August 10

It’s the weekend! And I know many of you work through the weekends, but even so, there is something of renewal as one week ends and another begins. A chance to start the week off right and maybe change something that has been bugging you—something you know you should be better with but haven’t been able to get there. I was told just yesterday that people don’t change much. That may be true but I believe if you want to change, you can. 


King David, in Psalms 51, gives us the steps it takes. This was written when he was in the middle of his affair with Bathsheba and he knew something had to give. He says: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” Psalm‬ ‭51:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬


He was praying for a change of his heart. For change to happen, first the heart must change. Next we have to change our minds. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm‬ ‭51:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Paul reminds us in Philippians to keep our minds focused on what is right. 


 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭


And lastly, we have to change our influence. David heeded the prophet Nathan and allowed himself to have a better effect on his character. Paul tells the Corinthians: “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”” (1 Cor‬ ‭15:33‬ ‭NIV)‬‬ And the flip side is true as well—Good company interrupts bad character or a character flaw. Surrounding yourself with people who can interrupt that habit is essential. 


Lord thank you for changing us and for showing us the way to break a cycle. We know that sometimes change comes quickly and sometimes it takes months or even years for the change to occur, but we want to praise you for the way you have made for it to happen. You are a great God and we are constantly amazed by you and what a plan you have laid out for us in your Word. Thank you for your Word and its fullness, its richness and its blessing to us. Bless those hurting today from emotional pain and from disease. Touch with with you sweet Spirit and your healing mercy. You are Jehovah Rapha. Amen and amen. 


Love you dear one,

Pam


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