We are Transformers

Good Morning God's people,

I always like to say, "God loves you the way you are but He expects you to change." God is into change. Today our high temps are 10 or more degrees below what they were the other day; Praise the Lord. We have had a very hot summer. The Lord changes the seasons four times a year and he said he makes "all things new". He also said for us to sing a "new song" unto Him and when we are born again he says that we become "new creations in Christ Jesus, the old has gone and behold all things are New". The Bible teaches that we are being renewed day by day and transformed into the image of His son. Why then do we resist change so vigorously? Why do we eat the same meal every time we go to the same restaurant? Why do we complain about our fat bellies, lame jobs or lazy children and just live with it? Because it takes guts to change. And it’s so much easier to complain than to change.

Eli the prophet comes to mind. Remember big Eli? His sons were "hookin' up" with the church ladies in the temple and they were stealing the best meat from the sacrifices. Word had gotten around town and nothing was done by the leadership. i.e. discipline, correction. Eli was their dad and the High Priest and he did nothing about it. Eli new what needed to change but did nothing. He was not angry enough, strong enough and probably too scared of his sons to stop their wickedness. Don't worry, though, God took care of his sons and him. His sons were killed in battle, they lost the Ark of the Covenant and Eli fell off his chair, broke his neck and died. When things need to be delt with and changed we need to remember Eli and get things taken care of or God will do it for us. And His ways are usually painful.

I'm sure your not sinning like Eli and his sons but if we fail to grow (which means change) God will make it happen his way.

Heb 12:5 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
Heb 12:6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
Heb 12:7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?
Heb 12:8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.
Heb 12:9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!
Heb 12:10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.
Heb 12:11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Heb 12:12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.

Notice it said, v5 "word of encouragement" and then in v.7 endure hardships as discipline. Not all hardships are from the Devil, in fact if you think about the Devil you must consider a few things: a. he is not omni present b. you are probably not important enough for him to be spending time with you. He's at the White House or some world leader’s residence. This verse specifically says that God is doing it to us and we are to "endure" it.
And be encouraged because there is a purpose for this "pain" and it "produces a harvest of righteousness and peace".

So, my friends, pursue change, holiness and spiritual growth on your own or God will make it happen the old fashion way.

Love yall and be encouraged,

Pastor Skipper