Feb 13, 2026 – Influences
Today is Friday the 13th. I’m trying to think how long it has been since I used to add an “Uh oh” in front of that sentence. I believe my faith, and sermons, and studies, and time with God through the years have allowed me to only give a moment’s thought to superstitious thinking before I push it aside to more logical thinking. But still, I’m human, and situational occurrences (and coming of age when Friday the 13th debuted) can sometimes draw me away from rational, faith-based thinking. I’m certainly not alone in that, which is why it is important to start our day with God, and also lean into positive messages from preachers, authors, and friends to guide us back to better thinking. Words and images can really shape our experiences and opinions and feelings.
Simpson – “Thy prayers are come up for a memorial before God” (Acts x. 4). Simpson makes me think to one of the Harry Potter movies with these words, “So God is represented as treasuring the prayers of His saints in vials….” J. K. Rowling’s character, Dumbledore, has vials of tears from many people stored away that allow him to look back to what was happening when the tears were collected; and, that is not the only veiled Christian reference in the very successful series of books and movies, which further makes the point that what we choose to see and hear is more important than we realize at times. In a Google search, I found what I guess was a post (maybe an article) by Julia Lynne on the Quora site in which she shared a quote from Rowling, “To me, the religious parallels have always been obvious, but I never wanted to talk too openly about it because it might show people who just wanted the story where we were going.” Lynne pointed out that, “She purposely added wholesome themes and truths to teach children (or people of all ages) about life, love, sacrifice, loss, war etc. Thus, they can be easily translated as Christian themes.”
As an example of not letting disturbing images and words into your mind, the other night I stayed up too late watching coverage of a sad and scary current event. Eventually, I realized that I was leaning into being fearful for my own safety; so, I turned off the news and tried to read and look at more positive things in order to thwart potentially bad dreams. I had to CHOOSE to stop watching. My prayers for the situation were the only value I could offer those who were dealing with everything first-hand.
JC – “Peace be with you!” Thank You, God. I was even starting to get stressed just writing about what is going on in the news right now. “As you sit quietly, let My Peace settle over you and enfold you in My loving Presence.” See John 20:19, 21 and John 14:27.
Utmost – Chambers offers this about hearing from God, “If I love my friend, I intuitively detect what he wants and Jesus says, ‘Ye are My friends’…. If I am united with Jesus Christ, I hear God by the devotion of hearing all the time…. What hinders me from hearing is that I am taken up with other things. It is not that I will not hear God, but that I am not devoted in the right place. I am devoted to things, to service, to convictions, and God may say what He likes but I do not hear Him…. If I have not cultivated this devotion of hearing, I can only hear God’s voice at certain times…. Have I heard God’s voice to-day?”
Max – Psalm 147:5 ESV – “Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.” Max uses the tale of a child who twists his ankle, yet declares to his orthopedic surgeon father that he will never walk again, to point out to us, “Our biggest fears are sprained ankles to God. And a lot of people live with unnecessary anxiety over temporary limps.”
Power – Joyce draws from the faith of the blind men in Matthew 9:27-29 as she asks, “How do our thoughts and the words we speak affect our habits? In my opinion, they are the starting point for breaking all bad habits and forming all good habits…. You can literally think and talk yourself into victory or defeat.” Choice!
Streams – Cowman draws from Daily Devotional Commentary as she shares, “If you can no longer do work for God, pray for those who can. You may not be able to move things on earth with your words, but you may move heaven.” That is an encouraging and life-giving statement of the value we can offer no matter where we find ourselves. She tells of the tribes of Israel having the difficult task of harvesting thick forests on hills and points out that, “The sight of seemingly impossible tasks, like leveling these forest-covered hills, are not sent to discourage us. They come to motivate us to attempt spiritual feats that would be impossible except for the great strength God has placed within us through His Holy Spirit. Difficulties are sent in order to reveal what God can do in answer to faith that prays and works.”
Prevail #44 – Judges 6:12 – “The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!’” Larson tells us about Gideon and asks, “Ever feel outnumbered, outmatched, or in over your head? …If you’ve ever responded to God’s invitation only to suddenly feel overwhelmed, you’re in good company. Don’t lose heart. Go in the strength you have. It’s impossible for Him to fail you…. Though we live by faith, not by sight, God is kind and patient and knows how to encourage us when we need it. If you need encouragement, ask for it.”
JA – “You can find Joy even in this broken world, because I have set eternity in your heart. Spend time refreshing yourself in My Presence…. As the Love-bonds between us grow stronger, so does your desire to help others enjoy this amazing Life you have found in Me.”
