With the Wind

During my morning walk, I encountered a strong wind. As we all know, walking with the wind at my back, sped my along my way, while walking against the wind slowed me down. The Bible describes God coming swiftly on the wings of the wind to answer our prayers.

Psalm 18:9-10 partially describes how God answers our prayers when it says, “He bowed the heavens and came down; thick darkness was under his feet. He rode on a cherub and flew; he came swiftly on wings of the wind.” God moves heaven and earth to answer our prayers. Though we may not quickly see the answer, God swiftly begins the answer to our prayers.

This Changes Everything

Most of us have people in our lives that change us just by their presence. These awesome people may be a spouse, our children, appear mentor, or a teacher. In addition, we have had experiences that change us. These experiences may come in the form of tragedies or profound joy. These people and experiences change the courses of our lives.

Exodus 15:11 says, “”Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?” Nothing and no one can compare to our God. He is majestic, holy, awesome, glorious, and wonderful in His essence and in His deeds. God’s presence and His deeds can change our lives in so many wonderful ways.

Thoughts and Actions

Have you ever looked at a messy room or garage and thought, “I really need to clean up this mess”? Then, days and weeks go by and you have not lifted a finger to begin to clean up the mess. Your proper thoughts do not help clean up the mess. I have done this many times with thoughts of doing good things.

I John 3:17-18 says, “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” Words alone do not demonstrate love and do not bring people together. How we respond to needs demonstrates the quantity and quality of our love for others.

Appearances

Some people work hard at keeping up their appearances before other people. They have to have the highest quality material possessions and work hard to get the approval of others. The problem comes when they can’t maintain the facade and the deception becomes known.

I John 3:2-3 says, “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” God has adopted as His children those who turn from their sins and trust Him for salvation and redemption. Let us, therefore, forsake our old self-centered ways and pursue purity. God will transform us into Christ likeness.

Transformation

We all want to be better people and to do better in the things we have to do. Change is hard and it is harder still to change our attitudes and behaviors. Success is sporadic and fleeting at times.

Proverbs 3:3-4 says, “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.” God’s love for us is steadfast forever and His faithfulness will never fail us. Therefore, we should ask God to build these attributes into our lives as we seek to become more like Him. In this building process, God promises to grant us favor with Himself and with people.