December 17
Bible Reading: Psalm 102:25-28; Hebrews 13:8: James 1:17
In January 2017, my wife Laura was diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Cancer. That diagnosis dramatically altered our lives. I retired, we sold our home and moved to be closer to our grandkids. We were forced to adapt to a new place and lifestyle.
Since June 2021, as a part-time hospice chaplain, I’ve said farewell to over 100 patients. Their families also faced the challenge of responding to terminal diagnoses and adjusting their lives to dramatic changes.
Life is filled with changes, but one comforting truth is that God does not change. He is unchanging in His perfection. His omnipotence means He cannot grow stronger or weaker. His wisdom, love, and knowledge remain constant. While we may experience bad days, mood swings, or aging, God’s nature and attributes are eternal. His purpose, promises, and Word remain steadfast: “The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8). Even the heavens and the earth will pass away, but God remains the same (Psalm 102:25-28).
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). The same Jesus who brought you “out of darkness into His marvelous light” is now interceding for you at God’s right hand and will one day transform your body to be like His (1 Peter 2:9; Romans 8:4; Philippians 3:21). This is deeply reassuring.
A. W. Tozer wrote, “What peace it brings to the Christian’s heart to realize our Heavenly Father never differs from Himself. In coming to Him, we need not wonder if we will find Him in a receptive mood… Today, this moment, He feels toward His creatures exactly as He did when He sent His only Son to die for mankind.”
“Yet, in the maddening maze of things, and tossed by storm and flood, to one fixed trust my spirit clings; I know that God is good!”–John Greenleaf Whittier
IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE, GOD ONLY WISE
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
thy justice like mountains high soaring above
thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all life thou givest, to both great and small;
in all life thou livest, the true life of all;
we blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
and wither and perish but naught changeth thee.
Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
all praise we would render, O help us to see
‘tis only the splendor of light hideth thee.
LookingtoJesus 