The World Was Not Worthy of Them

Make the Change Mission is all about each of us realizing that we have the power to change our relationships, our neighborhoods, our communities, our cities, our states, our country and our world. Not through amazing feats of miraculous miracles. Not through large sums of generous donations. Not through amazing feats of talented marketing, but through our actions, our words, our deeds and our faith.

I read a verse of scripture this week that completely threw me for a loop. Scripture has a tendency to do that so many times in my life, which is why I continue to study it. However, this scripture hit me because it made me realize that each of us can in God's eyes be worthy of His trust and his praise. It also reminded me, that we can be more then just "Sinner's saved by Grace". I hear so many people use that as an excuse to live unproductive lives for God. I also hear a lot of people say, hey I'm just human not God. This verse changed all that for me, it confirmed something that I have believed for along time and that is this. We are capable of living lives that are worthy of God's notice, trust and praise. We are also capable of resisting that which would hurt our reputations and our characters. Is it easy ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! But what is!!! I hope that when I finally leave this world, this will be said of me, maybe not by those who knew me, but it would be nice, but by God when I finally get to meet Him face to face. I hope that through my actions, my words, my deeds and my faith, I will be found worthy of this statement, as so many have been before me. I am sure your wondering what in the world it could be that he found. This is it:

Hebrews 11:38 "the world was not worthy of them." WHAT only seven words, well that's not the whole verse, but that is what hit me smack dab in the face. If you read the whole chapter, it is the chapter that speaks of those people who had faith in God and through that faith stayed true to that belief even in horrifying circumstances and stayed true through amazing miracles. In the end however, they were held in such a high place that the writer actually said "the world was not worthy of them". I have never looked at myself or those I serve with as those kind of people. I have always been taught to be humble and not look to that kind of fame or esteem. However, shouldn't I pray that God would look at my life and would be able to say after my death, "the world was not worthy of him".

It also got me thinking that so many times, I look for the approval of my peers or those I serve with, those in the world I think of how they view me. This verse has showed me that those who stayed true to God, who stayed true to their faith, they weren't loved by the world, they weren't appreciated by those who they ministered to, but they were loved and appreciated by God!!! So, the next time you are struggling, you are wondering why me God, you feel that no one understands, you just don't feel like making the change. Remember this verse and remember, that we are not working for a prize that we will leave behind when we are buried, but are working for treasures that moth and rust can not touch and will last far after your life on earth is done!!! Don't ever forget how important you are to God and His plan. He designed you, created you, formed you, gave you the talents, skills, personalities and even the quirks, in order to help you in the mission that is your life journey. You matter, you effect people, you effect relationships, you effect this world. You have the chance to make the change and do it by choice, not by chance or accident. Start today!!!

New Years Resolutions

New Years Eve, a day when everyone starts to put "The List" together. Oh you know what list I'm talking about, the list that always starts with I am gonna lose weight this year. I am gonna read my bible every morning this year. I am gonna walk everyday this year. I am gonna use that treadmill that has been in my basement for 10 years this year. Yes it's coming back to you now right, you remember, the New Years Resolutions List. Some people have already started to fill up my news feed with their list, most of which are listed above. This seems to be the time of year that we as people decide that we need to do what every good American does at this time of year and that is, make a list of what "I" am going to do to make "ME" better this year. I have seen lots and lots of creative things that will even help us remember the great things that have happened to "ME" this year. A creative person posted a picture of a large canning jar that had a note on it, that read "Starting January 1st write good things that happen to you on little pieces of paper: Surprise Gifts, Accomplished Goals, The Beauty of Nature, LOL Moments, Memories Worth Saving, Daily Blessings, then on December 31st open the Jar and read all the amazing things that happened to you in 2014!" I bet some of you are even writing that down because it's such a cool idea and it is. It's the American Way!!! Be all that you can be!!! Do all the cool things that you can do!!! Take all the cool adventures that you can take!!! Make your life as good for "YOU" as possible!!! Do you see a theme here? I do and I have for years now. News Years Day, has always been about "ME"!!! Well, several years ago, I was challenged to make life not so much about "ME" but more about "OTHERS"!!! So, I came up with this page and also a blog. For several years now, my News Years Resolution List has been made up of ways that I can help improve others lives. I have found it much more satisfying and much more worthy a goal, to spend my year helping others improve themselves, give others opportunities to check off a few of their Bucket List items. I have at times walked along side those that I have helped, others I have simply in the quietness of my room prayed for and written emails, Facebook posts and private messages, others I have labored for hours at my table, in my chair, making things that will help them through our winter months. The challenge I have for all of you, is this.......when you make out your New Years Resolutions this year, make at least two, that involve helping someone else improve themselves or their lives. Something that will "Make the Change" for them, that when they open their Jar December 31st, they will have at least two things to read, that were a result of your involvement in their lives. Happy New Years everyone, may this be the year that you "Make the Change" and find your Jar full December 31st!!!