My mother was born in 1919. Today she is celebrating the day of her birth in heaven.
In her earthly lifetime, she saw many changes in her home. Electricity was probably the biggest as well as too many appliances to count including the microwave. Transportation went from a horse/mule to cars to planes to landing on the moon.
My mother was also Catholic. She saw many changes in her denomination including a service that went from Latin to English and in the last few years, Bible study and healing services. Yes, she lived through many changes.
I, too, have seen many changes in my life – most are subtle and, yes, I would say insidious. There has always been electricity and telephones – it has just moved into fiberoptics, 4G, iPads. Communication has went from a few days by postal mail to instant messaging and Skype. I have always went to movies. It is more difficult to find one that has an interesting storyline that is not completely overshadowed by special effects that are digitally created. Most are too violent and pornographic for my grandchildren so, frankly, I don’t need to see them either.
Changes – some big – some – not so big.
What can I count on? Who’s word can I trust?
Your eternal word, O Lord, stands firm in heaven.
Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created.
Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans.
If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery.
I will never forget your commandments, for by them you give me life.
I am yours; rescue me!
For I have worked hard at obeying your commandments.
Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me, I will quietly keep my mind on your laws.
Even perfection has its limits, but your commands have no limit. Psalm 119:89-96 (NLT)
I can count on God. He is First and Last. He is eternal. He has always been and He will always be. Period.
How do I know this?
Looking for happiness? My Heavenly Father desires to give me good gifts. He gave His only Son so I would have eternal life. Matthew 7:7-11, John 3:16-17, James 4:2-3,
Looking for a spouse? God brought my husband to me. I was not looking. In fact, I was content in my life. Henry was content in his life. God had a plan. A perfect plan and it would be wonderfully executed with the diverse gifts that He had given Jody and Henry. (And I think it was an added side benefit to Him to watch our stunned faces as we realized His call to both of us!) We have both learned a lot about God and about our relationship to Him through each other. Ephesians 5:21, Philippians 2:1-4, 4:8, Colossians 3:18-19
How do I raise my kids? God knows the importance of honoring my father and mother and that parents should not frustrate their children. Do I walk what I say to them? Do I encourage, empower, and educate them in the LORD? Do I pray for them without ceasing? Colossians 3:20-21, 1 Timothy 4:11-16, 2 Timothy 4:1-5
Each day is different. Each day has changes. Jesus is the anchor that I can count on to hold me steady in any storm.
Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.       Hebrews 6:16-20 (NLT)
I celebrate your birthday today, Mom. You showed me Who was the anchor in your life.
