Tuesday, February 15, 2011

God Is Our Rock

God is Unchanging

“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. 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. 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.  Matthew 7:24-26

Perhaps at some point in the not to distant past you have felt like something you looked to in this life --  your finances, your health, your accolades, your relationships -- was eroding away; just like sand washing away around your feet in the tide.

The Bible tells us when we place our trust in God, after the last grain of sand is gone, we find a rock that we can stand on. This is our hope and encouragement to get through difficult times. God is always there – around us, before us, above us, in front of us.  God is more than a feeling or a vague idea, He is the foundation – solid and everlasting, dependable, faithful, and unchanging.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.   Psalm 23:4

Because God is unchanging, through Christ we can trust Him with everything.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Change Agent


God is All-Powerful

Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”  Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized,      Acts -18

A change agent is defined as an event, organization, material thing or, more usually, a person that acts as a catalyst for change.  In the corporate world and even at home, a lot of time, money and resources are deployed to assist with change…But do people, places, or organizations ever really change?  We all hope the answer is true and especially when it comes to us personally….but why is it that some are more successful at change than others?

The story in the bible about Paul, formerly know as Saul from Tarsus, is a wonderful story of change.  Paul was ruthless in persecuting Christians during the first century AD.  But after a supernatural experience with the resurrected Jesus, he was changed forever in a very powerful way.  His actions were immediately effected – his heart and mind permanently altered.  It was the interaction with Jesus, a personal encounter with Heaven’s own change agent, which made the difference.  Jesus is also available to us in the very same way.  Are you ready and willing to be changed forever?

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.  1 Timothy 1: 15-16

Because God is all-powerful, through Christ, we are able to experience permanent change.