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Listen while you read: "Hallelujah Chorus"1 (Lyrics) |
Malachi 3:6a – For I am the Lord, I change not. (KJV)
Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (KJV)
- Yesterday, today, forever,
Jesus is the same,
All may change, but Jesus never —
Glory to His name!
– Albert B. Simpson
It is now 2019, and we have changed our 2018 calendars for new ones. It seems that there are two constants in life. Firstly, as individuals, we and our circumstances are always changing. Secondly, in contrast, God never changes.
In 1993, my younger son decided to leave a promising business career and enter college to train as a Salvation Army Officer or pastor. What a change!
Upon graduation in 1995, he and his family were sent in charge of the work in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, Canada — from living in a large city to a town of 2,300. What a change!
My wife and I decided to spend some time over the holidays with them. December 31, 1995, was so mild that I was playing with my grandchildren outdoors, in shirt sleeves. When we awoke on January 1, 1996, the snow was so deep that we couldn't even open the front door of the house. What a change!
After three successful years in Maple Creek, he was transferred to Erin Mills, a suburb of Toronto, Canada, for seven more years of powerful ministry — from a small town to a large metropolis. What a change!
In 2005, he was taken by pancreatic cancer and left his wife and three young children. Wow! What a change! But through it all, he maintained his primary love for his unchanging God. His passing was recognized by a celebration of life in his home church with over 600 attending.
The service was concluded by singing the final verse of a song written by William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army:
- And now, hallelujah! the rest of my days
Shall gladly be spent in promoting his praise
Who opened his bosom to pour out this sea
Of boundless salvation for you and for me.
John's children started clapping and soon the entire building was filled with the sound of a wonderful celebration. Their five-year-old cousin expressed everyone's feelings as she stated how thrilled she was with Uncle John's celebration.
That five-year-old had had an older brother, Matthew, who had only lived a few days. Driving home, she said to a cousin, "I never got to go to Matthew's celebration," to which the reply came, "You weren't even born then." Her response was, "Oh, I guess that is why I missed it!"
What a reassurance that while the everyday things in life are constantly changing whether we like it or not, we can be careful and deliberate about changing, in a positive direction, the only really important thing — our relationship with God — as we grow ever closer to Him in trust and obedience.
Prayer: Dear Father, we thank You that You never change. As life gives us ups and downs, help us to realize that the only important thing is that we be in a position to celebrate our abundant life because of our relationship with You through our Saviour, Jesus Christ. In His name, we pray. Amen.
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Yes, Amen!
So inspiring. Thank you.
Thanks for the encouragement, Vincent.
Amazing story, Vincent. Happy New Year!
What a lovely well written meaningful devotional this morning. Thank you!
Thank you, Vincent, for sharing this uplifting devotional with us. Blessings.
Very uplifting.
Thanks.
Dear Vincent, a powerful message for us all. Thanks for sharing and blessings to you and your family.
So true and important to remember. Your son sounded like an amazing person, Vincent. God bless you and your family in 2019!
Vincent – this was such an uplifting devotional – a great way to begin the new year. Thank you for your faithful devotional service.
Hi Vincent,
We are always blessed by your devotionals.
Keep up the good writing!
Thank you, Vincent, for this powerful reminder of what changes, and what is constant, in our lives.
Blessings to you for 2019.
Dear Vincent.
Thank you for your beautiful and inspiring words of praise and sharing.
May our Great Lord bless you this new year in every way you need.
And thank God He never does change!!!!! How else would we ever get through this life without being able to rely upon Him. Thanks for a good word Vincent and Happy New Year.
Blessings.
All right, Vincent. I am sitting here in tears of joy after reading this truly inspired devotional about your dear son and your family. What a great testimony of God’s love and care and your acceptance that His way is perfect. Thank you for being the vehicle of this wonderful story, shared with us, (especially what the 5 year old said!) Oh my, what a devotional!!
Thank you for sharing your story and for the reminder that God does not change and is sovereign. It also reminds me of the catechism that I grew up with—the Heidelberg Catechism from Germany—the 1st Question and Answer—Q. What is your only comfort in life and death? A. That I with body and soul am not my own but belong to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ who with his precious blood has satisfied all my sins and delivers me from all the power of the devil.
In recent months three 3:16’s have touched me—John 3:16, Colossians 3:16 and 2 Timothy 3:16.
I know the author before I have even read it. I used to be like that with Rev. Iris Ford’s but for different reasons.
For your recent “story,” as I prefer to call it, I relived my early years. The Salvation Army was right across the street from me. Every Sunday morning they would be out with a trumpet, tambourine, drum, occasional clarinet and they would sing. I would head over and I sing along with them. I have always had a wonderful memory and learned fast. I still can’t keep my body under control when I hear music.
Your devotions all get to me in the home, grounded, not flamboyant life style. I still am like that. Life does not have to be all “what I have” or “what I do” but caring for others and it all comes back.
I like the old saying that when a window shuts a door opens. You can never doubt that you are a child of God.
Have a happy healthy new year.
Thank you for your devotional.
(B.C.)
Thank you for your message. Your son, John, sounds like a wonderfully dedicated man of God.
Truly a blessing to all he served and to all who love him. May he be at peace, rejoicing in the
presence of our Father.
Blessings.