pattern from Eden and will be until eternity. This also was a figure of the Savior to come. Jesus Christ the Lamb of God would shed His blood in our place as an offering for sin and our salvation would be the result of our willingness to accept the work of Christ as our covering for sin.

2. Abel’s faith translated into obedience while Cain’s unbelief produce disobedience. There isn’t any room for man-made sacrifices. No matter how good Cain’s offering of the fruit of the ground was in his eyes, in God’s eyes it was totally unacceptable. Cain’s sacrifice was the product of his hard work and no man is saved by his righteous works for God has said, “but we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” [Isaiah 64:6]

3. He obtained witness that he was righteous. Romans 10:10 states “for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness.” The evidence of true faith is seen in our works. Works do not save anybody but they are both the visible evidence of faith and part of God’s purpose for saving us. [Ephesians 2:10]

Abel, though he is dead, still speaks. His voice from the grave, written on the sacred pages of scripture reminds us of the importance of living by faith regardless of the temporal consequences. Faith’s eternal benefits far outweigh any temporal difficulties. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” [2 Corinthians 4:17, 18]