Who influences you?

Who do you let influence you?

Sunday, May 22, 2011

It got this devotion in my inbox today from Lifeway. It could not have come at a better time as I have someone in my life I love so much that is definitely a bad influence on me. I know there are times that I think I can handle it but I have to remember that when I think I am standing strong....those are the times I may fall. I have to...as we all do....be careful of who I allow the most room in my life. I am an all or none kinda chick and that can be a problem sometimes. So, is there someone in your life that maybe influencing you in the wrong way? Nip it in the bud before it gets out of hand! :)


Bad company

Read Ahead: 1 Corinthians 15:33-34

Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals." 1 Corinthians 15:33, HCSB


How strong do you think you are? Are you able to stand up against temptation? Do you think you can resist the opinions and attitudes of those who don't respect the love you have for God?

If you think you can, the Bible has a warning for you. Paul claimed that you will be influenced by the people with whom you spend the most time. If you associate with wise people, you will become wise. If you hang around with fools, they will influence you in the wrong direction. Pretty straightforward, isn't it?

Does this mean, though, that you should never associate with those who hold different beliefs than you do? Of course not. It does mean, however, that you must maintain a real awareness of this truth: both of you are going to have an influence on the other.

Sometimes we argue that we're in a friendship in order to have a Christian influence on a person whose values differ from ours. Maybe we are. It's crucial, however, never to forget that influence goes both ways. At times we can be under someone else's influence far more than we are influencing that person.

Hold up each of your relationships to God and ask for his guidance, remaining always prepared to remove yourself from bad company (as he leads you) if your own character is in danger. At the same time, be looking for people to spend time with who will encourage you to become more like Christ.

How have you noticed influence working for or against you in your relationships?

Read Up: Proverbs 13:20-21, Proverbs 22:24-25

This devotional is courtesy of TQ.

Opinions, Not Judgements

I was sent some clips of Hardball with Chris Matthews the other day and I can say that I will never watch him again. He ONLY lets people talk that he agrees with...it is wild! I mean, he seriously would ask a question but NEVER give the other person a chance to answer. I have heard of how he was but never really watched him myself. Of course, a lot of those political type shows are hard to watch. Everyone just tries to talk over everyone else. It is just nonsense to me. Whatever happened to people asking a question then actually waiting for an answer……and maybe even listening to that answer? What are people so scared of? Why can’t they just take the time to listen? I know that there are many people that I talk to that I don’t agree with but when we talk I will listen to what I have to say. I am firmly grounded in my beliefs so it doesn’t bother me when a person believes differently than I do. I am not worried that they will change my mind. I am not worried that they will mention something I cannot defend. I have done the research necessary to always defend what I believe even if others don’t agree…and there are many others that won’t agree. I am okay with that.

And as far as our president goes….I think that asking to see things does not make anyone a racist. I had a friend post on facebook that Republicans were racist, ungodly, and evil. I think that asking for documentation for things that the president has accomplished is reasonable. It is crazy that people think this part of politics is any different than anything else. I mean, for as long as I can remember politics is all about making the other person look bad. People in politics have always been seen doing what they gotta do to win attention. It is just a part of life. But ungodly? Evil? Really? Let’s let God makes those judgments.

Now everyone wants to say that Obama has absolutely nothing to do with the killing of Osama Bin Laden. Well, I agree that the ones that should get the main credit are our service men that are overseas BUT you gotta give the president something. I mean, he IS the one in charge whether we like it or not. And as for those that don’t believe Bin Laden is dead just because a picture has not be released…I say give it a break. I mean, first he was lying because of his birth certificate and now he is lying because he won’t release a picture. Really? What if he is lying? I mean, come on….almost all politicians lie at some point. It is practically a job requirement. But it doesn’t make it right and us talking about it over and over and over again isn’t going to change ANYTHING so I say people just need to get over it and move on!

And, for the record here is what I think:

I believe that there may have been an issue with the birth certificate but it is released now so obviously it was not that big of a deal. I also believe that Bin Laden is dead and that I don’t rejoice in death but I am glad that that issues have finally come to an end. We don’t need to see a picture to believe it and I don’t see a problem with giving him a burial at sea. Any disagree? If they do then…well, who really cares….LOL! Everyone has their own opinions and it is nothing to argue about.

Be blessed!