Today is International Day of Peace, also known as “World Peace Day.”
Peace and hope may feel unattainable most days. The good news of the gospel is that we don’t have to attain it on our own. God is “I am” and capable of all things.
Exodus 3:14 ESV — God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”
Let’s worship together with The Great I am Can by Brandon Lake.
@biblegateway @youversion
This week my precious father-in-law passed away peacefully. We are all so thankful that he is completely healed and in the arms of Jesus. Today I am reflecting on all the stories that have been shared this week and I am savoring all of my sweet memories of Larry.
The first time I pulled into his and Pansy’s driveway, Larry was under the carport reading his Bible. That image embodied the way he lived. Larry lived a humble, Christ-centered life. Larry fiercely loved the Lord and his family. He and Pansy were married for nearly 61 years and raised three sons who have learned from his example the value of a relationship with Jesus and the importance of family. Larry was known for giving loved ones a nickname. Some of the names he assigned include Doodle, Halfback, Shortstop, Sweat Pea, Sweet Girl, and Squeaky Poo. His nicknames were a symbol of his love and affection.
Larry sat at the kitchen table and read his Bible every morning before he started his day. He was a long time usher and custodian at his church. I remember his diligence of going to the church monthly to check the fire extinguishers. My children were excited when they were around to go with him to help.
Larry was a pipe fitter. At the visitation this week one of his coworkers told me about what a good man Larry was at work. He shared that Larry never said a bad word, even when things didn’t go well at work. I don’t believe I have ever heard him raise his voice or say a cross word. Larry’s life was a Christian example for all of us. He was a Christian influencer and I will savor his influence on me!
Take a moment to read someone else’s words about Larry.
Take some time to read about some current Christian influencers as defined by social media in this article titled 20 Christian Influencers Inspiring Millions On Social Media in 2025. Are you familiar with any of them? If so, how have they influenced you?
Next, read this blog by Shayla Asselin titled How To Be An Influencer. What steps can you take now to be intentional about your Christian influence?
@biblegateway @youversion
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.
Examine yourself. First of all, think about who you influence. Who is in your close circle that you influence daily? Who do you come into contact with randomly that you may influence? Next, think about your daily Christian living. Is there an area or areas that perhaps are not good examples of Christian living that you may need to ask God to help you change? Listen to how God speaks to you and be open to His guidance. Lastly, who has influenced you and your Christian walk? Take time to thank those who have been Christian influencers for you.
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
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.
In today’s scripture Paul challenges us to follow his example. In other words he was leading by example. Every day God places in our path people we are influencing. We have a choice in what we impress upon them and in what ways we influence. Christian living is a day in and day out calling. Christian living is learning every day, growing from what is learned, and then showing others by example. Christian living is an opportunity to be an influencer! Who do you come into contact with daily or randomly that you may influence?
Let’s pray. Dear God, forgive me when I do not reflect You in my words and actions. May I be aware of how I am showing others what it means to be a Christian. May I be a Christian influence on others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
@biblegateway @youversion
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
