Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
After praying for the Holy Spirit to come and fill me with His words, I decided to open my first real bible (which had been returned to me this week), to read the passage I was to write about this Friday. This bible I bought for myself 19 years ago, so hungry for His Word, after finally discovering what Grace was at the ripe age of 40 something. When I got it back Monday evening I flipped through it noting how highlighted it was. I had underlined and written wisdom I had learned through messages, retreats and numerous bible studies. I came across a single bookmark with a pewter charm of water in a bowl with a towel draped across the bowl. I studied it and thought, “this symbolizes Jesus washing the disciple’s feet”, flipped through the bible and randomly placed it in the bible, not noticing where I had put it. Now I haven’t used this bible since 2009 when one of my daughters gave me a new NIV/Message Bible and then I started using my iPad a lot. So back to today - when I went to find the passage to read, I discovered I had placed that blue bookmark on Matthew 11!
As I read the scripture, tears filled my eyes, remembering past burdens that the Spirit has helped me let go of, remembering the burdens of the broken-hearted, sick, overwhelmed sisters and brothers that I encounter daily. As I studied the bookmark I remembered the day at a Cursillo retreat in which others washed my feet just like Jesus did for His disciples, realizing for the first time what Jesus did for me and what His grace really meant, humbling me to my knees. As I have grown in my relationship with Jesus, I have quoted this scripture many times as God has put it on my heart when praying for others.
Hmmmm what does all this have to do with the power of Influence I ask myself? Everything! Sunday as Pastor preached about this topic and mentioned his influences in his life I allowed myself to think of mine. My Granny, several pastors (one priest), parents, my husband, sisters and brothers in Christ, students all have had a huge impact on my journey so far. Of course, the three with the most influence of all remains to be the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I know and believe that God has a great plan for me, he grows me daily in that plan IF I let him. He knew what He wanted to say through me in this blog and was with me from the time I heard the message to right now as I type this. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me” (verse 29) Be influenced by Me so you can influence others in the way you live.
Father, God I love you, I adore you. With the help of Your Holy Spirit I surrender all to You. As I think of just today’s events there are so many things that can overwhelm me in a second. But NO! You have promised rest for my soul and Your love for me is more than I can ever imagine. I will receive the love and life of Jesus, Your Son. I will believe in His Grace and Truth! Lastly, with Your help, I will live in Your promises to influence all in my life. In Jesus Name. Amen May God Richly Bless This Friday, (now go and act like it!) cindy