Influence – The Arnold Journey

Other Boats

Mark 4:36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. Have you ever wondered the impact your life if having on those around you? Or maybe this is something that comes with age, as we mature. We become a little bitContinue reading “Other Boats”

Woman Unnamed

Mark 14:9 Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her. Are you an “Influencer?” I didn’t think so. Neither am I. But I do have influence, and so do you. I think one of the biggest differences between someone whoContinue reading “Woman Unnamed”

Celebrity Status

Revelation 5:12 In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” In our culture there are certain things that appear to be worth striving to gain. Power and wealth are right at the top ofContinue reading “Celebrity Status”

Influence – 2 John 11

2 John 11 Anyone who welcomes them shares their wicked work. “Bad company corrupts good morals.” “You are known by the company you keep.” I remember hearing these quotes when I was growing up. I am sure there were a few more with this same theme, but the ravages of time have eroded by memory.Continue reading “Influence – 2 John 11”

A Live Example – Philippians 4:9

Philippians 4:9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. What would happen if people started doing everything you were doing? How different would the world look? Would it be a good difference or a negative difference. IContinue reading “A Live Example – Philippians 4:9”

Reputation – Luke 6:26

Luke 6:26 Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets. I get the feeling that the American church’s goal has been to be liked by the society at large. They have wanted to be accepted, and to a large degree that acceptance has come.Continue reading “Reputation – Luke 6:26”

Company We Keep

Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. One of the best ways to tell the character of a person is to see the company they keep. We tend to either influence other people toward our values or we get influenced by them toward their values. TheContinue reading “Company We Keep”

Someone’s Got to Do It

Mark 15:42-43 One of the lessons of movements like the Moral Majority of the 80’s, and the Tea Party currently, is that there are often many people who share a belief system who almost never speak up about it. We will call these people silent partners. In the political arena, the secret is toContinue reading “Someone’s Got to Do It”

Bribed Again

Proverbs 17:23 Have you ever received a bribe? I am pretty sure your quick answer was a resounding “No!” But let’s spend a little time thinking about this. A bribe is something given to change the behavior of the person who receives it. Usually it is placed in a legal context, meaning the actContinue reading “Bribed Again”

Evil’s Influence

Proverbs 17:11 One of these days, justice will be evident to all. Until then, our limited perspective can make it seem as if justice will never happen. We look around the world and it seems as if the wicked are getting away with their wickedness. Crimes go unsolved, and even those sitting on deathContinue reading “Evil’s Influence”