"For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His." (2 Chron. 16:9)

“I’ve found a reason for me to change who I used to be, a reason to start over new. And that reason is you”

(Hoobastank, The Reason)

Why should we start over new?

I. Wrong reasons to change:

A. Trend: Joining the crowd.

– Mt. 3:5-9, it’s not about joining the crowd

– Ac. 4:32…5:11, regret!

I. Wrong reasons to change:

B. Thrill: Pleasing family or friends.

– Ge. 25:28, a family committed to family

– Ge. 27:5-14…41, Jacob kept mama happy, but… Jacob lied Jacob destroyed Jacob regretted

I. Wrong reasons to change:

B. Thrill: (cont.)

– Ge. 34:2…31, family commitments caused unnecessary suffering

– Ge. 50:15, 19, commitment to God led to peace

Godly parents want their children to commit to GOD, not to them.

I. Wrong reasons to change:

C. Worldly Treasures: 1 Tm. 6:3…10

– 3-5, God knows who you really are

– 5, the rich aren't here, Mt. 19:24; 1 Co. 1:18-20

– 6, "When accompanied by contentment"

– 9-10, spare yourself the trouble

II. Right reasons to change:

A. Position: God's Creatures, Occupants, and Children

1. Ownership demands obedience:"No more we’ll have to hear, ‘How late will you be dear?’ We go where we please. And do what we please. We’re in the Army now." (Abe Lyman,

1940)

– Hospitality demands obedience, Ezra 4:14, lit., "We eat the salt of his table."

II. Right reasons to change:

B. Purpose: Vv. 26-27

– "seek…grope…find…though He is not far…" It's easy to do what God wants, 2 Kg. 5:…14 It's harder to run from God than to Him, Jonah

"If you don't make it to heaven, it's because you didn't want to be there!"

II. Right reasons to change:

C. Punishment: Vv. 30-31

– 2 Co. 5:10-11, "fear" - be scared of hell! Mk. 9:43-48, make sure you don't go here Lk. 16:23-28, if the dead could speak!

II. Right reasons to change:

D. Pain: V. 27, "seek" implies separation

– Adam: Ge. …3:24, Suffering!

– Athenians: Suffering! 23, "Worship" Desire 16, "City full of idols" Degree 27, "Grope" Despondency

– David: Ps. 32:3-4, Suffering!

I lost my way today.I wrapped myself in despair today.I found the strength to break through today.And for tomorrow, I prayI still have the strength I found today.

(J. Mulligan)