(04.15.21 – Dealing With Change! – 2 Corinthians 3:17-18)
My friend, may I ask you a question? Are we able in any way to get into heaven on our own, or is that impossible? But is getting there without lifting a finger, well, pretty magical after all?
My friend, Life’s a story, welcome to This Passing Day.
I'm M. Clifford Brunner.
It's remarkable how "old dogs" can change. Years ago, prior to meeting my wife Holly, I was well along the path to becoming one of those "old dogs" difficult to teach "new tricks." I had developed a lot of habits by my late 20's such as shopping for groceries on Thursday nights, washing my clothes on Tuesday evenings, changing my socks every other day, staying out late every Friday night, and, well, the list was pretty long by the time I said "I do." I brought a whole lot of bachelor baggage into our marriage. Remarkably, it wasn't long before many of my well-worn habits and comforts had become quaint history. Sure, even after three decades of marriage, there are still some remnants of the old Mark, for the most part, I've been rebuilt from the ground up by the power of a woman and her innate ability to influence me. My one- ness with Holly changed me in almost a magical way.
Here's a story: The Northwest Mounted Police (Also known as the NWMP or the "Mounties") were well liked in the Yukon. Though there were only 19 in a territory that could have easily supported 50, the Mounties successfully maintained peace and order, prevented the exploitation of the native people, and protected gold diggers from themselves. (Aren't we often our worst enemy?) In their role as Canadian border patrol, the Mounties successfully turned back nearly every potential rabble-rouser, conman, felon, and liquor trader. As a result, though the Klondike stampede is recognized as being the biggest gold rush in history, it was also the most peaceful. Of course a few of the "shadier" class did slip through. But when they did, something changed in them. Once in Canada, these same men who had spent their time rob- bing the innocent in Skagway, left their guns packed away in their luggage, never to be used. In fact, they became respected citizens! And this complete transformation of character happened overnight! Amazing, isn't it; that such a change in heart can originate from mere humans. This was most definitely a "once in history" occurrence! (Peter Kirby)
Because of Jesus you and I are now respectable citizens. Together with the apostle Paul, we can exclaim: "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory . . ." (2 Cor 3:17-18 NIV) Before Christ came into our lives we were pretty well set in the old, comfortable ways of sin. It's what we knew; it's what was comfortable. But, like marriage, joining ourselves to Christ can change an "old dog" into a new dog able to do some pretty "magical tricks." Getting to heaven on our own is impossible, getting there without lifting a finger is, well, pretty magical; isn't it?
We pray. Heavenly Father, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory . . ." (2 Cor 3:17-18 NIV) Before Christ came into our lives Father we were pretty well set in the old, comfortable ways of sin. Forgive us Father but It's what we knew; it's what was comfortable. But, like marriage, joining ourselves to Christ can change an "old dog" like us into a new dog able to do some pretty "magical tricks." Getting to heaven on our own IS impossible, getting there without lifting a finger is, well, pretty magical. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!
Therefore my friend, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry for itself; each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt 6:34) This Passing Day. May this passing day honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be a blessing to you and everyone you meet. Find a stranger and say hello. Don't let another day pass without your day blessing someone else.
If you have a special prayer request, please send your request to ”This Passing Day!”
<thispassingday@gmail.com> From Beech Springs, God bless you for Jesus sake.