What is it time for you to do in this Season?

Seasons

Perhaps it was the way Peter, Paul, and Mary crooned its lyrics in the 60's which caused Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 to captivate my heart. It is a masterfully written passage. As a literary piece it certainly lends itself to music. It's message is profound and has a wistful pensive tone. This selection penetrates the soul and yields to numerous personal interpretations.

As you read the words of 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 

may the Holy Spirit guide you in relating them to your own life experiences. I hope you find that this passage of scripture gives you peace and assurance concerning past, present, and future seasons of your life. May this literary work, originally written by King Solomon, encourage you with confidence in the wisdom, sovereignty, and providence of a loving God. 

                                                                Ecclesiastes 3:1-8                                                                  

1 “There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down anda time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
 a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

The epochs and eras of our lives serve to craft us into who we are. The Master Potter uses them to refine our character and to help us to see things through His perspective. As the words of Ecclesiastes reveal, in life there are processes of comings and goings, tearing down and building up, of wounding and healing. It is sometimes only in retrospect that we can see the hand of God in the times of our lives.

As born again New Testament Christians, despite our changing circumstances we have an ever present constant joy in the knowledge that this earth is not our final destination. We are pressing on toward an eternal Kingdom where...

 “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow,
nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:
 for the former things are passed away.”

Revelation 21:4

By Cathy Friberg

OUR FATHERS BUSINESS

It's tax season and the Liberty Tax service sign spinners can now be seen out on busy city street corners. As I was waiting at a stop sign the other day, I gazed at a young man dressed as the Statue of Liberty dancing about on the sidewalk. I marveled at his energy and courage. He was donned in a long blue gown, wearing a crown and wielding a sign advertsing his employer's business. He lept around, willing to look the fool, and actually putting himself in harm's way as cars whizzed by, not an arm's length away. I was sure that whatever his financial compensation for this task was, that it was not near enough. Still, his smile seemed surprisingly authentic and made me begin to ponder.

As Christians are we as willing to go out on a limb for our Saviour? God's heart is for souls to be saved. He longs with passion for a lost and wayward world to come to know, trust, and love Him and to share eternal life with Him. As His agents here on earth we need to be willing to throw ourselves into His cause. In order to draw the lost to Him many times we need to put ourselves into inconvenient, sometimes even hazardous situations. Like the side walk sign spinners we may feel foolish, work tirelessly, and yet need to maintain an air of winsome confidence. Our wages are infinitely higher than those of the Liberty Tax workers. After all, we will be rewarded with an eternity of heaveny bliss. We may hear those coveted words from our Master, “Well done good and faithful servant.” While laborers are out reminding people that it's time to prepare for tax return day, let's be about our father's business. As we love, serve, pray, counsel, comfort, and minister let's remind the world (and the church) to prepare for the coming of the Lord.

By Cathy Friberg

A Cord of Love

I began my day in Bible Study in the Book of James. One of the exercises was to go back to Matthew 1:5 and write it out. “Salmon begot, Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse”.

Suddenly I was sent head long into thoughts of Rahab, the harlot, being Ruth’s second mother-in-law. Ruth being a Moabite had been mentored by a God fearing woman, Naomi, and Ruth loved her and her God so much that she left everything to go to Israel with her and I quote one of the great love passages in the Old Testament. Ruth 1:16 But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God, my God.”

Fast forward to Ruth marrying Boaz and getting a former harlot mother-in-law! What contrast between the godly Naomi and Rahab! Did Ruth have a problem with this? Did Naomi have a problem? Did Rahab feel unworthy?

None of these questions can be answered in Scripture it is only my imagination running wild. So let’s go a little farther…..Naomi is a godly woman, one whose example won Ruth over to God. She did not judge her daughter-in-law’s birth and she would not judge Rahab by her former life. I can picture these two women sitting over tea and bragging about their sons and praising both of them for choosing Ruth for their wife.

Ruth was given a second chance at happiness because of the wonderful man that Rahab had raised. Boaz was kind and loving as well as honest and generous. All traits taught him by his mother.  Ruth would most likely realize that to the Jewish community her past was equal to Rahab’s harlotry  and therefore loved her all the more

Rahab may have felt inferior to these other women but as the three formed a bond brought about by bonds of love everyone was equal.

Oh, that we would live that way! If we can but realize that our “sisters” may have come from different backgrounds but that nothing “BC” matters. There are no “lesser” or “better” in the family of Christ.

1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.

Father, I pray that my attitude will be one of love and reconciliation. Lord that I may see only what You see when I look at others and place no unrighteous judgment on things of the past. Amen

Written by
Jackie Gilmer

RESOLUTIONS

It is the beginning of a new calendar year and the debate continues: “to make New Year's resolutions or not to make them.” There are sound arguments for both sides of the controversy. Some would say that by making these promises we are only setting ourselves up for failure and possibly sending ourselves into a downward spiral. Changing negative habits isn't easy and personal willpower is a fickle friend. On the other hand, never attempting to improve one's character and behavior could lead to an unwanted setback in our earthly sojourn.

Perhaps there is a Godly balance or perspective to this dilema. The Lord has created our planet with predictable seasons and cycles. We can always look forward to winter, spring, summer, and fall. Each morning the sun rises, blessing us with a new day. Faithfully each evening the same sun sets, providing us with a period of sacred rest from our labors. We are born as infants, and then progress through childhood, adulthood, and finally old age. Psychologists have even mapped out the mental and emotional phases of development which correspond with the physical chronological stages of human progression.

It is evident that seasons, passages, and stages are a natural God given phenomenon in our world and personal lives. It appears too that we have an innate desire to improve our lives and conditions. It seems likely then, at the start of a new year that we would begin to think about our individual goals, dreams, and aspirations. The Bible declares that we are new creatures in Christ Jesus.

(2 Corinthians 5:17) The Word also tells us that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6) Romans 12:2 advises us that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, or changing the way we think. To find out God's thoughts it is important to read His love letter to us.

Therefore, perhaps instead of setting up hard and fast resolutions which may be difficult to keep, we might simply use this time of year to ask the Holy Spirit for direction. As we pray, praise and worship, and read God's word we can listen for those gentle promptings from the Lord. We can take baby steps and make small changes which will cause our daily lives to be more pleasing to our Saviour. Asking God for grace and strength to carry out those adaptations will enable us to succeed. Then we can give Jesus all the glory for the work He performs in us.

I believe, as many Christians do, that we are changed by the presence of the Lord. God inhabits the praises of His people. (Psalm 22:3) So as we praise and worship the Father our hearts do undergo a holy transformation. We go from glory to glory. “All of us reflect the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces, we are becoming more like Him with an ever increasing glory by the Lord's Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18) So rather than determine, “I am going to do thus and such this year,” we can instead cooperate with and yield to the Holy Spirit as He works to sanctify and purify our souls and bodies.

Written by Cathy Friberg

There is a song written by Jon Mohr which can be an appropriate inspiration for us at this time of year.

Jon Mohr

Philippians 1:6

 

Chorus

“He who began a good work in you

He who began a good work in you

Will be faithful to complete it

He'll be faithful to complete it

He who started the work

Will be faithful to complete it in you

If the struggle you're facing

Is slowly replacing your hope

With despair

Or the process is long

And you're losing your song

In the night

You can be sure that the Lord

Has His hand on you

Safe and secure

He will never abandon you

You are His treasure

And He finds His pleasure in you”

 

Here is a link to click on to hear this song...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1nfQN7me1M

WHAT TO PACK

  

Get a large trunk. Big enough to hold what is behind you, what is ahead of you, and what is within you. Big enough for a lifetime.

 Here is how to fill it.

Acquire a cat. Or let it acquire you. Sleep on your side, legs bent. Let the cat nestle in the crook between your knees and your chin, his purr rumbling deep against your chest, all the way to your heart.

Fetch a dog. Sit silently and work at your computer for two hours, while the dog patiently waits on the sofa. Then stand up and look at her. Laugh at the metronome of her tail, metering the joy in her soul as it connects with yours.

Gather some friends. Meet them in the third grade, or college, or at the coffee shop. Share the coffee. Share your pain. Share your dreams. Share the years. Move to different coasts. Live in the same town. Get busy and only drop an occasional note. Get together and pick up like you saw each other yesterday.

Embrace a sister. A brother. A parent. A cousin. Or some other relative. Realize that you are connected by a bond that comes from no other kind of relationship. Celebrate together. Mourn together. Take care of each other. Pass your bond on to the next generation.

Build a marriage. Let things marinate for twenty, or forty, or fifty years. Raise one, or two, or ten children. Watch them bloom. Pay the bills. Be there for each other. Scrub the toilets. Go to the movies and hold hands, remembering the first time you ever touched, and all you have shared between.

Cradle a child. Or maybe many. Forget the pain of childbirth. Remember the miracle of childbirth. Or first embrace at the airport. Imprint the memory of baby feet into the size twelve shoes he leaves in the hallway. When she is driving you crazy, remember that in your old age, she may be the one driving you where you need to go. Whether flesh of your flesh, or bone of your bone, you are bound to each other. Forever.

And don’t forget the map. Find the spot labeled “You Are Here.” To get your bearings. Then, follow your passions: love nature, love to read, love the arts. Stop to be touched by your blessings. By the hopes of others. Help a child. Plant a garden along your path. Make a detour to someone who needs your company. Accept kindness when you need it. Dance along the way. Share your success. Your experience. Your laughter. Treat your fellow travelers well. Find your own peace. Navigate the storms. See the sun, wherever it might shine. Grow into someone else, someone better, every single day of your one and only life.

Enjoy the journey

Julia Orvis

ã2012

HOLIDAY FITNESS”

                           

                 ... MORE THAN JUST EXERCISE               

 

This holiday season I wanted to share some passages from an article by Marty Copeland. I thought the theme was encouraging and a message meant to help keep us on track as “we center on Jesus, the real reason for the season.”

This Christmas “let's make a quality decision to stay focused on maintaining a strong, healthy body. There are “a few simple strategies to help maintain proper weight throughout the season.”

1. “Get God involved. Ask God to give you wisdom in fighting cravings and in scheduling time for increased cardiovascular exercise.
2. Never show up famished for a holiday party. Don't rely on willpower to get you through a long night of fudge, Christmas cookies, and party mix. Instead, go to the party prepared by eating a healthy snack and drinking a glass of water 30 minutes before the party. This will help you to make better food decisions and to exercise self-control. We can still enjoy a piece of pie or other special treats without overindulging.
3. Focus on relationships. Partake in family traditions such as reading the Christmas story around the fireplace. Focus on your family and friends more than you focus on the fabulous food.
4. Move it! As the fellowship and feasting come to an end, why not head for the great outdoors. Grab a football and toss it outside with your children. Or take a walk around the block with your cousins. This will rev up your metabolism.
5. Exercise more. During this busy season find time to work out. Exercise could be your best friend this season, because it will help you maintain your weight, even though your diet may not be as healthy as usual.

As we implement these simple strategies, we will be much healthier and happier, as we maintain our health and fitness goals. In this way, we can honor God and bring glory to him in our bodies even during the Christmas season.'”

Shared by Cathy Friberg.

Ideas and direct quotes from

“Stay Fit in Season”
 by Marty Copeland.”

WISDOM

get wisdom: 

and with all thy getting

get understanding.

                                                                

I was given a great blessing recently. My husband and I were invited to attend a Red Mass at Mission Santa Clara. It was a beautiful event. The church glistened with ornate décor and was crowned with a “Sistine Chapel like” ceiling. Several exquisite paintings hung over the alter. The raised Stations of the Cross, and polished red brick floor were magnificent. Broad wicker chairs were set up along the perimeter of the rectangular building. Seated guests surrounded a central platform. On the platform stood a large table which served as a resting point for the communion elements. The table was covered in a deep rich red cloth accented with a crisp white cotton runner. The corners of the building were draped with tailored red and white banners. There were magnificent bouquets boasting fresh roses, carnations, and gladiolas. The main priest, of course, wore a red robe. The six attending priests wore white monk like robes. Full length red sashes draped over their shoulders and cascaded down the front of their tunics. To complete the milleau, many of the male guests wore black suits with red neckties. Female guests showed their support by wearing red dresses or blouses. It was visually stunning and something I never could have imagined. A group of talented singers and a small but dynamic orchastra added to imperial ambiance. The music was reverent and worshipful, so typical of the Catholic Church.

Personally, I had never even heard of the Red Mass. I now know, however, that “The Red Mass is a historical tradition within the Catholic Church dating back to the Thirteenth Century when it officially opened the term of the Court for most European countries.

The celebrants—government officials, lawyers and judges—would proceed into a church clothed in red vestments or garments, signifying the fire of the Holy Spirit's guidance to all who pursue justice in their daily lives.

This important historic tradition was introduced into the United States in 1928 in the Church of St. Andrew, located in New York City. The Mass was presided over by His Eminence Patrick Cardinal Haves, who strongly encouraged and supported the involvement of the legal community in spreading the Word of God.

The Red mass is currently celebrated in dioceses throughout the United States to invoke God's blessings upon the members of the Bench, Bar, Legislature, Law enforcement and Governmental agencies, all protectors and administrators of the Law.” (Taken from Redmass.org – Red mass online- History of the Red mass)

At this particular Mass, the priest gave an admonition to the attending attorneys. He stated that education is important but that it must be tempered with character and wisdom. He noted that Jesus himself was not highly educated, except for Temple Tora knowledge. Yet Jesus was able to confront the lawyers, Pharisees, and Saducees of the day. The speaker also mentioned that Godly wisdom and truth is always rooted in and emanates from love.

I wholeheartedly agree that wisdom is of the utmost importance, not only for lawyers, but for everyone of us in all walks of life.

Proverbs 4:7 states:

Wisdom is the principal thing;

therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting

get understanding.

(KJV)

The New Living Bible trannslation says:

“Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do!

How true this concept is. Wisdom is the cornerstone of a

balanced, happy, victorious Christian life.

We can seek the Lord for wisdom in any situation

which may arise and he will show us exactly what to do.

James 1:5 reads:

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God,

and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”

(NLT)

How comforting to know that our God does not look down on us for lacking wisdom. Rather, He will graciously, by His Holy Spirit, guide and direct us when we ask for help.

We live in the information age. We have instant access to massive facts, figures, and knowledge. Theories change. Knowledge changes. The wisdom of God, however, is eternal. If we employ theories and knowledge without Godly wisdom, we may do ourselves and others more harm than good.

I remember a time years ago, when I was in a car accident. My car did look quite "a sight." Someone called a tow truck driver and he arrived on the scene. He was urging me to have it hauled to a wrecking yard. In the natural, I would have agreed with him. But suddenly, I felt the Spirit of the Lord come upon me in such a powerful way. I was so impressed not to let him take it to the wrecking yard but to bring it to my home. I was also so impressed not to go to the hospital in an ambulance as the EMT's were urging me to, as I had some neck pain. Now, this may not have sounded like human wsidom, however, I KNEW that these were directives from the Holy Spirit. Without going into detail, these turned out to be the right decisions on both counts. My husband was very pleased that I had not “junked” the car. He was able to have it repaired at a reasonable cost. My chiropractor took great care of my neck and I avoided ambulance fare, hospital costs, and a great deal of general hassle. We didn't have cell phones at that time so I couldn't ask wisdom from my husband or family. However, the Spirit of the Lord gave me instant discernment and instruction. My advice would be: “Wisdom through prayer. Holy Spirit Connection. Don't leave home without them.”

By Cathy Friberg