Prayer to influence people in your influence realm
Laura Bailey
Bible reading: “Therefore, we will make disciples of all nations, and we will baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit” – Matthew 28:19 niv
Listen or read:
Pete, repeat, echo. These are the “loving” names my husband calls me and my two daughters. Our 8 weeks of age have already been cooing and cooing with the rest of us.
When my eldest son Madeline stayed with her parents last summer for a week in Virginia, my mother regularly sent me photos and videos of Madeline’s performance. What made the video so interesting was my daughter’s immersion in her imaginary role. . . Yes, you guessed it, it’s really yours.
In her “office,” she told my mother that she was a writer who spoke to women about Jesus. When she spoke on an old flip phone, mom played with her, the “conversation” turned out to be: Wait, wait. girl! Get off from there! “Yeah, from Betsy, I have to go. My girl is losing me to my heart!”
Awful, I’ll admit that her impression was quite spotted.
We all influence others. They want to be like us, so they observe and copy our actions. Young children say, “When you grow up, what do you want to be?” “Not surprising, they answer immediately, ‘Mom or Daddy’.
Most humans were created this way to become natural followers. We mimic what we see around us. God calls his followers a sheep and calls himself a good shepherd. Sheep are not “the brightest crayon in the box.” Shepherds must mercilessly guide and rescue the flock as they are constantly lost and in danger. Left to dodge for himself, most sheep did not survive, and were pure and simple.
Ultimately, like sheep, we must look to our daily inclinations towards Lord our Shepherd, and to lead us into the path of righteousness. Furthermore, the Bible also makes it clear that we will make others into shepherds and disciples. This command does not discriminate. Regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status, we are responsible for leading others to Christ and helping them walk in his way.
But how can I “go” with three small children? Can I “go” without formal training? How can I “go” without a bottomless bank account?
After sharing my personal dilemma about these verses with the pastor, he explained that the word “go” is not as verb as a noun, and is not a commandment. To love people and them at times of need.
Remember what I shared about my daughter before. She looked at me not only that day, but every day. She sticks to every word, every action, and every response. She imitates everything I do, the good and the bad.
guess what? People across the walls of our house are also looking at us. Our adults have a Christian duty to show others, especially children and young people, how to live a sacred life with God, a Christ-centered life. how? We invite our Heavenly Father into our everyday lives, and fill our hearts and hearts with His words. This equips us with shepherds or disciples that the Lord places along our paths in our realm of influence.
Certainly, this asks the question, “Are we following Christ?”
Are we imitators of him or someone else?
Our lives reflect Jesus, so do others reflect him too?
We appreciate that he will not give up or turn us away when we act as not to love him because of our sinful choices. Even when we repeatedly reject him and run away from his love, he loves us unconditionally. Our Savior, the Good Shepherd, tends to us regardless.
In a nutshell, it is the disciples – help others grow in Christ and experience immeasurable grace, mercy and love freely. Remember, Jesus commands us to make disciples.
Let’s pray:
Remember that heavenly Father and disciples need time, effort, and commitment. We often need to love those who don’t love us, but we encourage us as we continue to share the gospel faithfully. Have someone in your mind who can promote and strengthen our faith.
Photo Credit: ©GetTyimages/MixMedia
Laura Bailey is an author and biblical teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, which embraces eternity here and now, how the timeless truths of the Church can help us today live a more peaceful, purposeful and abundant life. We’ll explore.
She lives in northern South Carolina with her husband and three young girls. She is the director of the Ministry of Women at her church. Her passion is to teach the Bible to women and equip them to live in an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at the next event or learn more: www.laurarabailey.com Connect via Facebook and Instagram.
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