Make a Difference

So, this isn't the way it's supposed to be. Life here is not ideal. We have to be open to change. Change isn't always bad.

 

So, I ask you, what changes are you making? What difference are you making in your little bit of the world? Because believe it or not, you never know what a big difference a small difference can make, unless you make it.

 

Many people have died and been injured from different events this week just here in the U.S., let alone what happens around the world on a daily basis. Are you praying? Are you donating time or money to organizations that can help those in need? Have you made an appointment to donate blood with the Red Cross? Or organized a donation with your church?

 

In the wake of such blatant disregard for the preciousness of life, have you resolved to be kinder to those around you? Are you taking every opportunity to be loving? Are you working to remind those that feel like they have no hope that our hope is not in this world? Are you being comforting? Are you being Jesus for those who need Him most?

 

Want to think smaller but still important? Ok. It's about to be Earth Day. Are you caring for the earth as good stewards of God's property? Are you recycling everything you can? Are you reminding others to recycle? Are you planning to go out a support an earth friendly cause this weekend? Or to educate yourself some more on how to be earth friendly? God cares about the earth. Do you?

 

Start with prayer. It's a great place to start because it's powerful, it's free, and you can do it anywhere.

 

Remember:

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. (James 5:16b-18)

And if you want to make a difference, but you don't know how, then you now know what to pray for!

 

What difference are you making?

Share it with all of us here?

 

What's your story?

 

 

 

change

I (Sherann) hear it quite often.  Change.  It's one of those words that can either bring you hope or shivers down your spine.  I hear people say they don't like change, but they know it's inevitable.  Change will come.  Sometimes you are ready for it and often times it comes when you least expect it.  And whether you want change or not, let me just break the ice before you read on.  Change will come.
But think back for a moment and look at all the changes that took place in your life.  And because of change you are where you are today.  Personally, who knew that a bay area girl would move to the valley. (seriously, right?)  I prepared for that and as I look back, i'm grateful for that change.
But on the other hand, I wasn't prepared for my mom to unexpectedly pass away.  It will be four months and I still haven't fully grasped this whole grieving process.  People have been telling me that I will need to adjust to the "new" normal.  In other words, change is on the horizon and I need to adjust my life towards this "new" direction... a direction without my mom.  I get that.  I understand that.  I'm working to get there.
PERHAPS, even at this very moment YOU, my friend are going through changes or change is on the horizon.  Whether you are graduating from high school/college, career choices, moving to another state, etc... I would like to share with you one truth that has kept me going.

Ready?

Whatever "change" you may be facing, you and I can hold onto this truth:

My God.. YOUR God... does NOT change.  Can you just let that wash over you right now?  Our God does not change in the midst of what you are going through.

Hebrews 6:17-18 (The Message):
 "When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can’t break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable.

2 Timothy 2:13 (ESV)
"If we are faithless, he remains faithful."

I am grateful that God is an unchanging God and I can trust His promises to be true.
Today, I hope that you are reminded of His unfailing love and faithfulness.   Face your change with God before and behind you.

Because He lives... I can face tomorrow
Because He lives... all fear is gone
Because I KNOW... He holds the future
and life is worth the living just because HE LIVES!

 soli deo gloria

Not the Way it's Supposed to Be

Today's tragedy in Boston is just another reminder that this world is not the way that it's supposed to be.

Sin has a strong hold on humanity. The enemy holds no regard for human life. And his power over many is very strong.

In this time of despair and sadness, as individuals and families are suffering, we need to pray for those who are suffering, and we need to remember the love of God and the hope that we have in His Son, Jesus Christ.

I encourage you to turn this tragedy, this weapon of the enemy, into an opportunity to share God's love and hope. To shine His light into the darkness. To remind those who are confused, that while God allows evil to exist, it is only for a time, and it is only because we (humans) chose it over good at times. This is not the way it's supposed to be. And it's not the way that it will always be. Praise God! This is not the way that it will always be!

Acts like this are just proof that we need a savior. Which means that it is the perfect opportunity for you to share Jesus with others. This hurting broken world needs Jesus now just as much as it ever did.

Be His light in the darkness of this world. Be His hands and feet to those who are suffering. Remind them that they are not alone and that there is hope.

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Cor 15:55)

The tomb is empty! And it isn't empty so that we can sit in it and marvel at the fact that it's empty. It's empty so we can go out and share the news with those who are suffering that death has been defeated and that our God has done, is doing, and will do great things!

Go out and tell them!