A man dialed a wrong number and got the following recording: “I am not available right now, but I thank you for caring enough to call. I am making some changes in my life. Please leave a message after the beep. If I do not return your call, you are one of the changes.” (Source: Unknown)
What kind of changes are you pursuing this week? Whether we realize it or not, we all change. Maybe it is a better job (hoping for a more thoughtful co-workers or a boss that prioritizes better work/home balance). Maybe the change you are pursuing is starting a new way of eating where you remove wheat, modified food starch, dairy, sugar, and anything else that tastes good. Or maybe the change you seek is better life margins (because you no longer want to feel like you are running through life like you are running the last mile of a marathon while holding a suitcase full of bricks being chased by a mountain lion).
Take a look at the changes we have experienced in our society since the 1990’s.
More than a third of American households report working from home more often since 2020.
In 1999, the internet still had that shiny “new” feeling to it. Dial-up internet access was the norm, and Google had just jumped on the internet the year before. Now you tell a joke and your family & friends laugh – and then google laughs, Alexa laughs, and Siri laughs!
In 1993 only 22.3% of USA households had a computer in their home. In 2018, 88.8% of USA households owned a home computer.
The list of changes could continue to be rehearsed for days to come and the impact of these changes will be felt for generations to come. The fact is change is inevitable. However, the change with the greatest impact is not enabled via technology. The change above any possible change is only found in Jesus! Every man, woman, and child will be changed when they come to Christ! Mankind longs for genuine love, true joy, and undeniable peace – while surrounded by corrupt politicians, failing investment portfolios, insecure occupations, and strained relationships. The search seems elusive! We must change the search parameters and replace everything in the search bar with one word – JESUS. Come to Jesus and find the change that satisfies above everything else!
AN IMPOSSIBLE TRANSFORMATION
Before Christ…Saul came to the road of Damascus full of ambition, goals, authority, and power. He thought he had figured things out. He had been so successful in these endeavors that he chose to expand his reach beyond Jerusalem and set up “satellite campaigns” beginning in Damascus. Saul was accomplishing his goals and fulfilling his ambitions all while being approved by the chief priests (Acts 9:14).
Years ago, I was driving east bound on a 4 four lane road when I saw a car driving west bound in the east bound lane! The driver had driven right past the west lane they were supposed to turn into and ended up going the wrong direction in the wrong lane. It took them some time to realize the mistake they had made. Thankfully, no one was hurt.
If we are not careful, we will find ourselves driving in the wrong lane and not avoiding the roads of life God calls destructive. The believer can sometimes pursue ambitions and goals that are in opposition to God, just like Saul did. Our culture embraces the same things God condemns. We think we would never engage in opposition to God, yet sometimes we drive down that road before realizing how much damage we have caused. We may not be beating Christians up and throwing them in jail. In fact, many here are professing Christians; however, a Christian can still be tempted to abuse God’s way. Consider these three examples of opposing God’s way:
Cursing (Lk. 6:45; Eph. 4:29). Such terms are not corrected by saying “pardon my French.” The words we use are a reflection of what fills our heart.
Pornography (Matt. 5:24; Mk. 7:20-23; Gal. 5:19-21; I Cor. 6:18; Heb. 13:4). Immorality is condemned in about 25 passages in the New Testament. 68% of church going men view this immorality regularly. 87% of Christian women have watched pornography.
Gossip/Slander (James 3:5-10). The tongue is a powerful tool or weapon! An entire person’s reputation can be destroyed with one uninformed conversation.
After Meeting Christ…Saul left the road to Damascus emptied of self-importance and personal goals. The official papers from the high priest suddenly became unimportant. His physical eyesight was gone. Shockingly blind. He went from leading others to being helped to his feet (“he fell to the earth,” Acts 9:4) and led by others. He has stopped his pursuit of persecution and can now listen to understand. God. Has. His. Attention.
On April 13, 2022, A train broke down in Portland, Maine, blocking morning rush hour traffic at 6:30 AM…for two hours. The train was long enough to block several intersections for this extended period of time, causing significant delays for the daily commute to work.
What keeps you where you are? What keeps you from trusting Jesus as your Savior? Some say I can save myself by living a good life. Did you know the Bible says we are not saved by our good works (Jn. 14:6; Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)? Others say no one can know for sure. Did you know the Bible says we can know for sure (I Jn. 5:13)? Yet others say they follow a different path, but it still leads to the same destination. Did you know the Bible says there is no other way (Acts 4:12)? I urge you today to trust in Jesus alone for the forgiveness of sin and for a home in heaven! Click here to watch a video series called “Done” or inquire for more information about heaven.
A GROWING FAITH
Ananias has quite the assignment in Acts 9:10-18. God tells Ananias to go to the man who is throwing Christians into jail!
God’s Charge: go to Saul and heal his blindness
Ananias’ Fear: I have heard of this man…the persecutor!
God’s Confirmation: I still want you to go
Ananias’ Courage: He had courage because He believed God. His belief in God moved him to obedience…simple as that! Courage is faith in God.
Goldy living in a godless age, kind words amid unkind actions, sharing the good news of salvation to those who don’t realize how much they need Jesus – these all require courage. Your courage grows as your faith in God grows.
John Wesley was robbed as he was returning from a service one night.
As the bandit was leaving, Wesley called out, “Stop! I have something more to give you.” The surprised robber paused. “My friend,” said Wesley, “you may live to regret this sort of life. If you ever do, here’s something to remember: the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin!” The thief hurried away, and Wesley prayed that his words would bear fruit.
Years later, Wesley was greeting people after a Sunday service when he was approached by a stranger. It surprised Wesley to learn that this visitor, now a Christian and a successful businessman, was the one who had robbed him years before! “I owe it all to you,” said the transformed man.
“Oh no, my friend,” Wesley exclaimed, “not to me, but to the precious blood of Christ that cleanses us from all sin!” (Source: A Feast for the Soul, Robert M. Solomon)
We are all changed when we come to Jesus!
Friend, have you accepted God’s way of forgiveness of sin and a relationship with Him? Accept Him today!
Church? Your courage reveals your faith in God. Trust the Lord in daily living and find Him to be more than the greatest change a person can imagine!