Things Change

For the last several years I have been writing a collection of stories about various incidents that have happened in my life.  I guess you could say, I’ve been writing my memoirs.  In doing so, I have been looking through old photographs to place in the final document.   What I have noticed is that things have changed.  When I look old pictures of myself my response is “Wow.  I’ve really changed.  I sure looked a lot younger in those pictures.”  Well, the fact is that I have changed, other people have changed, and circumstances have changed.  A short time ago I received an email message from a friend with an attachment telling about how things “used to be.”   It all made sense as I remember many of those things which “I used to do.”  Times have changed.

Amid all the change we observe, we long for something that does not change.  I am reminded that God does not change.  Micah 3:6 says, “For I am the LORD, I change not.”  James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  The Scripture also says, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8).  When you need an anchor for your life amid all the change that is happening around you, turn to the Lord.  He stands ready to help you, provide a solid foundation, and give you a sure footing when everything else changes.  You can count on Him.  He does not change.

How Are You Dressed?

When we wake up in the morning, depending on the activity of the day, we put on stuff – usually makeup and clothes.  We want to look our best to people whom we may meet or for that in which we will be involved.  Clothes make a difference.  It is interesting that God tells to be dressed, or to “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Romans 13:14).   There are certain things that we need to “put on” continuously, or make a part of our daily lives.  Positively, we are to clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.  In other words, we are to have Him in us – His very person.  But, we are also to let His mind be our mind.  We are to take on the attitudes that He has.  We are to carry out the actions He would carry out.  On the negative side we are to stay away from, or exterminate, that which pulls us and others down – namely, sin.  So, when you get up each morning and put on your cosmetics and your clothes, ask yourself, “Am I dressed correctly this morning?"

Directions

Years ago, when I wanted directions to a certain location I would pull out a map and use it to find my way.  Or, I would telephone the company or person and ask what roads and streets to use.  Now, I go to the internet, type in the address and get a map on my screen along with exact directions and a map.  In addition people can program their GPS (Global Positioning System) with their current location and the intended address.  The GPS satellite-based navigation system calculates the route, visually shows the direction and even gives audible directions as the route is transversed.  All one has to do is follow the directions.  Times have certainly changed!  In life, we need both physical and spiritual direction.  But, where do we turn for spiritual guidance?  Maybe we need to turn to God's Positioning System - the Bible.  For example, do you wonder how you should live your life and who will direct you?  The Bible says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).  Do you want assurance that you will get to heaven?  Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).  Scripture further tells us, "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life" (I John 5:11-12).  The directions are specific and clear.  We just need to follow them.

On Your Mark

While driving home from work I saw words on a bank advertisement which were a little different from what I expected.  It read, “On your mark.  Get set.  Grow.”  As I began reading the first thee words, I immediately thought of being in the starting blocks to begin a race.  To do that would take preparation, determination, and action.  However, as I came to the last word (grow) my thinking quickly changed.  Of course, the bank wanted me to think of growing my financial investment.  But, when I thought of "growing" my mind quickly turned to the concept of spiritual growth.  The Bible says, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18).  The Psalmist talks about a blessed man whose, “delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2).  If we are to grow spiritually we need to be prepared, determined and then take action.  A copy of God’s Word would help in the preparation process.  To open God’s Word  would suggest our determination.  To read, study, meditate and then respond to what God says would indicate action.  We are all physical, emotional mental and spiritual beings and we need to grow in all areas.  Are you growing spiritually?  “On your mark.  Get set.  Grow.”

True Freedom

The people of our great country recently celebrated the Fourth of July, Independence Day.  Take a few minutes and think about what that day means.  For most the day is a time for picnics, parades, fireworks, and the celebration of a federal holiday concerning the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.  Independence refers to freedom from the control, influence, support, or aid of others.  For the Christian, freedom is more than all of the things mentioned above.  It is freedom from the penalty and the power of sin.  Jesus said that true freedom comes from Him when He said, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.  Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.  So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:34-36).  Real spiritual freedom comes from the Son of God who sets us free from sin’s penalty and power and individuals gain that freedom by becoming a member of God’s family through faith – “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26).  Enjoy your freedom, and look to God for real freedom.

Loyalty That Does not Fail

A certain airline advertises a loyalty program where the miles do not expire and can be redeemed anytime in the future.  They use the statement "Loyalty has no expiration date."  Loyalty speaks of trustworthiness, faithfulness, reliability and dependability.  It is great to know that you can depend on certain things or people.  However, from time to time that which is supposed to be trustworthy breaks down or a person who promises to help you neglects to follow through.  Many things in this world will fail you, including some people.  However, I have discovered there is someone who is completely loyal and reliable at all times and will never fail you.  That person is God.  The Bible says, "The Lord is faithful to all his promises" (Psalm 145:13).  Since God is completely loyal and will not fail in all that He promises, why not put your trust in His loyalty program?

What You Say...

Have you ever had one of those moments when you think, “Wow!  I didn’t realize that what I said made that much difference”?  It happened to me a short time ago.  I received a telephone call from a man whom I had only talked with briefly one time in the past.  He works with the elderly, as I do, lives in another state, and is not part the organization for which I work.  Near the end of our recent telephone conversation he said, “Before we hang up I just want you to know what an impact you have had on my ministry.”  I began to listen wondering what I had said or done that had made a difference. He went on to remind me that in previous conversation I mentioned a friend in a similar ministry who I felt may be of help to him.  After returning home he called my firend and talked for nearly an hour.  He went on to say, “If it wasn’t for your comment I would have never made the contact and been helped in my ministry. Thank you for that contact.”  After the call ended I reflected on what was said.  His comment reminded me of a truth I have known for a long time – what we say does make a difference.  The Bible says, “Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a  conversation, not put them down, not cut them out” (Colossians  4:6, Message Translation).  God can use us (even our speech) for His  glory.  Remember: What you say – does make a difference.