The Power of Influence
"Don't be misled; bad company corrupts good character." - 1st Cor. 15:33
Defining community by living life in good company, avoiding the Pharisees in my life & trying not to become one myself is a theme God has placed on my heart & mind these last few weeks.
I recently did a short study on King Josiah that reflects a great example on the power of influence. I went back to his grandfather, Manasseh, who was a horrible, detestable king who led his people into darkness, idolatry, death & destruction. (2 Kings 21:1-18) Later on, Josiah sees a different man who was conquered, beaten & shackled. A man who turned from his evil ways because of a God who loved, cared & offered the grace only He can give & provide. (2 Chron. 33:10-17)
Manasseh rebuilt & restored what was destroyed & then destroyed what was against the Lord. He even led his people to the Lord. Josiah saw a man turn from evil & darkness to a reformed man who was in the light walking with the Lord. Which I believed influenced his Kingship. Josiah's grandfather had a huge impact on him, compared to his father's short reign soon afterwards.
For me, this lesson offers several questions we should each ask ourselves. What kind of community are we in? Whom are we influencing? How are we living? And, who is impacting us? For me, it is best to learn from & be in a community with those who follow the Lord, in order to live a life that reflects Christ & impacts the world for Him.
Thanks for influencing me with the way you live & support me,
Mike
Serbian Summer
Last year, we pioneered an English camp. And this year, we plan to increase the influence with the Lord's leading in doing two camps in Serbia.
Slovak Summer
This summer marks my last English Camp with the team in Presov. I look forward to leading an intern team & walking alongside the teams that will impact the students of Presov.
Traveling fool
These last few weeks, I have been in six countries with a surprise visit to the states!
Praise & Prayer
I'd like to lift up a huge praise to the Lord for one of our interns joining us this summer, Anka. And to ask you to pray for our upcoming summer ministries that each of you are all apart of.
