for everything there is a season… and a time for every ...and a time for every matter under...

2017 Lenten Devotionsby the Holy Ghost Lutheran Family of Faith

For everything there is a season…and a time for every matter under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

ATimeForEveryMatterUnderHeavenTheseasonofLenthashistoricallybeenatimeoffasting,repentance,moderation,self-denialandspiritualdiscipline.ThepurposeistosetasidetimeforreflectiononJesusChrist-hissufferingandhissacrifice,hislife,death,burialandresurrection.IntheearlychurchthisscopeoftimewasusedtoinstructnewconvertstothefaithwhowouldthencelebrateChrist’svictoryoversin,death,andthedevilonEasterSunday,rejoicingintheirnewlifeinthechurch.ChristianstodaycontinuetohonorthetraditionsofthechurchalongwithadesiretogrowdeeperinourfaithandcloserinourrelationshipwithGod.Somewillchoosetofast,orgiveupsomethingduringthistimeframe,toreflectontheirfaith.OtherswillspendmoretimeinprayerandreadingGod’sWord.ThisLentendevotionalisatooltohelpyougrowdeeperandspendtimeeachdaywithGod.ThefocusthisyearisonEcclesiastes3:1-8.Solomonisconsideredtheauthorofthiscollectionofwisdomsayings.Intheseverses,SolomonremindsusthateverythingcomesandgoesatatimethatGodhasappointed.Wemightsay,thesearethingsoverwhichwehavelittlecontrol.Amidthisrhythmoflife,wearecompelledtolooktotheonewhoalonecangiveushelpandhope—ourLord,JesusChrist.Aswefacevarioustimesandtrialsinourlives,maywefindpeaceandcomfortintheassuranceofGod’spromises!ThefollowingdevotionsarewrittenbypeoplewhomGodhastouchedinspecialwaysthroughvarioustimesandtrialsintheirlives.TheirwitnessisatremendoustestimonyofthepromiseswehavethroughourLordandSavior,JesusChrist.Mayyoubetouchedasyoureadthemdevotionally!

PastorDavidPriem

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven.Atimetobeborn,andatimetodie.

Atimetoplant,andatimetopluckupwhatisplanted.Atimetokill,andatimetoheal.

Atimetobreakdown,andatimetobuildup.Atimetoweep,andatimetolaugh.

Atimetomourn,andatimetodance.Atimetothrowawaystones,andatimetogatherstonestogether.

Atimetoembrace,andatimetorefrainfromembracing.Atimetoseek,andatimetolose.

Atimetokeep,andatimetothrowaway.Atimetotear,andatimetosew.

Atimetokeepsilence,andatimetospeak.Atimetolove,andatimetohate.

Atimeforwar,andatimeforpeace.Ecclesiastes3:1-8

AshWednesday,March1,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetobeborn,andatimetodieEcclesiastes3:2a

BeneathachapelinRome,thereistheCapuchinCrypt,wheretheskeletalremainsofthousandsofCatholicfriarswhodiedinearlierdaysofthechurcharedisplayed.Thesefriarswerefirstburied,andthenexhumedbytheirorderandtheirbonesdisplayedinthecrypt.Ifoundmyselftransfixedbyaplacardbeneathoneoftheskeletaldisplaysthatread:“Whatyouarenowweusedtobe;whatwearenowyouwillbe....”ThoughIknewthatmytimeonearthwasbrief,thislongpassedfriargavemeaconcreteandsoberingreminderoftheinevitabilityofdeath.AsIreflectonmyvisittothecrypt,Solomon'swordsregarding“atimetobeborn,atimetodie”cometomind.The“timetobeborn”makesmethinkofthewonderandjoyofseeingapreciouschildtakeherfirstbreath.Howevera“timetodie”ismuchharderformetothinkabout.Ican'thelpbutthinkabouthowpainfulitwastosaygoodbyetolovedonesandhowmuchImissthem.JohnrecordsthatJesusweptbecauseofthepainandgriefthatMaryandMarthaexperiencedfollowingthedeathoftheirbrother,Lazarus.Christcomfortedthembyassuringthem,“Iamtheresurrectionandthelife;hewhobelievesinMeshallliveevenifHedies."(John11:25).PraisetheLordthatwehavethepromiseofeternallifeandareabletocomfortoneanotherwiththereassurancethatChristgavetoMaryandMartha.Thoughourphysicalbodieswilldie,wewillliveeternallywithChrist.Furthermore,wedon'tmournasthosewhohavenohopeofeverreunitingwithlovedones.AsbelieverswearepromisedeternallifeandreunionwithChristianswhohavegonebeforeus.ThoughourphysicalremainswillonedaybeliketheskeletonsdisplayedintheCapuchinCrypt,wearepromisedeternallife.Andwe'llneveragainexperiencethepainofsayinggoodbyetoourlovedoneswhenweareinoureternalhome.ForGodsolovedtheworld,thathegavehisonlybegottenSon,thatwhosoeverbelievethinhimshouldnotperish,buthaveeverlastinglife.John3:16

RhondaGrossThankyouLord,foryourdeathandresurrectionthatallowsustoliveforeverwithyouineternity.Amen

Thursday,March2,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetobeborn,andatimetodie

Ecclesiastes3:2a

Wesoeagerlyembracetimesofachild’sbirth,orlookforwardtothenewplantsorflowersblooming,chickshatching,orstartinganadventurethatoriginatedasadream.Throughexperience,wehavewitnessedcountlesstimeshowGod’swaysareperfectandhowHegoesoutofHiswaytomakesimplethingsspectacularandcreative.Sowhyisitwestrugglesomuchwiththe“...atimetodie…”part?Deathofalovedone,anunbornchild,afavoritetreeorplant,relationship,job,orevenadreambringsussuchsorrow.Thesorrowcanremainwithusforalifetimeandtheseemotionsaresouncomfortableandpainfultoexperience.Wehaveheardconsistentstoriesfromthosethatreportedlydiedandreturnedtolifeorthosethatareactivelydyingthattellusvividdetailsofvisitingwithlovedonesthathavegonebeforethem—validatingthatthereissomelifebeyondtheonewearecurrentlyin.Yet,westillstrugglewiththe“…timetodie.”GodsentHisoneandonlySontosufferanddieforussothatwecanbecleansedfromsinandcomelivewithHim,FOREVER!JesuspromisedHewasgoingtohelpprepareaplaceforusinHeavenandthatitwillbebetterthanourliveshereonearth.Justthink,Godcreatedthismostintricatemasterpieceforusin6days.CanyouimaginehowamazingheavenwillbesinceHehasbeenworkingonitfornearly2000years?

AmyMontgomeryHeavenlyFather,thankyouforallowingustobebornandprovidinguswithsomanyblessings.Weknowyourplanisperfectandthatyouhaveaperfecttimeforeverythingtohappenasitshould.Wearesogratefulforyourconstantloveduringourtimesofhurt,pain,andfear.ThankyouforsendingyourSonsothatthroughHim,wewillbeabletobebornagainintoeternallifeandliveinyourKingdomwithyouandJesusandallthelovedonesthathavegonebeforeus.Amen

Friday,March3,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetobeborn,andatimetodieEcclesiastes3:2a

Howcoolisitthat,eventhoughhewasabusyking,Solomontookthetimetoreflectandwriteaboutemotionsandtheiropposites?HowwiseSolomonwastoknowthere’satimetobebornandatimetodie!Dang!Whoeventhinksaboutthinkingaboutstufflikethat?OurMightyGodhasappointedboththedayofourbirthandthedayofourfuneral!Iwasthinkingthere’snothingandnoonewhocantakeyourlifeawaybeforeGodsaysyourdaysarefinished...butthenIthinkaboutmybrotherJoe,his12-year-oldsonSimon,mygoodfriendBarron,hisbrother-in-lawRobert.Mymindreelsandshutsdowntothinkaboutthesesuicides.Iwasn’tgoingtogothere...butIfindmyselfherejustthesame.Youareherewithme.Right?Goddidn’twantthat!Hetreasuredthem.Hestillhadsomethingvaluableinmindfortheirliveswhentheydecidedtogo.Ithinkoftheanguishtheyhadtobegoingthrough,ofapainedfacetwistedevenafterdeath.AndIthinkiftheyhadonlyknown...iftheyhadwaitedonemoreday,maybejustonemorehour,theycouldhaveseenpastthehorribleproblem,realizedthatitwouldbehardbutitwouldbeokay.I’mnotbeingflippantorsimplistic;I’vebeenthere;I’vebeenclose.Isay,“Waitonemoreday–andonemoredayafterthat!”Solomonknewweweregoingtogothroughthisstuff.Hewantedustothinkaboutittoo.HewantedyoutoWAITuntilthedayGodhasappointedforyou!Hewantedyoutogetpastthepain.Hewantedyoutolive!

TammyVitekGod,inthosetimeswhenallwecanprayis,“God,”remindusofyourSon,theOneyouappointedtodieforussowewouldn’thaveto.Giveusthefaith,thestrengthtowaitandtolive,knowingitwillbehard,butitwillbeokay.Thankyou,God,forthegooddaysandmanymoretocome.Amen

Saturday,March4,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetobeborn,andatimetodie

Ecclesiastes3:2a

Andshegavebirthtoherfirst-bornsonandwrappedhiminswaddlingclothes,andlaidhiminamanger,becausetherewasnoplaceforthemintheinn.Luke2:7ThenJesus,cryingwithaloudvoice,said,“Father,intoyourhandsIcommendmyspirit.”Havingsaidthis,hebreathedhislast.Luke23:46Jesus’birthanddeath-21shortchapters;33shortyears.Howquickitwent.Allthetravelsandallthestories,everythinghedid,overinaflash.Itmakesmethinkabouthowfastmylifeisgoingby.WhereamI?I’molderthan33somaybeChapter36?IremembermychildhoodandgoinginthepasturewithmyOpa,lookingatdeerandfeedingthecows.RidingaroundinhisrattlyoldpickupwiththeoldChloroxjughecarriedfordrinkingwatersittingonthefloorboard.Hepointedoutplacesofinterestorwherehesawabigbucklastweek.Icanrememberitasclearasyesterday.Andnowlook.I’manOpa!AndI’mtakingmygrandsoninthepasture.Butinsteadofanoldpickup,weliketakingtheMule.Hecanevensitinmylapanddrive(sortof).I’veshownhimthecoolplacetoplayonthebigrocksnearthepipeline.Wefeedthecows.Healreadyknowshowtocheckifthereisenoughwaterinthestoragetankatthewindmill.He’sgrowingupsofast.ItmakesmewonderhowmanychaptersdoIhaveleftuntiltheendofmystory?ButthatisthegreatthingaboutJesus’story.Itwasn’toverinChapter23!Therewasanotherchapter.Andtheangelsaid:“Whydoyoulookforthelivingamongthedead?Heisnothere,buthasrisen.”Luke24:5b.Jesusdiedbutdidn’tstaydeadandwehavethatsameopportunity.TheapostlePaulwrites:Thereforewehavebeenburiedwithhimbybaptismintodeath,sothat,justasChristwasraisedfromthedeadbythegloryoftheFather,sowetoomightwalkinnewnessoflife.Romans6:4

DoyleMoelleringDearLord,thankyouforyourSon’sdeathandresurrection,sothatwedon’thavetofearourfinalchapterhere,butlookforwardtoournextchapterinHeaven.Amen

Sunday,March5,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetoplant,andatimetopluckupwhatisplantedEcclesiastes3:2b

MyyoungerbrotherstillfarmswhereIgrewupinIllinois.Aroundmid-March,whenwinterweatherbeginstosettleintomoresunnydays,theplantingequipmentemergesfromtheshedsformaintenance.Fertilizersappliedtotheacreagesareaccordingtotheseedandsoilneeds.Thegroundtemperaturerisestoadegreeforsuccessfulgerminationoftheseeds.Finally,themassivetractorwithitsplanterattachedmakesitswayintothefieldtodropseedsintotheprescribedrows.Themonthsfollowing,theseedlingsandplantsfacetraumaoftoomuchortoolittlerain,hailstorms,insects,andanearlyorlatefreeze.Whenfallarrives,farmersbegincheckingforthepropermoisturecontentofthegrain.Grainharvestedwithtoomuchmoistureyieldshighdryingcosts.Thepropertimingforharvestisextremelyimportant.I’vebeenreadingaboutNehemiah’scalltorebuildthetempleinJerusalem.HerecognizedacallingfromGodandworkedthroughmanychallengestoachieveGod’sgoal.WeatHolyGhosthaveauniqueopportunitytobeginplantingseedsthroughtheministriesofourvariousproperties.Anyoneofuscouldbeinspiredtodevelopaplanforpresentationtothecongregation,asNehemiahpresentedhisplantothepeopleofJerusalem.Wemayfindoppositionandmanyobstaclesmayappear.IfGodhasplansforustobringmorepeopletofaiththroughourefforts,thenwewillreaptheblessingsofourlabors.LikeNehemiah(2:20),wecansay,“TheGodofheavenwillgiveussuccess.”PrayerandfaithwereNehemiah’sstrength.

LindaChristensen

Lord,guideustouseourgifts,ourmoney,andourpossessionstoyourgreatglory.Amen

Monday,March6,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetoplant,andatimetopluckupwhatisplanted

Ecclesiastes3:2b

Iwasraisedonafarm.Thisversestruckachordwithmebecauseofmybackground.IwasastoundedgrowingupthatmyDadwouldpursueaprofessioninwhichallyourhardworkcouldwashawayinfrontofyoureyesorbeeatenupbyatinybug.Insteadofshakinghisfist,hewouldshrughisshouldersandreplant–lookingforwardtothenextharvest.Heknewthatsomethingswerebeyondhiscontrolandthatallhecoulddowas‘hisbest’.IbelievethatweareencouragedinthischapterofEcclesiastestopursueGod’sguidanceintheactionswetakeandacceptHistimingoftheresults,trustingintheknowledgethatHeiswithusatalltimesandineveryseason.

MandyHerberFatherinheaven,giveusthestrengthtotrustYourtiminginourlives.Amen

Tuesday,March7,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetoplant,andatimetopluckupwhatisplantedEcclesiastes3:2b

AssoonasIreadthisverseIthoughtofcarrots.Theyareplanted,allowedtogrow,andthentotallyuprooted.Weplantseedsallthetime;anewjob,startingafamily,oranyothermajorlifeevent.Whenthecarrotisready,orinthecaseofacareer,itistimeforretirement,wepluck.Butwhathappenswhenwedon'tthinkthecarrotisreadyandGodsaysit'stimetopluckit?Toooften,wequestionHistimingwhenweshouldn't.Wewon'teverknowtherighttimetopluckupwhatisplanted,butHealwaysknows.InsteadofquestioningHistiming,weshouldappreciateitandwillinglysubmittowhatHehasinstore.TheremaybeotherfruitsorvegetablesthatHewantsustoplant.Oneofmyfavoriteverses,Jeremiah29:11reads:"ForIknowtheplansIhaveforyou,"declarestheLord,"planstoprosperyouandnotharmyou,planstogiveyouhopeandafuture."AnytimeIdon'tunderstandGod'stiming,Irememberthatverse.Evenifwedon'tthinkitiswhat'sbestforus,Healwayshasourbestinterestatheart.HisplansforusaremorewonderfulthanwecouldeverimagineandwemustsubmittoHimandHisplanwholeheartedly.Thereisatimetoplant,andatimetopluckupwhatisplanted.ByacceptingGod'sperfecttiming,wecangrowclosertoHimandliveHiswilleachday.

AmandaBushDearHeavenlyFather,helpmetorealizethatanythingyoubringintomylifeandanythingyourevealtomeisformygood.Helpmetoliveoutyourwill,inyourway,withyourtiming,aslongasIamhereonEarth.Amen

Wednesday,March8,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetokill,andatimetoheal

Ecclesiastes3:3a

IfIamhonestwithmyself,IrealizeIhavemanysinsinmyheart.Thosesins,and/ortheeffectsofthosesins,creepoutandspreadangerandbitterwords,unkindandimmoralthoughts,criticisms,lackofunderstanding,impatience,etc.ButIalsoknowthereispowerintheHolySpiritwithinmetodestroythosesins.Thisisatimetokill.Thesesins,leftunchecked,swellintodamagingproportions.BecauseIseeketernallife,Imustattackthembeforetheydestroyme.ImustmeditateontheWord,callontheHolySpiritinprayerandaskGodtohelpmeovercomethesin(s).JustfeedthemtotheScripturesandtheydie.Wedonotaccept,settle,orcompromisewithsin.Wefightandwekill.Ah,butthereismoretotheverse…atimetoheal.ThroughGod’sgraceandJesus’deathonthecrossweareallowedtohealfromtherepercussionofsin.ImuststayintheWord,havearelationshipwithGod,andpray,pray,pray.Redemptionisawonderfulthing.“ForHerescuedusfromthedomainofdarkness,andtransferredustothekingdomofHisbelovedSon.”(Colossians1:13)Thisspiritualbattleandthespiritualvictoryisongoingbutknowthatthereisatimetokillandatimetoheal.

BarbaraD.GeorgeGraciousGod,helpme,throughYourHolySpirit,tokillthesinsthataredestroyingme.Helpmyhearthealingrace.InJesus'nameIpray.Amen

Thursday,March9,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetokill,andatimetohealEcclesiastes3:3a

Afterlovingadachshundfor18years,thetimecametomakeadecision.Mobleywasgoingblind,deaf,andshehadarupture.Shewastoooldforanoperation.Isometimesworkuntilmidnightorgoinat5:00a.m.IcouldhandletakingMobleytothevetandputtinghertosleep.WhatIcouldn’thandlewasdrivingheroverearlyinthedayorlateintheevening.Icarriedhertothevet.Heputhertosleep.Itransportedhertotheranch,buriedher,andmadeacrossforher.MemorieswillbewithmealwaysasIheal.

KarenImmelDearHeavenlyFather,giveusguidancetodoeverythingforyourglory.Inyournamewepray.Amen

Friday,March10,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetokill,andatimetoheal

Ecclesiastes3:3a

Throughtheyearsofprisonministry,Ihaveheardmanytouchingstories.SomehavereallymademerealizehowluckyIam."Hewillnotallowyourfoottoslip;yourProtectorwillnotslumber.Indeed,theProtectorofIsraeldoesnotslumberorsleep.TheLordprotectsyou;theLordisashelterrightbyyourside."Psalm121:3-5.Manyofthemeninwhite,(wecallthemthatbecausetheywearwhite),hadnochildhood,andmanycamefrombrokenhomes.Theirparentsoftenabuseddrugsand/oralcohol,whichledtoabusingtheirchildrenmentallyand/orphysically.Mostofthemeninwhitehavenoideawhata"normal"childhoodislike.Iheardsomehavewitnesseddrugdeals,gangfights,stabbings,shootingsandmuchmore,notknowingthiswasnotnormal."Mylittlechildren,Iamwritingthesethingstoyousothatyoumaynotsin.Butifanyonedoessin,wehaveanadvocatewiththeFather,JesusChristtherighteous."FirstJohn2:1.WhentheinmatescometooneofourChristianretreats,thefirstthingwedoisgiveeachonethemahugandintroduceourselves.OnmyfirstretreatoneoftheyoungmenIhuggedsteppedbackwithastrangelookonhisface.Iaskedhimifhewasokay.Withtearsinhiseyeshesaidhehadneverbeenhuggedbefore."BecauseoftheLord'sgreatlovewearenotconsumed,forhiscompassionsneverfail."Lamentations3:22.Icouldnotevenimaginewhatitwouldbeliketoneverevenexperiencesomethingassimpleasahug.ThistookplaceonaThursdaymorning,thefirstdayoftheretreat.OnSaturday,thelastdayoftheretreat,theinmatesgetachancetostandupandsayalittlesomethingabouthowtheretreathelpedthem.Thisyoungmanstoodupandbaredhissoul.Asachildhisfatherwouldtakehimalongwhilehedidhisdrugdeals.Hisfatherendedupkillingsomeone,thenwasarrested,convicted,andgivenadeathsentence.HisfatherwasexecutedinHuntsvillejustafewmonthsbeforethisretreat.Withtearsinhiseyeshesaidthathewantedtochangeandnotfollowhisfather'sfootsteps."TheLordisnotslowaboutHispromise,assomecountslowness,butispatienttowardyou,notwishingforanytoperishbutforalltocometorepentance."IIPeter3:9.WithGodnowinhislifehecouldmakethatchange."ThisGod-hiswayisperfect;thewordoftheLordprovestrue;heisashieldforallthosewhotakerefugeinhim."IISamuel22:31.

JimParkerGoodandgraciousGod,youworkeverythingoutaccordingtoyourwill.Maywetrustinyou,thatyouaremindfulofuseveryday.Thankyouforlovingussomuch.Amen

Saturday,March11,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetokill,andatimetohealEcclesiastes3:3a

InApril1862PresidentLincolnsaid,“Slaverymustdie,sothatthenationmightlive.”WhenPresidentLincolntookofficetherehadbeenstrainedtensionsaboutstates’rightsandfederalpowers.ThistensioncausedsomestatestoleavetheUnionwhichcausedmajorupheaval.TheCivilWarwasthecostliestwarfoughtonhomesoil.Over620,000soldierswerekilledandmanymorewereseverelywoundedfromboththeNorthandtheSouth.Itdevastatedthesouth.

TheendingtotheCivilWarisoneofmyfavoritepartstoteachmystudents.Isettheendingscenetoaverybloody,devastatingwarbydescribingtheverytenacious,intelligent,andgentlemanlyGeneralsGrantandLee.IdescribehowGeneralLeewasaproudmananddidnotwanttosurrender.GeneralGrant,beinganhonorableman,wantedthehealingofagreatnationtobeginthatday.Takingnoprisoners,hesenttheConfederatesoldiersontheirwaywithUnionsupplies,food,andhorsessothattheymaybeabletorestoretheirfamiliesandwayoflife.AstheConfederatesoldierswereleaving,theUnionsoldierscelebrated;however,GeneralGrantrebukedtheUnionsoldiersbysaying,“Thewarisover;therebelsareourcountrymenagain.”

RhondaEckert

Lord,Iprayforallwarringnations,soldiers,andtheirfamilies.Iprayfor

resolution,peaceandthehealingofyourpeople.Amen

Sunday,March12,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetobreakdown,andatimetobuildup

Ecclesiastes3:3b

TimeandtimeagainthroughouttheOldTestament,weseeIsrael’sdisobedience.WeseehowIsraelturnedawayfromGod’scommandmentsandspurnedhisdecreesbyworshippingfalseidols,ignoringHisprophetsandlackingfaithinHispromises.PerhapsafterhavinghadenoughilltreatmentfromgenerationsofHischosenpeople,thetimecameforGodfinallytobreakthemdownbydividingtheirkingdomandultimatelysendingthemalloffintocaptivity.Likewise,God,afterhavingbrokenthemdownduetotheirdisobedienceandsin,restoredIsrael.HeendedthecaptivityandallowedHispeopletoreturntothelandHehadpromisedthemsolongago.ThetimetobuildupIsraelonceagainhadcome.Inmanyways,weareexactlylikeIsraelinourcontinualsinanddisobedience.WefallshortofthegloryofGodrepeatedlybecausewearemiredinsin.WeneedGodtobreakusofoursinandrebuildusinHisimage,renewourstrengthandzealforHimandHiscommandments.Thereisatimetobreakdownandatimetobuildup.Onthisday,IwouldencourageyoutothinkofatimeinyourlifewhenyouwerebrokenbyGodandthenrebuiltbyHim.Perhapsthetimeforyourbreakdowniscoming.Welcomeit.ItisfromGod.Then,lookforwardtoHisrenewingofyouinawaythatwillbringHimglory.

ReaganGrauHeavenlyFather,weacknowledgeourneedtobebrokenofoursinandourfurtherneedforYoutorebuildusandrenewus.WethankyouforyourwillingnesstoloveusenoughtobreakusandbuildusbackupintoapersonwhomaybringYouglory.Amen

Monday,March13,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetobreakdown,andatimetobuildupEcclesiastes3:3b

Someofushave,atonetimeoranother,experiencedabreakdowninourlives.Itwaseitheradeathofaparentatayoungage,anunexpectedillness,orthedeathofachild.Itisafeelingthancannotbedescribedwhenyouaretoldthatyourchildisnolongeralive.Themindjustdoesnotfunction;youhearwordsbutnothingmakessense.Therearevariousagenciesthatneedtobecontacted:pastor,family,friends,buttheabsolutehardestisthefuneraldirector.Pastors,friends,neighbors,andfamilygathertoofferassistancewhichissoveryhelpful.Afterallhavelefttogototheirhomes,thehousebecomessoveryquiet.“Why,why,why?”isallthatcanbeuttered.Nosleep,butthenmorningarrives.Servicesneedtobeplanned,visitorscome,foodisbroughttothefamily,butthereisnodesiretoeat.Afterthefuneral,acknowledgementcardsneedtobewrittenexpressingthanksforallthebeautifulflowers,memorials,andfoodbroughttothefamily.Itisalsotimetoreturntoworkandcarryonaregularfamilylife.Allseemstobegoingaswellascanbeexpectedandthentheholidaysarrive.CertainlythebirthoftheChristchildwillbecelebrated,butgifts,tree,ordecorationsareputonhold;thefamilyisnotcomplete.Slowly,day-by-day,itisbacktoaroutine.Eventhough,withallthesadness,weareevergratefulforGod’spresenceandguidance.Throughallthis,wearemadestrongertofacewhateverliesbeforeus.Thisishowitispossibletobuildbackup:FAITHinGodandbelievinginhispromisethatHEiswithus;wearenotalone.

LaverneBoosLord,giveusstrengthtokeepourfaithinyouintimeofgrief,tofindjoyinyourblessings.Amen

Tuesday,March14,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetobreakdown,andatimetobuildup

Ecclesiastes3:3b

Therearedifferentwaystothinkaboutthisverse;• breakingdownanoldhouseandbuildingupanew,moresturdyone,• breakingdownbadhabitsandbuildingupnew,betterones,• breakingdown(hurting)ashoulderandthroughphysicaltherapybuildingupthe

musclesandtendonstomakeitbetter• breakingdownbadrelationshipsandbuildingupcommunicationforbetterones.Thisleadsmetoasituationthatswimmers,asmyself,havetodealwith.Thetimetobreakdowniswhenyougetdisqualifiedinaneventataswimmeet.Youdon’tfeelgoodaboutwhathappenedinthefirstplace,andthenthecoachwillcomeandtalktoyouaboutittoletyouknowwhatyoucandosoitdoesn’thappenagain.Atimetobuildupiswhenyoucanbeafriendtosomeonewhojustgotdisqualified.Youshowhersupport,encouragement,andreassureherthatitwillgetbetter.Sometimeswearetheonewhoisontheendofabadsituation(eitheradisqualification,badgradeatschooloranotherdifficulttime)anditisgoodtoknowtherearepeoplewhowillhelpbuildusbackupwitheitheraprayerorwordsofencouragement.ThisisawonderfulwaytoshowGod’sloveandbehislight,allthewhilebeingthereforafriendwhensheneedstobebuiltbackupsoshecandobetterinthefuture.

AmandaandDebbiePhelpsDearGod,thankyouforhelpingusgetthroughthispastyearandhelpingtobuildusupforabetteryearahead.Amen

Wednesday,March15,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetoweep,andatimetolaughEcclesiastes3:4a

Mymessage:Don’twasteyourlifewaitingfor“theothershoetodrop.”Experiencejoyeverychanceyouget!!Ilearnedatanearlyagethatlifeiswaytooshort.Ilostall4ofmygrandparentsandmyDadinlessthan4years.ThenafewyearslaterIalmostlostmysontoillness,followedby27yearsofworryingand“waitingfortheothershoetodrop.”Itseemedeveryhappyeventinmylifewasalwayscloudedwithsadandfearfulones.Ifoundmyselfconstantlyholdingmybreathwaitingforthenextbadeventtohappen.IfearedhappinessandjoybecauseifIexperiencedit,Iwouldthenbecursedwithmoretragedy.

Recently,afriendofmineloanedmeasetofBrene’BrownCD’s.Brene’hasdoneextensiveresearchonvulnerabilityandhaswrittenseveralbooksonthesubject.HereiswhatIlearnedfromBrene’:“Noneofusareimmunetobadtimesandtragedies.Theywillhappen,nomatterwhat,andwhilewearespendingsomuchofourtimeworryingaboutthetragedythatistocome,wearemissingmanyopportunitiestoexperiencejoyandhappinessalongtheway.Ifweputourdefensesdownandallowourselvestofeeljoyandhappiness,wewillhavemanymemoriestocarryusthroughthebad.”SonowIamallowingmyselftoexperiencejoyandhappinesseverychanceIget.LifeiswaytooshorttosquanderawaythiswonderfulgiftfromGod!

StaceyMoellering

DearHeavenlyFather,OpenourheartstotheHolySpiritsothatwecanbefilledwithjoyandhappiness.Letusrestourworriesonyou.Helpustoseethatthereisatimeforweepingbutalsoatimetolaughwithhappinessandjoy.Amen

Thursday,March16,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetoweep,andatimetolaugh

Ecclesiastes3:4a

Onthelastdayof2016,Iattendedafuneralofoneofmymother’sgoodfriendsanditwasthebestfuneralIhaveeverattended.Thatmayseemoddtoyoutosaythatiswasthebestfuneral,butletmeexplain.Theservicewasaninformalserviceheldatthefuneralhome,wherehersonanddaughtersharedstoriesabouttheirmother.Otherswerealsoinvitedtosharetheirmemoriesofheraswell.Throughouttheservicethereweremanytearsshedbecauseshewillbemisseddearly.Therewasalsoalotoflaughter.Itishardtoeventhinkaboutlaughingatafuneralbecauseweallunderstandhowitfeelstolosethosewelove.Itwasafuneral,butmorethanthatitwasacelebrationofherlife.WhileonEarthshemadeanimpactoneveryoneshemet.Whenfolkssharedthemomentsthatimpactedthemthemost,itallrevolvedaroundtheloveandlaughtershebroughtthem.Deathishardonallfamilieswhetheritisafamilymember,friendorevenapet.Weepingseemstohelpwashawaysomeofthesadnesswefeel.Whenmydaddiedin1999afteralongillness,ittookmeyearstofindareasontosmileorevenlaugheventhoughIhadawonderfullife.ItwasnotuntilIreadthebookRoomofMarvelsthatmywayofthinkingaboutdeathchanged.Thepartthathelpedmethemostdiscussedhowweweepforourlovedonestocomeback.Whenweasksomethinglikethat,wedoitforourowngoodwithoutevenstoppingtoconsiderifitwouldbegoodforthem.Atthatmoment,Iknewmydadwaswatchingovermeandwouldnotwantmetocontinuetoweepallthetime.HewouldratherIlaughandenjoythewonderfullifetheLordhasprovidedme.

KimWilsonDearLord,thankyouforalwaysbeingwithusatalltimes.Continuetoshoweryourloveandgraceuponus.Helpustolivelivesthatalwayslooktoyouintimesofsadnessandintimesofhappiness.Amen

Friday,March17,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetoweep,andatimetolaughEcclesiastes3:4a

Tobehonest,Iwasmovedtopickthisscriptureforaverypersonalreason.Alittleoverayearago,Ilostmydearest,longtimefriendinatragicaccident.Overtheyearswehadsharedsomanymemories,joys,sorrowsandsomuchlaughter!Throughitall,shealwayshadherfeetfirmlyplantedonthegroundandhereyesonheaven,andneverwaveredinherfaithintheLord.AlthoughImayalwaysgrievethelossofmyfriend,thereissuchacomfortinknowingwithcertaintythatsheisinheavenwiththeLordandallthelovedonesshehadlostonearth.OurGodunderstandsoursorrowsandweeping.Iamcomfortedbymanyscriptures.John11:35:“Jesuswept.”Yes,Hecriedtearsoverthelossofhisfriend,Lazarus,whomheloved.Isaiah53:4:“Surelyhehasborneourgriefsandcarriedoursorrows.”Godgaveusfeelingsandemotions.Werejoice,wemourn,wegrieveandwecelebrate,andwedothiswithJesusasoneofus.Heunderstandsourfeelingsbecauseheexperiencedthemwhilehereonearth.“WhatafriendwehaveinJesus-Alloursinsandgriefstobear.”Whatacomfortitisandsoatimetolaughandcelebrate.

JaneRemmertHeavenlyFather,inoursorrows,lossesandtroubles,pleasehearuswhenwecallouttoyou,andhavecompassiononusforthesakeofyourSon-ourSavior,ourLordandourComforter.Werejoiceandthankyouforallourblessingsinthislife,andmaywealwayskeepoureyesonheavenandyou.Amen

Saturday,March18,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetoweep,andatimetolaugh

Ecclesiastes3:4a

Atimetoweepandatimetolaugh…Andthosetimescanbesurprisinglyclose.Ifyouwatchlittlechildrentheylaughorcrywiththeirwholeheartsandcangofromonetotheotherinaninstant.Thereisinfactaninextricablelinkbetweenjoyandsorrow,foreachdefinestheother.AsC.S.Lewiswrites“amandoesnotcallalinecrookedunlesshehassomeideaofastraightline.”BothjoyandsorrowaregiftsfromGod.ThescripturesaboundindeclarationsofthejoywhichmaybefoundinHim.Romans15:13:“MaytheGodofhopefillyouwithalljoyandpeaceinbelieving,sothatbythepoweroftheHolySpirityoumayaboundinhope.”Butbecauseofsin,ourownaswellasthepervasivesinoftheworld,wemustinevitablyexperiencepain;andsorrowishowweshouldrespondtosin.Isaiah24:6“Thereforeacursedevourstheearth,anditsinhabitantssufferfortheirguilt;”ButbecauseofHismercy,Hewillnotleaveusinsorrow.Heprovidesbotharelieffromsorrowandawayoutofsin.JesussaysinJohn16:22“Soalsoyouhavesorrownow,butIwillseeyouagain,andyourheartswillrejoice,andnoonewilltakeyourjoyfromyou.”

GilBeckerLord,thankyouforthegiftsoflaughterandoftears.Letuscryandlaughasthelittlechildren,holdingnothingback,revelinginthetrueemotionalreleasetheyprovidewhenwearepresentedwiththehighsandlowswhichmakeuplifeinthisworld.Andthoughwewillweepwithgoodreason,therewillcomeatimewhenwewillalsolaughbecauseweknowthereasonforthejoywhichisinus.Amen

Sunday,March19,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetomourn,andatimetodanceEcclesiastes3:4b

Let’sfaceit!Lossisnotonthetopofanyone’sbucketlist.Noonerelishesmourning.Weavoidthemerethoughtofdeath.Wehavenoideawhattosaytosomeonewhohasrecentlylostalovedone.Lossleavesus,well…lost!Yetclearly,wewillallmourn.Nowayaroundit–lifeandbreathculminateindeath.FactisthatthesebodiesgiftedtousbyourCreatorhaveexpirationdates.Myfather’sexpirationdatecameduringthemiddleofthenight,December10,2015.Jacksuccessfullynavigatedthewavesoflifefor93years.Helivedalifefullofadventurethattooktheshapeofcattleranching,servingourcountry,adoringmymother,lovinghisfourchildren,andstorytelling.Recountingone’sadventures,reminiscingone’sheartaches,simplyrememberingourlovedoneinsilence–eachoftheseareavenuesofmourning.Sometimestheybringtears.Thankgoodnesstheydo!Tearsdrenchthesoulinashowerofhealing.Othertimesourmemoriesbringasmile,alaugh,areflection,evenanintrospection–howprecious!ThisautumnmysiblingsandImournedtogetheraswecleanedoutourparents’homesteadinpreparationforselling.Itwasalengthy,cluttered,difficultjob.Andyes,itwaspainfulattimes,butweweatheredittogether.Wewalkedforthosefewdaysalittlefurtheralongthepathwecall“mourning.”Intheend,itwasanunexpectedlyjoyfulandblessedtimeasbrotherandsisters.Recently,DavidandIreturnedtocheckontheproperty.AsIpreparedtoleavetheplaceofmyupbringingforthefinaltime,Ilingeredineachemptyroomtoreminisce.Uponexitingthehouse,Icasuallywalkedthegroundsandreplayedchildhoodandadolescentmemoriesinmymind.AsIstoodunderthevacantcarport,mymind’seyeflashedbacktotheeveningIstoodatthatveryplaceasabrand-newbride.Ipausedforamomentastearsgentlymoistenedmycheeks,thenIturnedtogo.Itwasatthatinstant,thatmysweethusbandbeganplayinganoldcountrytunethathadbeenoneofmydad’sfavorites.Hegingerlygrabbedmyhand,twirledmearound,andthenandthere,wedanced.

LisaBullionGracious,lovingFather,everydetailofYourWordistruth.EverysecondofYourtimingisperfect.MayIbothmournanddancetoyourkingdomclock.Amen

Monday,March20,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetomourn,andatimetodance

Ecclesiastes3:4b

Mygrandmother,myMema,diedonMay2.Shewasmymom’smotherandthetimesIspentwithherasachildaresomeofmybrightestmemories.Shecouldbakethebestcoconutcakearound,shehadincrediblefashionsense,andtheonlythingshelovedmorethangrandbabiesandgreat-grandbabieswasJesus!WhilethisisnotthefirsttimethatIhavemourned,experiencingthislosswasparticularlydifficult.MysadnessseemedmoreprofoundasInavigatedthislossthroughtheeyesofmyownmomandmychildren.Followingherdeath,itwasastruggletoknowhowtotalkaboutthiswithmykids.However,somethingwesaidmusthavemadeanimpact.Justlastweekmy7-year-oldcameup,outoftheblue,andsaidtome,“It’skindofgoodandkindofbadthatMemadied.”Hiswordsstoppedmeinmytracks.Tryingnottosoundsurprised,andwantinghimtocontinue,Iaskedhimtotellmemoreaboutthat.Hesaid,“Yeah,so,it’sbadbecausewemissher.Butit’sgoodbecauseshe’sinHeavenwithJesus.”Itisthiskindofjoy,foundthroughmourning,thatremindsmehowimportantitistocelebratelifeandthepresenceoflovedonesinourlives,evenwhentheyaregone.Forseveralmonths,thesoundsofAmazingGrace,IntheGarden,orItisWellwithmySoulbroughtmetotears,astheydidatherfuneral.Butnow,aftermonthshavepassed,IcanhearthesebeautifulremindersandsmileasIreflectonherlifeandthelivesshecontinuestotouchthroughherhusband,children,grandchildren,andgreat-grandchildren.Inthewordsofaninnocent7-year-old,itiskindofgoodandkindofbadthatMemadied.Wehavemournedandsheismissed,butthereisjoyanddancingtobefoundinremembering.

CarrieCulpepperDearGod,thankyouforthecomfortyouprovideaswemourn,andforthejoyfulremindersofourlovedonesthatbringlaughterandpeacethroughourtears.Thankyoufortheblessingsyoubestowduringthetimesthatwemournandalsowhenitistimetodance.Amen

Tuesday,March21,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetomourn,andatimetodanceEcclesiastes3:4bEventhoughitsbeenalmost29yearssinceIreceivedthephonecallthatmyDaddyhadbeeninawreck,Irememberlikeitwasyesterday.IevenrememberwhatIwaswearingthatday-thatishowlife-changingasimplephonecallcanbe.MomandIgottothehospitaltolearnmyDaddyhadaheartattackwhiledrivingaschoolbusfullofchildren.Thedoctorswereworkingonhim.Mymomwasworriedaboutthechildren,butluckilynonewerehurtexceptforacoupleofbruises.Theprincipalandsuperintendentcameuptousandsaidhowsorrytheywere.Whenwequestionedwhattheymeant,theyjustbackedaway.Wewerethenusheredintoanotherroomwherethedoctortoldushehadafatalheartattack.Hewasonly61!Thefollowingweekwentbyinablur-mostofitanyway.BySaturday,thedambrokeandIcouldn’tstopcrying.Ididn’twanttoseeortalktoanyone.Iwantednocomfort-IwantedmyDaddy.OverthenextseveralmonthsIgotangry-reallyangry.IwasmadatGod.Hetookmydad.HOWCOULDHE???Beingbymyselfwastheworst.That’swhentheangerreallysurfaced.IletGodhaveit.Icried.Iyelled.IscreamedandthroughitallGodletmeandjustheldme.Heletmetakemyhurtoutonhimandjustsaid,“Iknow,mychild,ithurts.Justremember,Iloveyou.”IstillthinkofmyearthlyDaddyeveryday,butIknowhe’sok.IalsoknowmyheavenlyDaddywillneverleaveme.MyrelationshipwithGodgrewthatyearandcontinuestogrowstrongerandclosereveryday.

KimJungLord,Yourlovefellsogentlyonmytroubledheartuntilitformedanarmorofstrengthaboutmethatwouldprotectmeintheroughtimes.Igiveyoupraiseandthanksforbothhearingandcomfortingyourhumbleservant.Amen

Wednesday,March22,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetothrowawaystones,andatimetogatherstonestogether

Ecclesiastes3:5a

Throwingawayandgatheringstones…whoeverheardofthat? Howcould itpossiblyberelevantinthisdayandage?AndhowdidIgetstuckwithsuchanobscureverse?WhywouldanyonewanttohearwhatImighthavetosayaboutit?Thesearejustafewof themoreacceptable thoughts racing throughmymindas I approached the taskofwritingmydevotional. So I leanedbackonmy favoriteverseofScripture: Proverbs3:5-6–“TrustintheLORDwithallyourheartandleannotonyourownunderstanding.InallyourwaysacknowledgeHim,AndHewilldirectyourpaths.”Soafterprayingthisverse,hereisthestreamofconsciousnessthatflowedinresponse:Inmyseventy-fifthyear, Iexperiencedthe joyofwatchingmygranddaughter’s testimonyto thespiritualexperiencesheenjoyedasaHolyGhosteronthemissiontriptoMexico.IwasinspiredbyallthewitnessestothejoyoflivingouttheGospelonthisadventure,butIwasalsostruckby the significanceof our youth investing their time in theLordswork at thistimeintheirlives.Thisinvestmentwasdonebeforetheyhavechosenaspouse,beforetheyhavehadchildrenoftheirown,andbeforetheyhavewatchedtheirgrandchildrengrow into mature and capable young adults. Not just any young adults. But thoseoverflowingwiththeLoveofJesusandknowingtheJoyofservingothersregardlessoftheirmaterial lifesituation. KnowinginthecoreoftheirbeingthatthisLoveisGod’sGifttoeveryone,everywhere,andthattheyhavethepowertoshareitwithotherswhohaveyettoexperienceitstransformativepower.AfterbummingaKleenexfromSandyandregainingmycomposure,IchancedtotalkwithNormNevins(wesharethreeofthesame grandchildren). He observed that wemust have had some pretty good genes.And now I have a better ideawhat this verse refers to. God, in his infinitewisdom,designedustolive,tofindsomeonetoshareourlifewith.Thenourgenes,likestones,aretornapart. Andonlyaveryfewarerecombinedinmiraculousways. Thoughourliveswill endbefore long,new life is created so thatothersmightknowHis timelesslove. While the Psalmist likely thought little about todaywhen penning this verse, Ibelieve it was written for this very moment! What Joy might you share from youruniquecollectionof“stones?”

MikeBirdlebough AlmightyandomnipotentGod,Iamhumbledbythethoughtthatyouhavecreatedmewithauniqueheritagenever tobe replicated. Showme thepathYouwouldhavemefollowinthisverymomenttohelpbuildupYourKingdom.Amen

Thursday,March23,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetothrowawaystones,andatimetogatherstonestogetherEcclesiastes3:5a

Youhaveprobablyheardmanytimesthephrase"timingiseverything."Timingisimportantincooking,ifyouwantyourfoodtotastegood.Timingisimportantinmedicine,ifyoucatchaproblemearly,youwillbeabletotreatitmoreeffectively.Yourtimingisimportantintakingmedication,ifyouwanttofeelbetter,timingisimportantforkeepingschedules(clocks,alarms,calendars,etc.)InEcce3:5,Solomontellsusthatlifeisreallyamatteroftiming,fortimingiseverything.Afamilymightskipavacationuntiltheyhavesavedthefunds.Aneighbormightputoffgoingouttodinnertositwithhergrievingfriend.Solomonmakesapersuasivecaseforthebrevityoflife."Thereisanappointedtimeforeverything.Andthereisatimeforeveryeventunderheaven."(3:1)Thekeywordinthissectionis"time"anditisusedthirtytimesin3:1-8.Solomonimpliesthatthereisagoodsensethatoneexperiencesbyfittingintoagiveneventattherighttime.Inotherwords,thereisasenseofsuccessbasedonappropriatetiming—eveniftheactivity,byitsnatureisnotdelightful.Again,timingiseverything.Howareyouspendingyourtime:Whatprioritiesinfluenceyourchoicesofhowyouuseyourtime?

LaverneCuddyGraciousGod,Youhavegifteduswiththegiftoftime.Wepraythatyouwouldgiveusdiscernmenttousethattimewisely,notsothatwecanbenoticedforourgoodworks,butsothatyoumaybehonoredandglorified-InHisName,Amen.

Friday,March24,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetothrowawaystones,andatimetogatherstonestogether

Ecclesiastes3:5a

MyfreshmanyearatTexasA&MUniversitywasaneye-openingexperienceforme,averynaivefresh-out-of-high-schoolgirlfromasmalltown.IsawandexperiencedthingsIhadneverseenbefore,forbetter(Biblestudiesandworshipservicesfullofcollegestudents)andsomeforworse(seeingstudentswhohadtoomuchtodrinkandwerebarelyabletostandup).Forthefirsttimeinmylife,IcouldseetherewasaworldmuchbiggerthantheoneIhadknowngrowingup.Isoonbecameinvolvedinacampusministrytostudentsandwehadahugesupportsystemofupperclassmenaswellasadultadvisorswhowereamazingmentors.IwastrulyabletoexperiencefellowshipinawayIhadneverseenbefore.Itwassoexcitingtobeamongstotherbelievers,growingtogether,keepingoneanotheraccountable,andwithasharedpassionfortheLord.IreallybegantounderstandwhattheBiblemeantwhenitspokeof“TheBodyofChrist”andhowthemanypartsfittogether.Alltoosoon,summercameanditwastimetoheadbackhome.IfoundmyselfstrugglingtobeconsistentinmywalkwiththeLordwithoutthesupportsystemIhadfoundatschool.ItfeltlikearelativespiritualdesertcomparedtowhatIhadbeenimmersedinforthepreviousschoolyear,anddiscouragementdescendeduponme.Whatareliefwhentheproverbiallightbulbinmyheadwentoff....IhadbeensoblessedtoexperiencesuchgrowthandencouragementinmyjourneywhenIwastogetherwithsomanyotherstudentswhowerebelievers.Thistimewasvitalandveryproductive.We“stones”hadbeengatheredtobuildtheBody,justasstonescanbegatheredtobuildamazingandstrongstructuressuchaswallsandhomes.However,thetimewhenIfoundmyselfscattered,asthestonesare--takenoutoftheplacewheretheyhavebeen,removedforthepurposeofclearingthelandforgreaterpurposes--wasalsocriticallyimportanttomygrowth.ItwasduringthistimethatIlearnedtorelyontheLordasIneverhadbefore.Ihadtoknow--reallyknow--thatifitwerejustJesusandme,Hewouldbeenough.ItwasduringthistimeofbeingscatteredthatIlearnedthatitwasn’taboutseekingHisblessings....itwasaboutseekingHIM.

StacySanderDearLord,thankYouforwhatyoudoinusduringthistimeofgathering.ThankYouaswellforthetimeswhenwearescatteredasstones,sothatYoucanteachusthatYouaretrulyallweneed.ThankYouthatyouarefaithfultousebothofthesetimes.Amen

Saturday,March25,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetothrowawaystones,andatimetogatherstonestogetherEcclesiastes3:5a

IntheBible,stoneshaveimportantsymbolism.TheywerestackedbyJacobandLabantosymbolizeacovenant.Jesususedastoningasateachablemomentwhenhesaid‘lethewhohasnotsinnedcastthefirststone.’Jesushimselfwasreferredtoasthe‘cornerstoneofthechurch’.Wethinkof‘throwingstones’ascriticism,butitcanalsobeapositivething.AfriendrecentlytoldmeabouthisvisittotheHolyLandwithhisspiritualmentor.TowardtheendofthetriptheydecidedtothrowstonesintotheJordanRivertosymbolizethereleaseoftheemotionalbaggagetheynolongerwantedtocarry.Thewayhisfacelituptellingthisstory,itmusthavebeenthehighlightofthetripofalifetime.Anotherfriendrecentlysoldheracreage,closingoutanimportantchapterofherlife.Shewouldbepartingwithalifetimeofpossessions,movingtoanewcommunity.IsuggestedshegotothepondonherpropertyandhaveherownJordanRivermoment,leavingbehindtheregretsthatmighthaveotherwiseburdenedhernewlife.Thesortsofstonestogatheraretheonesthatteachus,andremindusofimportantpeopleandthings.Thestonestothrowaretheonesthatnolongerserveuswell;anger,regret,hurtfeelings,shame.WemightthrowourstonesfromtherimoftheGrandCanyonortheshoreofamightyocean,orclosertohome,fromtheheightsofEnchantedRock,thebanksofthePedernales,orthetopofCrossMountain.

CindyHarperFather,aswereflectonthestoneswecarry,wepraytowiselychoosetheonestogather,andtheonestothrow.Thankyouforthefaiththatisourbedrock,andforJesus,ourcornerstone.Amen

Sunday,March26,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetoembrace,andatimetorefrainfromembracing

Ecclesiastes3:5b

Whenyouhearthewordembracewhatdoyouthinkabout?Myfirstthoughtisahugorholdingachild.Duringmyserviceinchildren’sministry,Iwasoccasionallyaskedbyaparenttoholdtheirchild–whoisdesperatelyclingingtothem–sotheycandepart.Inthatsituationyouquicklyunderstandthephrase“atimetorefrainfromembracing”asthechildstrugglestogaintheirfreedom!Butmostoftenchildrenfinditcomfortingtobeheld.OnelittleboyIknowhassuddenoutburstsoflove.Hewillthrowhisarmsaroundmeandsayemphatically,“Iloveyou!”andthengoonabouthisbusiness.Theseoutburstsoflovemayhithimwhenheisclosebyorhemayhavetocomerushingacrossaroomorplaygroundtoenthusiasticallydeliverthem.Whatjoytheycanbring.SometimesIwonderifonlyasmallchildcangetawaywithsuchoutburstsoflove,afterallweareallGod’schildren.MaybeHewouldbedelightedifwesharedHislovewithsuchabandon?ByparticipatinginLent,IcanbetterappreciateandembracetheawesomeandmiraculousloveGodhasbestowedonusthroughJesusChrist:“ForGodsolovedtheworldthatHegaveHisoneandonlySon,thatwhoeverbelievesinHimshallnotperishbuthaveeternallife.”Wow!NowisourtimetoembraceHislove,Jesussacrificeandthehopeitgiveseachofus.

SueGustinHeavenlyFather,thankyouforlovingusandgivingusthehopewehavethroughJesusChrist.EmboldenustoembraceandenthusiasticallyshareYourlovewithothers.InJesusnamewepray,Amen

Monday,March27,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetoembrace,andatimetorefrainfromembracingEcclesiastes3:5b

Toembracecanmeananythingfromafriendlyhugtothekindofembracingintendedforhusbandsandwives.Toembracecanalsomeantoacceptaconceptcompletely,willingly,andenthusiastically.Whoand/orwhatisGodcallingyoutoembrace?2016overflowedwithchangeformyfamily.GodsentanewseasonwithpurposesandtimingthatonlyHecouldorchestrate.BetweenMayandJuly,weembracedanewstate,community,ministry,home,job,anddaughter-in-law!Godhasfaithfullycarriedusthroughthisabundanceoftransitions.Thoughithasn’tallbeencomfortable,we’vegrowninlearningtoembracetheplansHehasforus.KnowingGod’sgoodcharacterhelpsustoacceptHiscallonourliveswillingly.Whenweneedanewattitude,weaskHimforthat,too!RefrainingfromembracingcanmeansettingaparttimetobealonewithGod.Beingalittlebitlonelyhasitsbenefits!ItremindsmetoleanontheLord,tolistenforHisvoice,especiallywhenI’mfacingamajordecision.Familyandfriendscanbewonderfulblessings,butarelationshipwithGodiswhatbeingaChristianisallabout!ReadinginPsalmsandProverbsleadsmetopraiseGodandseekHiswisdom.IsuggestreadingachapterofProverbsaccordingtothedayofthemonth,sincethereare31chapters.WhatmightyouneedtorefrainfromembracingsothatyoucandevotemoreattentiontogrowingclosertoGod?

GraceWatson

Lord,weloveyou.Teachustospendqualitytimewithyouandtoembracethetimes,seasons,andpurposesYouhaveforus.Amen

Tuesday,March28,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetoembrace,andatimetorefrainfromembracing

Ecclesiastes3:5b

Manycommentatorsonthisverseconsiderthisembracetomeanonlyintimaterelationshipsbetweenhusbandandwife,whileothersexpandthemeaningtoincludeactionsbetweenfriendsandrelativesbywayoftouches,hugs,andkisses.Withregardtohusbandandwife,loveforone’sspouseshoulddeterminewhethertheplace,conditions,andtimingforembracingisbeneficialforstrengtheningandgrowingtheirintimaterelationshipinafavorableGodpleasingway.Someofuswereraisedinaculturewheretouches,kisses,andhugsweremuchmorelimitedthanourcurrentculturepractices.Huggingandkissingweremuchmorelimitedandreservedforonlythosewhowereinclosepersonalrelationships.Menrarelyhuggedothermen.Kissinginpublicwasfrownedupon.Anembracewasreservedforspecialoccasionsoreventsinappropriatesettings.Embracingasanexpressionoflove,concern,comfort,compassion,greeting,ormutualcelebrationofjoywithanotherpersonisnotasmallthing.Beingawareofwhatcurrentcultureacceptsasproper,andmoreimportantlyaccessingifyourembracewillbereceivedasproperbytherecipient,willhelpyoutogiveaGodpleasingembracethatwillbuildorstrengthenyourrelationship.Ifnotcertain,akindthoughtfulwordmightjustdojustaswell.

LyndalRemmertOLord,ourlifeisacollectionofmanyopportunetimestoshowourloveandreverenceforyouandloveandcareforpeopleweknowandserve.SendyourHolySpirittohelpguideouruseofanembracetoserveyourwillandservethosewhowantorneedthatembrace.Amen

Wednesday,March29,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetoseek,andatimetoloseEcclesiastes3:6aMyhusbandandIsetoutonascenicdrivetoCampVerdealongCenterPointRoad.Iwaslookingatandremarkingaboutallthebeerandsodacansstrewnalongsidetheroadandintheditch.WecametothetopofahillandasGeneslowedthecarhesaidwithaweinhisvoice,“Lookatthatview.”Ilookedupandadmiredthebreathtakingscenery–rollinghillscoveredwithgreencedarsandliveoaksoffinthedistance,brightblueskyoverheadwithpuffywhiteclouds,aranchhouseandponddowninthevalley.Isaid,“GuessIshouldlookupandnotattheditch.”Andhowmanytimesdowelookattheditchesoflifeinsteadofthebeautifulview?Yes,itishardtonoticealovelyviewwhenwearefacingtheditchesofillness,financialloss,ridicule,ordepression.ButGodcallsustoseekHimandtoloseourdoubt,ouranxiety,ourfear.“IfyouseekHim,Hewillbefoundbyyou.”IChronicles28:9NIV“…seektheLORDyourGod,andyouwillfindhim,ifyousearchafterhimwithallyourheartandwithallyoursoul.”Deuteronomy4:29RSV“GuessIshouldlookupandnotattheditch.”Agoodplanforlifeaswellasascenicdrive.(AndkudostothoseHolyGhostmemberswhopickuptrashfromtheditchesasacommunityserviceproject.)

KathyRobertsGraciousFather,thankyouforyourawesomecreation.ForgivemewhenIlookdownonothers,oncircumstances,andonlife.Helpmetoremembertolookupandseekyourpresence,yourgloryandyourperfectplan.Amen

Thursday,March30,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetoseek,andatimetolose

Ecclesiastes3:6a

Recentlyoneofmycollege-agedsonshadadaytripplanned.Hewouldbetravelingmorethanfourhoursfromhiscampustoanothercampusforajobfair,andthenreturningthesameevening.Withbothcampusesbeinglocatedinsomewhatruralareas,thepathbetweenisnotdirectandincludesseveralsmallerbackroads.Thenightbeforethetripmysignaturesinofworrysetin.Wantingtocontrolthesituation,Ipickedupthephoneseveraltimestoremindhimto“drivesafely,”“don’ttextanddrive,”“keepitunderthespeedlimit...”allthosethingsthathemightnotrememberifformenottellinghimonemoretime.But,knowingthatmywordsofwisdomwouldnotbewell-received,Iresisted.DuringthenightIawokeseveraltimeswiththoughtsofhistriponmymind.EachtimeIthoughttoaskGodtowatchoverhimandtocalmmyfears.ButeachsubsequenttimeIawoke,Iwasagainfilledwithworry.WhenIwokeupinthemorningIrealizedhowridiculousIwasbeing.IhadsoughtGod(overandover)anditwastimetolosetheworry.ThroughouttheBible,wearetoldtoseektheLord.InMatthew7:7-8,Jesustellsusinnouncertaintermstoask,seek,andknock.Hewantsustoseekhimatalltimes,andcertainlywhenweareworried.But,therecomesatimewhenwemustmoveon.Ourconcernhasbeendulyturnedoverandisnolongerours’tocarry.Wemustquittakingitback.LetgoandletGod.Loseit!ThewordsofJeremiah29:11-12bringmecomfortinmyworry:“ForIknowtheplansIhaveforyou,”saystheLord.“Theyareplansforgoodandnotfordisaster,togiveyouafutureandahope.Inthosedayswhenyoupray,Iwilllisten.”

KimGibbsDearGod,helpmeremembertoseekyouatalltimes,butalsohelpmetodiscernwhenitistimeformetoturnovermyconcernstoyouafinaltimeandtolosetheworry.Amen

Friday,March31,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetoseek,andatimetoloseEcclesiastes3:6a

LoveandtheOutcome,aChristianmusicgrouphasasongthatsays:Anewborncries,wesaygood-bye.Blinkandlifeitpasses.Chasingdreams,webreakourwingsbutwe'lljustkeepondancingandYouleadtheway.You'remyconstantinthechange;Youarethecolorthatneverfades.EveryseasonIgothroughbringsmeclosertoYou.WorkingwithHospicepatientsandfamiliesputsmeintocontactwithalotofgriefinresponsetothelossofalovedone.Someoneoncesaid,thepersonwhodiedisnotlost.Wearelostwithoutthem.ThewriterofEcclesiastestakesintoaccountthatpartofourlife:anewborncries,wesaygood-bye.WhathelpsthesingeristhatGodiseverpresentanddoesnotchangeeventhoughourliveschangeandareaffectedbychange.Job,whohaslostmostofwhatgiveshislifemeaning,hasnotlosthisfaith.Hesays:(1:21)“theLordgave,andtheLordhastakenaway;blessedbethenameoftheLord.”ThisGodwhoneverchangeslovesyoudearly.YouknowthatbecauseHesentHisonlySontodieforus.OurtaskisnotonlytobelievethatHeistheChrist,theSonofthelivingGod,buttocometoknowHimandloveHim.Thatcanbeyourprayer.Intheendaswegainorlose(NKJV),orassometranslationssay,searchandgiveup(NIV),weknowandlovetheOneWhoknowswhattomorrowbringsandWhowillwalkwithusonthisjourneycalledlifethroughjoysandsorrows.

AlanWilliamsLord,helpustogettoknowyouandgrowinourloveforyouthatwetrustyourcompanionshiponourlifejourney,inJesus’Name.Amen

Saturday,April1,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetoseek,andatimetolose

Ecclesiastes3:6a

Manyexplanationsofthispassagepointtohavingandlosingwealth.Godputmaterialthingsontheearthfortheuseofmankind.Hegaveustalentandcreativitytousetheseresources.Goddoesn’tmindifyouhavenicethingsaslongasyouareagoodstewardofthesegiftsandknowtheseearthlyvaluablescoulddisappearasquicklyastheyarrivedandareonlytemporary.AmancalledJobwasablameless,God-fearingguywhohadreceivedanabundanceofwealthandblessingsfromGod.SatancausedJobtoloseeverything.Afterprovingfaithful,GodgavetwiceasmanyblessingsbacktoJob.Duringvariousstagesoflife,wemustchoosetoletgoandhavefaith.Itmaybeatwork,inrelationshipsorduringanynumberofmajorlifechanges.IfwetrustinGodenoughtoriskloss,heusuallyshowsupontheothersidetorewardandblessourdecisions.Manytimeswerealizethevalueofthatdecisionlater.Jesussaiditisimpossibleformantogettoheavenusingpossessionsandriches.Youcan’tbuyyourwayintoHeaven.OnlybyGod’sgraceandbelievinginJesuscananyone,andeveryone,achieveeternallife.TheBiblesaysthatinheaven,thestreetswillbepuregoldandthewallsofthecitywillbeadornedwitheverykindofjewel.Soundslikesomedaywewillallberich!

RobinBarnesHeavenlyFather,pleaseguideme,directmeandhelpmetomakegooddecisionsandchoices.Amen

Sunday,April2,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetokeep,andatimetothrowawayEcclesiastes3:6b

IfadaybeganbyreadingtheBiblepassageinEcclesiastes3:6b,“atimetokeep,andatimetothrowaway,”onemightriseandbegintodoathoroughhousecleaning.DuringtheLentenseasonof2004,mymindwasnowerenearanysuchthought.

AsaCASA(courtappointedspecialadvocateforabusedandneglectedchildreninfostercare),Iwasimmersedinpreparationforatrialduringwhichitwouldbedeterminedbyajurywhetherornottheparentalrightsoftwosmallchildrenwouldberetainedorterminated.Therewasanunexplaineddeathofaninfantsiblinginthehome.Thehomewasinasmallcommunity.Someoftheresidentsallegedabuseandneglectofthelivingchildren.Noeffortwasmadetoverifythisallegation.Withthedeathoftheyoungestchild,ChildProtectiveServices(CPS)placedtheolderonesinafosterhome.Thecourtappointedme,aCASAvolunteer,tobeavoiceforthechildrentoassureapositiveplacementoutcomeforthem.Theparentshiredaprivateattorney.

Thetrialpreparationwascontentious.Onlythefouryearoldobviouslybrightchildwasverbal,buthadmadenooutcryofabuse.Theparents’attorneywasbyreputationruthless.Thechildren’sattorneysandCPSfeltthecaseshouldbedroppedduetolackofevidence.Theunificationofafamilyunitwasalwaysconsideredfirst.Aftermanyvisitswiththefrightenedchildrenandreviewofevidence,Ifeltthatinthebestinterestofthechildren,itwas“timetothrowawayparentalrights.”

Childrenarethoughttohave“novoice,”soanadvocatewasappointed.Theattorneyfortheparentssubpoenaedtheoldestchildtotestifyincourt.Apanelofallattorneysinvolvedinterviewedthechildtodeterminehisabilitytoidentifythedifferencebetweentruthandalie.Iwasallowedtostaywithhim.Hepassed!

Wewenttotrial.Thechildsatonmylapinthewitnessbox.Hisparentssatrightinfrontofhim.Hetoldthecourtthathisfatherhadsexuallyabusedhim.ThechildandIleftthecourtroom.Thejurywentintoashortdeliberation.Parentalrightswereterminated.Neitherchildwouldreturntoanabusivehome.ItwasGoodFriday.Aftercourt,Iwenttothefosterhome.Theboymetmeatthedoorshouting,“Iwonthecase.”Indeed,hewithGod’shelp,wasableto“throwout,”theabuseinhislife.Heandhissisterwerekeptasafamilyunitinaloving,Christianhome.

AnnetteSultemeier

IprayGodthatyoucontinuetowatchoverourchildrensotheymaygrowingrace,protectedbyyourlove.Amen

Monday,April3,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetokeep,andatimetothrowaway

Ecclesiastes3:6bTome,Ecclesiastes3:6bhasalwaysmeanthangingontoyourpossessionsuntilclosets,attic,andgarageareburstingattheseams.The“throwaway”partnevercomestofruitionbecauseyoujustmightneedsomethinginthatclosetsomeday.ButInowfeelthatthereismoretothisparticularseasonandeverymatterunderheaven.Iknowallofushaveexperiencedatimeofnotbeingabletoforgivesomeonewhohaswrongedorhurtus.Ortheforgivenesswasalongtimecoming.Wecanhangontothathurtforyears,believingitisourrighttonotforgive.Itisourtimetokeepthatunforgivingnature.Wecanbecomeobsessedwiththeefforttoforgive,buttheforgivenessisjustnotthere.Eventuallywehaveadesiretobefreeofourhardenedheartandbeatpeace.ThisiswhenwesincerelyturntoGodbecausewerealizethatwecannotaccomplishthistaskalone.WehavetoaskGodtochangeourheartsothatwecanmorefullyfollowhisWord–Matthew6:14-15.Whenourgoalhasbeenachieved,weknowthatitis“atimetothrowaway”thathardenedheart.ThereisapassageinAnythingbyJennieAllen“….totrulybeabletoforgivepeoplewhohavehurtusmustbeoneofGod’sgreatestmiracles.”

YvonneHollemanDearHeavenlyFather,letthosewhofinditdifficulttoforgiveothersbetherecipientofthatgreatmiracle.Amen

Tuesday,April4,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetokeep,andatimetothrowawayEcclesiastes3:6b

Myweddingdresshadhunginthebackofmyclosetforyears.Thefirstyearsofmarriage,wedidn’thaveexcessmoneytodothat“preservingthedressthing”wherethecleanersplacesitinafancyshow-throughbox.Ididkeepitnicelywithacleaner’sbagoverit;dustedoffthebagfrequently;admiredit;andwasrealisticenoughtoknowthatnofamilymemberwouldlikelywearthedressthatIhadpickedout.Butgosh,thatsurewasaprettydress!Fastforwardtenyears.Icouldaffordtheextramoneytodothe“preservethedressthing.”Ipaidforit.IadmiredhowprettyitlookedintheboxwhenIpickeditup.Iputitbackintomycloset.Imoveditaroundintoacoupleofdifferentclosets.IadmiredthatdresseverytimeIopenedacloset;movedtheboxaround.Shutthedoor.Forwomen,weddingdressesareveryspecial.Formostyoungwomen,theirparentspayfortheirweddings.Inourcase,wewereestablishedbusinessprofessionalsandpaidforourownwedding,albeit,onadime.Perhapsacuriousscenario,butmydressandveil,wereagiftfromthebestmanofourwedding.Hewasadearfriendtobothofus.Unfortunately,hepassedawayyoung;perhapsanotherreasonIkeptmovingthatdressaround.Oneday,Iwasworkingwithoneofmyseniorclients.ShehadjustreturnedfromvolunteeringataplacecalledThreadsofLove.Shepassionatelyexplainedthis501(c)faith-basedministrysewsandmakesitemsforprematurebabies.Intheunfortunateeventbabiespassaway,bridalgownsareusedtomakeburialgarmentsandliningsforhandmadewoodencaskets.Icouldn’tgethomefastenoughtoloadthatdressintomyvehicleanddeliverit.Inretrospect,Ifeelsosillyfortheemotionattachedtothatdress;butmanyofustendtobethatwaywithwhateverweperceivetobeourtreasures.ThreadsofLoveislocatedonthecampusofOakHillsChurchinSanAntonioandhassatelliteministries,includingoneinFredericksburg.www.threadsoflovesa.org

KathleenJacobyLovingFather,pleasehelpustorememberthateverything,everything,comesfromyou.Helpustorememberthatearthlythingswillgoaway.Ourtreasureiswithyou,Lord.Amen

Wednesday,April5,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetotear,andatimetosew

Ecclesiastes3:7a

Asalittleboyinthe1940’sIcausedmymothertooftengiveseriousconsiderationtowhetheritwas“atimetotearoratimetosew.”MoneytobuyanewpairofpantsforthepairwhosekneesIhadjusteliminatedcompletelywasnotaneasythingtocomeupwith,particularlywhensheknewthat,whetherthesewererepairedorwhethertheywerereplaced,thesamequestionwouldsoonariseagainasIcamehomeafteranotherharddayofplayingwiththekneesagaintotallywipedout.So,asageneralrule,itwas“atimetosew”andshewouldgivethebritchesagoodwashingandthenspendtimesewingupthegaporsewingonapatch.Thiswouldgoonuntilthesurroundingfabricwouldbeofinsufficientfibertoholdanotherthreadorpatch.Thenitbecame“atimetotear.”Butthis“tearing”wasnotsimplyajobofdestruction,becausetherippedupfabricfromthesepantsthenbecametheragsforheavydutywipingaroundthehouse.Everythinghaditspurpose,muchasGodhasapurposeforeverythingthatgoesoninourlivesandaroundus.Sometimeslivesaredamaged,butonlytoanextentthatallowsthemtobemendedbytheapplicationofminoractsofrecognitionordiscipline.However,atothertimesthebrokennesscanbeofsuchamagnitudethattheevilmustbetorncompletelyawayandatotallynewdirectionmustbegiventosalvagethatlife.Thetearingisnoteasy.However,Godistheretoanswerwhetherthislifecanbesavedbymendingorwhetheritmustfirstbetornapart.OnlyHecanprovidethedirectionandstrengthtomoveforwardinthemannerrequired.

BillPetmeckyDearLord,whenwearefacedwithabrokenlifeinfamilyorfriends,blessuswiththeknowledgetoknowwhethertheproblemisonethatcanbemendedorwhetheritrequiresfirsttearingaparttheunderlyingcausesofthatproblem.ThenLord,giveusthestrengthtomoveforwardasyouwoulddirect.InJesusname,Amen.

Thursday,April6,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetotear,andatimetosewEcclesiastes3:7aTurn,turn,turnTheByrdsreleasedPeteSeeger’sclassicsong,Turn!Turn!Turn!(ToEverythingThereIsaSeason),onmybirthday,October1,1965.TakennearlyverbatimfromtheBible,thesongreached#1ontheBillboardmusiccharts,andmelodicallyframedthechoiceswefaceeveryday…… Turn,turn,turn, “atimetotear,andatimetosew” Turn,turn,turnAsadermatologist,I’vefacedthisdichotomycountlesstimes.Isittimetotear(cut,remove,treat,intervene),orisittimetosew(soothe,heal,repair,leavealone)?Withtime,I’vecometoappreciatethenecessityandimportanceofthesetwooptions.Asurgeon’stypicalmindsetis“achancetocutisachancetocure,”andinmanycases,that’stheonlychanceapatienthas.Inotherinstances,however,asurgeonmust“sitonhis(orher)hands,”usediscretionandforbearance,andnotintervene.Thehardpart,derivedfromeducationandexperience,augmented(bythewisesurgeon)throughprayer,istorecognizethetimeforeachoption.Afterall,we’retold,“thereisatimeforeverymatterunderheaven.”Idon’tseeadviceintheseversesfromKingSolomon,butIdoseewisdom.It’sa“bigpicture”lookatthechoiceswefaceeveryday.It’sthereassurancethatwe’renotblazingnewtrailshere;ratherwe’replayingourpart,withGod’spresenceandguidance(ifweseekit).Don’tworry.Takeactionwhencalledfor(tear).Showrestraintoraspiritofreparationwhencalledfor(sew).Anddothiswiththeknowledgethatwe’recarryingoutourrolesasintended. Turn,turn,turn

MikeMajors

DearGod,ThankYouforYourWisdomaswefaceourchoices,andmakeourdecisions.HelpustorememberthatYouarewithusaswedoso,andweneedonlyread(orlistento)YourWordtoreceiveYourGuidance.Amen

Friday,April7,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetotear,andatimetosew

Ecclesiastes3:7a

Lent is weird.We go from the happiness of Christmas, to the strange in-between ofJanuary, to thedepressionof this pre-Easter season.Whydowedo this to ourselvesevery year?Why think about our sinswhenwe could celebrate our forgiveness? It’salmostmasochistic.Lent isweird,but it isnecessary.Without it,wewouldnever remember the sacrificethat Jesusmade for us.Wewould never turn our heads to thoughts of His torn andtatteredbodyuponTheCross.Withoutit,wewouldliveinaworldwheregracecomestous likebubblegumata cash register: aquick impulsepurchasewithoutweightormeaning.Thereisatimefortearing...Atimeforslashing,forbreaking,forrending.ForourSavior,that timewasonTheCross atGolgotha,whenHishands,His feet, andHis sideweresplitopenforoursins.Forus,itisLentwheneverweconfrontoursins.Wefalltoourknees, cursingourownselvesand thebad thingswe’vedone.Weripourselvesapartbecauseweknowinourbonesthatweareundeserving,thatwealonearenotenoughandwillneverbe.Thisisourtimeoftearing.Evenwith all this grief and sadness,wedonot despair! The sorrowmay last for thenight,butJoycomesinthemorning!Thetimeoftearingisfollowedbyatimeofsewing!OurSaviorhasboughtusataprice,andwenowcelebrate!Oursoulsarestitched!Ourheartsaremended!Ourhandsarewashed!Oursinsaregone!EngagingfullyintheLentenseasonistofullyunderstandwhyit’ssoneeded.Whenwetaketimetoconfrontourblemishes,thepurifyingGraceisthatmuchsweeter.

DanielHofmannGod,helpususethistimeofLenttoquietlyreflectonoursinsandYourgrace,totrulytakeinthesignificanceofwhatyouhavedoneforusthroughyourSon.Amen

Saturday,April8,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetotear,andatimetosewEcclesiastes3:7aAlloftheversesforthisdevotionalspeakabouttheimportanceoftiming.Differentthingsareimportantatdifferenttimes.Tomethisparticularversetalksaboutatimeforthingstocomeapartandatimetomendbacktogether.Asaquilter,Istartwithawholepieceoffabricorseveralofthem.Itisimportanttofindthestraightgrainofthefabricsotheendproductliesflatanddoesn’tripple.Thisisdonebytearingacrossthefabric.Thetearwillalwaysthenbeonthestraightgrain.Thefabricthengetscutintosmallpiecesandisthensewnbacktogethertomakesomethingmuchgreater,morebeautifulandstrongerthantheindividualfabrics.IthinkGodworkslikethatinourlives.Sometimesweget“rippled”oralittle“wonky”andGodtearsusinawaythatstraightensusup.Itmaybeanillness,deathofalovedone,anargument,arudepersonorahurtfulcommentthatgetsussidewayswithGodandwithothers.Atthosetimeswemayunravelabitandneedsomemending.WhenwetrustandaskGodtohelpus,hewillgiveusthewordsorthesituationsthatwillstraightenourgrainandstrengthenussowecanmendwhatneedsmendinginourlives.Thefinishedproduct,then,ismorebeautifulandstrongerthanouroriginalbuildingblocks.

SandyBirdlebough

DearLord,youwhomadeallthepiecesoftheworld,thankyouforsewingthemtogethersoperfectly.Helpusseeyourpatternforourlivesandfollowthatpatternasyouwant.Amen

PalmSunday,April9,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetokeepsilence,andatimetospeak

Ecclesiastes3:7b

Peoplehavebecometoosensitivethesedays.Comicshavequitperformingoncollegecampusesbecausetheirhumoris“insensitive.”Talkrisksonebeingcalledaracist,judgmental,etc.,inourpoliticallycorrectculture,yet“trolls”verballyassaultothersontheinternetandsocialmedia.Wordshavepower.Afterall,Godspoketheuniverseintobeing.Demonsarecastout,andpeoplearehealedbythem.Jamestalksabouthowuntamedthetongueis:wehavedomesticatedallsortsofanimalsbutnotthehumantongue,atonguesteersapersonlikeaship’srudder,andmyfavorite,“Amouthcannotblessandcurseatthesametimelikeaspringcannotgivefreshwaterandsaltwater.”Silencehaspower.Inamomentwhensomeoneshouldspeak-up,wesay“thesilencewasdeafening.”Whensomeoneishurtingorgrieving,asilenthugcansay“Iknow,”“Iunderstand,”oramyriadmore.ThoselastdaysbeforeChrist’scrucifixionproveinteresting.OnPalmSundayJesussaidthatifthecrowdwasquieteventherockswouldshoutout.Christcarefullychosesilenceandspeechduringhis“trial.”TheRomanshadauthorityoverexecutionssohespoketoPilate.Butbecausetheyhadnoauthority,ChristmetHerodandtheHighPriestwithonlysilence,exceptwhenhewasforcedbyoathofthehighpriest.Thewords“Iam”fromJesus’mouthcausedaviolentresponse.“Iam”wasthenameofGod,tooholytobespoken.

CraigSanderLord,bewithusandguideourthoughtsandhelpustomanageourtonguetoserveyou.Helpustoknowwhatneedstobesaidwhen,andhow,butalsowhentobesilent.Maywesayneitheronewordmorenoronewordlessthanisyourwill.InChrist’snamewespeak,Amen.

HolyMonday,April10,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetokeepsilence,andatimetospeakEcclesiastes3:7b

Occasionallymymouthgetsmeintrouble,becauseeitherIdon’tspeakwhenIshouldordowhenIshouldn’t.IstrugglewiththismorethanIcansay.Oncewordsareout,youcan’ttakethemback.ThisappliesnotonlyintimeswhenIhavesaidsomethingwrong,butsometimesnomatterhowmuchIthinkitthroughitsoundsbetterinmyheadthanintheairafteritescapesmylips,evenwhenitismeanttobegood.Sometimessayingthingshelpsmetounderstandmyselfaswellasothers.Othertimes,IknowthatwhatIhavetosayneedstobesaid,butitwon’tbewellreceivedandmostlikelyputdown.InthosetimesIdon’tsayaword,andusuallywishlaterthatIhad.Speakingthetruth,orwhatIperceivetobethetruth,isoftengreetedwithoppositionwhetherIamrightorwrong.Theyhatehimwhoreprovesinthegate,Andtheyabhorhimwhospeakswithintegrity.Amos5:10Findingthatbalanceofwhentospeakandwhentokeepsilentisalwaysastruggleofmind,heart,andspiritandrequiresmuchhelpfromtheHolySpiritasaguide.Thereforeatsuchatimetheprudentpersonkeepssilent,foritisaneviltime.Amos5:13Thisdoesn’tmeanweshouldneverspeak.Insteadweshouldweighourwordscarefullywithmuchsoulsearchingandprayersothatwhenwedofeelmovedtospeak,itmaybeonthebehalfoftheHolySpiritandtheLord.HereyethewordwhichtheLORDspeakethuntoyou.Jeremiah10:1

GingerBurowLord,mayweeverbemindfulofyourwillinourlives,thatwemaybeobedienttoitinallwesay,sothatourwordsmaybeYoursandnotourown.Letushearyourstillsmallvoiceandallowittoguideus.InYournamewepray.Amen

HolyTuesday,April11,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetokeepsilence,andatimetospeak

Ecclesiastes3:7b

WhenIwasachild,myDadwouldsay,“childrenshouldbeseenandnotheard.”ItseemedtoalwayscomeatatimewhenIwasasking;why,orwhat,orhowaboutsomething.Ofcourse,Ineverunderstoodwhatthatmeantatthetime.Mydadwasapatientman,butI’msureasachildIlikelypushedthelimitsfromtimetotime.AsIhaveagedandnowhaveadultchildren,Ifinallyrealizedwhatmyfather’squotereallymeant.Thefocus(nomatterifyou’reachildoranadult)isthatsometimes,itisbettertolistenthantospeak.Asaparent,IneedtolistenmorethanIspeak.TheirviewshouldbeimportantenoughtomethatIjust“listen.”Everyperson,youngorold,needstobeheard.Whenwelistentoothers,weareputtingtheirneedsaboveourownselfishneeds.Listeningisaformofexpressinglove.ChristalwaysexpressedloveandIthinkhewasagreatlistener.InthefourthchapterofJohn,ChristkneweverythingabouttheSamaritanwomanatthewell,buthestillaskedthewomanquestionsandthenletthewomanshareherstory.Why?Ithinkitwasinparttomakeaconnection.Christlistenedtoherstory,thensharedthegoodnews…“Jesusansweredher,‘everyonewhodrinksthiswaterwillbecomethirstyagain.ButthosewhodrinkthewaterthatIwillgivethemwillneverbecomethirstyagain.Infact,thewaterIwillgivethemwillbecomeinthemaspringthatgushesuptoeternallife.’”Today,quittalkingsomuchandworkonbeinga“goodlistener.”Trytohearmorethanyousay.Youwillconveythatothers’needsaremoreimportantthanyourown.WorkonsharingGod’slovewitheveryoneyouencountertoday.Youneverknowwhatothersmightneed,butGodhasaplan.Soremember;“it’sbettertobeenseenandnotheard.”

DavidBullionLord,mayIbeagoodlistenertoday.HelpmetolistenmorethanIspeak.Allowmeshareyourlovewithsomeoneinneedsothattheymightknowyoubetter.Amen

HolyWednesday,April12,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetokeepsilence,andatimetospeakEcclesiastes3:7b

TheLordtellsusthereisatimetokeepsilent.Thinkaboutthatstatement.Wouldn’titbemuchbetterifwewouldholdourtonguewhenweareangryorwhenwearehavingaheatedargument?Ifwewouldkeepsilentandconsidercarefullywhattheotherpersonissayingandwheretheyareintheirlifeatthatparticulartime,insteadofclosingourmindtotheirwordsandideas.Afterall,Godgaveustwoearsandonlyonemouth,Hemusthaveintendedforustolistenmorethanwespeak,especiallywhenitis‘timetokeepsilent’.TheLordalsotellsusthereisatimetospeak.IhavehadmomentswhenIknewIshouldhavespokenanddidn’t.Atimewhenafriendwashurting,whenIshouldhaveofferedtopraywiththem.TherehavebeentimeswhenIfeltImissedanopportunitytotellsomeoneaboutGod’sAmazingGraceandwhatadifferenceJesusChristhasmadeinmylife.PerhapsIfailedtovisitsomeonewhoislonelyandreadtothemfromGod’sword,ortellthemIamprayingforthem.Thesearetimeswearetospeak…afterallwearethemessengersofJesusChristinourworldtoday.“Letthewordsofmymouthandthemeditationsofmyheartbeacceptableinyoursight,OLordmystrengthandmyredeemer.”Psalm19:14

NanHengstHeavenlyFather,givemetheabilitytokeepsilentwhenitisappropriate,andthewordstospeakwhenIknowIshould,andthewisdomtodiscernthedifference.Amen

MaundyThursday,April13,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimetolove,andatimetohate

Ecclesiastes3:8a

Loveandhate.AsChristians,wetendtohaveapositiveviewoftheformerandanegativeviewofthelatter.Yet,weoftenrefertobothemotionsinaflippantmanner.“I

lovetowatchfootball”or“Ihatespinach.”Isitalwaysrighttolovesomething?Isitalwayswrongtohatesomething?Canwelovesomethingtoomuch?Canwehatesomethingtoolittle?

Howmuchdowelovefootball?Morethanweloveourfamily?MorethanweloveourfellowChristians?MorethanweloveGod?IfweloveourhobbiesandourpossessionsmorethanweloveGod,thenwehaveturnedourhobbiesandpossessionsintoidols.

Lovecancomeinvariousforms:romanticlove(eros),brotherlylove(philos),andfinallyagapelove.Ahealthychurchisbuiltonagapelove.InJohn21,JesusasksPeter,“Doyouloveme?”AfterPeteranswersintheaffirmative,Jesusreplies,“feedmysheep.”Thisisagapelove.WearecalledtoexhibitagapeloveasweequipeachothertospreadtheGospel.Withoutagapelove,theChurchwillbeweakenedbytheforcesofevilthatseektodestroyit.

Howmuchdowehatespinach?Morethanwehatesin?Morethanwehatefalseteachings?Morethanwehateevil?ArewewillingtorenouncespinachtoagreaterextentthanwearewillingtorenouncetheDevilandallofhisemptypromises?

Asmembersofafallenhumanity,wearebornintosin.WithoutJesus,wecannotescapeit.Wecannotsaveourselvesfromit.Lying,cheating,stealing,immorality,hubris,narcissism,andahostofothersinscomenaturallytoafallenhumanity.Yet,asChristians,weshouldhatethesethings.Wemustrejectthem,renouncethem,andturnawayfromthem.Romans12:9states,“Letlovebegenuine;hatewhatisevil,clingtowhatisgood”(NIV).

RobertElderLord,helpustodiscernwhatisrightandwhatiswrong.Helpustospeaktruthanddenouncefalsehoods.Helpustoloveourfamilies,ourchurchfamily,andyoumorethanweloveourearthlyhobbiesandpossessions.Helpustorenouncesin,theDevil,andallfalseteachings.InJesus’namewepray.Amen

GoodFriday,April14,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimeforwar,andatimeforpeaceEcclesiastes3:8b

WhenIreadthisverse,itbringssomanydifferentthoughtstome.Warandpeacecanbewithinourselves,ourmindsandourbodies.Wecanhavewarandpeaceinrelationshipsbetweenourfamily,friendsandneighbors.Wecanhavewarandpeacewithinourowncountry,betweennationsandtheworld,aswellasbetweenhumansandnature.Peoplehavebeenatwarthroughouttime.Whatissoimportanttopeoplethatdrivesthemtoforgopeaceandtogointoconflict?Itistheneedforcontrolandvaluablepossessionsforthosewhoareimmoral,havegreed,andhavehatredforothers.Thesewillalwaysbeattherootofwar.Attimes,warisnecessary,butwemustworkhardatlivinginpeacewithotherseachday.God’speopleneedtoaskforthewisdomtoknowwhentowithdrawandwhentofight.PeaceonEarth.Itsoundssowonderfulandweprayforpeaceallthetime.Iwonderifitishopelesstoprayforpeacewithinsuchasinfulworld?Peaceonearthcouldbeachieved,ifallpeopleobeyedGod,andbelieved,lovedandfollowedJesus.Isthisrealistic?Probablynot,butshouldwegiveupprayingforthis?Absolutelynot,Godlovespeace.WeasChristiansshouldcontinuetoprayforpeaceandpeacemakersandspreadthegoodnewsofJesusChristandhisgreatloveforus.TruepeaceofheartandmindisavailabletousthroughfaithinJesusChristandtruepeacecomesfromknowingGodisincontrol.Wewillhavepeaceonearth,whenJesusChrist,theMessiah,returnstoearthtobringjusticeandpeacetohispeople.

KathyBoosLovingGod,Weprayforallthoseinconflict.Lord,letuscontinuetolooktoyouforpeace.InJesus’namewepray.Amen

HolySaturday,April15,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Atimeforwar,andatimeforpeace

Ecclesiastes3:8b

Chapter3ofEcclesiastesstatesthereisaseasonforeverypurposeunderheaven.Thelastpurposelistedis“atimeofwar,andatimeofpeace.”JesushassaidthatwewillhearofwarsandrumorsofwaruntilHereturns.(Matt.24:6andMark13:7)Weconsiderwaraterribleoccurrence,sowhydoesthescriptureteachusthatthereisaseasonorpurpose forwar?Sin is in theworldandhistoryshowsus that there isatimewhenwarismorallynecessary,aswelearnedinWorldWarIIforexample.Fortunately, thescripturealso teachesus that there isa time forpeace. Weallknowthat at the time of Christ’s birth, the angels proclaimed “on earth peace, goodwilltowardmen.”(Luke2:14)InJohn14:27,Christtellsus,“PeaceI leaveyou,mypeaceIgiveyou---.”Eventhoughweliveinatroubledworld,theLordpromisespeace.Weshouldprayforpeace. Psalms34:14directsusto“Depart fromevilanddogood;seekpeace andpreserve it.” “The righteous cryout, and theLordhears, anddeliversthemoutoftheirtroubles.”(Psalms34:17)Therewillbeseasonsofwar(trouble)inourlives,buttheLordwillgiveusseasonsofpeaceifwearefaithfulandseekhisguidance.

Sandra&NormNevinsDear Lord,we know that evil surrounds us and that therewill be difficult times.Helpustobeapartoftheseasonofpeaceinyourname.Amen

EasterSunday,April16,2017

Foreverythingthereisaseason,andatimeforeverymatterunderheaven…Ecclesiastes3:1

RiseandShine!TheLentenjourneybeganbydistributingpurplebraceletsthatallwereinvitedtoweareverywhere—church,work,thegym,school,parties,downtown,HEB,bed,andevenintheshower(Yes,theyarewaterproof!).Theinscriptiononthebraceletssimplyreads:“ATimeforEverything!”Itservedasawayforustoberemindedof1-God,aswegoabout“everything”thatadayorweekcanholdforus,and2-togiveusopportunitytopointotherstoGodwhentheymayinquireaboutwhatthebraceletyou’rewearingmeans.WenowhavearrivedatanewtimeinourLentenjourney—atimeforResurrection!ThetimewhichGodhadplannedfromtheverybeginningoftimeforthesalvationofsinners!Yes,resurrectiontimemeansit’stimeforusto…..“RiseandShine!”

WhenIwasakid,almosteverysingleschoolmorningmydaybeganwithmesemi-wakingtothefootstepsofmyDadcomingdownthewoodfloorhallwaytowardmybedroom.Hishardsoleshoesoffereda“clump,clump,clump”astheythenpausedatmybedroomdoor,andhewouldsoftly,butfirmlypronounce,“RiseandShine,Bobby!RiseandShine!”Iwouldimmediatelycovermyheadwiththepillow,butwouldeventuallyrollfromtherack,dressandheadtomeetthenewday.

Inthisnewtimeoflivingontheresurrectionsideofthings,ourHeavenlyFatherbidsusto“RiseandShine,Christian!RiseandShine!”Andinfaith,werisefromourrestorrestlessnesstomeetthehighsandlows,thegoodandbad,thehappyandsad—andeverythinginbetweenthatlifemayissue.

Andfurther,thisEastertimeisabout“RisingandShining”inthethingsthatwehavepossiblygonetosleepin:ourmarriages,parenting,obligations,work,Biblereading,worshippatterns,financialgiving,serving,andbeingjoyfuloverthefactthatwehavebeenforgivenandoureternalfatewithGodisset!

Thisisnowtheseasoninwhichweenter—the“timeforeverything”inwhichGodwillbeforemostinourlives,leadingusto“RiseandShine!”Yes,Christian--it’stimeto“RiseandShine!”Amen?Amen!

+PastorBobbyVitek

HeavenlyFather,IknowthatthesamepowerthatraisedJesusfromthedeadisthesamepowerthatlivesinme.Sogivemefaithtoletthisresurrectionpowerleadmeto“riseandshine”in“everything”thatIexperience!InChrist’sname,Amen!