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.”
Category Archives: Front Page
WEEKLY NEWS, MAY 12, 2019
WITH SYMPATHY Ken & Gail Darnell ask prayers for the family of Anderson Gruhlkey, 23 yr. old son of Jim & Melanie Gruhlkey of Levelland, TX. Anderson died unexpectedly this weekend after an all too short life of heart related … Continue reading
WHAT DO YOU SEE?
“For whoever lacks these qualities: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love, is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins” (2 Peter 1:9). Too many of us do … Continue reading
CHURCHES ARE PEOPLE
With the fire engulfing the Cathedral of Notre Dame as Paris fades into the night, there is much cultural treasure at risk at being lost, but there is no more poignant moment for the reminder that churches are not buildings: … Continue reading
DID BUGS BUNNY CORRUPT THE SCRIPTURES?
If I called you a Nimrod, how would you feel? If you are like most people you would probably feel insulted. The popular definition for a nimrod is inept person, a moron, an ignoramus. The original name Nimrod really meant … Continue reading
ARE YOU ASHAMED?
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16). Being ashamed is never a pleasant feeling. The experience of shame is one that leaves us uncomfortable … Continue reading
WORLDLY THOUGHTS VS DIVINE INSTRUCTION
“The definition of new…tolerance is that every individual’s beliefs, values, lifestyle, and perception of truth claims are equal, and all truth is relative.” — Thomas A. Helmbock “Tolerance is the virtue of those who believe in nothing. Rather than stand … Continue reading
