There was once a cigarette ad campaign featuring a person with a black eye and the slogan, "I'd rather fight that switch." It's amazing how many people you hear who are not happy with the way things are going in their life yet seem to take the same attitude toward making any change as the cigarette ad campaign. Can't you just imagine that person you heard complaining about things in their life wearing a black eye and the caption over their head, "YEA, THINGS MAY NOT BE THE WAY I WANT IT TO BE - BUT I'D RATHER FIGHT THAN CHANGE."
How ridiculous! If you are not happy with the way things are going in your life - why aren't you making the necessary changes and adjustments to get you on the track where you want to be?
In the Old Testament, God's people were heading down the road to disaster and he sent his prophet Jeremiah to warn them, calling on them to make some changes in their lives but they refused.
Jeremiah 26:13 (ESV) Now therefore mend your ways and your deeds, and obey the voice of the Lord your God, and the Lord will relent of the disaster that he has pronounced against you.
Earlier in the Old Testament there's an example of Jacob who is about to face the greatest test of his life and knows his spiritual walk with God has not been what it should be so he sees a needed change in both himself and his family.
Genesis 35:2 (ESV) So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, "Put away the foreign gods that are among you and purify yourselves and change your garments.
Here's the point: If you don't like the way things are - CHANGE. Make the first step right now toward making a change. Granted, there are things about which we are not happy and cannot change, but we can change our attitude toward the situation.
The place to begin is our heart. We often want to begin with our circumstances and work our way in with change, but God says to begin with a change within, as He leads you, prompts you, guides you, and helps you. Listen to the words of the prophet:
Joel 2:12-13 (ESV) "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; 13 and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.
If you aren't happy with your job, work on making a change in attitude and/or begin to look for another one. If you aren't happy with the shape you are in - make a change in your lifestyle.
Making changes is not easy so it may require some outside help in the way of coaching through. guidance and encouragement. Taking the first step by facing the problem, seeking help, and making a change in attitude is the step in the right direction.
God's Word is the place to begin. The Bible is an agent for change.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV) All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
Anyone can complain about the status of things. If you aren't happy with the way things are: MAKE A CHANGE and begin within.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker
Bob is the pastor of Christ Community Presbyterian Church, Clearwater, Florida. See www.ccpconline.org for church information and listen to Bob’s latest sermons.
FCA Endurance – Clearwater – for information see the FCA link on www.bobbrubaker.com. Please pass the word to athletes in the Clearwater area. For information about FCA Endurance see www.fcaendurance.com .
IRONMAN FOR LIFE
I am participating in Ironman FL on November 6, 2010. More important than the 140.6 mile race is my participation in the Janus Charity Challenge in which athletes use their participation in the Ironman event to raise money for charity.
My choice is the Pregnancy Center of Pinellas County because they are used by God in the saving of many babies every year.
Will you help? Please go the website listed below and consider making a donation. I have listed a goal of $25,000 - however if I can be the top fundraiser in the Janus Charity competition, Janus Charity will donate an extra $10,000. That will mean I will need to raise nearly $100,000.
Anything is possible with God as He uses each of us to make a donation and then tell ten friends about the site and ask them to participate by making a donation.
I'm calling this the Ironman for Life challenge because that is what we are doing. As the 2.4 mile swim, the 112 mile bike, and the 26.2 mile run seems impossible but do-able one step at a time, so the Ironman for Life challenge of raising money to save babies is possible with one donation at a time.
Will you help? Please follow the link below. Or visit my website: www.bobbrubaker.com
Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Janus Charity Challenge
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