I woke up this morning thinking about influence. Maybe more about what determines it than anything else. For me, I truly believe in where you are determines not just “quality” of life but what you find in influence.

First, let me quickly show you what influence is. It is defined this way. “The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself.” That is the noun and we mostly will stay there. The verb really in most cases talks about changing something. Influencing someone to change for instance.

When we determine we are “king’s kids” something happens. Hopefully we begin to recognize the responsibility and authority that has been given to us in the transaction. We ought to begin to act differently. We begin to see the power of our influence. Influence or authority over sickness or demons.

Change cometh!

And as we learn to establish that authority here on the earth other changes begin to happen. We find ourselves investigating God’s will for us.

One of the things that always has intrigued me about the kingdom is geography. I know I am seated in heavenly places (Seatedness) and I know with assurance my position. But where I live certainly plays huge parts.

I have often thought about what makes our nation of the USA great. Is it geography? Well, it does have abundant resources but in the big scheme of things we are not as large as other places or even people. Some might claim that we are a “Christian nation” but what makes us Christian is our people and their connection with the Creator, not anything else. The geography is important now.

I think it is who we have become (Yes, there are Christian values, but it has morphed.)because of where we live. While we are definitely an ambassador of heaven, being a US citizen or resident has value.

If all day long you fight “lions, tigers and bears” it is easy to think of a world of evil or harshness and always be in fight mode. I have become very convinced that where you live will augment your authority or even your ability to enforce it or utilize it. I get you be a believer in a North Korean prison and I understand that God can work all things out, but I ask you what does that mean in terms of where you live and what you can can change?

And I am more than willing to accept it may only be a “prophetic” thing. Being okay to accept my years of observation as to being isolated to me and me alone. Yet, for many years the idea of “cities of refuge” have burned in my heart. I fully recognize the Old Testament meaning and “just because it was in the OT does not mean it is for now”.

But, I would say that there is something happening. Over the last week I have watched the news and social media destroy a person without ever a trial. In our country we are “supposed” to have a process. The process is “innocent until proven guilty”. In the world of blogospheres and microbursts of sound bytes that is not true. And I think one of the bastions of “refuge” ought to be the church. Why are so many jumping on the train?

The purpose of a city of refuge was to provide safe haven for a man or woman until a trial could be arranged. The church needs to remember her position. Her place.

A city of refuge may at first begin in the hearts of men and women (And be called church.) But that place of goodness ought to change the land, change the people. Incorporate the “sounds of the ground” and make it one with heavens voice. There are soon to be geographical havens of goodness, cities of refuge, where people will come to be changed. BUT, I believe there are valid reasons to be in certain geographical places to grow. I know way too many who have chosen “I will never go back” and found that their life is a mess where they are. There is a reason you were born to certain parents, to a certain place.

These places will act as safe places, places where one can grow. Places of influence. As they grow they will propagate love and goodness. It will become a “wheel in a wheel”. What is on the inside will move that which is on the outside. Communities of inclusion and not exclusion are beginning to form. I encourage you to move with wisdom and wiseness.

Soon these places of influence will become known to others as “cities of refuge”. The hand of the Lord will move upon them and through them. They will not be political in nature but they will change politics. They will not be rich in finances by nature but they will change global markets and initiate financial freedom and growth. I even see this morning that while many may understand medicine it will be have growth like a hospital and thousands will be healed.

Where will they be? You and the Lord ought to talk! They are happening. And you will find they are connected. The value will be family, community and the knowledge that “God is here”.

Whether is it is the “city of refuge” or the place of influence that his you, God is moving His people to a geographic promised land. (I understand that we are now the promised land, but until all come together in the fullness of His love and faith, there will be geographic places and scenarios. Keep watching!