Today our pastor based the message on Proverbs 23:22-35 and used the subtitle-Be an Influencer

You know what an influencer is in today’s world, right? It takes no talent, its a paid role, and its to market some new (or old) product.

Today, as Christians, we have the opportunity to influence the ones we love. I did that in a way this morning, by sharing a video that was on Night Owl Christian’s post about being a light. Now, I haven’t heard a response from any of my friends or family that I sent it to, but maybe they haven’t had a chance to watch it yet.

This is what I shared, you are free to enjoy it too! I thank NOC for sharing it with me! You can find her on Substack. Her name is Janine Cook.

We have talked about this before, but almost all of Proverbs deals with wisdom-not just the knowing but Hakimeh-the “doing” wisdom. That is what he means by being an influencer. We mustn’t just learn about God’s word, we must f8nd ways to share it. To demonstrate it.

Now Jesus was obviously using this as a demonstration. He knows who His Father, brother, and mother are, but made a point about obeying God.

He is all knowing and powerful, therefore, we are not to make jokes about Him but to fear Him. Not be scared, but revere Him. Be awed by Him.

A couple of weeks ago I posted about finding Jesus on the pickleball court, and while I clearly was trying to use it as an opportunity to talk about him, something pricked my heart when they laughed about it. I wanted it to be lighthearted, but what if He thought I was joking about Him?

I’ve since prayed about it and I hope He forgives me, but the truth of the matter is, I’m no saint either. No one is these days, we just do the best we can. It was my way of trying to let my friends know I’m a Christian and I have the Spirit in my heart. But I have so much to learn.

Our highest priority is to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

We Should Accept and Acquire Truth So That Our Parents will be Glad. (23:22-25)

When we sacrifice our time and talents, the next thing you know, we are taken over by the will of God.

In Proverbs 26-28, the old saying, Just Say No applies. Do not sleep with an unmarried prostitute. Use all your senses to fend off immorality.Your spirit will die. Do not sleep with a married woman lest you fall into a narrow well.

Be like Joseph, who rejected the advances of Potifer’s wife.

Then Pastor John got into the dangers of alcoholism which he witnessed on a personal basis by some of his family members. Again, he stressed the Just Say No motto, saying that the Bible takes no offense at drinking, but at drunkenness.

30-32 Says not to linger over wine because in the end it poisons like a viper. I was reading the news the other day and read that alcohol sales are down nationwide! That is a good thing. People are starting to choose sobriety.

We have to approach people we want to save in a different way. That was my reason for sharing the video, and for making light of Jesus on the pickleball court. Be an influencer. Find creative ways to introduce the word of God to someone who may have turned away from God.

The best way is to model what a disciple looks like.

• Corporate and Individual worship
• Small group
• Service in the church
• Outreach and evangelism

These are four “venues” of a disciple.

Thank you for reading and being here today. I hope your evening is blessed. 🙏😊

NOC