Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3, NIV. Have you ever been around a person who makes you feel unworthy? Maybe you have felt like you have to share your accomplishments or act in a certain way to gain their…
“They continued to stone Stephen while he prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!’ Then he fell to his knees and cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them!’ When he had said this, he died.” (Acts 7:59-60, New English Translation) Acts 6 and 7…
“So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore, let us no longer judge one another. Instead decide never to put a stumbling block or pitfall in the way of your brother or sister” (Romans 14:12-13, Christian Standard Bible). When I was a small child,…
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It was a typical trip through the McDonald’s drive-thru. My granddaughter had her order figured out—the McNuggets Happy Meal. As I repeat it back to her, I stated, “And milk with that.”
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“No. I want a frozen strawberry lemonade.”
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“But you don’t even like lemonade,” I objected. “It’s tart. You won’t like it,”
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“I want a frozen strawberry lemonade. Not milk.” The voice from the backseat was emphatic. After a couple more attempts to dissuade her, each rebuffed, I ordered the frozen strawberry lemonade for her. All the while, I wondered where this idea had originated. My picky eater will seldom try new things and then not willingly. Unusual.
Driving under the influence or (DUI) is at all time high in our community. People who drink and get into a car lose the ability to make good decisions. I find we have a considerable amount of folks who are functioning under the influence of others. They have allowed others to steer them the wrong way. It doesn’t just affect the common man but those in affluent positions are often under the influence of others. Solomon was a great king who was influenced by his wives. “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father” (1 Kings 11:4 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible). Who is influencing you?
Prayer: Lord, give me a clean heart. Let me always serve You and You only! Keep me from being distracted and affected by the influence of others to the point that I turn from following You. Amen.
Devotion by: Kaye Singleton