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To: JustAmy; Billie; MEG33; jaycee; dutchess; GodBlessUSA; deadhead; LUV W; mathluv; DollyCali; ...

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January 27, 2010
The First English Samurai
For I was the king’s cupbearer. —Nehemiah 1:11

William Adams (1564–1620) is believed to be the first Englishman to reach Japan. Taking a liking to Adams, the ruling Japanese shogun made him his interpreter and personal advisor concerning the Western powers. Eventually, Adams was presented with two swords with rank of a Samurai. This showed just how much the Japanese revered Adams. Because William Adams served his foreign king well, he was also rewarded with greater opportunity for influence.

Centuries earlier, another man in a foreign country also had great influence over his king. Nehemiah was a cupbearer to Persian King Artaxerxes (Neh. 1:11). In the royal court, the cupbearer would test the wine before it was given to the king to protect him from poisoning. But this position also meant he had the king’s ear as a trusted advisor. Nehemiah’s integrity, administrative gifts, and wisdom made him a confidant to his ruler, which paved the way for the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.

Like Nehemiah, each of us has been given a unique sphere of influence. Raising children, church or community work, and employment all provide a platform where we can have a beneficial effect on others. Has the Lord placed someone in your life upon whom you can have an influence?

When we live with integrity,
We please our God above
And influence society
With truthfulness and love. —Sper

Even a little example can be a big influence for Christ.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 16-18; Matthew 18:1-20


2,072 posted on 01/27/2010 4:53:30 AM PST by The Mayor (People who follow Christ lead others in the right direction)
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To: FRiends; JustAmy; Billie; Mama_Bear; jaycee; The Mayor; yorkie; pollywog; GodBlessUSA; ...

San Diego Animal Park

"My Dad Is Warm and Fuzzy

Happy Wednesday To Amy's Place

2,081 posted on 01/27/2010 8:27:39 AM PST by MEG33 (God Bless Our Military Men and Women)
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To: The Mayor




Good morning, Mayor.
Thank you for bringing us another chapter of ODB.
We appreciate your early morning posts.

Wishing you a Warm Fuzzy Wednesday!
Have a great one.


2,096 posted on 01/27/2010 9:45:17 AM PST by JustAmy (Republicans think everyday is July 4th. Democrats think everyday is April 15th.)
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