Change is a word frequently discussed but rarely acted on. . .especially, by politicians.

Real change. . .lasting change. . .is a change of heart followed by decisive action to do things differently.

The word change is in the King James Bible a total of 23 times while it appears in the Amplified Bible 46 times since it amplifies the meaning of the words in scripture.  Let’s look at several key scriptures.

Matthew 3:2 in the King James Version says:

“And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

As we’ve taught before, the Greek word for repent is G3340 and it means:

“to change one’s mind, to repent”

This is further clarified in Matthew 3:2 in the Amplified Bible which says:

“And saying, Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

To repent is to “think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct.”

When we repent of our sins. . .we change our way of thinking, acting and living.

Acts 2:38 in the Amplified Bible says:

“And Peter answered them, Repent (change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves. . .”

Repentance is more than a thought. . .a confession. . .the scripture reveals it to be action. . .an agent for change.

Matthew 3:8 in the Amplified Bible says:

“Bring forth fruit that is consistent with repentance [let your lives prove your change of heart].”

The evidence of our change from sinner to saint must be proven by the fruit of our actions.

The same principles are true in habits we wish to change. . .it’s great to say we’re going to change. . .but there must be corresponding action to make the desired and necessary changes.

Mahatma Gandhi said:

"We must be the change that we wish to see in the world."

I’ve often heard people say they want to change their financial environment. . .but I can tell you with absolute confidence that nothing is going to change until they change.

According to dictionary.com the word environment is defined as:

“the aggregate [or the total] of surrounding things, conditions, or influences; surroundings; the social and cultural forces that shape the life of a person or a population.”

Let me read the last part of that definition for environment one more time.

“the social and cultural forces that shape the life of a person or a population.”

We are uniquely positioned to change our environments in seven major areas.

1.         Your learning environment. . .how you study the word, read a book or listen to a CD.

First, get a pen or pencil and a yellow highlighter.

As you read and/or listen. . .you will find nearly every page will have notes, asterisk, comments and ideas for practical implementation into your life.

Second, pray.

Ask God to help you understand and activate every scriptural principle that you read so the fruit of the time you invest. . .will remain and produce a harvest. . .for years to come.

Third, read without distraction.

Fourth, don’t delay in reflecting, recording and recalling the things that you’ve read and/or heard.

It is a scientific fact that you will forget 50% of what you’ve read or heard within three hours of reading or hearing it.  And sadly, twenty-four hours later you will have forgotten 50% of that information.

If you really want to change your way of living make every effort to capture the insight and revelation into His Word. . .you receive.

2.         Your living environment. . .a place where you change.

My favorite place on planet earth isn’t found in any of the fourteen countries I’ve visited though I’ve been captivated by the mountains surrounding  Luscerne, Switzerland; the history of England; the antiquity of Egypt;  the inspiration of walking where Jesus walked in Israel and so many other places.

My favorite place on planet earth is my home. . .my living environment.  It has changed over the years.  Our three youngest children are on their own. . .so now. . .it’s just me and my fine wife Bev.

Our home is my place of refuge and enlightenment. . .my place of comfort. It’s where I build my strength as we spend time in the Word and with each other.

Though it has changed our the years. . .with the coming and going of children. . .I have always managed to create an environment for living, loving and learning.

There’s the place where I read and write. . .the place where I pray and the place where I relax. . .mentally and physically.

No matter how big or small your apartment or home. . .create a room. . .a corner for your secret place. . .where you pray.  A place where you change. . .mentally and spiritually by what you read.

Psalm 91:1 in the Amplified Bible says:

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].”

3.         Your preparation environment. . .where you get ready for work, i.e., bathroom and closet.

Have you ever noticed how you feel when you walk into an environment where everything is neat and accurately arranged?  The order in the environment creates a freshness. . .it enhances your desire to change. . .to be and do more than you’ve done before.  An orderly environment becomes our invitation to a fresh start.

So our challenge is to remove clutter from our lives including but not limited to our dresser, closet, night stand, bathroom reading rack, medicine cabinet, garage, attic and. . .well, everything else.  Smiling.

Ask God how to bring order into your environment. . .He will gladly reveal it to you.

Psalm 32:8 in the English Standard Version says:

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”

4.         Your transportation environment. . .what you ride in from home to work.

Let’s start with your car. . .the interior and exterior of your car reflect the order in your life.  If there’s stuff in the floor board. . .it sends a message. . .and not the one you necessarily want.  Clean it up. . .and keep it tidy every day.

If the exterior of the car is dirty. . .wash it.  The appearance of your car is a reflection on you. . .whether your realize it or not.

1 Timothy 4:15 in the New Living Translation says:

“Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress.”

5.         Your workplace environment. . .where you spend at least 8 hours every day.

1 Corinthians 14:40 which says:

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”

According to Strong’s Concordance the Greek word for order comes from a root word G5021 (tassō) which means:

“to place in a certain order, to arrange, to assign a place, to appoint”

Is your office desk, work station and files a reflection of whether or not your professional life is in order?

What does your supervisor, boss or for that matter, co-workers think when they observe your work environment.  Make no mistake the order or lack of it on your work environment is a reflection on you.

Hebrews 13:21 in the Amplified Bible says:

“Strengthen (complete, perfect) and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; [while He Himself] works in you and accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight. . .”

Our Heavenly Father is a God of order.

6.         Your nourishment environment. . .where you eat.

Meal times should be a time when memories are made and remembered.

When you’re with your family. . .be with your family.  No phone calls or text messages during meal times.  As a parent or grandparent. . .if you create value for meal time it will be honored by your children and grandchildren.

As I was meditating on this nourishment environment. . .I was led to Revelation 3:20 in the Amplified Bible which says:

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me.”

The eating area including the kitchen sink. . .must always be ready to entertain special guests. . .even angels unaware.

7.         Your spiritual environment. . .where God can bring the change needed in your life.

Proverbs 12:27 in the Message Bible says:

“A lazy life is an empty life, but "early to rise" gets the job done.”

When you bring order into your life. . then you will find extra satisfaction in Deuteronomy12:16 in the Message Bible:

“…You are to celebrate in the Presence of God, your God, all the things you've been able to accomplish.”

A proper spiritual environment. . .positions you strategically to bring the change you desire in your life.

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