In Matthew 5:14-16 MSG Jesus instructs us — “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”

Are you familiar with the word “influencer”? The word is used in the social media realm. An influencer is someone who has many followers (10,000 or more), is an authority on a certain subject, and often has an endorsement from a particular product or brand. In other words it is like an individual who is an advertiser. The more I think about it, I realize each of us who are part of the Christian community is called to be a Christian influencer. We should be a Christianity advertisement. Each of us is called to live our lives in such a way that others will learn what it means to be a Christian from our words and actions. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for all the Christian influencers in my life. Mold me and make me into the Christian influencer You would have me be. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Take time to read and meditate on this week’s scriptures.

In Matthew 5:14-16 MSG Jesus instructs us — “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”

Philippians 4:9 NIV — Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Colossians 3:1-2 NIV — Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

@biblegateway @youversion

This week we will examine our Christian influence. Let’s begin our week together with Live Like That by Sidewalk Prophets.

Philippians 4:13 NKJV — I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

This week as I shared on the topic of what matters most, I have also been striving to do just that. Recently, my mom fell, broke her arm, and hit her head. The hit to her head not only resulted in a black eye but also a brain bleed. The last few weeks have been filled with frequent trips to visit and support her and my dad who is caring for her. While this has been a stressful time, I have also been blessed to be able to be there with her as she is slowly recovering. Several times I have had to drop everything and go to her, and each time has been an exclamation mark on the necessity to focus on what matters most. Today I am savoring my sweet family memories as well as the opportunities I have to help care for the people I love. When we were growing up and struggling with an issue my mom would recite today’s featured scripture to my brother and myself. As a result, I quickly committed it to memory and learned to call on Christ for strength. As an adult, I am now aware of the verse that comes before this scripture of promise and better understand the context. Philippians 4:12-13 —- I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

As Tara Leigh Cobble from the Bible Recap says, “He’s where the joy is!”

Today I encourage you to reflect on what scripture reminds you to focus on Christ during difficult times. If you don’t already have a favorite, I encourage you to commit Philippians 4:13 to memory and share it with your loved ones too.

Matthew 6:28-34 NIV — “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

What consumes your attention and your thoughts? Do you spend your time worrying about circumstances and situations? Worrying disrupts our peace and robs us of joy. In fact, most of our worries are out of our control. Today’s scripture reminds us to not worry. Easier said than done, right?

In his book, Draw the Circle, Mark Batterson writes, “We tend to view the goal as the goal, but in God’s economy the process is the goal. It’s not about what we are doing at all; it’s about who we are becoming in the process.” Today I encourage you to focus on the process your struggles may be taking you through. Don’t focus on worry. Focus on who you are becoming in this process.

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for my life. Forgive me when my focus is on earthly matters instead of being focused on You and Your call on my life. Instead of worrying, help me to focus on who I am becoming in the process of my struggles. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Hebrews 13:5-6 NIV — Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

Today’s verse reminds us to be content and to remember God is always with us. When we stay focused on this promise we can focus our attention on all we are grateful for and have joy. For who or what are you thankful? Last week Julie reminded us of the practice of making a daily gratitude list. I encourage you to not only make your gratitude list but to choose one of those to focus on today. Explore why that is a gratitude for you. What about it brings you joy? Is this something that helps to change your focus? Is it something that matters most? An attitude of gratitude is pleasing to God and allows you to positively affect those around you. 

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for my life. Forgive me when my focus is on earthly matters instead of being focused on You and Your call on my life. Help me to have an attitude of gratitude. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Philippians 4:4-9 NIV — Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Today’s scripture encourages us to focus on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, or praiseworthy. My challenge for you today is that whenever you find your mind focusing on worry to turn your worry into a prayer or praise. For example, if I am worried about the health of a loved one I will turn that worry into a prayer of thanksgiving for that person and ask God for His healing touch. I have learned I must then let it go and trust God. 

How have you learned to change your thoughts around to focus on what matters most?

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for my life. Forgive me when my focus is on earthly matters instead of being focused on You and Your call on my life. May I learn to turn my worries into prayers. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion