The world is changing, a transformation is happening. This morning let's call upon God for assurance. It would seem that the world is spinning out of control. We are faced with surprises everyday that also seem to knock us off balance. What can we do to survive and thrive? How can our faith help us?
Several weeks ago, we talked about the "The Will of God". I hope you spent some time giving it some thought. Romans 12:2 tells us:
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Every year, God's cosmic will is shown in the cycles of the seasons. We have just gone through the Autumnal Equinox last Monday. Summer is over and we are now in Autumn. The Earth is beginning a transformation of great beauty. As in heaven, so on Earth.
With all the changes going on in this world, it can be unsettling. The Psalmist tells us another way to go through life: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want, He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me by quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me. Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love, will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
When we have the Lord as our Shepherd, we are protected and we receive guidance. The shepherd looks after the flock. There is an assurance both in this prayer and in the attitude to have. Follow the guidance given, especially in changing times.
The world seems to be spinning out of balance. It seems as if every day, there is more to unbalance us in our life: There have been fears of shortages of food, such as rice. There appears lines at gas stations as there where 22 years ago. Fears of lack of adequate fuel to maintain our daily activities. There are other shocks too, such as the Chinese placing a vehicle in orbit and their first space walks. While in our country, there appears to be a near meltdown in our financial system. Who would have thought that our banking industry would be subject to failure? Washington Mutual, one of the largest banks had a run on it that withdrew over 16 billion dollars causing it to fail, then being purchased. What has driven the prices of food and fuel up? Fear.
The world is full of shocks that shake us awake from the sleep of the cocoon we have been living in. These changes remind me of the humble little butterfly and the transformation they go through in their life. With the warm temperatures of summer, we have been blessed to see these little creatures of God as they have transformed from the larval caterpillar stage, an inactive pupal stage, and a spectacular metamorphosis into a familiar and colourful winged adult form. When we accept Christ and God as our shepherd and guide, we too go through a spectacular transformation. We awaken from our sleep, we are transformed by the Holy Spirit to a beautiful being with like the beautiful butterfly with gossamer wings.
As our transformation by accepting Christ, we turn to our Father in prayer. We look for his light to guide us. Prayer becomes a larger part of our life. We commune with God and follow the still small voice that speaks to us. Our shepherd is the Christ teaching us to follow in Jesus path, to walk in his footsteps. Our life is changed forever. We can't go back once awakened. When we draw the light of Christ into our daily life, the spinning world is less of concern. We are more grounded and not upset by the changes that are occurring in the outer world. Our inner world is more peaceful and content. I shall not be in want. I am as the 23rd Psalm speaks with my cup running over. Jesus also tells us: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
In conclusion:
Watch the Earth be transformed by God's will in Fall's grandeur. Use the 23rd Psalm to bring you peace and contentment in these turbulent earthly times. Walk with and be protected by the Shepherd. Be transformed by renewing your mind. Find your heart and your treasure. Remember what the Bible tells us in
2 Corinthians 3:18
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
God Bless you.
Closing Prayer:
Eternal God, Father of the human family, through voices raised in song and through the stillness of the silence, we extol Thy Divine Love and Wisdom which has made us heirs to Thy Creative will. In that Love, do we find support in our weaknesses and encouragement in our strengths. In that Wisdom, do we find nourishment and growth. Transform our consciousness from limitation to realization, and our realization into perfection. Grant us the certainty that we may be perfect, even as Thou art perfect.
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