Is It Too Late To Change?

"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:37) 

There are those who say, that they are too old to change. "I've been this way, for so long, there is no way I am going to change now!" But when we look at people in the Bible, such as Zacchaeus, Peter, and the Apostle Paul, we see how the Lord made dynamic changes in their lives. 

Yes, it can happen, if one is willing to submit to the wisdom, and authority of the Lord. To say, "I've had enough of this old life, I want to be what the Lord wants me to be!" "The devil has had me too long!" "It's time for me to give myself totally to the Lord Jesus Christ!" 

No doubt it will take time, and some falls, before we are steadfast on our feet as a Christian. It begins with an honest evaluation of our lives. 

To answer the question: "Is this who I want to be?" With the Lord's help, by submitting to His Word, and applying it to our daily lives, we will be different people. 

Our attitudes and actions will change. People will be astounded at how the Lord will make a difference in our lives. It is the willingness to go the distance with Jesus. To go as far as He will take us in, our spiritual transformation, and growth. 

We are never too old to change, and with the Lord Jesus Christ, it can happen! GP 

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What About Change?

"For I am the Lord, I do not change: There you are not consumed O sons of Jacob." (Malachi 3:6)

What would it be like to never change?
To always be the same? When we look at old photograph albums, and see past photographs of ourselves, without a doubt we see change. We see the progression of the aging process.

I am sure that when the Jews came back to their homeland, God wanted to see a change of heart, but instead, He saw nothing but rebellion.

The prophet Malachi speaks of the Lord coming in judgment, as one who is "like a refiner of fire, and like a launderer's soap"(3;2)
He will come to judge, and to purify.

The Lord never changes. "He is the same yesterday, and today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8) and He intends for His people to establish and maintain a constant love and obedience towards Him.

As we enter into a new year, most likely there will be changes we will want to make in our lives. There will be resolutions we will promise to keep throughout the year.

The most important resolution should be to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might." (Deuteronomy 6:5) If we start there, than all the other changes that need to be made, will come more easily. We will have a very blessed year, even in the midst of the trials.

Change is never easy, but the Lord, who never changes, will help us to be and to do those things that will glorify Him, and be a blessing to us! Have a blessed new Year! GP

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The Challenge Of Change

"So the Lord said to him, "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul Of Tarsus, for behold he is praying." 
(Acts 9:11)

 Can someone who is so steeped in worldliness and sin, ever change?
If so, what will bring about this change?

 Saul of Tarsus is a prime example of someone who was so engaged in worldly pursuits, that you would think that nothing was going to change his lifestyle. He was very educated, and one who was zealous to please his peers in the work he was called to do. He was a very treacherous man, to the Christian community.
The stoning of Stephen in (Acts 7) is a good example.

Luke describes Saul's zeal in putting an end to the Christian movement: "Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. went to the high priest." (Acts 9:1) You could say that it was a dynamic change as the Lord met Saul on the road to Damascus, and in essence, knocked him upside the head. You can read of Saul's conversion in (Acts 9:1-19).

The question that I have is: What does it take to bring change to people who are gripped by selfishness and sin? I believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will bring about change, if there is an open heart. And yes, it may take a severe situation, to pry open a tight heart to change.

There are always changes that we need to make in our lives. No one is perfect. We are all buildings under construction. But the best decision a person can ever make, is to allow Jesus Christ to be Savior, and king of their lives. When that happens, you can count on the fact, that there will be change, and it will be for good! GP

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A New Thing

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:18-19) 

I have shared these familiar words in other posts concerning the past. "The past is a good place to visit, but certainly not a good place to stay."

The past is the place where we take a look at our good and bad memories. A place where we can learn from our mistakes. It is also a place where we can see the hand of God working in our lives. Through life's past experiences, God was with us, and helped us to grow, and mature, and develop a confidence that is stronger than before.

God had worked mightily in delivering the nation of Israel out of Egyptian bondage. But now He says (through the prophet Isaiah) "Behold, I am doing a new thing" Yes, the former mercies
must never be forgotten, but the new mercies must be embraced.
Israel was in Babylonian captivity because of their idolatry, and their disobedience to God's will for them as a nation. But God's promise to them was:"Now, I am doing something new", Not only would He bring them out of Babylon, but He would get them to their homeland.

 I know in my life, I am not the same person I used to be. God has brought deliverance and change. But He is working all the time on something new for me, and for you. The key is to submit totally to the will and purpose of God.

In trials, the Lord pulls us back like an arrow, and then in His time,
He lets us go, to hit the target of His will, and purpose for our lives.

Let us never be discouraged, because God is always doing: 
"A New Thing!" GP

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Change

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) 

I was saddened to hear that one of the Christian colleges I attended, is not offering classes this year, and is going through a transitional period. I am not sure I understand concerning all the changes that are taking place, but one thing is certain, at times, change is a hard pill to swallow.

 It was a big change for Joshua, after the death of Moses, to step into his shoes, and become the leader that Israel needed, to enter the Promised land. God assured Joshua, that as He was with Moses, He would be with him, and help him to be a success.

There are times, when we have to face the reality of change. If things continue in a certain negative direction, we may face serious consequences.
There comes that moment in all of our lives, when we face a fork in the road.
And the way that the Lord is leading us, may not be easy, but in the long run, will lead to positive change, and productivity. It is always a journey of faith, and hope, in the Lord's direction.

To this college where I learned a great deal, I want to say thank you for the experience, and I pray that however the Lord leads you, that it will be for your good, and for God's glory.

"Change is hard in the roads we tread, but God will always be steps ahead."___GP

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Seeing The Change

"I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea which were in Christ; but only, they kept hearing, “He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy.” And they were glorifying God because of me." (Galatians 1:22-24) 

I like what Warren Wiersbe said about the Apostle Paul, in his devotional commentary entitled: "With The Word" - "To Paul the gospel was much more than a message he preached; it was a miracle he had experienced." (Galatians 1:1-5) pp.766 

It is important that we stand up for the truth of the Word of God.
It is important that when opportunities come, we are to give a testimony of our faith and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. But the one thing that really catches the eyes of unbelievers, is the witness of a changed life.
People need to see evidence of the work of our Lord, making changes that are needed to glorify Him, and of course to benefit us in our lives.

To have people ask the question: "What happen to them, they are not the same people they were?" They used to talk the way of the world, live the way of the world, but now they are different. They are living a Christian lifestyle, and they have such peace and joy in their hearts, even when they are going through rough times.

People need to see the change the Lord can make. And if we are totally committed to the Lord, and His work in our lives, change will be an evident reality. But the question is, will we let Him? GP 

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