Changes

by George | Apr 2, 2022 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter

Changes

“Of old, You founded the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. Even they will perish, but You endure, And all of them will wear out like a garment; Like clothing, You will change them and they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not come to an end.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭102:25-27‬ ‭

Yesterday afternoon I visited a patient in an assisted living facility. A good friend of mine was the nursing supervisor there for many years. She doesn’t work there anymore. When I finished the visit, I went upstairs to the nursing supervisor’s office to document my visit. 

The door was open, and the new supervisor was cleaning the office. Several bags were on a cart, presumably to take somewhere or be disposed of. 

I spoke with the new supervisor. She’s really nice, but she’s not my friend. 

In time I will get used to this, but it will take time. 

My point in all this is to say what we all know: Life is filled with changes, and we have to adjust. 

However, I’m very thankful that God never changes! We can depend on Him. We can be confident in prayer, knowing that every good gift comes from Him.

“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”

‭‭James‬ ‭1:17‬ ‭

We can be confident in His presence in our lives, even in the midst of trouble.

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46:1‬ ‭

Because of these promises, I can go forward, as life 

changes all around me.

Number 44

by George | Mar 29, 2022 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter

Number 44

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:4‬ ‭

Have you seen the commercial with former NFL running back Ickey Woods? He is waiting in line at the meat counter.

The man behind the counter calls out “Number 44.” Ickey looks at his ticket and exclaims “Woah! That’s me!!!” He begins to dance while saying “Get some cold cuts, get some cold cuts… gonna get some cold cuts today!”

I don’t remember being that joyful when I picked up lunch meat at the grocery store. More than likely, I looked at the price on the label and thought about how expensive it was! 

But we can choose an attitude of joyfulness in our everyday life.

Just like the choice we have at the restaurant, we have the option of small, medium or large.

A small thing might be that cup of coffee you are holding. Pick it up and breathe in the scent of the coffee beans, and if it’s really hot, feel the steam on your face. 

Maybe you see something in nature that brings you joy. I’m thinking about a tree at the post office that has started to bloom, even though it’s February.

Medium joy choices come from our interactions with others. A smile from your sweetheart, the laughter of a child, or the story you heard from an elder, even if it’s the ninth time you heard it!

Large joy choices involve our Maker. Finding joy in the Lord. 

I believe that we should praise and rejoice in the Lord FIRST in our prayers, before we start in with our list of needs. 

Don’t rush… Praying the Psalms is a good way to rejoice in the Lord.

Maybe we can learn something from Ickey. Let’s find joy in the small as well as great things in life.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:4‬ ‭