"I am the LORD, and I do not change."
Malachi 3:6
Malachi 3:6
As I write this post I must shout: "I am the LORD, and I DO NOT CHANGE."
Time changes.
People change.
Friends change.
Lipstick changes.
Children change.
Addresses change.
Shampoos change.
Bodies change.
Jobs change.
Cars change.
Television shows change.
Skin changes.
The list can go on and on and on. But I have to shout: Praise God, He does not change.
Girlfriend to Girlfriend (and guyfriend): I am struggling with stuff right now and dealing with a lot of change. So this message is suave to my soul. I sure needed to be reminded of this truth today. His Word is always so powerful and on time.
Oh Lord, hear.
Oh Lord, forgive.
Oh Lord, listen and act.
Oh Lord, forgive.
Oh Lord, listen and act.
9 Comments:
Wendy, I am so thankful that the Lord does not change! I don't like change very much, so knowing that no matter what is going on around me He never will is such a comfort.
I lifted you up today in whatever changes you are facing. May peace reign in your heart and mind, the peace that only can come from Christ.
Blessings sisters,
Brandee, TN
In this changing, faced-paced world that we live in, we can always hold on to the verse in today's reading, "I do not change," Oh, thank you LORD for your promise that we so desperately need in today's world! Wendy, I can so relate to you and what you are going through. Why does everything have to change? At times we just want life to hold still. Freeze. Remain the same. As I read your list, Wendy, the one that stood out to me was, "children change." I'm struggling with this right now; daily, I have to seek God as I let my teenager's spread their wings, and allow myself to let go. The good news is, He has poured out his Spirit upon us! Joel 2:28. When we are filled with his Holy Spirit, He lovingly provides wisdom to guide our thoughts, our attitudes, and our actions.
I was excited this morning to read about the future end-time day of the LORD being mentioned so many times! Joel 1:15, 2:1, 11, 31, & 3:14.
It's hard to believe, dear ladies, that today we end our time together in the O.T. Wendy, thank you so much for encouraging, teaching, and sharing with us the wisdom you have gained by your daily diligence to study God's Word. Truly, you have inspired us throughout the year! Thank you, ladies too! Each post brings a new verse alive. I'm so looking forward to spending more time with you all as we dive into the N.T.
Hugs, love, & prayers~Lori-AZ
Joel 2:13-14
13 Don’t tear your clothing in your grief,
but tear your hearts instead.”
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
He is eager to relent and not punish.
14 Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve,
sending you a blessing instead of this curse.
Perhaps you will be able to offer grain and wine
to the Lord your God as before.
These verses really speak to me this morning. I feel called to really turn back to God, tearing my heart before Him! I like Lori have really been blessed by this journey through the Old Testament with you all. I have grown immeasurably and learned so much!
God has been working His measage of Love in my heart this past week as I struggled with leaving my family again to return to Basel, worrying about my sister-in-law, watching my husband and 20-something daughters (not) interact, I have felt at my wits end! But God has assured my that love overcomes all things;
"Love one another deeply because love covers a multitude of sins," 1 Peter 4:8
"These three remain, faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love." 1 corinthians 13:13
"In your unfailing love you will lead
the people you have redeemed.
In your strength you will guide them
to your holy dwelling." Exodus 15:13
12I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it (John 14:12-14.
I have faith that God is gracious, merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and in Him all things are possible.
Thank you for your insights and time!
Love,
Karen
Goodmorning all,
I am very grateful that the Lord does not change!! At times I don't even want to be bothered by myself, can you imagine if God were like that? I can't!!
My nugget for today came from Joel 2:13, which is also found in Jonah 4:2, as follows;
Don’t tear your clothing in your grief,but tear your hearts instead.”Return to the Lord your God,for he is merciful and compassionate,slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
He is eager to relent and not punish.
God is a God of second,third, fourth, fifth,.......chances and He does not keep count.HE is the same today, yesterday and forevermore!!
Be blessed all!!
Chanan, Bahamas.
Amen, sister!
Wendy, I absolutely love that adorable picture of you in the sidebar!
I really enjoyed today's reading! A coworker and I just discussed yesterday about God never changing. We wondered what nonbelievers put their stock in? Every other option changes...even spouses,children, financial situations, etc...
I also honed in on "tear your hearts instead". God knows if our intentions are truly inward or just outward for looks or by habit.
Just loved it all today!
Morgen - MN
Wendy, I too am going through some life changes... but in the midst of all that change there is a steady focal point... God.
When I was in labor with my daughter, the Lamaze class taught to find a focal point and breathe slowly during your contractions. There was a Mexican cross hanging on the wall, bright colored yarns wrapped around the cross shape sticks. When the contractions came, I would focus on that cross and remember what to do. It didn't make the contractions any less painful; but my breathing would slow, making the birthing process easier on my body.
I was not a Christian those many years ago, but now I have a focal point that will never change... and I can take Him with me wherever I go :) No matter the pains of change that are taking place in my life, I need only look to the Focal Point and remember what to do. Take it to the Lord in prayer... then take a deep, slow breath.
My nugget was Joel 2:13-14 also.
Oh Lord, tear my heart wide open and fill it with your unfailing love.
Loving the comments today ladies...I'm enjoying my lunch and getting filled up twice-fold! Thank you.
A few more nuggets to focus on and be thankful for: "Look! I am...enough to satisfy your needs." Joel 2:19
"Be glad now and rejoice, for the LORD has done great things...don't be afraid..." 21,22
and...I just love when He refers to us as, "my people, my special possession." 3:2
Susan, I'm praying that today you feel God's peace as you meet and discuss your upcoming treatment with the doctor.
Enjoy the afternoon!
Lori - AZ
Oh Wendy, I am so thankful too that God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Praise His Name!
That reminded me of something I just read yesterday in Beth Moore's, Esther study. "When the seemingly unshakeable shakes, we're twice as shaken." Everything and everyone else we depend on will fail us, but God never will let us down. He is our anchor.
Today my attention was drawn to, “Surely the LORD has done great things! Don’t be afraid, my people. Be glad now and rejoice, for the LORD has done great things.” Joel 2:20b-21
I know someone who is “afraid” of good news. Well, “afraid” might be a little strong, but she is definitely hesitant and anxious to believe good news. She’s one who wants to wait and see the outcome before rejoicing prematurely. It’s like she is afraid to be happy and rejoice in case something happens to steal her joy. It’s so sad really. She lives like at any moment someone is going to come and reverse anything good that happens. She thinks happiness is momentary and fleeting and just offers false hope. She appears wary and sceptical that anything truly miraculous could really occur.
This verse seems to encourage stepping out in faith and celebrating. God wants us to recognize the great things He causes to happen all around us and rejoice. Don’t stifle praise. Yes, circumstances can change in an instant, but if God has done something good, let’s party!!!
The next trial doesn’t negate today’s triumph.
Let’s recognize and embrace the joy of seeing God work in our lives,
Joy
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