Changing

Change is the only way to get right with God. We "change" through Jesus Christ from lost to found. Paul knew that change was part of our human condition. He also knew the steadfastness of God. "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:12-13 

Let's take a look at three attitudes and three principles of change:

3 ATTITUDES TOWARD CHANGE
1. The future will not be like the past.
2. The future will not be like what we expect.
3. The rate of change will be faster in the future than in the past.

3 PRINCIPLES OF CHANGE
1. Growth equals change; you cannot grow unless you change.
2. Don’t confuse immobility with stability.
3. Change is the price we pay for growth. We must give up to grow up.

Today may we consider our attitude towards change and make sure it lines up with Jesus'. Amen?

Senses Building

The Lord created you and has a purpose for you, and has given you five senses – hear, smell, see, taste, and touch.  Everything we know and experience in life comes through one of those five senses. We encounter life that way, and God wants us to learn to encounter the Bible with all of your senses.

We find these experiences in James 1:19-25, My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,  because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Use everything that God has given you to experience His Word in a very real way. Amen?

Solid

Jesus ended the Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew 7, by telling a story.  “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

We need to learn to build our life on the Bible so that we’re building on solid rock. When the storms and trials and difficulties of life come, you’ll be able to handle it. Knowing Jesus as Savior and applying the Bible to your life enables you to withstand life’s storms.

Thank you Jesus for always being there for us. Amen?

Revive Us

In Psalm 85:6-7 we see God’s people praying for revival.   - Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?  Show us your unfailing love, LORD, and grant us your salvation. Let’s look today at some questions concerning this movement of God.

What is Revival? Not evangelism even though many may be saved as a result of it. It is not emotionalism although there may be emotional manifestations connected to it.  It is a renewal of spiritual life in an individual or among a group of people.

When is Revival Needed?  Whenever the love of God's people has grown cold revival is needed.

What Kind of Revival Do We Need? We need a revival that will resurrect the church, rekindle our passion for God, and restore joy and victory to the child of God.

How Can We Have Revival? Only God can send revival. We must face up to spiritual realities, and commit to do things God’s way and not our own.. We must desire and pray to be revived.

Let's pray for revival. Amen?

Life Song

I love Christian music. There are so many reminders of how we should be living out our lives. Rich Mullins wrote a song called Step by Step:

Oh God, You are my God, and I will ever praise You, Oh God, You are my God, and I will ever praise You, I will seek You in the morning, and I will learn to walk in your ways, and step by step You’ll lead me, and I will follow You all of my days.

It’s a great and simple song to sing, but hard to live out. Think about it:

-         Ever (always) praising God

-         Seeking Him every morning (all day)

-         Learning His purposes and ways

-         Step by step dependence on His leadership

-         Commitment to follow God for your whole life

Great goals for the New Year - Amen?

Hello?

The Lord is calling to us just like He did Samuel!

    1 The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.  2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the LORD, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”  But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.

   6 Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”  “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. 8 A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.  10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”  Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”  11 And the LORD said to Samuel: “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle. -1 Samuel 3:1-11

What’s wrong in this story? (Sounds a lot like today)

- The Word is not preached.

- Few are seeking the Lord.

- Church is business as usual.

- The Voice of God is not recognized or understood.

Just like Esther maybe we were made for such a time is this (Esther 4:13-14) We must ask ourselves who or for what  are we living for?

What We Need to Do: (Respond as Samuel did)

- Realize God’s voice and follow His plan.

- Listen and Answer Him.

- Be about His purpose and be obedient.

What areas in your life do you need to get better at, and where should you start?

Close Enough

The definition of preparation is: readiness; organization; arranged in advance; provide needs; make complete

Is God involved in your preparation for 2016? Or, do things just happen, and you respond to them?

Maybe your perception about “things” in life needs to change.

We are on the road of life, but we are not alone. By recognizing who is walking with us can change your whole perception and understanding about your situation. The question would be, “Are you close enough to hear?”

We listen with our heart, mind, soul, eyes, and ears. It is out of our intimacy with God that comes life, service, care, wisdom, and ministries. Jesus is willing to prepare you for what the year will bring. We need to spend time with Him. Who are you listening to?

May we spend more time getting closer to God through Jesus this year. Amen?