C-H-A-N-G-E

I was at home a few days ago pulling out the fall clothing for the kids and having them try things on to make sure they looked right.  I realized that my son could no longer where last year's jeans (a bit of a bummer since most of them were new) but they were too short cause he obviously grew 2 or 3 inches.  He was trying to pull them down so they didn't look like high-waters and then he'd hike them far up and say: "I can just be a nerd the rest of the year"  LOL!   But in that moment I felt the Lord speak to me and ask me this question... "what have YOU outgrown that you're still trying to fit into?"   
It's time to CHANGE! 

Honestly I stuck that in my back pocket and really didn't take the time needed to really meditate on those words. Then the next day I was at the park and I noticed these two trees. One was still green and the other was this absolute gorgeous red.  Then again I felt the Lord speak to me and say:
" The same life source is provided to those 2 trees, yet one is remaining the same and the other is evolving... What is keeping YOU from evolving?"  It's time to CHANGE!

This time I did stop and pray and asked the Lord to show me what I've outgrown and what was keeping me from changing  I really didn't get a full answer, but I was sure of some things.

Then last night (God obviously knows I needed more re-iteration)  My Pastor Cherrie was speaking at Bible study. She gave a very candid look into things God was dealing with her about along those same lines ( I just love how God can speak the same word to thousands of different people at the same time)
As she was sharing I was just totally arrested in the spirit and I as led to the scripture Colossians 3:15 and my bible app was on the Amplified version  let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].

And in that one verse was my answer.  I had to decide and settle with finality questions that I was holding onto regarding friendships, ministry and myself. 

I can not fit into "petty jeans" and I tell you what... I was holding on to some petty stuff and I didn't even realize it. Pettiness is too small for me I've outgrown it.

I've outgrown certain relationships. That doesn't mean I'm better than or anything like that- it just means that who I thought was going to be attached to my future was not who God had in mind, so I have to let go and allow God to divinely connect me to the people He was purposed for my life. 

I can not grow while holding onto unresolved issues, that season is over.  God has called us to boldness and to walk in love, but speak the truth.   

I can not grow keeping the same mindset and idea of myself. I have to decide and settle with finality * an irreversible ending * that I am who God says I am, I have what God says I have, I can do what God says I can do.... and that settles it.  

We can develop ideas of ourselves and who "we" think we are and be well meaning but in error because God has a totally different idea and plan for you. So it's important to always remain open, teachable and sensitive the Holy Spirit so He can speak to you and mold you.  

The first part of that verse says: Let SOUL HARMONY  which comes from Christ- Rule! 
Soul- (Spiritual)   Harmony- (Consistency)   Spiritual Consistency!  In order to Change we have to be spiritually consistent in all things.  Not speaking "God is for for me, I will not fear"  one minute then.. "I'm so afraid"   the next.  Not involved in this ministry, then hopping to the next because we're offended or don't like someone.   Not (what I like to call)  A "Facebook christian"  where we can post all about love and grace, but then not speak to our family.  


C-H-A-N-G-E  * to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone

I'm SO glad that God won't leave me alone to be what I've been. He makes all things new. (Rev 21:5)  He makes all things work together for the good of those that love Him and are called according to His purpose.  (Romans 8:28)

The funny thing about the change of our seasons is that we can not stop it or reverse it. Once God puts nature into motion a great symphony erupts all around us. Every living creature is busy in preparation for the changes to come. From the smallest insect to the largest mammal every single living thing is suddenly aware that we are in for dramatic changes.  Be aware- We are in for dramatic changes, but those changes are for our benefit.  

What have you outgrown that you're still trying to fit into?     It's time to CHANGE! 

Blessings,

Alisa Ross