Ring in the changes!

[Simon Measures]

The Daily Guide

- A daily devotional message

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The Future

by Pastor Simon Measures

Bible verse:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11 - NIV

Reflection:

Awhile ago on television people were shown what they would look like in 10, 20 and 30 years time if they were to continue with the same diets and lifestyles. Since they picked people who were eating badly and exercising poorly - or not at all - the picture they saw was usually a shock. The show's idea was that the people would then change with help their eating and exercise habits and as they implemented those changes the show would update those future pictures. Often the pictures changed dramatically and the people got ecstatic with delight.

God by the prophet Jeremiah tells His people He has plans for them, plans designed to give hope and a future akin to His glory. By Jesus Christ that Word of the Lord comes down to you and me! Now I hear Christians saying, "That's great! I can't wait." Hang on a moment, who said anything about waiting? An architect draws up plans and you can wait all you like but there won't be any building! It's only when moves are made to bring things in and line things up with the plan that a building takes shape. It's the same with your life. Sit around waiting and all you'll get is what you've got now only more decayed. Get up and get moving, bringing in things of the plan and getting things in line with the plan and then hope flourishes and a future of God's glory nears.

OK, take a moment to close your eyes and picture yourself in 10, 20 and 30 years time presuming you just continue as you are. How's the picture in 10 years? Is that sort of OK? What about the one in 30 years? Is that unsettling? OK then, can you afford to keep sitting around waiting or are you going to get up and get moving with changes? In 30 years time what visible expression of God's blessing is your life going to show? Mahatma Gandhi said, "The future depends on what you do in the present." He was right. No doubt about it. Today get a sense of the plan God has in mind for you. Today get started on it.

Ring in the changes!

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