TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD

Blessings all;
Are you a person of influence? By definition influence means an "ethereal flow," flow from the stars or heavenly flow. It is an unseen power that can draw people to follow, change behaviors, change ideas or beliefs. It can and does have the power to change the course of other people's lives. While many spend their time trying to impress others, the most effective people are not concerned with impressing but with influencing. In 1937 Dale Carnegie wrote "How to win friends and influence people." That book has sold over 15 million copies over the years as people have sought to learn the power of influence. It is a power that can be used for Godly reasons or evil. Adolf Hitler won the election to become the head of the Nazi Party by just one vote and look what happened. What if that one voter would have been influenced differently? Modern history would be very different. Have you noticed? Satan did not make Eve eat the forbidden fruit, he simply influenced her, then she influenced Adam, though he clearly knew what God required. Wow, look what happened to the world when just two people were influenced negatively. Good leaders are those who positively influence their staff in such a way that the staff wants to work hard. Other leaders use their position, title and power over the staff to make them work, with the threat that employees could lose their jobs if they don't perform.
Jesus, our King, makes no one come to Him and serve Him. He invites us, loves us, provides for us, and protects us. His Divine, authentic, Godly influence is what draws many to Him. In Matthew 5:13, Jesus declares that we, believers, are the salt and light of the earth. As such we are to go into all the world and "draw" all unto Him. In other words, influence others, with our testimony, our witness, our lifestyle, our genuine love and compassion, in such a way that they will seek after our Lord Jesus. Who do you influence in your world? In what way, goodness or worldliness? Are you more likely to build people up or tear people down? Do you make it a habit to speak well of others, even the ones you don't like, or speak ill of them? What did Jesus do? Whether you know it or not, you have influence. The question is what kind and for what cause? Jesus said, "if the salt loses its saltiness, it is good for nothing but...." Lord, give us influence, a divine heavenly flow, but let it be all for You!

TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD

Greetings Saints;

I wanted to share a couple pictures from our Circle-Up event we held in support for Haiti. It was an amazing event. It got off to a strange start. We had a sound system out in the parking lot, a Gospel rap artist, and a great number from the church and community. However, it was cold and windy. We had "4 Haiti" spell out on the ground in candles and the people formed a circle around the candles. The wind kept blowing out the candles and the first few times the plane flew over with the photographer, it was light outside and, well, the candles kept going out. After a while the plane had to go back to land because the photographer was becoming ill. We thought they had gotten the best pictures they could and were done. Some people had begun to leave when we got word that the plane was taking off again to take a few more pictures. The photographer was feeling better. We got the candles lit and everybody (who was left) to form the circle. And, wow, the wind stopped blowing as the plane flew over. It was dusk, making for an interesting contrast. The pictures from the ground and air turned out fantastic. After it was all done, the wind began to blow again, but praise God, we got what we needed. All the proceeds went directly for Haiti relief. I am so grateful for those who worked so very hard to make this event a reality and for everyone who participated. Please continue to pray for and support Haiti. They will need both for a very long time. If I am able to bring those pictures to you soon, I will. Some will also be posted on the TMI website.
Our prayers are with Rev. LaVerne Stevens and the Joseph Alliance missions team who are now in Liberia, West Africa. We are trusting that nothing less than amazing things will happen because of the work our Lord has sent for them to do. We're believing for their protection, effectiveness, and safe return.
Transforming Women In Christ (TWIC), the women's ministry at TMI is sponsoring a powerful event this Saturday, March 13th at 1 pm on the topic "Stress Management." For more information, please contact our women's ministry via email at: twic@ymail.com or contact the ministry via phone (visit the TMI website: http://www.tmiministries.org/ for contact info), and we know this will be a great conference. Ladies, if your in the ATL Metro area, come on out and be blessed by the professional presenters and opportunities to be had at this event. We're trusting this to be an amazing event that will bless so many in need.
Well beloved, God bless each of you and I'll catch you next week. Remember, if you live in the ATL area or will be visiting, come worship with us at 1950 Hwy 85, Jonesboro, GA 30238. Our service begins at 11:00am Sundays and Wednesdays at 7:00pm. Hope to see you soon.