MAKE THE CHANGE

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

There he sat.  He was a little worn out.  A few nights sleeping in a tent will do that.  He was homeless.  Struggling. Waiting for a bed to begin the “treatment” process one more time.  He hadn’t “used” in a while; no money tends to lead to forced sobriety but I could tell he really didn’t want to continue to use.  He asked, “Is this the bottom”.  I responded as I always do, “Maybe, but they sometimes have basements.” 

I am praying this is his bottom.  I am praying his heart is ready for change.  Why? Because the door of opportunity and change is always open with GOD.  Always.

For him. For all of us.

Joel 2:13-14

Change your life, not just your clothes. Come back to God, your God. And here’s why: God is kind and merciful. He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot, This most patient God, extravagant in love, always ready to cancel catastrophe. Who knows? Maybe he’ll do it now, maybe he’ll turn around and show pity. Maybe, when all’s said and done, there’ll be blessings full and robust for your God!

I love that passage.

It says so much about our Father.  He always wants us back!  Even when we have strayed far and long He is there, waiting and praying for our return!

Matthew 23:37

How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings…

GOD stands at the ready for when we “are done”.  When we are ready to stop He is ready to begin! Yet how often do we in our stubbornness and self-will continue to “do things our way”? Continuing to suffer on our steam doing our best to manage the consequences and promised discipline of a loving Father?

Hebrews 12:11 (NLT)

11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful...

Be honest.

But the rest of that passage holds the promise that comes with change!

Hebrews 12:11 (cont)

…But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

I believe that my friend has tired of the discipline and is ready to make the necessary changes.  In fact we connected him to a job and lodging to begin the process.  Already GOD is canceling some of the catastrophe in his life.  All it took was a willingness to “change”; to return to GOD!

Acts 3:19

…change your ways! Turn to face God so he can wipe away your sins, pour out showers of blessing to refresh you

The message for my friend is the same for all of us today.  GOD is ready to do a wonderful work in us.  We just need to let Him! 

Are there some changes YOU need to make?  (I know I have a BUNCH!)

GOD is ready to shower blessing.  Why are you waiting?

 

I love you all!

HAVE A BLESSED WEEKEND

Freedom Church

 

Pastor GDelaney