Have you ever dealt with an individual that you just wished you could CHANGE!?!

As nice as it would seem to be able to modify people to our standards, the truth is that we cannot change people. Only God and that person can cause change, and God is a gentleman...therefore, He'll never force Himself on anyone.

So, what do you do if there is someone in your life - maybe a co-worker, a boss, a friend, a spouse, a child, etc. - that you believe requires some serious change?

First and foremost, you can pray for them and for God's direction in reaching them, but secondly, you can work on...YOU. While we can't change people, we can INFLUENCE them by how we act towards them.

For example, if you feel like your spouse is not the same person you married and you wish he or she paid more attention to you, consider how you may have changed over the years. Implement some of the things you did when you were courting that individual...when you were putting your BEST foot forward.

If a co-worker's behavior is totally overwhelming, change the way you respond to him or her. Be proactive in your interaction. Do something unexpected...buy that person a random gift or ask about the family...do something out of the ordinary to show that you care.

Here's the important key to the power of influence...DON'T GIVE UP on the first few unreciprocated attempts.

Often, people make an attempt and when it doesn't turn out as expected, they throw in the towel saying, "I tried!"  Well, thank God that He did not throw in the towel the first time we rejected Him.

The way that He got each of us to change is by showing His love, being consistent and being faithful.

I challenge you today to focus on two to three things you could do to improve a relationship in your life that could certainly use some work. Again, one of the three should always be prayer. I once read a powerful book about the five ways people give and receive love: affection, affirmation, gifts, acts of service, and time. Identify the method that the person in your life most effectively feels loved...and start there. Don't waste time washing that person's car if all he or she really wants is a compliment and for you to spend time together. Be strategic.

Dear Lord, Show me how I can influence those in my life to cause positive change in my relationships. I thank You that through You all things are possible.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.