Ray McDonald's Blog

Devotional Thoughts

Jesus Is Consistent

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Life ChangeLife keeps changing! The only constant in life is change. A number of things in my own life have changed. I’ve been married longer than I wasn’t married (38 years this past summer verses 25 years not married). I celebrated 45 years since I graduated High School this past June. I saw a picture of me in High School the other day and I do not look the same today!

My children – my babies – are all grown. Two have children (my five granddaughters). My wife and daughters are such a blessing to me along with our granddaughters. I’ve been in ministry for 42 years. I’ve begun to think about retirement (although I hope to have a few more years left – maybe more!).

Life keeps changing! Our denomination has seen some changes over the years. I remember when United Methodists were known as Bible Thumpers and had Camp Meetings. I remember when it was rare to find a Methodist Church that didn’t have a Sunday night service and a Wednesday night prayer meeting (now it is very rare to find them at all). I remember when Methodists were known as the Singing Methodists because of our love for songs of praise and worship yet today most UM Churches have 2 or 3 songs in worship – and some complain about that many. In just a couple of weeks a Special General Conference will be held and change is on the horizon.

Life keeps changing! The cost of a basic new car today is around $25-30,000 – while just a few decades ago that would have bought many homes where we lived as children. After a Super Bowl season a few years back – the Ravens quarterback singed a six-year $120 million-dollar contract. I remember Johnny Unitas – perhaps the greatest quarterback of all time – comparing the game changes that have been made. Times are changing.

Life keeps changing – but Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Jesus remains the same – He remains constant – He is our rock – our foundation. Ever since I accepted His Lordship in my life – nearly 52 years ago – Jesus has remained constant. While EVERYTHING around me has changed – Jesus remains constant. Jesus’ own brother saw this truth when he wrote in James 1:17 – Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. The beloved disciple saw this truth as well as he recorded Jesus’ words in Revelation 1:17-18 – 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Life keeps changing but we can count on this truth – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Count on it! Take it to the bank! Trust in Him today! Life keeps changing but God is consistent.

Just something for us to think about today as we go on our way.

P.S. – Each day in 2019 – as we approach February 23rd and the Special General Conference of the UMC – spend 5 minutes praying for the Holy Spirit to touch the hearts of the delegates. Thanks.

February 4, 2019 - Posted by | Build, Church, Community, Daily Devotion, Daily Prayer, Denomination, Discipleship, Encouragement, Evangelism, Faith Journey, Family, From the Pastor, Holy Spirit, Leadership, Marriage, Outreach, Personal, Prayer, Theology | , , , , , , , , , ,

2 Comments »

  1. and part of that prayer needs to be for our country

    Like

    Comment by Richard Reynnells | February 4, 2019 | Reply

    • I agree Richard…

      Like

      Comment by raymcdonald | February 4, 2019 | Reply


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