Influence

I've always been a big believer that you are either being influenced by others, or you're influencing others.

As I was reading this morning, this idea was reinforced by the words of Erwin McManus:

"While manipulation is inherently evil, influence is the best way to lead and move others toward what is good. The proper use of influence is essential if we are going to seize divine moments. We must always remember that God's greatest moments for us are never for us alone. They are always about our lives touching the lives of others."

Are you being influenced or are you influencing others?

Are you allowing others to dictate what life decisions you are making? Or, are you influencing others in positive ways, ways that are pleasing to God?

Influence... Our lives touching the lives of others... God's greatest moments for us are never for us alone...

Sunday After...

A few years ago a young lady told me - "We really blew it last Sunday!" Luckily she was not a part of our congregation! She went on to explain that on Easter Sunday they had used all the Bells and Whistles that their congregation could muster. She admitted that it was a very impressive service and enjoyed by all.

But her concern was...

What were returning visitors going to think when they returned the Sunday after Easter? The service that was modeled on Easter wasn't close to the one that would be modeled the Sunday after.

If you're prone to do a direct mail piece the week of Easter inviting your community to your Easter service, the Sunday after may actually be more important than Easter. Why? Because many already have a church for Easter - the old family church, maybe they will worship with grandparents, maybe with another friend, etc...

But, the Sunday after Easter may be the first time they are able to check out your church. Unfortunately, many years ago the Sunday after usually had low attendance. Why? How can you top an Easter service that had all the Bells and Whistles of the week before? People know the level of excitement would be less than the week before.

Of course Easter should be a very special day - that's without question! But where do we draw the line so the Sunday after is another mini-Easter as every Sunday should be?

Faith

OK, so the title of this post may not jump out and grab you, but it should.

Faith. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

What happens to our faith over time as it relates to risk taking? It's been my experience that over time we take it for granted. As we get older we seem to forget the excitement of our early days of being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Many become complacent. What took faith to accomplish yesterday seems commonplace today. Maybe that's why many flat line in their faith and feel it's OK to start coasting?

These thoughts materialized while reading "Chasing Daylight" by my favorite author, Erwin McManus.

In a section entitled "Stepping It Up" he states:

"This relationship between faith and uncertainty is inescapable. What required faith for you yesterday may become commonplace for you tomorrow. Although they are still expressions of your faith, they are no longer the challenges that launch you to a new-faith experience. While at first simply trusting God to take you outside your experience is a huge leap of faith, eventually God will expect more of you. Remember, faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Once something is a certainty, it no longer requires faith. Do not be surprised that what God asked of you yesterday is insufficient for your journey of faith today."

Faith. New-Faith. New-Faith Experience. God. Me. You. Us.