Yesterday, Today and Forever

There is a saying about the weather where I live.

“If you don't like the weather, stick around a minute and it will change.”

This is a bit of an exaggeration but there are times when the weather changes quite frequently.

That was the case two weeks ago.

Saturday saw mild temperatures but very high winds.

Sunday saw a cold front arrive and the wind changed directions.

Monday brought cold temperatures.

Not to be outdone, Tuesday saw record cold temperatures.

Wednesday saw milder temperatures but the rains came.

Thursday the rain turned into drizzle.

On Friday the drizzle was replaced by dense fog.

Each day brought a new set of circumstances to contend with.

Each day brought its own set of challenges.

Of course change doesn't merely confine itself to the weather.

Our lives can seem turbulent at times and we can feel overwhelmed.

Politics, the economy, education and our careers can bring change into our lives.

People can also bring change in the ways they look at us and treat us.

Even family and friends can look at us and treat us differently at times.

Regardless of what changes upset our lives there is one constant we can always rely on.

Hebrews 13:8 (NET) – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever!

Even when our lives seem turbulent, Jesus is constant.

He does not change.

In the Matthew Chapter 8, we read where Jesus and His disciples were traveling by boat.

While Jesus slept, a storm developed with intense waves.

The disciples, convinced they were about to perish, awakened Him.

Jesus took control of the situation.

Matthew 8:26 (NET) – But He said to them, “Why are you cowardly, you people of little faith?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was dead calm.

I really love the way this translation words this.

It was not the disciples who ended up dead.

Instead it was the once turbulent sea that turned dead calm.

Jesus calmed a threatening sea.

Jesus never changes.

That means He can and continues to bring calm and stability to our lives.

Even when things seem out of control, Jesus remains constantly in control.

Yesterday.

Today.

Forever!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com

Resolutions and Change

We are now a few days into the New Year.

With a new year comes the hope of a new beginning.

A chance to start fresh with a clean slate.

That is why many people make resolutions every New Year.

By now a good many of these resolutions have already been abandoned.

In the days that follow many more will also fall by the wayside.

Personally, I have reached that stage in my life where I no longer make resolutions when new years roll around.

Wanting to make improvements in the quality of one's life is not a bad thing.

Experience has taught me that regardless of how noble my intention is, my human nature prevails in the long run and I end up back where I started.

Yet resolutions are about changes for the better and even I enjoy the benefits of such changes.

Looking back over the course of my lifetime I can identify major changes.

Many have occurred in the last decade.

My life has changed for the better in different areas and in different ways.

But how is this even possible when I have already admitted that I am not good at self improvement?

There is but one answer.

I'm not the one responsible for the changes.

God is.

He can do things in my life that I cannot imagine doing for myself..

He sees in me what I cannot see in myself.

Though I am not worthy, He blesses me.

When I am not easy to love, He loves me anyway.

Best of all, though I could never earn eternal life, He sent His only Son to save me.

That is His most precious blessing of all.

The best part is that He offers these things and more to everyone.

With God, there is no past that cannot be overcome.

There is no sin which cannot be forgiven.

There is a way that the slate can be truly wiped clean and a new and wonderful life story written.

If you have truly accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then you already understand this.

If you have not done so yet, it is not too late.

True and lasting change for the better is obtainable.

Matthew 19:25-26 (NET) – The disciples were greatly astonished when they heard this and said, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and replied, “This is impossible for mere humans but for God all things are possible.”

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com