Greasing the Wheels of Change - Part 1

         Philosophers say the more rigid we are in what we’ve settled for in life, the more resistant we are to change and growth. Becoming a prisoner of what we’ve settled for is not uncommon because choosing to change is not a simple task. Letting go of any habit or behavior involves an intense struggle and usually takes longer than anticipated to be successful.

          Jesus asked his disciples to share in his struggle on the night before his crucifixion by praying and keeping a vigil, but sleep overcame them. Jesus’ response was, “The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Perhaps Jesus was pointing to his own humanness he would have to encounter as he faced the reality of pain and death on the cross.

          The implementation of God’s great plan came at great hardship for God and Jesus. If sincere consideration is given to what God sacrificed for us and what Jesus endured, then it makes sense to be less rigid and more prone to changes we can make that are pleasing to God.  Eytg

Milestones of Commitment: Don't Turn Back! - Part 1

A milestone for Jesus came at Gethsemane as he realized his hour had come. There could be no turning back, no cowardice, even as suffering and death were immanent. A milestone is a cross-over point from which turning back is not seen as a good choice. The burning bush was a cross-over event for Moses, in both his personal life and his relationship with God.

When an infant begins to walk, walking becomes preferential except when crawling is necessary. Children experience several milestones – physically, emotionally, and mentally – which are natural occurrences for each child. After adolescence, adults continue to progress through different but predictable developmental stages.

Jesus began his ministry at age thirty, which is a major milestone for most people, as youthful looks begin to take on an older look and a new stage of development is set in motion. The good news is, maturity takes a step forward for most people. It pleases God to see his people mature and become the individuals he intends to bless.