I've read many things lately about the need for change in our world. Let's face it, the message our president won his election on was the need for change and his perceived ability to make that happen. The Sotomayor hearings are filled with questions that are trying to filter through all the "things we think we know about her" and her answers to the questions the committee asks her over a fews days time. From what I can tell, it seems they are all trying to determine how much her addition to the Supreme Court may actually change the rulings handed down by the court.
No matter what your political leanings are in these matters, the truth is we are in a culture that is seeking change. I would even agree that we need change in our world. I don't like many of our tax and spend policies. I don't like some of the decisions made by our highest court. I do not subscribe to the philosphy that there are no absolutes. In these things we certainly need change and I embrace those that are trying to make a difference in these areas.
The thought of change is a challenging one. How far will "change" go in our world? Our president has taken liberties of power that the office was never designed to have, but he, without any real resistance, has done things that has set the United States in a tailspin. Where it will end it not determined. What will the final outcomes be of this quick decisions and unprecedented use of his power will be are not clear. What we do know is that we are getting the change that the majority of the voters asked for.
With that being said, I do know that there are some things that should not be changed. Matter of fact, they are 100% unchangeable. Those things are the laws of God. They will never change. I'm not sure how you feel about that fact, however, it gives me great hope and security. Our God is unchangeable! He is the Creator of all mankind and the Author of the laws of reciprocity. Therefore, there are consequences of all decisions that bring about change. That's why the Bible is accurate when it states that God is in control. No matter who is in power or what occurs, God will have the last word. For this I am grateful.
So to encourage and increase my faith and yours, I give you some thoughts about our unchangeable God.
God does not change. Malachi 3:6 states "I am the Lord, I do not change;...."
God is always the same. Hebrews 13:8 states "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
Sin brings death & the gift of God is eternal life. In Romans 6:23 it states, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
I quote all these scriptures to make this point, some things will and should never change. God's word, His promises, His power, His redeeming blood, His judgements, His love, His mercy, His forgiveness, His provisions, and His blessings will never change. I know that I can depend on, trust in and hope in God.
The changes our president or local governments make that affect our taxes, pay, health insurance or individual "rights" will never limit my needs being supplied. God supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory.
The laws of reciprocity that govern the outcomes of sin will not change. Sin brings death. It's really that simple. Those that engage in sinful practices are only enjoying them "for a season". The outcome is death. Never forget that.
The laws of reciprocity that govern the outcomes of living for God will not change. It's really that simple. Live by the principles of the Word of God and you will have good success. You will receive eternal life. Never, ever forget that.
Are there prices to pay for these two opposing life-styles? YES! That is an absolute. NEVER forget that. You are what you read, eat, think and do. Your choices today determines your tomorrow. Change your choices today and you change your tomorrows.
In summary, it is time for change. We need to change who we are looking to for answers. We need to remember that this world is not our home; we are just passing through. Our choices should be thoughfully considered and with the clear understanding that the laws of reciprocity will always be applied. AND most of all, that our God is unchangeable. We need to change to be more like Him!! We need to believe His word and develop a relationship with Him so we can hear His voice and know with clarity and assurance what changes we need to make in order to find fulfillment and the promise of eternal life.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Are you too big for your body?
I read a devotional today that has really caught my attention. A young child was rough housing around with his uncle and having all kinds of fun when the little guy looked up and said, "You know what's wrong with you? You're skin is too big for your body."
Yes, we do take ourselves too seriously and forget to have plain old fun with our children. Here we are on vacation, back where we grew up. So many things have changed and so many things I've forgotten. What surprises me most are the simple things that I've forgotten, which when remembered now, causes a belly laugh that's hard to control.
I remember a summer when it was so hot and we needed rain so badly. My grandfather came by during his lunch hour and told us that we needed to do the rain dance. He then procededed to teach us how. He proceeded to dance on one foot to another circling the old barrel we used outside to burn trash. He told us if we all did that it would rain. We danced around it with him like a bunch of indians and sure enough it rained that night. Ha! We thought he was magic!!
I remember camping vacations in Yosemite with my family. Daddy would rope us all together and take us on 1/2 day hiking trips. That rope kept us safe and secure as we climbed up trails and we saw some of the most beautiful sights in the world.
Both of these memories remind me of the simple trust and faith we had in the adults in our lives. When my grandfather told us to dance and it would rain we laughed and cavorted and wore ourselves out. We had so much fun with him. It rained! It was awesome. When dad roped us together and told us that the rope would keep us together so we wouldn't get lost and help us to be safe as we climbed up those trails, we gladly roped ourselves together and trusted that we'd be safe and we'd make it to the top.
I think that is what God meant when he said we were to become as little children. The ability to believe anything that you were told and to do it without questioning it's possibilities. Just do it. Just believe it AND most of all, expect it to happen. Simple faith and trust.
But have we gotten too big for our bodies? Are we able to be as little children? Can we go back to the time when we could believe that we could just dance and the rain would come? Do I have the ability to believe that God's word said it and therefore it so? Lord I hope not!!
God's word says He is the supplier of all our needs. God's word says that He is the healer of all our diseases. God's word says that a sparrow will only fall to the ground if He wills it and He knows the number of hairs on our head....so we are not to be afraid because He cares even more for us than the sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31). He knows where I am and cares for me!!
God's word tells me to sing songs, praise, dance and give thanks in the middle of my troubles. (Eph 5:15-21) Ok, it doesn't say in the middle of my troubles....it says "in all things". So am I too big to take this simply as it's stated? If not, then that means that I should sing and make a melody in my heart no matter what or where I am. I SHOULD thank Him when my job is stressful and I have too much work. I SHOULD sing a song and have a joyful heart when the kids are fighting in the back seat and we have just begun a 4-hour road trip. It means that if God said he would supply all my needs, then I should be singing and dancing and thanking Him for doing just that.
I have to remember the life lessons I was taught without ever being in the classroom. My grandfather knew it was going to rain that evening because he saw the clouds coming and knew the signs and could interpret those accurately. So he had us dance before it ever began; joyful in the knowledge that it was coming. That's just like God. God has already supplied all my needs. I need to dance in anticipation of the final outcome.
My father knew that his strength along with that rope tied around his children would keep us safe and secure and following in his footsteps. God knows that if we do as His word commands that nothing can ever separate us from His love and security. God will lead us in the pathway that is ours to travel and experience life in a beautiful way.
It's simple really. Become as a little child. Laugh and play and believe all the words you read in the Bible. They are not stories. They are true! They are mine to live!! They are mine to have!!
Am I too big for the things that God has in store for me? Unless I become as a little child.......I think I may be.
Yes, we do take ourselves too seriously and forget to have plain old fun with our children. Here we are on vacation, back where we grew up. So many things have changed and so many things I've forgotten. What surprises me most are the simple things that I've forgotten, which when remembered now, causes a belly laugh that's hard to control.
I remember a summer when it was so hot and we needed rain so badly. My grandfather came by during his lunch hour and told us that we needed to do the rain dance. He then procededed to teach us how. He proceeded to dance on one foot to another circling the old barrel we used outside to burn trash. He told us if we all did that it would rain. We danced around it with him like a bunch of indians and sure enough it rained that night. Ha! We thought he was magic!!
I remember camping vacations in Yosemite with my family. Daddy would rope us all together and take us on 1/2 day hiking trips. That rope kept us safe and secure as we climbed up trails and we saw some of the most beautiful sights in the world.
Both of these memories remind me of the simple trust and faith we had in the adults in our lives. When my grandfather told us to dance and it would rain we laughed and cavorted and wore ourselves out. We had so much fun with him. It rained! It was awesome. When dad roped us together and told us that the rope would keep us together so we wouldn't get lost and help us to be safe as we climbed up those trails, we gladly roped ourselves together and trusted that we'd be safe and we'd make it to the top.
I think that is what God meant when he said we were to become as little children. The ability to believe anything that you were told and to do it without questioning it's possibilities. Just do it. Just believe it AND most of all, expect it to happen. Simple faith and trust.
But have we gotten too big for our bodies? Are we able to be as little children? Can we go back to the time when we could believe that we could just dance and the rain would come? Do I have the ability to believe that God's word said it and therefore it so? Lord I hope not!!
God's word says He is the supplier of all our needs. God's word says that He is the healer of all our diseases. God's word says that a sparrow will only fall to the ground if He wills it and He knows the number of hairs on our head....so we are not to be afraid because He cares even more for us than the sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31). He knows where I am and cares for me!!
God's word tells me to sing songs, praise, dance and give thanks in the middle of my troubles. (Eph 5:15-21) Ok, it doesn't say in the middle of my troubles....it says "in all things". So am I too big to take this simply as it's stated? If not, then that means that I should sing and make a melody in my heart no matter what or where I am. I SHOULD thank Him when my job is stressful and I have too much work. I SHOULD sing a song and have a joyful heart when the kids are fighting in the back seat and we have just begun a 4-hour road trip. It means that if God said he would supply all my needs, then I should be singing and dancing and thanking Him for doing just that.
I have to remember the life lessons I was taught without ever being in the classroom. My grandfather knew it was going to rain that evening because he saw the clouds coming and knew the signs and could interpret those accurately. So he had us dance before it ever began; joyful in the knowledge that it was coming. That's just like God. God has already supplied all my needs. I need to dance in anticipation of the final outcome.
My father knew that his strength along with that rope tied around his children would keep us safe and secure and following in his footsteps. God knows that if we do as His word commands that nothing can ever separate us from His love and security. God will lead us in the pathway that is ours to travel and experience life in a beautiful way.
It's simple really. Become as a little child. Laugh and play and believe all the words you read in the Bible. They are not stories. They are true! They are mine to live!! They are mine to have!!
Am I too big for the things that God has in store for me? Unless I become as a little child.......I think I may be.
Friday, June 26, 2009
No Password Necessary!
I had to change my password today. Every 30 days this event occurs. There are rules that you have to follow for changing your password. It has to be a certain length. It has to have at least 7 characters. It cannot be all letters. It must contain 1 number. It cannot be similar in any way to a prior password, etc. Oh, and by the way, don't write it down anywhere!
When you question this practice, it's all about being secure. Security provides safety or a freedom from risk. It lessens the danger of someone being able to break through the walls of your defense. Basically, it is there for your protection. My corporation requires a password in order to protect me and them from tampering by another co-worker or an outside entity. A lot of corporate resources are assigned, both financial and physical, to ensuring that I and the company are safe from intruders and risk.
The password is such an important element in providing technical security that you only get a certain number of chances to remember it and enter it correctly. After your chances expire, you are totally locked out of the system and you must call to have it "reset" so you can once again have access to the system.
AND as it that's not enough, there are certain applications in our system that require a different password to gain access. Even some levels of operation that limit you by your user ID. So just because you get through the first set of "security measures" doesn't mean you have access to everything that's available.
These thoughts caused me to ponder just a moment. No password is necessary in God's kingdom. God never locks us out. He does not have a limit on the number of times you try to gain access to Him. What an awesome thought!
God's kingdom and access into His realm is totally secure. There is no risk of intruders sabatoging His "system". When you're in His "system" you have the freedom to go anywhere and access any level of operation you desire. God's Kingdom is secure! He paid the price one time for all of us forever!!
God will never lock us out no matter how many times we forget some of the steps or measures. God will never prevent us from going to the next level. God is totally transparent and provides all things for all people who seek him and desire more. His Kingdom is limitless and you can reach for the stars and attain the greatest heights. It's all up to you!
I have full access to everything in God's Kingdom 24.7.365!!
When you question this practice, it's all about being secure. Security provides safety or a freedom from risk. It lessens the danger of someone being able to break through the walls of your defense. Basically, it is there for your protection. My corporation requires a password in order to protect me and them from tampering by another co-worker or an outside entity. A lot of corporate resources are assigned, both financial and physical, to ensuring that I and the company are safe from intruders and risk.
The password is such an important element in providing technical security that you only get a certain number of chances to remember it and enter it correctly. After your chances expire, you are totally locked out of the system and you must call to have it "reset" so you can once again have access to the system.
AND as it that's not enough, there are certain applications in our system that require a different password to gain access. Even some levels of operation that limit you by your user ID. So just because you get through the first set of "security measures" doesn't mean you have access to everything that's available.
These thoughts caused me to ponder just a moment. No password is necessary in God's kingdom. God never locks us out. He does not have a limit on the number of times you try to gain access to Him. What an awesome thought!
God's kingdom and access into His realm is totally secure. There is no risk of intruders sabatoging His "system". When you're in His "system" you have the freedom to go anywhere and access any level of operation you desire. God's Kingdom is secure! He paid the price one time for all of us forever!!
God will never lock us out no matter how many times we forget some of the steps or measures. God will never prevent us from going to the next level. God is totally transparent and provides all things for all people who seek him and desire more. His Kingdom is limitless and you can reach for the stars and attain the greatest heights. It's all up to you!
I have full access to everything in God's Kingdom 24.7.365!!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Just begin....
I've wanted to have a blog for a long time. What stopped me? The commitment. I would begin to check into it and read other blogs and think how cool it would be to have one of my own. I would envy them the time and the thoughts. I would dream about "the day" that I would have a blog. I'd more often than not stop dreaming and get back to the "real world".
Then this morning I began on that same ol' track of thinking again. I really want to blog. I wish I had the time and could do it. Then reality hit me. I'll never do it. I keep coming here to this point and stop before I ever really commit to creating it. This is a cycle that needs breaking. I'll never accomplish something if I never try, never begin. So, I've begun.
How many things have you wanted to do but never have because of the commitment would be too much? How do you know if you never try?
Then this morning I began on that same ol' track of thinking again. I really want to blog. I wish I had the time and could do it. Then reality hit me. I'll never do it. I keep coming here to this point and stop before I ever really commit to creating it. This is a cycle that needs breaking. I'll never accomplish something if I never try, never begin. So, I've begun.
How many things have you wanted to do but never have because of the commitment would be too much? How do you know if you never try?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)