Can you believe it? The Creator of the world loves you and I so much that he’s more than willing to listen to what we have to say. In fact, he greatly desires us to tell him what we want, what we’d like to see, and where we’d like his help. And what I really think is cool is that the Creator is open to changing his mind about some things just to please you and I.
Once upon a time in a denomination far, far away from my memories I was taught that God never changes! So, what’s up with these Bible verses?
1-Genesis 6:6-7 God decides to remake the earth. (He didn’t know in the beginning?)
2-Exodus 32:14 God decides to not destroy the people.
3-Jonah 3 God repents from killing the Ninevites.
Listen, if we couldn’t appeal to God, make petitions before Him, plead our case, and carry on a dialogue with us, what the hell (a metaphor) purpose was there in creating us in the first place, I ask? God didn’t create us like the angels, and neither are we automatons. We’re real live human beings carrying His spirit and DNA. And, without some sort of give-n-take, some ability to INFLUENCE God, how is it that we have free will?
Tell me how that works!
In the NATURAL, I have some SAY about where I will live, who I will marry, what kind of car I want to drive, etc. But, I also have some of the same choices in the SPIRITUAL realm as well. God longs for us to come to him and share our hearts- tell Him where we are and what we’d like from life. God doesn’t just unilaterally dictate our life. He WANTS to be influenced by us. And maybe, just maybe it is because He is WE!
The Kingdom of God is within and we are ONE with God, with Jesus, with all. You could humorously put it this way. Roses are red, violets are blue, I’m schizophrenic, and so am I! 
Think about it.
I don’t think it’s so much that we are “influencing” God. Instead, I think that we’re given freedom within certain constraints. If you consider the fact that God knows where we started (he created us), and he knows where we’ll end up (everyone ever created in spiritual union and harmony with him), then what happens in the middle doesn’t matter so much. Our freedom lies in this middle area. God “wants” us to take the shortest path to harmony with him, but he gives us the freedom to take the really long windy path if we want to.
So, in Exodus 32:14, for example, did the people really “convince” God not to kill them, or did they simply decide to change the path they were going down, which caused God to change how he responded to them (since he’ll always respond to our path changes with what is best for us given where we are at that specific moment).
So is this us influencing God, or God playing the perfect and all knowing Daddy?
I say the latter.
Ernie I am learning that God’s love influence my heart and I desire to love others greater each new day.
Love Dan
Dan- Keep loving, forgiving, and extending mercy!
I like this one, Ernie, especially your poetic talents!