When we begin to change our ways, our lives will change as well. It is one thing to talk about Change and another to actually
go about the business of

Making Changes!

Corinthians 5:17   “If anyone is in Christ, he is a New Creation; the Old has gone, the New has come!

Changes may not be made over night, however through life's learning curve we find that there are necessary changes we will have to make if we are to truly enjoy God's Grace and Glory! When I speak about the changes happening in my life, some people will embrace them and say, “Good for you!”

Others will laugh and say, “Great, here we go again with another Bible thumper!”

Funny isn't it, that someone would laugh at another person who has seen the light and has chosen to follow the Light?

Romans 1:16  “I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the Salvation of everyone who believes!”

This keeps me strong, having the Belief and Faith that my Father God - Love me, Protects me and will Save me.

When I feel there are things beyond my control, I look to the heavens for the security and safety that my Faith in Jesus Christ provides me with in life here on earth. When and where I can, I try and share this with others who are in search of something better and more fulfilling than what they already have or think they might need.

Psalm 34:18  “ The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in Spirit”

A little reminder, that no matter how bad things get or who in this world would criticize me and my belief's, the Lord is always there to provide comfort for me and work on those who do not know Him.

Is it crazy for me to think that some people would fight the system for what they believe in, boycott companies to get what they think they deserve or protest leadership in order to make changes? No, it is crazy for me to think that Jesus Christ died for our Sins and some  people would ridicule the Glory I share with others for HIS unselfish act of dying on the cross for me!

Romans 15:13 “ May the God of Hope fill you with all the joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the holy spirit.”

Change is good! If change makes you a better person, friend, father, brother or sister how can that be bad? Knowing that Jesus lives within us and we have the ability to share that with others makes our lives meaningful, even in our darkest hour.

Psalm 40 : 1-3  “I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.”

My, how time can change people from someone we thought we knew, to someone we never knew before? God works His will on us in ways only He can know. That being said, who are we to judge whether he is right or wrong in changing the people He chooses to reach? I wish we could all be so fortunate to sing a new song in His name!

 John 12:24 “Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it”

Powerful words to live by  when change is what you seek. You might find that with change comes new friendships, love, patience and understanding. If this is so, can change be all that bad? When we get serious about drawing upon God's Power, remarkable things will happen!

Exodus 14:13-14  “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today... The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.”

If this is true, should I ever be afraid to speak His name in public and declare His greatness in all the land?

Corinthians 12:9  Jesus said, “ My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

In times of trouble or shame, knowing this verse is reason to be thankful for His birth. We have all been weak and we have all been lost but God's grace is all the Power I need when I cannot find my way.

Romans 6:23 “ The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Knowing that God provides for us, even when we feel we don't deserve it is a Gift. This Gift is not something we keep for ourselves, we share it with the rest of the world so that they may know the Power and the Glory of the Lord!

John 11:25-26 “ I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”

Life is long, however, if we do not take the time to notice that life is not a guarantee we will lose ourselves. The one guarantee I can take to the bank is that Jesus is our Lord and Savior there is no other way but through Him.

Change is good when it changes the way you think, the way you live and the way you treat others. More importantly, change is good when you go out into the world and share the changes happening in your life through God's undying love for you!

Colossians 3:9-10 “ You have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

With change comes responsibility to become the person you desire to be. Commit to the change and share with people in need; The young, the old, the different.

The changes I seek will impact not only me but the people I come in contact with.

Therefore, my understanding of the changes taking place is important for me share with others.

Corinthians 1:21-22 “It is God who makes you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”

This my friends is the kind of knowledge I keep in my heart but share with others to add comfort to their dreams and hopes, that this knowledge will change the way they live and think to greater feel the impact of God's saving Grace.

In closing out the year 2003, I need only remind myself of the security the Lord has given me and my family for 2004 and beyond!

While one more year has moved into the history books, I have moved one more year closer to understanding the true meaning of Life. While my emotional and physical being is in good standing and doing exceptionally well, my spiritual well being is always a work in progress. The constant fill or knowledge of what Jesus Christ has done for me as a person, has strengthened me from the inside out. I am better suited for the world outside my bubble. I am at peace with what the Lord has in store for me as a athlete and a husband. I look forward to hearing and singing the Gospel in His name.
The words I cling to the most when I need my share of reminders of how great our Lord is can be found in the following passage:

Matthew 7: 7-8 “ Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door  will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door  will be opened.”

 s there a better time than now to know your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

When the mind and body are working together as one, you can move mountains but when your heart and mind are set on the Lord, you can shake up the WORLD!

Zechariah 4:6  “ Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord

 Almighty!”

 Change is good!

 God Bless 2004!