Life Change

Stop Asking and Only Believe!


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Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto
your own understanding. In all your ways
acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths
(Prov. 3:5)

Life can be puzzling and there are times when we are faced with the uncertain. These are times when we must trust that God has multiple ways of blessing us! He wants us to put it all in his hands! If we trust Him and give Him the glory, He will take the one or two options that we have and turn them into ten, or twenty — whatever He needs in order to bless us!

We often ask how, or when, or where. But, if we trust God, He will answer the questions and bring our blessings to pass! We ought to say, “Lord I don’t know how, or when, or where, but I believe you to bring it to pass, in Jesus’ name!”

Trust God and watch Him move!

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Murder and Entertainment!


 

THE FASCINATION WITH MURDER

Murder is on the increase, not only with those who physically commit such crimes, but also those who are transfixed with their details. Many video games and apps, news reports, and television programs all have one thing in common — exploiting murder! Our world has a curiosity, fascination, and even a love affair with the “how’s” and “whys” of murder. We are being fed a steady diet of crime, served up in as many ways as possible to make the viewing and hearing about killing palatable. Murder is a heinous crime that can capture the attention of its listeners and viewers. For those taken in by the sensationalism, at some point murder goes beyond “news”. The news has the ability to feed on the psyche and can become as addictive as any powerful drug. This is a trick of an enemy!

THE EFFECTS OF MURDER ON A SOCIETY

Many know the account of Samson who was fascinated with Delilah’s ways. After Sampson’s hair was cut, he thought he had the strength he once had to fight. He found out at the critical time he didn’t have that strength at all. Likewise, one cannot be consistently curious about murder and think it doesn’t have any negative affect on them mentally and spiritually (Mt. 24:12). The Bible states: “We know that anyone born of God does not keep on sinning; the One who was born of God protects him, and the evil one cannot touch him. We know that we are of God, and that the whole world is under the power of the evil one.” – I John 5:19 – Berean Study Bible

Copycat killings usually start with one who is intrigued by another’s murder(s). The intrigued person eventually “acts out” what has been sown in their heart. We should stay away from anything that is wicked — and our hearts are desperately wicked (Jer. 17:9). We should also know that we haven’t experienced the utter depths of where our hearts can lead us. (“Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.” – Prov. 4:23/GNT.) A person who is “saved” is not immune from being caught up in the spirit of murder — which is usually in some form of news or entertainment through means of broadcasting. People can be subject to this spirit, whether saved or unsaved (James 4:2; I John 3:14-15). Great spirits from history have a way of returning and affecting masses of people. We see these following accounts in the Bible. During Noah’s day the earth at that time was given over to violence (Gen. 6:13). The apostle Paul noticed that the city of Athens was given over to a similar spirit, which was idolatry (Acts. 17:16). The prophet Hosea took a wife from the land of Israel that was given over to idolatry and adultery. Habakkuk complained of the wide-spread violence of his day (Hab. 1:1-3). History has a way of coming back to repeat itself.

The first murder in the Bible was broadcast for the purpose of showing how dark sin really is, but we see the insatiable drawing power murder has to consume all who are given over to its spell — from those who commit actual crimes to those who are drawn in by the details.

Stay away from murder!

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The Changing Season!


Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant
thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun.
(Ecc. 11:7)

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Many of us enjoy seeing the last days of winter give over to the bright rays of the approaching spring sunshine. The degrees in the weather begin to climb and there is often anticipation in the air! Things become renewed and revived. All forms of life begin to emerge and grow because spring has come around again.

God has given the four seasons and we become accustom to their changes, but God has other seasons, as well. These seasons often do not normally coincide with the natural changes in the seasons that we are used to. These are the seasons in our lives. They are outlined in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and we need to learn them well! If we study them, we can better understand God’s plan and timing for our lives.

Through every season that God brings in our lives, there should be a systematic study and meditation on His word. Those who will commit to study will also be established like a tree. In contrast to a natural tree — whatever season we find ourselves in…our leaves will not die or even wither (Ps. 1:1-6). Unlike the reasonably predictable changes in the four natural seasons (Matt. 16:2-3, Gen. 8:22) — our fruit can suddenly become ripe at any time, even during times we do not anticipate. God suddenly uses us for His glory (II Tim. 2:21) during any given opportunity or season (Ps. 1:3)! We can be used by God during spring, summer, or fall. His plan for us is to still produce fruit even during the winter of our lives (Ps. 92:12-15, Ps. 71:18).

We are all familiar with the words of a famous song, “everything must change, nothing stays the same”. We should make as much preparation as we can for unexpected changes in seasons — whatever that season may bring.

The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They that are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and green: To shew that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
(Ps 92:12-15 – ERV Version)

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Are You Changing with the Times?


And he…shall think to change times and laws.
(Dan. 7:25)

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TIMES HAVE CHANGED!

The times are swiftly changing! Along with the changing times…we all have made changes that have, in some way, affected our lives. Hopefully, the changes you have made have been positive. It is becoming increasingly harder for some Christians to make wholesome and godly changes because of the decreasing worldly-acceptable standards that surround us (I John 2:15).

TRADITIONS ARE CHANGING!

As we enter into another holiday season, there has been a noticeable change in the look and feel of this time of year! The holiday cheer in the lives of many have all but been extinguished due to the economy and unemployment situations. As a result, the glitter of this time of year has greatly declined. We clearly see that when people don’t consume products and purchase as many gifts, retail stores don’t feel as cheerful and have a way of diminishing their inventory and Christmas-related displays. As people walk through malls and retail stores the feel of Christmas is not quite the same. In addition…people are not giving as many gifts. So…the “traditional” Christmas (as many of us are accustomed to seeing), with all of its marketing cheer, has lost much of its meaning.

CHRISTMAS IS SHINING THROUGH!

There has been a change in Christmas! This change may have come for the good. Instead of giving and getting gifts, this should be a time when our attention can be mostly centered on the One who was born into a dark world that still needs change! At His birth, there were no trinkets and glitter, but a host of angels lit up the black night and sung the first Christmas chorus — “Christ the Saviour is born!”

Overall, there is definitely a change in how Americans do Christmas, and yet, with this decrease of materialism, have you made any changes? Have you become depressed or indifferent because someone stole your Christmas, or are you more aware of the truer meaning of Christmas?

WILL YOU MAKE ANY CHANGES?

As seasons and times change, masses of people will continue to make changes for the worst — scriptures declare that (Matt. 24:12, Rev. 2:1-5)! What changes will you make — if any — as times change (II Tim. 3:1-5)? How will you allow times to change you?

See the information below and get some idea of where you currently stand (II Cor. 13:5).

Many things are changing, but here are
some things that should never change:

  • Keep yourself in the love of God and always wait for Christ’s return (Jude 1:21)
  • Continually be filled with the Spirit (Acts 4:29-31, 13:52, Eph. 5:8)
  • Live holy lives, that go against worldly standards (Heb. 12:14)
  • Don’t ever forget to show mercy and have truthful and loyal ways (Prov. 3:3)
  • Don’t forsake the love for family. (In the following
    verses, “natural affection” refers to love for family,
    relatives, and acquaintances – Rom. 1:31, II Tim. 3:30.)
  • Don’t stop gathering together for church (Heb. 10:25)
  • Don’t give up on living peaceful with others (Heb. 12:14)
  • Don’t leave off praying to God (I Sam. 12:23, Luke 18:1)
  • Hold on to sound teaching, as you have been taught
    (Eph. 4:21, Col. 2:7, II Thes. 2:15, Tit. 1:9)
  • Be led personally with direction from God’s Word (Ps. 119:105)
  • Don’t return to your former lifestyle (Heb. 6:4-6, II Pet. 2:22)
  • Never forget to add to your faith (II Pet. 1:5-9)
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Tis the Season for Forgiving!


Then said Jesus, Father, forgive
them; for they know not what they do.
And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
(Luke 23:34)

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Does the holidays have you stressed out because you don’t seem to have much to give?  Why don’t you give someone a wonderful gift this holiday season that may be valued more than money? Give forgiveness! This great gift that you have can, no doubt, bring joy to some troubled soul today. You may very well have the power to release someone of past offenses done to you or levelled at you. Release them and in turn, release yourself. You may find it to be the best gift you ever gave.

It is true that some people don’t accept gifts to well, but still give it in the spirit that Christ would (St. John 1:11). All of us have given quality gifts we thought people would like only to find it didn’t suit them, and that’s okay…but, give anyway!

There has never been a better time when Christmas and Easter come together so beautifully. We celebrate both Christ’s birth and resurrection as well as reflect on His death. His birth is a season for giving. His death is a time we reflect on Him giving himself for those who humiliated and wronged Him. They planned and schemed. They lied in wait for Him and finally, beat and put Him to death. Here is a quote from Luke 23;34, “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.” In His humility, Christ was a VICTIM who became the world’s greatest OVERCOMER (Phil. 2:8-9)! He gave to those who hurt Him the most. His example is the true spirit of giving this holiday season!

Why don’t you, by the Spirit of the Lord, call someone and tell them you are sorry for what happened in the past and ask for forgiveness or maybe you need to tell them you forgive them. These make great gifts this time of year!

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