Job 38:31-33 Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion? Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons? Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?

What sign are you?

I am a Leo. “Leo is represented by the lion, and these spirited fire signs are the kings and queens of the celestial jungle. They’re delighted to embrace their royal status: Vivacious, theatrical, and passionate, Leos love to bask in the spotlight and celebrate themselves.” Source Allure.com

This is not an accusation against the Zodiac but the words in Job might well be, among all the other accusations hurled at Job. My point is to use an obvious influence that many scoff at, yet know the references, know the details, and have heard the words uttered in their ears.

What is interesting to me in these opening verses is the idea of dominion. It is a widespread influence upon others, indicating some control of other’s lives in ways that God did not intend.

Who are your influences and why are you attracted to their persona?

1 Corinthians 11:1-3 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

Paul lived for Christ. The example set by him in obedience of faith is to be admired but he is not saying imitate me as some would have you understand. He is saying, this is how I got here and you can do it too. The path he chose, the path he followed, changed him as he lived a life of faith.

His influence was the Holy Spirit.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Take comfort from knowing that the God of all comfort is on your side. He will help you. So why is it He says to us not to fear?

Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

1 Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

The Holy Ghost is God and the power of God resides in Him. That power is sort of like the third rail in a subway system. Don’t touch it. Yet He resides with you and just as all children do, we want to handle it. A responsible parent keeps a loaded gun in a safe or lock box, away from the prying eyes of children.

The divine gifts are wielded by the Holy Spirit and demonstrated thru us to the glory of God. One must remember that being a conduit of God does not mean we wield the power. It is a privilege to be used of God and should be greeted with humility. We have done nothing.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.