Time to Make a Change

Time for a Change

It's time, time to make a change, we are the people who can do it. It's time, time to make a change, we are His people, we can do it. I know we can do it, somebody asked me why do we have to go through it? It's just a test of our faith, what we're living day to day, we don't know where, we don't know when, but He's coming back again. (written by Bernard Bell and Marvin Winans, Carvin Winans, and Teddy Riley)

"And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years," (Genesis 1:14, NIV) Everything in life pertaining to change involves time. Time is so important that we often take it for granted. That kettle of lentil/sausage soup requires a precisly timed moment when all the ingredients have merged together to produce an aroma and taste that makes me smile. Catching the bus requires that precise moment when the bus and I are both at the same location. I can't think of any change in my life which doesn't involve time. Can you? Circumstances change, people change; even time changes, but nothing in this world changes without the presence of time. God established time in the beginning He created the sun, moon and stars. I see this for our good that God created time. He certainly doesn't need time; God is timeless, from everlasting to everlasting. During a recent trip to Chicago, I learned a childhood friend died. I thought about childhood and some of the things I did. I'm glad that my life changed from what I was into who I am. I know it would not have been possible without the grace of God. Whenever God influences change in my life, it has been paired with time; time to change, time for a change, time I changed. Here are some examples from scripture: "All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time." (Psalm 104:27, NIV) “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15, NIV) Time to eat, a time to sleep, a time to change. It is only when I'm ready for spiritual change that time appears perfectly in synch with me. Of course there's a difference between "wanting to change" and "ready to change". Many want change but lack the commitment needed to actually change. We humans have the tendency to postpone and delay; we procrastinate. We may want to change but the same question haunts me: "why change?" When I'm ready for spiritual change, I commit to a purpose which calls me. I surrender my independence for dependence; literally asking God for His help. Knowing that God hears, assures me that change will occur. There's a moment in time when you just know, everything is in synch; all things working together. You sense that peace of God in and around you, anxiety has lost its foothold and you have replaced it with contentment. Right now, somewhere in this world, change is taking place in someone's life. A world of anxiety, shame and pain is being transformed by the power of God's grace to peace, joy and healing. When the love of God inspires you to change, embrace it because, it's time.

written by MTJ

A Note of Thanks: I would just like to say that I appreciate each of you who visit My Thought-filled Journey. Taking time out of your schedule to read a post on this blog is encouraging to me. Many of those who visit, will from time to time leave a comment. Whether a comment is left is not important. What is important, is that you came. I do hope you find encouragement and inspiration in these words. Please know I will pray with you regarding any circumstance you may be facing. Feel free to write me to say "Hello", request prayer, or share what God is doing in your life. I have not said it enough, but thank you for the light of Chist in your life which illuminates the way for us all.

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

Season of Change

Season of Change

The holidays have passed and we've ushered in a new year. For many 2013 will bring about change. Change can mean something far different to each of us but we all hope our individual change is for the better. I remember hearing Edwin Louis Cole once say: “Everything is subject to change.” It's so true; change affects every one of us. I mentioned to someone that in the stock market, for everyone who wins on a trade, someone else must lose. There is a kind of counter balance that prevents things from tipping too far in one direction. Plants exchange CO2 for oxygen while we exchange oxygen for CO2. Some may believe that they cannot change, they are too old to change or it's too late to change. Some will oppose change, criticize change or blame change. Why are we so resistant to change? Sometimes we're aware of coming changes, and then there are those times when change comes as a complete surprise. As a people, the Jews were enslaved in Egypt and cried out for change. Yet, when God secured their freedom from slavery, they blamed Him for their inability to change. They came to believe that it would be better to go back to Egypt and be slaves! There is irony in this as well as a lesson for those of us praying for change: Learn to embrace change. Paul wrote, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." and "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Philippians 4:11-12, NIV) What was the secret of being content? Paul learned that he was incapable of handling changing circumstances and situations; he learned the value of depending on Christ. “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13, NIV) Let's consider this for a moment. To be content is to be satisfied, happy, pleased or gratified. It is the exact opposite of dissatisfied, unhappy, displeased or ungratified. You walk into the store select the items you want to purchase, go to the counter and immediately you become displeased because the line is too long. Is it so much harder to thank God that you have the means to purchase what you selected? Let’s use this New Year to embrace the goodness of God and to be content with the blessings we have because of His love for us. MTJ

A Note of Thanks: I would just like to say that I appreciate each of you who visit My Thought-filled Journey. Taking time out of your schedule to read a post on this blog is encouraging to me. Many of those who visit, will from time to time leave a comment. Whether a comment is left is not important. What is important, is that you came. I do hope you find encouragement and inspiration in these words. Please know I will pray with you regarding any circumstance you may be facing. Feel free to write me to say "Hello", request prayer, or share what God is doing in your life. I have not said it enough, but thank you for the light of Chist in your life which illuminates the way for us all.

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).