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Listen while you read: "Simply Trusting"1 (Lyrics) |
As I cruise the posts at Facebook, Goodreads, and Amazon looking for a book to hit my fancy, I am often influenced by the choices of others. Their appreciation of a particular work makes me check out the book at the library or buy it online. Also, authors or publishers send me free books to read as an "influencer" in the publishing world. If I like them, I'm asked to review and promote these books online but am under no obligation to do so. Nevertheless, this activity does work in the favour of publishers and authors. Amazon frequently emails me when my review has influenced another person to buy a particular book.
As a Christian, I am a member of another group of people who often seek to influence others for the good of everyone. We profess to follow Jesus of Nazareth, Who walked this earth over two thousand years ago, but Whose short life impacted millions. We know about His life primarily through four slender volumes printed in a much larger work, the Holy Bible. More small books follow hard on the heels of the four biographies of Jesus. These volumes tell what happened after He left this earth and explain His teachings. The last book, Revelation, written to people under persecution, offers immense hope for our strife-ridden planet. Likewise, modern followers of Jesus find encouragement for their daily walk and are influenced to share their hope with others.
As we encounter those who feel down due to life circumstances, we can be influencers for the good of others. We can share our experiences and our hope in Christ Jesus, which may save both a soul and a life. For those whose quiet nature compels them to be silent, God's assurances to Joshua, as the people of Israel were about to enter the Promised Land, speak to us today:
Joshua 1:5b-6a – I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous. (NIV)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, grant us strength and courage to walk with You and share our hope. Amen.
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Thursday, September 21, 2023 – Worldwide — International Day of Prayer for Peace — Pray for our brothers and sisters in so many countries in the world where they are being persecuted, imprisoned, and killed for their faith. Pray that their faith will stand strong in the face of adversity.
Broken friendship-CB: "September 21,2023. Please pray for the restoration of a lifelong friendship. Their friendship has..." 
Please pray for Shawn: "September 21, 2023. Shawn has struggled to breathe for many years and is in the hospital again..." 
Mrs--a former devotional writer: "September 21,2023. I humbly request healing prayers, I am having some very serious health problems..." 
Good word Cass.
Lovely devotional Cassandra! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for today’s email. All of it speaks of our hope in Jesus.
A Great testimony Cass,
Keep on influencing.
Bless you.
Thanks Cass. I enjoyed this message and the profound Scriptural truth behind it.
Blessings.
Thank you Rev Sandy. You are also an influencer through “Daily”.
May you continue to influence others in the week ahead.
Indeed you are an influencer! I look forward to your inspired messages as many have spoken directly to me. Thank you. Grace & Peace as you serve HIM.
Cass – What a great devotional! You kept my attention from beginning to end.
Your message was loud and clear that we are, or should be, influencers to others in reading the best book ever written.
HI Cass,
This was an excellent comparison and speaks so clearly to our present world situation and to those who are commissioned to share His story. Bless you!