We all have been given a sphere of influence. Be it with our friends, family, coworkers or whoever we are around. We as people can either influence someone negatively with death, or positively with life. For the born again Christian, the Scriptures say that we all are ministers of reconciliation. And I believe that we are influenced by God in order to influence others with what God influences us with. And when I say influence, I don't mean that God forces us so we should go out and force others to live like us, no. But it is a willingly submissive desire to give ourselves over to Gods influence. We realize that God is so good and amazing we give ourselves over to his influence. The Word Grace has been presented to us as God's unmerited favor, and as true as this definition of Grace may be, I don't believe that it gives us a full understanding of the meaning of the Word Grace. The definition for Grace in the Greek means, the divine influence upon the heart which is reflected in the life which produces gratitude. As human beings, God designed us to be influenced by him. But we live in a fallen world where we have allowed other things to have us under its influence other than God. I would like to encourage you to allow yourself to be under the influence of God only, you don't have to worry about hangovers or feeling bad the next day. But instead your body will be filled with overwhelming love and joy and peace, the things the human heart truly desires. The life of God provides this for us through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Music is something that we as people have all enjoyed since the beginning of time. Music plays a big part in all of our lives. Music can put us in diffrent kinds of moods. We can feel happy, we can feel sad, depressed, angry, etc. Music can also teach us. I remeber growing up listening to hip hop and rock music, and the music taught me certain things. I learned what certain words meant, how to treat woman, who to vote for what alcohol to drink, and what kind of drugs to smoke. Music even influence me to the point of my views on education, my morals and values and the importance of life. Now I know we all have our on mind and many can wonder how could a person allow music to have such an influence on you like that. Well, that is because there is a Spirit and a doctrine (teaching) behind music. It was the doctrine of the music that was influencing me to think and even behave a certain way.The scriptures tells us that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. The Scriptures also tell us to guard our hearts because out of it flows the issues of life. Our heart is our belief system, and as human beings our design is made up in such a way that whatever we open ourselves up to, we allow it to persuade us. When I became a believer in Jesus as Lord and savior, my desire for music changed. I wanted to listen to music that had his Spirit, and his teaching and influence behind it. We are also warned in Scripture to beware less someone cheats us through philosophy or empty deceit, according to the basic principles of the world and not according to Christ. This happens a lot through music. I would like to encourage you today to listen to some music that will encourage you, inspire you, and influence you with the Spirit of the living God. And for the record, I am not saying that all music that doesn't mention Jesus is bad or negative. It's just that I prefer to listen to Christ exalting music as well as encourage others who know him to listen to music centered around his Love for us. And also for those who do not know him, the music can influence you if you are open to it. Music, instrumental, with no words are not bad in it of themselves. It's the message behind the music, what is it teaching you. God Bless,

We all need to be encouraged at times. Some days we wake up feeling cheerful and can hear the voice of God clearly. Some days we wake up and the moment that we step out of bed we hear lies, doubts, fears, worries etc. This is why it is vital to reach for the Word of God, or click the bible app on your phone, or watch or listen to someone who will remind you of who you are in Christ. We also can determine to encourage ourselves with what we already know to be true about us in christ. No matter what our circumstance or situation is, it doesn't take away from the fact that God accepts us, he loves us, that we are qualified. And that God is always for us, our own hearts will condemn us but God never condemns us, he encourages us. None of us sit with bible in our faces all day. So It's good for us to encourage ourselves with what we already believe to be true about us in Christ. And that is, that we are Holy, righteous blame less and above reproach in God's sight regardless of what lies come to our minds. Grace and Peace.