The seasons of life.

Have you ever stopped and thought about how much life is like the calendar? Each season has something beautiful to offer, but most of the time we just don't stop and take the time to enjoy it. We're so focused on the future that we lose memories of now that we'll never be able to recover. There's a time for everything folks.

One of the most famous Bible passages is found in Ecclesiastes 3. Most people will easily recognize verses 1-8 because we've heard them in songs, at funerals, and other special events. But if you really want to get to the heart of time, read the rest of the passage.

Verse 11 says He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from the beginning to the end. Every season of our life is beautiful and should be lived to it's fullest. Winter brings the beauty of fresh fallen snow on mountain tops which supplies us with life-giving water for the rest of the year, but most people can't wait for the cold to end. Spring brings the beauty of blooms and hope, but we look for Summer to come so we can enjoy the warmth and long evenings. Summer brings us the warmth and beautiful late sunsets, but we can't wait for the heat to go away. Fall brings us the beautiful colors of life that God gave us, but we can't wait to start the cycle over. Enjoy each and every season of your life. Enjoy the lives of others that God has placed in your path. Enjoy the beauty around you. Take time to make memories of each season that will last forever.

Verse 12 says I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. This is something that all of us want to do, but we get so busy that we forget. I'd like to say it's simple, but it's not. Let's be honest, we focus so much on the future that we forget to live the present. We always assume that we'll have the chance to say goodbye or I love you to someone again, to meet them for lunch, to tell someone about Jesus, but the reality is that we may never get the chance again. Then what happens? We're left with regrets, and regrets bring sorrow. Don't live your life full of regrets, live it to the fullest. Live your life with joy and passion. Don't let winter keep you in the house, go skiing..:)

Verse 13 says That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in his toil-this is the gift of God. We all have to work, and we all have to live, but how do we do these things for the glory of God? We take them both as a gift. What would happen if either one were taken away, or diminished in some way? We'd look back and say "if only I had_____." We have one life to live, make sure you live it well enough to be able look back and smile and know that you did it well. Does your life bring a smile to the faces of others. It's a gift, take the time to live it in such a manner that makes God feel like He gave you the right present.

Verse 14 says, I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing can be taken from it. God does it so we will revere Him. Our time here on earth, and what we do with it is an act of worship! Our stewardship of our time reflects the reverence we have for our God. Don't let a chance to live, or to serve Him escape you. Show Him your reverence by living your life worthy of his praise. Make Him proud. The way you spend your time after this life hangs on it.

I'm not sure what season of your life you're in right now, but go out today and make it the best one ever. Make every minute an act of worship. Make your time here a wonderful memory for yourself, others, and God.

Be blessed today, and love each other as God loves you,

Pastor Mike

Today's prayer request;

Please pray for Pastor Mike's family