In an ever changing world there is very little that is permanent, remaining unchanged. Look at any area in life, whether it be buildings, equipment, vehicles, gardens – even our human bodies. Over the passage of time they are all subject to decay and “wear and tear” requiring maintenance, replacement or burial!

Over the past century new technology has transformed our way of life, new methods of education replace old ones, new governments, whether they be democratic or dictatorships, can change a nation for better or worse.

Take a look at the Spirit world – one day man can be single-minded enjoying the presence and peace of God, yet on another day man can be very aware of his sin. The Lord seeks to change that to bring the constancy of His presence in to our beings and “doings.”

In our ever-changing world only God and His love for us, is unchangeable. His word declares this immutable truth, Malachi 3:6 “I AM THE LORD, I CHANGE NOT.”

Let us encourage ourselves in God that as we daily walk with the Lord and submit to His dealings, that He brings the changes in our lives…..”from glory to glory.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 declares this option for our choice: “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed INTO THE SAME IMAGE from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

The Lord, Who “changes not” is seeking to change us, so we become as He is. Sometimes the Lord permits me to be backed into a corner and the only way out is “through” Him. As I go “through” Him change takes place in me, there is a divine exchange and deposit in my life for His purposes and glory.

Thank God for the changes He has wrought in my life thus far – all through the “finished work” on Calvary and the shed blood of Jesus Christ – but I am still a “work in progress.” Life is a continual challenge. The hidden man of the heart is where real change takes place. God looks on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7, “For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

The changes done in my heart are for eternal fruitfulness. Pruning a tree often seems brutal, but so necessary. As in the natural, so it is in the Spiritual. God is the divine Gardener who comes to inspect His trees for pruning. In the natural when pruning, anything dead, damaged or diseased needs removing, anything growing inwardly in the tree and anything that crosses over must be pruned as they interfere with healthy growth, blocking the light out from the centre of the tree and reducing fruitfulness…..so too, in the Spiritual. Selah.

The centre of the tree must be kept open for the light to get in. The centre of my being is my heart, the seat of responsibility before God, where I make my choices and see where I need to change.

Our Lord Jesus encouraged us, Matthew 6:19-21 “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Earthly treasures change and decay, heavenly treasures do not!

Our Lord Jesus is the true gift and treasure of Christmas. Amidst all the preparations and celebrations of this joyful season, let us not forget our gift to Him – a humble and contrite heart. May our prayer this Christmas be, “Do the changes, Lord, in me.”