Jesus Never Changes

Watching the news can be very unsettling. From politics to poverty, rumors of war and impending doom, sickness and disease, and all manner of social injustice, the world we live in is becoming increasingly unstable.

And the animosity towards Christians who hold to a biblical worldview is mounting.  With all of the anger, tension, and uncertainty, we can easily become jaded and abandon efforts to accomplish the Great Commission. But people need to know that Jesus Christ is the only constant in this ever-changing world.  So how should Christians respond to the adversities we face today?

Simple.  We follow Jesus and his example.

He came to seek and save the lost and to minister, not be ministered to. (Matthew 20:28) He was mocked, ridiculed, falsely accused, persecuted, and killed.  Jesus knew adversity, and he was intimately acquainted with grief.  He too shook his head in disbelief at the attitude and actions of the people around him. (John 10:32)

Jesus remained faithful through it all because that is who he is.  And as his followers, we must be faithful too.

Jesus Never Changes

Hebrews 13:8~ Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Jesus is our stability.  His character is unchanging.  He always has been, and always will be our Rock and Redeemer, full of love, mercy, grace, peace, and truth.

Jesus never changes.

When everything around us is spinning out of control, we can stand on the scriptures and trust our Savior to stabilize and strengthen us.

Jesus Never Changes so Rest in the Lord

Because Jesus never changes, we can have peace and trust the Lord to work all things out for our good and his glory.  Knowing his character equips us to endure hardness.

In my most recent article for Pray With Confidence, I shared 15 Bible Verses About Rest When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed. Those scriptures remind me to rest in the Lord, his word, and his love when I feel overwhelmed.

In that post, I said “Has God called you to something that seems way beyond your skill set or comfort zone? It’s intimidating, but trust that what God has called you to, He will get you through. The Lord is with you!

Have confidence that God is well able to do above and beyond what you could ask or even imagine. (Eph. 3:20) With that assurance of God’s presence and power there is peace.”

I’m preaching that truth to myself, as I have some new endeavors that are answers to prayer, but at the same time very intimidating.  Insecurity and inadequacy threaten to overwhelm me, but my gracious God is grounding me in his timeless truths.

Scriptures like: 

• Jeremiah 1:7-9 – But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.  Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.  Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth.  And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.
• Deuteronomy 30:14 – But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.
• Joshua 1:9 – Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Are you picking up the pattern?  The Lord is addressing my fear.  Fear of the unknown, fear of rejection, fear of failure… But God.  He knows exactly what I need to hear.

I love how the Lord comforts me and confirms his will over and over again.  He knows I need that reassurance and he meets those needs faithfully. Jesus never changes.  He was faithful to me yesterday and he’ll be faithful tomorrow.

With those scriptures, and others, God is reminding me that the desires of my heart have been placed there by him.  He is calling me to take faith-filled steps outside of my comfort zone, and I’m saying yes to God because he has never failed me yet.  And fear is not the boss of me! 2Timothy 1:7!

God’s Timing is Perfect

In addition to the scriptures, God also led me to two different podcasts that spoke right to my situation. I couldn’t help but praise God for his perfect timing and loving care for me.  He blesses me more than I deserve!

Exodus 33:14 ~ And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.

I am going forward by faith, resting in God’s love, His promises, and His presence, with a sober mind.  How about you?  Do you have an opportunity that both excites you and scares the daylights out of you?  Are you going to choose to walk by faith, or let fear dictate your decision making?

Pastor Appreciation Month

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, so I created a free printable calendar with scriptures to pray for your pastor each day of this month. It is located on my Resources page, so just follow the instructions for the Bible Study Resources page below.

I also wrote a guest post for Wendy Wallace at One Exceptional Life awhile back on How to Pray for Your Pastor. That post has several ideas on how to lift your shepherd up to the Lord.

Prayer is the most valuable thing you can give your pastor, but if you’re looking to bless him in other ways too, here are some ideas:

• Money or gift cards
• Pens and notepads
• Cookies 
• Cards or letters 
• A weekend away
• Coffee cups and coffee

No matter how you choose to show your appreciation for your pastor, I know that he will feel loved and be encouraged to continue to faithfully feed the flock of God.

Have a blessed week as you bless others, trust the Lord, rest in Him, and rely on His faithfulness.

New Resource Library

I have created a resource library with tools for spiritual growth here at Daily His Disciple.  This includes a 17-page guide to How to Study the Bible, complete with step-by-step instructions, study sheets, and much more! There are also bookmarks and scripture lists for topical study and memorization (including 14 Scriptures for a Sober Mind).  Simply enter your email address and hit subscribe to get the link to the resource library and the password.

In addition to the resources, you will get my blog posts in your email. I only post weekly or bi-weekly so I won’t flood your inbox.

If you are already subscribed to Daily His Disciple, just email me and I will send you the link and password!

Pray With Confidence

If you would like to grow in your prayer life, then check out Pray with Confidence.  It’s a website for helping women overcome prayer obstacles, and I am one of the regular contributors. Here are a few links I think will be a blessing to you:

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

3 Short Prayers for Spiritual Stability

19 Bible Verses that Reveal the Will of God

15 Bible Verses About Rest When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

You also want to check out the prayer resources, Bible verses, and tough questions tabs.  There are many great options to boost your spiritual growth!