Sometimes smaller churches make the mistake of thinking that they cannot do much for the cause of Christ. We assume that limited numbers and limited resources means we can only have limited results. This is not true! Allow me to share with you the opening lines of a recent letter from Doug Wheeler who has just returned from his annual trip to Nigeria . . . “Dear brethren, I want to thank you for your support and the great interest you have in Nigerian evangelism! I must say that you are one of the leading congregations in INFLUENCE for Christ and His church in Nigeria, BECAUSE of your WBS (World Bible School) program you have going on in Nigeria through Sylvester Imogoh . . . How does that make you feel? You ought to feel honored and blessed that Christ is doing such a significant work through us! As a small child I loved to throw a pebble into a pond and watch the ripples move out over the entire surface. I was fascinated that something so small could affect something so large. Who would have ever thought that the little ole Highland Lakes church of Christ would be one of the leading churches in the world to have an influence on the entire nation of Nigeria? Brethren . . . let’s keep the ripples going . . . it’s having a great impact for the Lord! — Joe
Scripture of the Week
Today’s Scripture: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — His good, pleasing and perfect will.” — Romans 12:2
Think About It
The Reason for A Season (Sp. Cromwell, Windsong C.o.C)
In Ecclesiastes 3, Solomon lists a total of twenty-eight seasons. These are just snapshots of the types of seasons we are likely to experience over the course of our lifetime.
Recognizing the season, we’re helped to simplify our lives, by giving us a tangible target on which to focus our growth, energies, and direction. It equips us to be more fully present and engaged. It brings a single-minded clarity to our days. We are more likely to notice God’s active hand, to learn the lessons He has for us, and to maximize the character development, wisdom, and spiritual growth opportunities that each season holds.
It’s also important to identify our current season so that, when the season comes to a close, we are less likely to cling to it and more apt to make a graceful exit and step wholeheartedly into the new season that is dawning. We are not in the current season by accident! God’s hand is in it, and there’s a purpose to His activity. What does God want to teach me/us during this unique, never-to-be-exactly-repeated season?
In Ecclesiastes, Solomon seeks to define the meaning and purpose of life. He challenges readers to find sustainable satisfaction by investing their lives in things that matter for eternity. Too many people — Christ followers included — are spinning out of control. We act as if we don’t have a clue about God’s narrative for our lives. There’s a reason for every season in our lives — good or bad, easy or challenging, rewarding or draining.
When we are in a hard season, it’s very tempting to want to “medicate” ourselves, be it through food, alcohol, distraction of various sorts, busyness, etc. It’s so easy to want to put on blinders, escape the discomfort, and ignore reality. If we are Christ-followers, God is continually working to refine our character to make us more like Jesus. He has good lessons to teach us, especially in the uncomfortable, restless, painful seasons of our lives.Something to Smile About
What Time Is It?
It was scarcely half-past nine when the rather fierce-looking father of the girl entered the parlor where the timid lover was courting her. The father had his watch in his hand. “Young man,” he said, “do you know what time it is?” “Y-y-yes sir,” stuttered the frightened lover, as he scrambled out into the hall, “I–I was just going to leave!” After the beau had made a rapid exit, the father turned to the girl and said in astonishment: “What was the matter with that fellow? My watch has run down, and I simply wanted to know the time.”
