Matthew 15:31 Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

Do you know of someone who has had total knee replacement? The physical therapy is painful. The only way to get full use of that leg is to do the therapy. As painful as it is, there is no other way to be fully restored.

John 10:10b I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Have you ever thought about spiritual therapy? We were a broken people and now we are expected to walk in newness of life according to Romans 6:4. In that this is a spiritual walk, then one should expect spiritual therapy. The Holy Spirit is our therapist, but He only shows us the exercises, we must perform them. He will hold us up, and cause us to stand, but the walk is ours to do and the pain is ours to bear.

Do you want to give up because it is too painful for you? Therapy cannot be successful if you do not push past the pain and exercise those spiritual legs. The abundant life is yours for the taking. It is there at far end of your therapy.

Mark 6:5-6 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them and he marvelled because of their unbelief.

It wasn’t His fault.

Job 38:31 Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?

Are there influences beyond our control? I can see direct and indirect influences. I have distanced myself from negative influences that have a direct impact on my. In the same way an alcoholic avoids bars, I surround myself with a support system that helps me keep focused on my goals.

The stock exchange is influenced by a wide variety of factors. The complexity of that industry effects job markets, savings, credit ratings, prices of goods and reaches far beyond our country. It is a global community. Because of this what happens around the world effects us indirectly.

Where do you get your news? If what happens in the world has an indirect influence on your life, then to prepare for effects, don’t you try and stay informed? Who do you believe? All the major players are funded. Money is influence in the media industry. Without funding no access to the distribution system. Does the funding have an agenda?

The issue of celestial influence has been around for thousands of years. Three wise men followed a “star” to Bethlehem to see a King. While horoscopes carry the disclaimer “for entertainment value only” there are people who are so invested in the idea that they allow it to influence daily decisions.

So, how much do you allow the Word of God to influence your life?

Daniel 10:19 O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.