Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12:2 (NLT)
There was a man who shared with me that he left his church being quite upset due to some changes in the leadership. The music director, who did a good job according to him was let go, and due to that, his Sunday school teacher whom he really liked had left the church. Furthermore, he was unhappy that they had both already been replaced, and the new music director did a lot of songs that he did not know. As a result of all this, he had left the church and had not found one yet to attend.
Change is inevitable! There will be good changes, not so good changes, changes in methods, music, styles of worship, leadership and on and on. These things will happen and there is nothing that we can do about some of them. However, there is a change that must take place in our hearts in order for us to be able to seek the will of God amidst all this.
God wants to make us “new” inside. This does not mean we are born again in our mother’s womb or that we get a whole new body (wishful thinking). God wants to be first place in our lives and allow Him to direct us and help us be obedient to Him.
The customs of society will always change. But one thing we can know for sure is that we serve a God who does not change. He will transform your life and make you a new person in Christ, and will help you adapt when change does come your way. It surely will! Our utmost desire should be to please Him in the way we react and think no matter what goes on around us.
©Rev. Dr. Jeanne McIntosh June 26, 2011. All rights reserved.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Chaplain Jeanne
While my husband and I were visiting a couple who were considered (shut-ins) we were having a wonderful conversation when the hostess stopped the conversation to offer us something to drink. She brought me a tall glass of cold water. Her hospitality was not elaborate, expensive, nor did it take a lot of time in preparation. It reminded me of the scripture in which Jesus tells us from Mark 9:41.
“For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.” (KJV)
Once while talking with a man in the hospital, he shared how he went to church once time and was called a bum. What a tragedy and missed opportunity for someone.
As servants of Jesus Christ, we are to reach out and offer this water whenever we are see the opportunity to make someone comfortable and at ease. We are to show them “Jesus” in our words and actions. Jesus reached out to the poor, the lame, the lepers, and those who no one wanted to associate with.
Hospital is a word derived from “hospitality” and it is a place where the sick are made whole. It is a place of comfort, love, kindness, and great care. As a member of the Body of Christ, let us reach out to those around us. We do not have far to look and God will present opportunities our way if we are looking, listening, and opened to learning how we might give a cup of cold water in the name of Jesus.
© Rev. Jeanne McIntosh June 26, 2011. All rights reserved.
Chaplain Jeanne
One patient expressed his displeasure in his doctor. The doctor had walked into the room asking one question and walked out. The patient was not happy. I convey this with the nurse’s station. They showed concern and were willing to record this message. I am glad that we serve a God who is never too busy to listen to us.
A woman were distraught and emotionally upset. She shared that the police had came to her door, knocking it down while she was in the hospital. Her father said they also came to his house and asked where she was. She said she had always paid her rent and could not understand why she was treated this way. She lived right across from the police department. I did not know the whole story, but the One who does and can help her. I had prayer with her and referred her to Social Services to see if they could make sense of her story. God understands when we do not.
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