Cornerstone

Matthew 9:16-17

Resolutions? Change? What is there about a new year that makes us think that something is changing? What makes us think that we will change? We make promises to ourselves that we are going to alter our behavior believing that something magically is different this time. We long for change of significance. Will the change actually take place?

Actually when we go from December 31 into January 1 of the next year we are just going from one minute to the next, one hour to the next, one day to the next. What is changing? Yes, we hang a new calendar on the wall but what has changed? We write a different year on our checks and appointment books but what really has changed?

For real change to take place in your heart and life you need to forget about the new year, the clock and the calendar. Instead realize that change of significance can take place in your life only when you determine to submit completely to God. He will guide you through the process of change that is important to your present and future. Change of significance can take place only as you determine to obey God as He reveals His will and His way through His Word.

So, if you want change of significance to take place in your life stop determining what you want to happen. Stop looking for a formula or a magical time when your desired change will effortlessly come to pass. Rather, look to Jesus and prostrate your will before Him in humble submission seeking His desire for your life.

Dr. Gayle Woods

Matt 13:18-23 (18)

The underlying truth is that even though we are faithful to present the gospel to the world all people will not be ready to receive it at the same time. In addition to our varying receptivity to the Word, however, is the fact that various things militate against our reception. In the first case, the devil is hindering by removing it from their attention while they still do not understand. In the second instance, the individual does not correctly understand that he will have opposing circumstances in the Christian life and quickly gives up his faith. Others are so entangled with the every day activities of life that they don’t have time to take care of their spiritual life and soon shrivel up and die. Finally, some see how precious the gift of salvation really is. They guard it carefully and continually work to develop their relationship with Jesus Christ.

High in the Alps is a monument raised in honor of a faithful guide who perished while ascending a peak to rescue a stranded tourist. Inscribed on that memorial stone are these words: HE DIED CLIMBING. Because of this same type of determination it is the one who is receptive to the gospel that will succeed in the Christian faith.

Dr. Gayle Woods