A time for everything

The book of Ecclesiastes speaks about the seasons of life. With everything under the sun, there is a time—a time to reap and a time to sow; a time to mourn and a time to laugh; a time to gather and a time to cast away.

With everything the Lord brings to us as believers, whether to our delight or adversity, it’s for his purposes. Whether it pleases or not, there is really nothing to lose or gain compared to the fulfillment of a God-centered life as only God brings us true contentment even apart from our circumstances.

Whether in good times or bad, the blessing of his hand in our lives is what sustains us. The surpassing joys or sorrows will fade in time, and our spirits are sustained through it all as we remain focused on the power of his presence in our lives.

As with anything earthly, it passes. Though the riches of the spiritual gifts designed by God for us are meant to be life sustaining and everlasting.

To everything there is a season…winter, spring, summer and fall. Each is part of the pattern of life which God has established on earth.

Freedom in Jesus

This Veteran’s Day, we salute the courageous men and women who fought to preserve our nation and its sovereignty. America is fortunate to have a unique position in the world through the sacrifice of so many patriots who’ve bled and died defending America’s liberty. One nation, under God, indivisible. The land of the free and home of the brave is the only one of its kind and was established first and foremost on the principle that only God holds the reins of power. This nation was established to be under God always.

There’s another who gave up his life sacrificially and shed his blood for our liberty. Jesus committed the highest act of sacrificial love for not just America but for the world. He came to earth from his heavenly home to bridge the gap between his father and sinful man. His battlefield was the cross, and he died there to pay the high cost of our sins in order that we may have freedom and liberty in Him forever.

Thank you, Vets, for your strength and bravery. Thank you, Lord, for your selflessness in battling the war we could never fight alone. To God be the glory.

By His side

We all want God to be on our side. The question to ask ourselves is:  Are we on God’s side?

In times of fear or uncertainty, it should be comforting to know that God has always remained close to his people. Though the Israelites did not always follow the Lord every step of the way, while they traveled through the desert for 40 years, he remained faithful to them. He kept them sheltered and fed through his mighty hand. He has always kept his eye on them and has wooed them like the great Father he is.

Though the social fabric of society may be coming apart at the seams, do not be alarmed. When we are abiding in Christ, there is nothing to fear because we are held in the palm of his hand. We are as close as marrow is to bone. He remains with us always. He is faithful to fulfill his promises to us. May we always remain faithful to him.

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
 Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult
~ Psalm 46:1-3

Be acceptable to God

Inside the depths of our souls lies stuff only God can restore—the hidden parts of our heart that need spiritual cleansing and renewal. We can put on appearances, but the Lord knows our heart.

In the Old Testament, David had a problem with lust. Rather than admit his sin publicly, he kept it hidden until the web he’d woven to conceal his weakness strangled him. He paid a big price for his sins. But all was not lost for David.

Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I obey your word ~ Psalm 119:67

In dealing with his sin problem, David was convicted and wanted the Lord to make him clean. He knew how much the Lord loved him, even while a sinner, and trusted that God would restore their fellowship that sin had tarnished.

David, the man after God’s own heart, has become one of many examples of restored fellowship with God. May we, like David, share this mindset continually as we contemplate our own ways before the Lord.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way of everlasting ~ Psalm 139: 33-34

What time is it?

The Lord gives us time while on the earth. It’s a precious gift. As stewards, it’s our choice how we use it. With the 86,400 seconds in each day, the way we prioritize those moments is important to getting the best out of life that is offered. We can be distracted with the unimportant, or we can live each day as though it were our last.

God has given each of us a pre-determined number of days. What are we to do with them?

“Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom” ~ Psalm 90:12

Our time is a God-given gift, and with it we can choose to honor him through what we spend our time on or dishonor him. It’s our choice. For the saved, we’ve come to know that seeking his face in all we do is better than doing things on our own. Let it be our resolution to seek His kingdom rather than possessions and Godliness rather than selfishness.

Some would define God as a great clockmaker, who set the world up and then walked away to let the clock run on its own time. But God is anything but negligent of His creation. No, he’s playing an active role in the world even though he lives outside of time.

Always remember our days are numbered by God for a purpose. Make the best use of the time he has given. It’s a gift, and each day on earth—our time—is in his loving hands.