A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day (July 29, 2015)
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (II Corinthians 3:18)
Most people despise change. They find a comfortable place and they do not want anybody to rock their boat. The problem with that attitude is it doesn’t work with God. He expects us to be constantly changing, constantly learning, and constantly growing.
How do I change you may ask? I know I need to change in many areas but I just can’t seem to make it happen. Here are several helpful hints:
1. Have a willing heart. Tell God you are willing to change.
2. List the areas you need help in and ask God for help.
3. Look up every scripture that pertains to your circumstances. Memorize those scriptures and meditate on them day and night.
4. Listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit. He will instruct you.
5. Don’t be so worldly minded and think you have to always seek out worldly remedies. God can cause the change to manifest suddenly just by speaking to you through His Word.
A fellow minister friend of ours was a drug addict, alcoholic, motorcycle gang member, and all around violent person before he got saved. Once he gave his life to God most all of those things changed in an instant. However, he was also a chain smoker and for some reason that habit hung on, even though he tried to quit many times. Then one day another minister friend suggested something very simple to him. He told our friend to get a 3×5 index card and write on it, “Can I see Jesus doing this?” He told him to keep it in the same pocket where he kept his cigarettes.
Our friend did that and he said every time he went to pull out a cigarette that card was staring him in the face. He said it was very aggravating and he almost threw the card away several times. But do you know what else? He said for the life of him, as hard as he tried, he could not see Jesus smoking a cigarette. After a short period, the habit was broken.
The real secret to our friend’s change was not the card but his love for Jesus. He loved the Lord so much that he did not want to do anything that he couldn’t see Jesus doing. The love of God is very powerful and is a critical ingredient to any change. Change is good. So welcome it when it is needed!
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26)
