Influencing or Being Influenced

As I begin the new year, I'm starting at Genesis and will endeavor to read through the Bible in 6 months.  As I was studying the story of Noah, these words struck me: "Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on the earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God." (Genesis 6:9).  Does that mean Noah was perfect?  Absolutely not, after the Fall (Adam & Eve eating from the tree of the knowledge of good & evil) we will all sin and fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23).  However, Noah wholeheartedly loved God and lived in obedience to Him.  Noah was constantly surrounded by negative influences, does that sound familiar?  A lot like our world today!  Even in the mist of being surrounded by negative peer pressure, Noah still choose to walk in close fellowship with God!  Noah loved God!  How much do you love God? 

"So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth.  It broke his heart." (Genesis 6:6)  I often ponder how God feels now, about our society and the how lives are being lived.  I understand how a broken heart feels, yet the magnitude that my Father's heart breaks for all of His lost children is incomparable!  So, how are you living?  Are you influencing or being influenced? 

Let's live & love like Noah did!

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."  -Matthew 28:19-20

What is your purpose?  Are you just living life, trying to get by each day OR are you living to your FULL potential?  Now, go, make disciples, reach the lost!

I leave you with the lyrics of "Made Me Glad" by Hillsong. 

I will bless the Lord forever, And I will trust Him at all times
He has delivered me from all fear, And he has set my feet upon a rock

And I will not be moved, And I'll say of the Lord....

You are my shield, My strength, My portion, Deliverer, My shelter, Strong tower, My very present help in time of need

Whom have I in Heaven but you?, There's none I desire beside you

You have made me glad, And I'll say of the Lord....

You are my shield, My strength, My portion, Deliverer, My shelter, Strong tower, My very present help in time of need