Enjoying the Journey
Posts Tagged ‘change’
How To Make The Most Of This Season In Life
Seasons are marked by change. The autumn leaves turning colors and falling to the ground are a reminder to us all that time is passing. And while we love some seasons more than others, God uses every season in life to bring us closer to Himself. He is the One who transcends it all – eternal, immutable God. I do not know what season you are living through at this time. While it may be bright and sunny outside it can be dark and gloomy within. When some are rejoicing, others are walking through their most difficult days. One thing I do know is that “He hath made everything beautiful in his time…” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). How can you make the…
Read MoreWhen God Changes Your Direction
Sometimes the straightest line between A and B is not the route God chooses for us. His ways and thoughts truly are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). At times we chart the course and set off toward the destination, only to see God unexpectedly change our direction. If you have been there you know what I am talking about. At these times life can be more than a little disorienting. Here are some things to remember when God changes your direction: God has not changed. Thousands of years ago the prophet Malachi recorded God’s words, “I am the LORD, I change not” (Malachi 3:8). A.B. Simpson had it right when he wrote, “All may change, but Jesus never – glory…
Read MoreGrowing, But Not Changing
Growth is essential to life. Throughout the years I have heard countless people say that the only way to grow is to be willing to change. Change has become the contemporary buzzword and measurement of growth. This is very dangerous. Just because a man is changing does not mean he is growing – he may be going backwards! On the other hand, true growth is only possible when one is rooted in those things that never change. In life and ministry the goal must be God and not growth. Remember that it was our God who said, “I am the LORD, I change not” (Malachi 3:6). His standard is not current trends or acceptable methods, His standard is the truth…
Read MoreNo Time To Change
This week I am preaching for a dear friend and wonderful pastor in south Florida. Tom Odom pastors the First Baptist Church of Southwest Broward in Cooper City. God is using him and his beautiful family and the work is being especially blessed of God. One of the joys in the ministry God has given us is in seeing former students and friends from Crown College. I meet them all over the country. This morning as I prayed my heart rejoiced in the fact that so many are staying true to Christ and to God’s Word. Pastor Sexton and a host of other Bible teachers gave us something that does not fade with time: a high view of God and…
Read MoreTradition vs. Truth
There is a tremendous debate in Christian work over whether certain practices are rooted in tradition or truth. Such discussion is not new. In fact, both the Lord Jesus and the Apostle Paul addressed this issue with the religious leaders of their day. Case #1: Mark 7:1-13 The Pharisees were consumed with minute details of the ceremonial law. When Christ’s disciples failed to wash their hands before eating bread it raised a serious question among those “holding the tradition of the elders.” The Lord Jesus denounced the religious hypocrisy of caring more for the external than the internal. Quoting the prophet Isaiah (obviously this has been a problem for a long time!) He said, “Howbeit in vain do they worship…
Read MoreWhat to Do When Everything Changes
This past year has been a year of change in my life. Our home has changed. My work has changed. Schedules, routines, and so much that had been familiar was suddenly very different. Through it all, God has both changed me and reminded me that He never changes. Change is inevitable. Life is constantly changing! The Lord built change into our world and we must not despise it. Change is the unchanging principle in this life. Change never touches God. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Heb. 13:8). Only He can say, “I change not” (Mal. 3:6). Changes can be disorienting, even when you know it is in God’s plan. Your spiritual equilibrium can seem…
Read MoreAre the Progressives Really Progressing?
Let’s clear the air…No, this is not a post about politics. And, no, I am not a progressive. With our current political climate the term “progressive” has been in the news a great deal of late. In fact, the term progressive refers to a broad philosophy that says progress is vital to the advancement of civilization as a whole. It may refer to the economy, technology, science, or society in general. Sadly, much that is called progress today is anything but. There are the moral progressives who think that same-sex marriage is a great breakthrough in our world. It is instead a great breakdown of all that is foundational to a civilized society. The pro-choice activists fight for what they…
Read MoreEbb and Flow: Dealing with Changing Tides
There are few things as refreshing to me as standing on the shore and watching the ocean waves. I have always loved it. In Scripture the sea represents change. It is never the same. Life’s journey is in many respects a voyage. We have launched out, but we have not yet landed. The tide is always changing – it is the ebb and flow of life. Tides come…and they go. This is why preachers are instructed to “be instant in season, out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). Every season is not the same! Circumstances change. Quickly. Much of the ministry is helping people through the transitions of life. To do this, you must learn to handle those transitions yourself. Emotions…
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