Change

I am a huge fan and advocate of change; in fact often I have taught that a rut is simply a grave. However, of late I have dwelt much in my private meditations on the subject of change. I realize that many things change and we can either move in some areas of our lives or we will be left behind.

Many people don’t deal well with change. In fact many people are insecure and change creates imbalance. Others are fearful and the slightest change creates trauma. Then there are those who thrive on change. These people change for change sake even if the change moves them to a negative or backwards position. Surely there is balance in all of these people.

Change means different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone. Analyzing the definition of the word change causes me to think deeply. While I agree many things in life needs to change, other times it simply does not matter if things are changed or remain the same, and some things must never change. Some things are simply not negotiable.

In a world that is bombarded with the ideology of tolerance are we instilling in our young people the importance of standing firm being unmovable, unchangeable in the areas of Biblical truths? I know some of the older generation fuss about new music. Honestly I could care less if we are singing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” or “I am a Friend of God”, “How Great is our God” or “How Great Thou Art” Both the old version and the new version are proclaiming the same message. What matters to me is the position of the singer or the musician. The style may change but the position of a submitted singer or musician to God must never change.

My meditations have brought me to a particular conclusion long before a person changes he sets his eyes in a different position. Unfortunately I have known people with a change of position in their marriage. Long before the marital status changes from married to separated or divorced one can change his/her direction of the eye. If that direction changes it isn’t long before the marital status changes. After the eye begins to behold things differently, new friendships or relationships are formed. I have observed similar take place in a spiritual realm. The eye sees things different then relationships change.

Now I’m filled with new questions having resolved the aforementioned conclusions. If a person keeps his eyes on God would he be interested in changing? If a person keeps his eyes on God rather than others would he endeavor to rationalize what’s wrong with some things or would he just leave well enough alone and not struggle with making changes? If we keep our eyes on God would we spend more time on outreach rather than trying to find ways to ‘change safely’? I’ve lived long enough to realize naturally change occurs. We really don’t need to try to facilitate it. In fact I have discovered too often we have to struggle to take things back to its original state rather than find creative innovative ways to change.

Proverbs 22:28 (The Message) Don't stealthily move back the boundary lines staked out long ago by your ancestors.

I believe it is important that we realize the Devil is seeking whom he may devour and a stealthily (quiet, caution, secret) change of boundaries staked out by our ancestors can be a way he is attacking the church today.

Today I am determined more than ever before to pray for every young person possessing any degree of leadership. I am committing more time in prayer including praying the word for my three children this week. Additionally, I will call the name of every preacher’s kid and young minister I know. I don’t want something as valuable as change to create a negative change to move these precious people from the position of being the dynamic powerful leaders God intends them to be. I appreciate the changing of the guard to a younger generation.

CUPC is blessed to have a church full of young people in positions of nursery workers to ushers to musicians to praise singers to bus workers to teachers. I appreciate the youthful change their leadership brings however I do not want them to change Biblical truths including those of salvation and holiness.

My Valentine

This year marks my 28th Valentine's to be in love with my best friend, my husband, my pastor, an incredible Dad, an awesome father-in-law, a loyal son, a great son-in-law, a friend to many, a mentor, a Godly man, but I am glad he is my Valentine.

The past 28 years have given me many memories. We have shared many wonderful times together and have braved storms together. Kent is an optimist, a man of faith, and a visionary, full of humor, loving, compassionate, and dedicated.

Today he sent me an email with the following words: “The reservation is set for 6:30Friday nite. You might wanta dress up. Mysterious and romantic!!!!!!!! I love you” He loves surprising me. The greatest gift we give to one another is ourselves. There's absolutely nothing more important to me than Kent. I LOVE him...

I LOVE my Valentine of 28 years. I truly love him more today than ever. He's my boyfriend.....I LOVE him!

In Honor of Valentines Month – Romans 12:10

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; (KJV)

Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other. (God's Word Translation)

The professed love of Christians to each other should be sincere, free from deceit, and deceitful compliments. Our duty towards one another is summed up in one word, love. Kindness cannot be expressed to friends and family only. A Christian will not harbor anger against enemies. Christians bless rather than curse those despitefully use them or those who have had occasion to disagree. Blessing does not mean pray for the person and then curse them with actions or hurtful and hateful thoughts or words. It is impossible to both bless and curse. This can only be done in hypocrisy.

A very noticeable symptom of unkindness or lack of love is jealousy or competition. It is impossible to compete or be jealous if we love. These negative symptoms reveal a missing ingredient - a heart filled with love. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love - 1 John 4:8 (NIV)

If God resides in our lives it is impossible to not love everyone. God is either present or He is absent. It is impossible to have hidden places within our heart where we don't love some people. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. (Titus 3:4-5) With God operating in us we will show the same mercy, love, and kindness. It doesn’t matter how others treat us today, treated us in the past, or wronged us. We are never justified in our actions of being rude, short, ugly, or unkind. We will show love and mercy and be kind if God is living within.

God, please dwell in my heart that I may show love and kindness to all!