Category Archives: Christianity

Change…

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I am not a big fan of change. When something works, why fix it? If everything is going along fine, why mess with it? Can’t we just maintain the status quo, please?

There are a lot of changes going on all around me that I am completely powerless to stop. My kids are growing up and the family dynamics are swiftly changing. My father is in the throes of dementia and my mother’s way of life (and by extension, those of my sisters and me) is changing. Things at work are always changing. The weather is always changing. My weight is always changing. Even my weekend plans are always in a state of flux.

Sometimes I want to dig my feet in and just say no. This situation is fine just the way it is, thank you very much. But in my attempt to be more in line with God’s way of doing things I decided to look up the word “change” in the bible. I thought maybe I could find some justification for staying the same.

Dangit.

The word is used in two different ways, neither of which support my hopes of a static existence.

As a human we should desire change. Change from the old self into a new self.

As God, HE is unchangeable. In fact, he is the only thing that does not change.

*sigh*

Which means I have to change my way of thinking. And the truth is, change isn’t always a bad thing. In fact it might be a little uncomfortable at times, but usually it’s a good thing. Sometimes a really good thing.

So how do I accept change with the right attitude? Not by myself, I’ll tell you that!

First I remember Romans 8:28 ~

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Okay. I love him and I know he’s called me according to his purpose, not my own. And he IS God, after all, which means he’s much smarter than I am. So maybe this change is a good thing.

Then I remember Philippians 4:6-7 ~

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

That “peace of God” part? It’s my favorite. Especially when the change isn’t welcomed at all, as in the example of my father’s declining health.

If I truly believe God is in control of everything then I suppose (albeit a little begrudgingly at times) I can handle the change.

Do you struggle with change? If not, what’s your secret? If so, what do you do about it?

 

 

How God Fits…

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By Becky Preston

Perhaps I may take the liberty to reword this sentence into something a little different: “Helping women see how they fit into the story of God.”  Not very catchy, but I believe this is the mission of the church, and therefore the individuals who make up the church.  I also believe that this is the intention of the CLEAR ministry of CCV.

Now this can be a bit intimidating to those of us who have spent a lifetime trying to determine “God’s will for my life”.  I am guilty of this, but after all these years I have determined several things.  God’s will in my life is not unlike the will of God for many.  He wants us to believe in Him and in the work His Son, Jesus, did while on this earth.  Simple, just believe.  In CLEAR, we want people to believe in Jesus Christ.

But it doesn’t stop at belief.  Once we have taken the step towards belief, we have responsibilities.  God has called His followers to action, primarily in the role of obedience.  Am I talking about the Ten Commandments?  Perhaps, but I think obedience is more like living a life that is worthy of His having called us to be His children.  Obedience is taking His commands and following them.  Some of His commands are to bring others into the family of God, disciple those who are within our realm of influence, encourage the discouraged, weep with those who weep, care for those who have needs, be hospitable, pray, become mature followers, and on and on.  The New Testament gives us a multitude of ways in which we can follow God and be obedient to His commands.  When we obey Him, we glorify Him.   CLEAR wants to help women identify where God has called them to be obedient.  In this, CLEAR can bring glory to God.

You may think, “This is all well and good, but what does it look like?  That is a big list and I can’t possibly do all those things.”  I don’t think God is asking us to do this for the whole world, but within our circle of influence.  We have families, friends, jobs, and other settings that we frequent.  Those are the areas in which we are responsible to minister to others.  Where we are and what season of life we are in is likely God’s calling for us right now.  It may change as we seek other opportunities or our children grow up and live their own calling, but being confident in the knowledge that God has us where we need to be at this time is priceless.  Resting in God is certainly a way to be obedient and to give Him glory.  CLEAR desires to support each woman in the stage of life that God has called her.

In the end, believing in Jesus the Son of God, and being obedient to the life God has called us to brings glory to God.  Ultimately, the CLEAR ministry desires to bring glory to God.