As we all know, times are changing more drastically than we have ever experienced. If it were not for the stability of God's Word, we would surely have a life of worry and turmoil that we could not endure. I am so glad that He gave us a firm foundation to keep us from the storms of life.
We were so glad to have Dillon Cartwright and Dustin Martin with us this morning. I saw some happy grandmothers smile when they arrived. We pray God will bless them and they will come back soon. Karen Simpson had a birthday this week and we ask God for a great year for her. There are always songs from our spirit-filled singers and we just want to thank them for their constant willingness to bless us week after week.
Pastor gave us the scripture in the book of Jonah, which tells of the unchangeable will of God. In Jonah 1:1 and 3:1-2, we are made aware of just how far God will go to keep us where he wants us. It is the well-known story of Jonah and the big fish that had to swallow him to take him where God told him to go. That was a pretty drastic boat ride to get Jonah in the right place at the right time. God even came to Jonah a second time to tell him to go unto Nineveh and preach. How many times has he given you instruction and you just ignored it? Not a good idea. During the week take time to read the full account of the Big Fish. It's a very interesting story. Just keep in mind that men are always changing their minds, but God is steadfast in what he plans for our lives.
We often let our circumstances rule our changes. It isn't always easy to stick to your guns. In Malachi 3:6-7, it is again stated, "I am the Lord; I change not." God is a jealous God and commands that we shalt have no other Gods before Him. Exodus 20:3-5 explains how He wants us to put Him and His ways first in our lives. We are none perfect as we find in Romans 3:23, all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. The Christian life is a learning experience. The lessons are in the Word. Chapter 6, verse 23 of that book also tells us the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He changes not.
Chapter 12, verse 1 gives us the true way to please God. We must present our bodies a living sacrifice -- holy, acceptable unto God -- which is your reasonable service. There are more examples of the greatness of Jesus in John, chapter 4. It is good to read this chapter and in it find again how steadfast his ways are. Last of all, we go to Ephesians, chapter 2 and read that we at one time walked in the path of the world, but we found Jesus and he redirected our life to one of joy and peace. We must always be willing to show love to all we come in contact with. Just as he has shown mercy, so should we.
So until next week, we send our prayers and love your way and say be assured that God Never Changes.
Religion on 02/04/2016