Thought for Saturday, March 24 2012

March 24, 2012

Necessary Changes

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.  Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:17-32

Quote of the Day

“I’ve never met a person, I don’t care what his condition, in whom I could not see possibilities.  The capacity for reformation and change lies within.” – Preston Bradley

Today’s Thoughts and Insights

Change is not always a bad thing, though it is often resisted, postponed and often avoided if at all possible.

Most people don’t like change, though there are a few who thrive on it.

But as Christians, change needs to be a perpetual state of being for us.

We need to be constantly growing, improving, reaching out more, reaching further, challenging ourselves to be more and do more for the Lord.

Ceasing to change when it comes to our spiritual life can have a tendency to lead to stagnation, contriteness and a sense of insincerity in our efforts.

Often things become so mechanical in our church services that we go through the motions without thought or reflection as to the meaning or significance of what we are dong or even why we are doing it.

Sadly it often seems one of the most difficult place to initiate change is in the house of God.  So often it upsets apple carts and inspires outrage.

However if you look at the history of the church and the move of God by His Spirit, down through the ages: you will note that the churches who are accomplishing the most:  the congregations who are making the greatest differences in their communities are the ones who embrace change, move with the spirit and allow God to lead them.

Change is often needful both personally and corporately.

We need to not change for change sake – but we do need to be willing to change for God’s sake.

Today’s Prayer

Father you are so much more than amazing; so much greater than great; and so much grander than glorious – and I know you never change but you do call upon your people to change.  So help me to be flexible, adjustable and changeable when you ask me to, need me to or just want me too.

“Change is not made without inconvenience, even from worse to better.”

– Richard Hooker

“Let the poor man say
I am rich in Him
Let the lost man say
I am found in Him
Let the blind man say
I can see again
Let the dead man say
I am born again 
Holy Spirit come
Move in power“

- from ‘Let The River Flow’ by Darrell Evans