Change you can Believe in

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. •

Imagine a world without change. It might remind you of a stagnant stream devoid of life and growth. Change is necessary for life. Most Americans want to change for the better. Some even expect politicians to make changes so that their lives can be more comfortable. People change jobs, move between states, and either increase or decrease the size of their families. Technology is developing daily at an exponential rate. Some cars can now run with processed food oil from a restaurant’s back dumpster!

Yet, with all this change, some things remain the same. Ecclesiastes 1:9-10

People are still unhappy. The ultra-skinny model, even after she lost her baby fat, still has to pay the bills and care for a screaming toddler. Wanting to improve yourself is fine. God gave humans the desire for change; however, many Americans have turned that desire into a constant search for the effects of satisfaction.

We often find temporary contentment in one thing, and as soon as something else seems more satisfying, we immediately turn and pursue it—a faster car, a bigger screen, the latest computer, a cell phone that knows where you are at all times. Sadly, this dangerous escalation can happen fluidly: from buying shoes in every color to an online shopping addiction, or from dieting to anorexia. The lack of fulfillment can eventually lead to even more destructive behaviors—anger, violence, drugs, alcohol, shoplifting, cutting, and even suicide. The ripple effects are devastating, not only to the unfulfilled person, but to the entire circle of family and friends.

Tough economic times have forced those who are accustomed to a lifestyle of ease with losing their retirement savings, their jobs, and even their homes. Rather than shopping on eBay, they're now trying to sell the stuff that they thought would satisfy them just a year ago.

This earth and its contents, however, cannot satisfy us anyway. Do we really believe that "the man who dies with the most toys wins"? Besides, as the saying goes, "You can't take it with you." It's true. 1Timothy 6:7 The only thing that enters eternity is your soul. Matthew 16:26-27 Even our worn out bodies will get an overhaul! 1Corinthians 15:42-4

The reason we're never satisfied by the world is because we were created to be satisfied by a relationship in a Being outside of this world. He is the One who does not want us to worry or burn ourselves out in the rat race, Matthew 6:32-34 and will take care of all our needs. Luke 12:28-29

Jesus is the One. He changed the heart of a woman who was shacking up after her fifth failed marriage. John 4:17-19, 25-26 He
changed the minds of those who wanted to stone an adulterous woman to death. John 8:7-9 He changed the destiny of billions of people throughout history by one simple plan: Jesus died. He rose from the grave and lives. That changes everything. 1Thessalonians 5:9-10

God begins a process of changes in your life when you enter into a relationship with Him. Philippians 1:6 Colossians 3:5-10 He continues to refine you like a goldsmith would refine gold in a furnace and leads you on a journey of discovering what it means to follow Christ and love God. 1Peter 1:7-9 He helps you through the difficulties of this life Deuteronomy 31:8 by transforming your heart and mind. Romans 12:2

God created the cycle of seasons, the ebb and flow of the waves, the phases of a baby’s development in the womb, even the expansion of the universe. He created change and wants to amaze you with His power. 1Corinthians 1:18 The transformation that happens when you trust Jesus changes your heart, your mind and your eternity, giving you purpose and hope for the
remainder of your life. 1Peter 4:11 This is the ultimate change you can believe in! Philippians 2:13

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. •

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. •