Change and Changelessness

An annual event that my wife and I like to attend is the Minnesota State Fair.  At the Fair we enjoy viewing the exhibits, looking at the animals, watching people, and of course, tasting the delicious food.  I’m not sure why the State Fair has been such an attraction for us through the years.  Maybe it is because we like to be with people.  Or,  maybe it is because we enjoy visiting the “CrossRoads” Chapel and realize that wherever there are people, there is opportunity to share the Gospel.  Or, maybe it is because the State Fair seems to be the last “big event” of the summer.  And of course, September means the end of summer time, kids going back to school, and preparation for the Autumn, Fall and Winter months.  As I thought about the changing seasons, I was reminded about the changelessness of God.  The Scripture says, “I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6) and, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

Isn’t it interesting that our God, who never changes in His personality or being, sustains our world in such a way that you and I can enjoy the changing seasons?  And in addition, the God who loves us so very much makes it possible for you and me to change from our sinful condition to a way of righteousness through Christ.  The Apostle Paul reminds us of the fact that: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” (II Corinthians 5:17).  “In Christ” is a phrase that the Apostle Paul uses again and again to note a person’s spiritual relationship to Christ.  If refers to one who not only believes the message about Christ but also is identified by faith in Christ.  To be a “new creation” is God’s creative work done in each individual who believes in Christ.  The end result is that the “old” life of slavery to sin and self is gone, and the “new” life of devotion to Christ exhibits itself in new attitudes and actions.

 As we see the change to the Autumn and Fall seasons, let’s rejoice together that our changeless Father (who is always there when we need Him and on whom we can count on to be faithful and true) makes it possible for change to be a part of our lives.

Noise or Sound

Have you ever noticed the tremendous amount of noise that surrounds you every day?  At home you may hear the noise of your washing machine, refrigerator, freezer or clothes dryer.  At work you may hear the noise of people talking, cars buzzing by, or airplanes flying overhead.  In your quiet time you may even hear the noise of a ticking clock or the noise of nothing at all.

The most common use of the word noise is unwanted sound.  Or it may be referred to as a sound that is loud, unpleasant, unexpected, or undesired.  Noise seems to be different than sound as it is something that is more specific and distinctive.  For example, I hear the sound of a honking horn.  It may be a warning to me that I need to heed.  However, if the sound of the horn continues it becomes a noise annoying and unwanted.

When have you last listened for a sound, and were grateful to God for it?  Maybe it was the sound of a bird chirping, the sound of a baby crying, or the sound of music when expressed in worship to God.  It is interesting that the word “noise” occurs 20 times in my electronic New International Version Bible of the Bible while the word “sound” occurs 125 times.

If there is to be meaning and understanding from a sound, the sound must be distinct.  “If the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?” (1 Corinthians 14:8).  Sometimes we are so busy with what we are doing that noise is ever-present and we neglect to hear the sounds that are quiet and meaningful.  The prophet Elijah discovered God’s voice in quietness.  “After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12).  Where are you when it comes to noise and sounds?  Is the noise getting the best of you, or are you listening for sounds that cause you to express praise to God?  What about your quiet time?  Are you spending time in the presence of God where you are able to hear the sound of His gentle whisper?