by leaps and bounds

For I am the Lord, I do not change…(Malachi 3:6).

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away(Matthew 24:35).

As we just passed the twenty-second anniversary of 9-11, we have to admit that things really changed that day. Our sense of safety and invincibility took a tremendous hit when that incident occurred. In addition, our economy has not fully recovered.

Then came the Covid-19 pandemic. Many people died during that time. Many people suffer lingering effects from having the virus. Businesses were forced to shut down- some have never recovered.

Along with these incidences, we have seen social, cultural and moral changes that never seemed possible. In fact, we are living out the words found in II Timothy 3:1-7:

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. Having a form of godlines, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

No matter where we may look- in this rapid change- there is only one constant. God Himself is the one who can shelter us during this time.

Many years ago, the Hinson Family sang the following words:

The world may end tomorrow;
The sun refuse to shine;
The stars may cease to twinkle;
The rivers may run dry;
The mountains high and mighty may crumble to the ground; But Jesus is my fortress- in Him my hope is found.

He never changes.
He’s just the same.
Now and forever, He will remain. Heaven and earth shall pass away, But one thing is sure.
Our God is eternal- in Him I’m secure.

I don’t know about you, but I like change in very small doses. Like it or not, change is inevitable. As believers, we can take comfort in the fact that our God does not change and He is eternal. He never leaves or forsakes His own. This is our security in an ever-changing world.

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Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.

Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children  — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter  — Breanna. 

Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.