Change

January 18th – Numbers 14:1

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Numbers 14:1

There’s no two ways about it. Change is hard, messy, and painful. That’s why so many of us stay stuck where we are. Because often it’s easier to deal with demon you know, than the one you don’t. I think about the Israelites. They take a lot of flack from people who don’t understand why they didn’t enter the promised land running with excitement and yelling for joy. But put yourself in their shoes. The generation to enter Canaan was a protected one. For forty years all they knew was a life of peace and plenty under the care of God. Now they were being called to become mighty warriors in His army. To go from a people with a faith, to a people with a mission. A call given to us as well. God doesn’t want us to be stuck in mediocrity. Or to be content with merely having a lukewarm faith. He wants us to become people with a mission. To allow His loving grace to transform us into battle ready soldiers. Ones working for His kingdom and glory, spreading His message of love and eternal life to a desperate, and often hostile, world.

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January 17th – James 1:1

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James 1:1

We all know people who are slaves to the grind, or a slave to love. But not James. James is a slave of God and the Lord, Jesus Christ. Serving his beloved Savior not in bondage, but in a liberating devotion. Finding purpose, joy, and fulfillment in serving the One whose love set him free. I want to be a James. I want to change from being a casual follower of Jesus to a dedicated servant. But the call to be a slave to Jesus involves a profound commitment. It means being willing to relinquish control and allow our faith to bear fruit. James invites us to not merely believe, but to become active participants in a faith journey that yields the fruits of love, obedience, and a life surrendered to Jesus. It prompts us to reconsider the nature of our faith and invites us to make intentional changes. Ones that result in a more profound and fruitful connection with our Savior. The joy of being a slave to Jesus is found in surrendering to His love and discovering true freedom in His grace.

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January 16th – 1 John 4:18

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1 John 4:18

Change isn’t easy. And facing the unknown is scary. But perfect love, as described in 1 John 4:18, acts as a shield against the fear of change. Because when we’re rooted in God’s unwavering love, we have all we need to embrace new beginnings without the anxiety that change often brings. With fear cast out, we have the courage needed for our journey of renewal and fresh starts. If each morning we surrender our day to God, we can embrace the freshness of the day without being stuck by the shackles of fear. And in the beauty of God’s perfect love, the prospect of a new beginning becomes not just a possibility but a reality to be embraced with faith and assurance. So as we step into uncharted territory, we can do so confidently. Because our path is illuminated by the radiant light of God’s perfect love, giving us the courage of a transformed and hopeful tomorrow. Courage to claim the promises of new beginnings that unfold when God’s love takes center stage in our hearts.

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January 15th – Joshua 6:20

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Joshua 6:20

We often build walls of self defense that we believe offer us a place safety. But ironically, they can become the very barriers that hinder our growth and progress. Embracing change and moving forward requires the courage to tear down these self-imposed walls, allowing us to step into the limitless possibilities of new beginnings. That’s why I love the story of Jericho and it’s fall. Their defensive walls crumbled at the sound of the Israelites’ obedience to God’s command. This powerful narrative resonates with the assurance that God, in His might, can tear down the seemingly insurmountable walls that hinder our progress. Just as the walls of Jericho fell, God stands ready to demolish the barriers in our lives that block our journey toward new beginnings. This verse embodies the transformative power of faith and obedience. For it reminds us that with God on our side, even the strongest wall will crumble. Paving the way for a fresh start and a future shaped by His divine plan.

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January 13th – Deuteronomy 1:6

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Deuteronomy 1:6

Sometimes we find ourselves stuck on a mountain top, too comfortable or too afraid to come down. But if we really want to move toward something new, we need courage. Courage to step into the valley of change, where growth and new opportunities await. And although scary, if we descend with faith guiding our steps, we can find excitement knowing every slope leads to a new beginning. The Israelites found themselves stuck at Mt. Horeb, afraid to enter the land God gave them. Yet He called them to put aside their fear. To arise and claim His beautiful promise. And He calls us to do the same. He beckons us to embrace change, and embark on a fresh chapter in life under His loving care. To move forward with bravery and faith. In our own journey of moving from the mountain, Deuteronomy 1:6 serves as a wonderful compass. One that directs us toward uncharted territories. Amazing new places where God’s promises unfold, and the beauty of new beginnings await for those who trust in His leading.

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December 30th – Ecclesiastes 3:1

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Ecclesiastes 3:1

If there’s one thing that’s a constant in our lives, it’s change. And embracing that change takes an act of courage, a willingness to let go of the familiar and face the unknown. So as we stand on the threshold of a new year, it’s natural to reflect on the changes of the past, and wonder about the ones 2024 will bring. That’s why we are encouraged to start the year with a Christ-centered perspective, focused on using all change to transform us into the likeness of our Savior. The teachings of our Lord emphasize the importance of faith, hope, and love, and trust in Him to guide us through the ebb and flow of life’s transitions. And as we navigate the unknown terrain of the coming year, we can trust in God’s divine plan. Having confidence that even in the face of change, God’s purpose always prevails. Because when we do we discover that change is not merely a disruption, but a catalyst for growth and spiritual transformation. Inviting us to draw closer to the source of everlasting grace, Jesus Christ.

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September 27th – Joshua 1:9

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Joshua 1:9

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

The story of Joshua is one of my favorites in the Bible. Imagine the weight of being called to take over for Moses and lead God’s people into their promised land. And as someone who doesn’t easily embrace change and is prone to fear, I can’t help but admire his strength. Because Joshua never let the unknown keep him from obeying the Lord. God often calls us to step out of our comfort zone, urging us to embrace change and growth. Because as our Heavenly Father, He knows us better than we know ourselves. And He sees the missed opportunities and experiences that come from always staying in our own little box. So God encourages us to break free from our self-imposed limitations, trust in His plan, and follow Him into the unknown with faith, courage, and excitement. If we want a personal transformation, a deeper understanding of our purpose, and a closer connection to God, that can only happen through leaps of faith. Times when we overcome our fears, and embrace the unknown.

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September 7th – Isaiah 43:19

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Isaiah 43:19

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Of the many tools of the Enemy, one is his ability to constantly remind us of our past mistakes. And he does so with the goal of keeping us from the forgiveness and grace offered through Jesus. That’s why it’s vital that as Christian’s, we know the difference between healthy remorse that leads to positive change and unproductive regret. And more importantly to remember the promises of God. Including making a, “way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” This means that no matter what we face, God has the power to provide a path forward. And we can trust in His ability to lead us through life’s wilderness moments and to quench our spiritual thirst in times of drought. The Lord invites us to let go of past regrets and be open to new beginnings. And He calls us to remain hopeful, knowing that He is continually working for our good, even when we can’t see it. This in turn inspires us to face life’s challenges with faith. Fully believing that God can transform even the most barren situations into opportunities for growth, purpose, and renewal.

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September 6th – Ecclesiastes 3:1

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Ecclesiastes 3:1

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens;”

I love a quote by Helen Keller which says, “To keep our faces toward change, and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate, is strength undefeatable.” No one likes change. Yet no matter how hard we try, nothing stays the same forever. That’s why Solomon teaches us about the seasons of life and the importance of embracing change. Today, in our fast-paced and ever-evolving world, this verse serves as a timeless reminder. It encourages us to recognize that change is a part of our existence. Just as the world experiences different seasons, our lives also go through seasons both joyful and challenging. Applying this wisdom means understanding that there is a purpose and a time for everything. It calls us to accept the inevitability of change, to cherish moments of happiness, and to endure through times of difficulty, knowing that they too shall pass. It encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty and timing. To find contentment in every season and seeking His guidance in navigating life’s ever-shifting circumstances. And in doing so, we can find peace and purpose in the midst of life’s changes.

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August 1st – Colossians 3:16

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Colossians 3:16

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

It doesn’t get much better than driving in your car, sun shining, windows down, and your favorite song blaring on the radio. Whether it be from the lyrics, the beat, or the melody, music can bring forth a variety of physical responses. Paul understood the capacity music has to change both hearts and lives. And so he tells us to use the songs we sing to both teach the Word of God, and to gently advise those who may need correcting. Always doing so with hearts of thanksgiving and with the goal of helping each other in our walk of faith. But most of all, to glorify God. The greatest purpose music can serve is when we use it as God intended, as a means to worship Him. The music we play and the songs we sing, are a testimony to both God and world around us. So let our song be one of devotion, thankfulness, and appreciation to the Lord. A melody of thankfulness that sprouts from deep in our hearts and brings a song of joy to our lips.

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