We are living in a world of change. Some of the changes are good, and some are bad. Change often represents the unrest of the current generation. Change also may come about because “the way we have always done things” seems old fashioned. Change for the sake of change may not always be the best, and it may also be sinful.

I have noticed changes in weddings and funerals. These used to be solemn occasions, filled with tradition. Now they are often less than respectful to either the participants or the audience, and in the case of funerals, the deceased. Customs certainly change, but respect for God and His word should never be sacrificed.

The word “change” means to make something different; to alter or modify; to replace something with something else; to substitute one thing for another. It can mean making or becoming different, substituting one thing for another, or alternating or modifying something.

When I think of the sinful nature of change, one story in Scripture stands out above all others. It occurred at the end of Solomon’s reign. Solomon had sinned by taking strange wives and, not only encouraging their idol worship, but also participating in it. God was displeased with him and decided to make a servant, Jeroboam, the new king over ten of the tribes. God left the tribe of Judah for Solomon’s son, Rehoboam.

Rehoboam was crowned king, and he set up his kingdom in Jerusalem. Jeroboam was crowned king over ten tribes, and he set up his kingdom in Shechem. Rehoboam prepared to fight Jeroboam and his ten tribes, but God spoke to His prophet, Shemaiah, and told him to stop the battle. Rehoboam listened to Shemaiah, and the people returned to their homes.

Jeroboam began to think about Israel going to Jerusalem to worship, and he was afraid that if the people went to Jerusalem to worship that they would be tempted to follow Rehoboam (disregarding everything God had promised them), and he would no longer be king, probably losing his life. He decided to change things. He set up golden calves in Dan and Bethel. This would provide the people a place of worship but not to the God of heaven. Their worship would be to idols. He also changed the time of the feasts when they were commanded to go to Jerusalem and worship.

To say that God was not happy with him is an understatement. He changed the place of worship, the method of worship, the time of worship, and he relinquished the respect and honor due God.

When you follow the kings through their reigns, you find that the idol worship continued and more changes were made. They appointed priests from tribes other than the tribe of Levi, which was named as the tribe from which the priests were selected. They worshipped an assortment of other gods and even sacrificed their children to gods. Eventually, the sacred things of the temple were placed in the temples of idols. Nothing was sacred anymore.

Unfortunately, many Christians are the same today. They discover that they don’t like the way things are done in worship, and they decide to change them. They have those same thoughts that things are old fashioned, and they want to bring everything up-to-date. That means “change.”

We need to understand what is tradition and what is by command or example from the New Testament. The order of most church services is traditional. The number of songs and prayers, the time of services, sitting or standing for songs, Bible readings, etc. are all tradition. The elements of our worship are not. Singing, giving, the taking of the Lord’s Supper, praying, preaching are all set in the book of Acts. Change is not an option!

I recently saw a sign in front of a church building that said, “Don’t put a question mark where God put a period”. Paul told Timothy, “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (Second Timothy 1:13). We have a pattern of sound words, the Bible. There we will find what we must do to worship God.

At the end of Revelation, there is a stern warning about the prophecy that had been given to John. “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book” (Revelation 22:18-19).

Similar warnings can be found in the Old Testament. “You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you” (Deuteronomy 4:2). A similar verse is found in Deuteronomy 12:28, “Be careful to obey all these words that I commend you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the LORD your God”. After this verse is a warning against idolatry. If you study First and Second Kings, you see the result of the Jews not heeding this warning.

If God would not tolerate a change of His Word then, He is not going to tolerate a change of it today.

Sandra Oliver

1 John 1:7 NKJV “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Jesus was aware His time on earth had come to an end and His desire was to spend these final moments with His closest friends. As they all gathered around one last Passover table, Jesus dipped a cloth in the water bowl, knelt before them, and began to wash the filth from their feet. Making His rounds to each one, Jesus spoke of what lay ahead: He must depart, and they must continue the kingdom work. Without a doubt, their path would be troublesome.

Although the Savior was keen to every betrayal detail Judas already had planned, without hesitation Jesus knelt before Judas and gave him the exact same spa treatment as the rest. (Now here’s just a thought-bubble from my brain: I would have been oh, so tempted to skip over Judas’s nasty feet as he sat in my foot-washing line!)

As Judas witnessed this incredible display of love, did he feel any pre-regret over what he was about to do? If so, he quickly dismissed it because within the very same dark, yes that same night, Judas’s feet were cleaned by Jesus and his filthy heart betrayed the Savior. Yes, in the very same dark, Judas’ clean feet did his dirty deed.

As I consider this unthinkable deception, my thoughts turn closer to home. Although we too have been cleansed by Christ through His blood shed on the cross, do we sometimes follow Judas’ lead? In our cleanliness do we commit dirty deeds? Within the same dark, do we offer praises to the Father followed by gossip with the sisters? Within the same dark, do we worship God in the sanctuary then depart to serve Satan through our obsession over earthly wealth? In the same dark, do our lips speak both blessings and curses? Judas found his feet washed squeaky clean by Jesus, but his heart soiled by Satan. Friend beware the Judas-trap. May we live victoriously, being found spotless from the blood of Christ.

Father God, help us resist a heart that lives in betrayal to You.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane

I’ve never actually been to a Weight Watchers meeting, but I remember hearing about them back in the day. They were popular because the weekly in-person sessions gave dieters the opportunity to weigh in, encourage each other, and receive motivation and advice. I imagine this support played a key role in the success of sincere members. Many of us today utilize fitness apps where we can track our diet and exercise. My husband is a runner and likes to use the Strava app to log his miles and see the progress of fellow runners. What these things have in common is an opportunity to check in (or a needed reminder to show up). A little bit of accountability can make a big difference in reaching our goals.

If our particular goals were easy, we wouldn’t really need an app, would we? We wouldn’t need the motivation or accountability. We usually want these things in place because we know there will be times when we just don’t feel like doing what we’re supposed to.

I’m just going to say this. Sometimes resisting temptation is hard. There are times when I feel selfish or really feel like things should be done my way. There are times when my pride refuses to back down. My mouth really runs riot with complaining or criticizing if I’m not guarding my speech. Sometimes my zeal for soul-winning fizzles out. And sometimes it’s just hard to resist fleshly sins if there’s something I want and I don’t practice self-denial.

I once heard temptation compared to a donut for a dieter. There will be days the dieter can resist the donut with no problem. He’s feeling strong so it’s easy to say, “No, thanks!” He’ll happily reach for an apple instead. But what about those days when all he can think about is that donut? It’s hard, hard, hard to resist. I can see how sin is like that. When I’m feeling strong, it’s not such a big deal. But when I’m feeling weak, I can surprise myself with how easy it is to give in. No wonder the apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands, take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12)!

There can be many factors at play when temptation seems harder to resist. Perhaps I haven’t been diligent in personal Bible study and prayer, so my spiritual armor isn’t in place. Or maybe I’m experiencing a season of discouragement or frustration or exhaustion or disappointment. It’s easy to see how I could make things harder for myself spiritually. It’s just as easy to see how I could make things better for myself spiritually: time soaking in God’s Word, time spent in prayer, and time spent with God’s people.

God knew we would need a place of accountability and He provided it for us, a place among His people. How wonderful that, multiple times a week, we have an opportunity to show up and weigh in, if you will. To receive motivation, encouragement, and advice. To be surrounded by like-minded people who have the very same goals. And to humbly ask for help and prayers when we’re weak and either giving in or giving up.

Paul went on to say, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13). I don’t know what I’d do without my weekly spiritual weigh-ins. There’s something fortifying about gathering with other Christians to praise God and grow together. We see each other’s struggles and life-challenges. We pray for each other and hold each other accountable in the very best way.

Think about that special moment at the end of every gospel message in worship. “If anyone needs to come…” It’s a personal invitation to receive prayers and encouragement. I get to do a heart-check every time. Do I need help resisting temptation? Is my faith growing cold? Am I in a valley, or feeling spiritually weak?

“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

(Hebrews 10:24-25)

By Kathy Pollard

Psalm 66:17-20 ESV “I cried to Him with my mouth, and high praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But truly God has listened; He has attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, because He has not rejected my prayer or removed His steadfast love from me!”

There was no use trying to make sense of what I was hearing because my ears could decipher only total chaos. The inhabitants of this remote Guatemalan mountain village had gathered with us under a tree to pray. However, what happened next seemed extraordinary. In accordance with Guatemalan custom, they all began loudly praying their own personal prayers simultaneously. Numerous voices blended into one big noise and drowned out my ability to focus. Some prayed tearfully and others prayed joyfully. Some prayed somber prayers and some shook the leaves with their shouts of praise. The seeming disarray of it all left me a bit rattled.

Reflecting on the pandemonium of that day, I recalled something precious about our God. What I viewed as chaos and confusion, God viewed as beautiful. Their prayers mingled together in an undeciphered clamor to me, but to the Father, it was a sweet symphony. He alone could make sense of it all.

Whenever I read Psalm 66, I smile at the memory of standing under that Guatemalan prayer tree. I wonder if by any chance the psalmist had ever experienced such a prayer method. Psalm 66 makes sure we know that God hears all our different prayers. He hears the cries coming from hearts filled with pain. He listens to the high praise of those whose voices shout to heaven. Then in response, He attends to our prayers. And amazingly, no matter what we confess, God’s love for us remains constant and steadfast.

Sometimes when I pray, I miss that chaos of voices and smile just a bit knowing the Father who hears my prayer is also listening intently above the treetops in the mountains of Guatemala.

Father God, we stand in awe knowing that you hear all the prayers from all your children all over the world. Thank you for listening and attending to our petitions.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane

Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.”

I looked it over thoroughly and opened every drawer to make sure the dresser was in good working condition. Our guest room had needed one for some time and this cute wicker piece seemed perfect. So, I pulled the price tag from the handle and took it to the woman in charge of the estate sale. Letting her know I wished to buy the white wicker dresser, she smiled and said, “Oh you will love that one! It is back in style now.”

Her statement caused me a chuckle as I loaded it up and drove away. Never did it occur to me the dresser had gone out of style; therefore, never did it occur to me it had now circled back into style.

As I traveled home with my purchase, I contemplated just how fickle are the things of this world. According to bloggers, clothing styles change every 2-4 years and fashion statements recycle every twenty years. I simply haven’t the energy nor the desire to stay up to date on the ins and outs of it all.

Oh, how refreshing it is to have a God who never goes out of style nor changes like shadows that shift (James 1:17). As the fashions of this world continue to evolve, we find peace in our mighty God who has, since the beginning of time, remained the same. His love for us is still indescribable. His patience with us when we fail endures. And His grace to cover our many sins abounds.

So, if you see me out and about someday in obviously dated attire, chuckle to yourself and be reminded that we serve a loving God who never changes like the styles of this world. Then, just go your way and mind your own business knowing I simply haven’t the energy to keep up with it all.

Father God, we praise you for Your constant love and care for us. We find peace knowing You never change.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane

(Inspired by a lesson from Sarah Wall)

A friend of mine is a hiker. She was telling me about hiking etiquette. She said, “You know, there are a lot of similarities between the hiking trail and the Christian walk.” When I got home I looked it up and sure enough I found some striking parallels. Among some of the hiking rules are the following:

• Plan Ahead. Before setting foot on the trail, thorough preparation is key. This involves understanding the nature of the trail, its difficulty, and ensuring you have the necessary gear. Knowing about the trail is done by knowing God’s word, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:10). His word gives us a description of the necessary gear (Ephesians 6:10-17). For the Christian, we’re also thinking about something Jesus taught, which is counting the cost (Luke 14:28-33).
• Be Prepared for Emergencies. Hiking can be unpredictable, so being prepared for emergencies is essential. Communication devices should also be available. Life for the Christian is unpredictable too. Therefore, communication is vitally important. We should rely on the Lord through prayer (James 5:16) and the directions He gives us through His word—directions to cope with all of the ups and downs that life continually throws our way, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
• Know the “right of way.” When I first saw this rule I immediately thought of the number one rule of the Christian walk—Know the “RIGHT WAY,” and the only source we have to know the right spiritual path is to immerse ourselves in the word of God, the perfect map to heaven! Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it (Psalm 119:35).
• Be aware of other hikers on the trail. Be courteous and prepared to yield. Wouldn’t our world be a nicer place if everyone was courteous, willing to yield, and looking to the good of others? More importantly, wouldn’t the church be more like God intended it to be? And wouldn’t the church be more effective teaching the lost? Paul wrote, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2:2-4).
• Keep your distance from wildlife. This includes not feeding wild animals or engaging them in any form. In the Christian walk we’re talking about keeping our distance from the “wild life.” Paul wrote, Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.  Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them (Ephesians 5:6-8).
• Hiking in groups is not only enjoyable but also safer. Maintain a pace suitable for the slowest member and regroup at trail junctions to ensure no one is left behind. What a great characterization of the relationship brothers and sisters in Christ have with one another! Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed (Hebrews 12:12-13).
• Finally, do not veer away from the trail. You may not find your way back, which could turn into a dangerous or deadly outcome!  The same is true for the Christian, Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:12-13).

Trail etiquette serves as the backbone of safe, responsible hiking, producing harmony among hikers and the environment. Likewise, the Christian man or woman who relies on the Almighty and His word for direction on the trek toward heaven, will contribute to a safe and harmonious spiritual environment on earth and eventually the reward of eternal life with Christ our Lord!

Today’s Verses: You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11); Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it (Psalm 119:35); In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:6).

(Source for hiking etiquette: https://alaskawild.org/blog/be-courteous-9-basic-trail-rules-every-hiker-should-know/)

Audios are available at http://christianwomanaudiodevotionals.abiblecommentary.com/index.html

by Teresa Hampton