Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Jesus the Ultimate Influencer: 

Bible Reading: :Acts 18:12-20.

Key Verse:  9-10

“Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you”

DEVOTION

 Have you noticed how influence shapes almost every part of our lives? From celebrities and politicians to athletes and social media personalities, people constantly compete for attention and followers. Influence has become one of the greatest forms of power in our generation. Yet the Bible shows us that true influence is not measured by popularity, wealth or public applause-it is measured by the power to transform lives for God’s glory.

Devotion:
 In Acts 18:12-20, Paul focus opposition while preaching in Corinth. The Jewish leaders bring him before Gallia, accusing him of persuading people to worship God differently from their tradition. But God uses this moment of extreme opposition to manifest His influence. Jesus promised Paul “Do not be afraid for I am with you “.When opposition pushes believers out of one area, Jesus guides them to a new sphere of influence. Even when opposition came, Paul remained committed because he had encountered the life-changing influence of Jesus personally.
Another powerful lesson from this portion is persistence. After the hearing before Gallio, Paul continued ministering and strengthening believers. True influence is not about popularity, it is about faithfulness.
In Acts 18 we can see that the ultimate influencer does not promise a life free of push back, but guarantees His constant presence. When opposition threatens our purpose, Jesus provides the ultimate model for influence. Instead of reacting with fear or retaliation, the Apostle Paul’s experience in Acts 18:12-20 demonstrates how Jesus transforms pushback into a catalyst for the unstoppable advance of His kingdom.
Viewing Jesus as the ultimate influencer through this passage means understanding Him as the driving force behind several historical and spiritual dynamics.

                                           PRAYER

Lord Jesus, you are the ultimate influencer. Thank you for your promise that you are always with me, even when I face opposition or uncertainty. Give me the courage to speak your truth with grace and boldness. Help me to reflect your love, truth and grace wherever I go. Amen.
 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

True influence is not about avoiding conflicts it is about standing firm in the peace and power of Jesus when the conflict arises.

Mariam John
Epiphany Mar Thoma Church
NewYork.
  

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