God Requires Change Sometimes
What a change we are experiencing in weather from last week! We’ve gone from icy cold conditions to feeling like spring in just a matter of days and then back to the tundra. Sometimes change can happen fast. For example, it only took 18 days of demonstrations to bring down the government in the nation of Egypt. So, why does it take us so long to change? Change can be hard for some, but necessary at times.
In my observation, people are much slower to change and accept change than trees, grass, flowers and even governments. What would it be like if you could change your health in 18 days? How about your marriage? Or, improving your finances? God required change of Abraham, Moses, Joshua, James, John, Peter and Paul. God’s presence always brings change. Isaiah 43:19 says it like this, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Is God speaking to you about changes you need to make?
If an entire national government can be changed in less than a month, why does it take us so long to change? Like give up smoking, drinking too much, pornography, other addictions or change in the Church? How come the weather can change, but we are willing to live with the same bad attitude we had a week ago or fail to develop new ways of reaching out to our community? If we are spending any time in prayer at all, there are probably occasions when the Holy Spirit speaks to you regarding something that He requires revision in your life.
It seems like we could learn something from the environment around us. What needs to change in your life? What habits do you still need to kick? What good habits do you need to practice? What can we do to become a more effective and vibrant community of believers? You may not be able to get to the final outcome in a week or 18 days, but I bet you can make some strides if you try. Consider a few you could do today, and if you do, think about where you might be this time next year. And remember what God told Joshua when they were about to change their place of residence (Joshua 1:6), “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.”
Be blessed and be grateful,
Pastor Chris
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Midst of the Storm
We are coming into storm season here in the Midwest, which can mean more warning, alerts and watches for bad weather. I know a lot of people are terrified of storms, while others actually chase them. I guess I’m somewhere in between.
Where is God when a storm is happening in your life? When it seems so dark that you can’t tell what the future might hold? Where is He? 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us that He still holds us in His hands, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
He’s right where He was before the storm happened – sitting on His throne high above the storm. Just like the sun will shine again after the natural storm passes, likewise, God will be seen when the spiritual storm passes. This is something that we need to remind ourselves when, the doctor comes back with “bad news,” your parent continues to slip in their health, your children seem to be heading the wrong direction, or your spouse has been unfaithful. Each of these (and more) can be spiritual battlefields where we lose or win.
The way to victory is to keep your mind stayed on the assurance that God is STILL God in the midst of the storms of life. He has not given away His dominion, power, or sovereign rule over the universe. It might be dark for a season, but the SON will shine again and God can restore what the storm can take away. Instead of focusing on your storm, try focusing on God in the storm. Let us remember Psalm 30:5b, “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning.”
Be blessed and be grateful,
Pastor Chris
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Oh No, The End?
In Matthew 24, the Word tells us that in the latter days there will be wars, rumors of wars, famines and earthquakes in various places. We certainly see that today. The global conflicts, earthquakes in Haiti and Chile and now Turkey, as well as other natural disasters, are only examples of the signs that Jesus said would point to His return and the end of the age. Nations are rising against nations and scientists inform us that there have been more earthquakes in recent history than all of the previous centuries combined. While some in the world may blame simple political differences or Israel’s unwillingness to give away their land (and the security the land gives them) that God gave them on these conflicts and every weather-related disaster on global warming, God informed us over 2000 years ago that this would happen signaling the season of His return.
These man-made and natural disasters are like birth pains that are announcing the arrival of a new age. The day of grace is coming to an end and a final judgment is soon approaching. What time is it? Is it time to panic, be fearful, or have anxiety? Not if you are a child of God. The redeemed of the Lord are to be looking up expecting His soon return and reaching out to those around who are without hope. Jesus even promised that the Holy Spirit would give us words to say in these last days to reach their hearts.
There is only one kingdom that cannot be shaken and all of those who are a part of that Kingdom have a huge opportunity for outreach. It’s time for every Christian to be encouraged, full of the Holy Spirit and faith!
Be blessed,
Pastor Chris
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