Archive for August, 2009

The world urges individuals to exert their influence [domination, supremacy, control, stature, pressure, intimidation, etc.] over situations and other associates. It can lead to prejudice and even informal ‘arm twisting’ in order to ‘take care of self’.

There was once a clue on the game show Jeopardy: “It results from the confluence of two rivers to form a new river, which shares its name with a state.” Answer: “What is Ohio?” The Monongahela and Allegheny rivers converge in Pittsburgh to form the Ohio River [which eventually loses its identity in the Mississippi at the southern tip of Illinois].

Confluence – the merging that results from the emptying of two or more entities to form something new and grander. Think about that for a moment – every mighty river is birthed from a source high in some mountain. Confluence leads to something that is stronger, more powerful, more influential.

This term is a good one to describe many of the exciting ministry developments that are outcomes of folks joining together from different directions. It is really exciting to realize how God, by His Holy Spirit, initiates a thought in someone’s heart and mind. Meanwhile, in another’s heart, the Spirit plants a related idea. And often, other sources surface from somewhere else.

Remarkably God orchestrates a union of those ideas. These folks discuss . . . pray . . . brainstorm together. The confluence results in the expansion of God’s kingdom. There are times that this growth is huge; and at other times it is more subdued but nonetheless significant.

Let’s spend time building each other up, encouraging our ‘teammates’, applauding successes, motivating and uplifting, listening to, and praying with those we are in partnership.

Romans 12:10 teaches us that we must “Be devoted to one another . . . Honor one another above yourselves.” Influence is self-serving - - confluence allows your spiritual fervor to serve God.

Stay faithful and finish strong,

dale

According to Wikipedia peer pressure refers to the influence exerted by a peer group in encouraging a person to change his or her beliefs, attitudes, values, or behavior in order to conform to group norms [and norms are simply accepted and expected ways of behaving]. Several good questions to ask oneself [as a check on personal susceptibility]: How are your relationships? Do you have a fellowship to identify and connect with? At times, do you feel like a fish out of water?

There are influences that can sway an individual’s decision-making: the need to fit in, the need to be liked, one’s inquisitive yearnings, lack of sound judgment, fear of derision, loneliness, embarrassment, threat, or escape. Some or all of these impacted the church at Thyatira [Revelation 2:18-29] and are still influencing folks today.

A major concern in the world today is with toleration - which urges individuals to make concessions and to depart, condone, swallow and even be bullied by other belief systems. Pressure is placed on Christian people to relinquish their beliefs by equating Christ with Mohammed, Buddha, Confucius, or even Krishna. There is a false mindset that equates all religious people as part of one theological soup that tastes of God.

Daniel had three friends [Daniel 3:16-18] that refused to concede to the pressures and influences that would knock them off-track and devalue the Truth. And a common fisherman named Peter stood boldly before the Sanhedrin and fearlessly declared that “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” [Acts 4:12]

There is a call to ‘live above the influence’ and ‘stand strong.’ We are to avoid being undermined, enticed, and even bullied by the pressures of the day.

Lord, may we not mince words and devalue Your truth. Grant us the courage to remain loyal to You. Amen.

I love you!

Stay faithful and finish strong,
dale