Greetings, brothers and sisters in Christ and children of God,

“Gone are the days when…” I will let you finish that statement. When we look to the past, we see the path we traveled and the changes that took place. The towns and cities we have lived in and been in have changed over time, and often we do not like how or what they have become. There are other changes throughout our lifetime that we have experienced, and we could certainly say those days are gone.

One example some might relate to is the days when the family would gather around the radio to listen to certain programs. Some might recall the days when we would greet our loved ones at the airport gate or even see them off from the gate. Another time that seems to have gone by is the days when families would gather for Sunday dinners. Gone are the good days, some might say.

Time changes things, and even events through time can change how we live our lives on this earth. However, we are not of this world but in this world (John 17:16), and because we are in it, we must adapt and change, but let me be clear, we do not have to change our values or morals that Jesus has taught us just because the world itself has changed. 

The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is a great example of holding to the values even when the values around you change. The three friends of Daniel were put in a position where they had to choose to serve the king or honor the King of kings. Their whole world changed when they were taken captive. Throughout the changes they encountered during this time of their life, God was with them and He protected them because they did not change their values or morals despite the days that had gone by for them.

Children of God, times will always be changing, and others will value what man values, but we are called to honor God and His values and respect His ways, for His ways are greater than ours and lead to holiness. When you are unsure of the values, then seek God, and through the Holy Spirit, He will lead you. Others may attack you for those values, but God will protect you just as He did the young men sent to burn in the furnace.

The days as we know them may be gone, but the moral compass and Christian values have not gone. They are as alive and with us today as they were in the beginning; we just need to stand on that which Jesus has instructed us to stand, for He is the solid Rock.

Last week, we did not have children’s church. A few weeks ago, we started a lesson with the Lord’s prayer, and this week, we will be reading more about the Sermon on the Mount to learn about other teachings of Jesus Christ.

I look forward to worshipping the Lord God Almighty with you tomorrow through songs of praise and dancing before Him. If, for whatever reason, I do not see you tomorrow, may the Lord bless you with joy, peace, and grace, and may He bless you with comfort, healing, and guidance when needed.

God bless you

Your brother in Christ,

Michael (aka Mr. Michael)