Scripture for Today: Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

If it were not for the song, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” written by Pete Seeger and made popular by the Byrds, perhaps we would not be so familiar with the first eight verses of Ecclesiastes 3. We enjoy the seasons in God’s creation but are maybe less enthusiastic with changes in our lives. This beautiful red leaf used to be green. And soon it will be a somber dry brown. And the old will eventually be making way for the new.

Today’s verse reminds us of the passing of time and seasons. The earth is locked into a cycle of time that has no equivalent above the heavens. The seasons are unique to us. Heaven and eternity are not bound or limited by time. And each season that God ordains in our lives has a God-given purpose for His glory. There is a time for birth or death, mourning or dancing, speaking or remaining silent, among many other activities “under heaven.” (verse 2-8) How encouraging that God is above heaven and above time!

The most unsettling thing about the seasons of life changing is that period of transition and adjustment. I get comfortable with what used to be new and different. Just when I start to feel settled, everything shifts. The scenery changes or what is unexpected throws me off balance. I forget that I have felt this way before. And I forget how faithful the Lord has been in the past to move me to a new stage. Seasons may change but HE does not and He will remain faithful! What a comfort to be able to stand firmly on His Word and promises, even in the middle of change!

Thank you Lord, that You remain faithful.

Scripture for Today: Matthew 5:11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”

This is one scary insect being two inches long, having a wing span of three and a stinger one fourth inch long! He feeds on the honey bee, tearing off the head, legs and abdomen and taking the thorax back to his nest to feed the colony. On humans he can punch through clothing and sting repeatedly when threatened. Though painful, you are not in any particular danger of dying unless you are allergic. So there is no reason to call him his nickname, the “Murder Hornet.”

Today’s verse describes a particular kind of persecution that may not be fatal but certainly is painful. When people insult a Christian for believing in Christ, Jesus calls him blessed. When people attribute evil motives to the believer’s actions he is also blessed. And when there is name calling and others spread false rumors about him, he is even told to be happy about it. Why? Because there is special reward that awaits in Heaven (verse 12)

This kind of persecution can easily lead to loss of job, friends, reputation and even physical danger. When one couple turned a whole French village against my husband and me because of our faith, I had to remember this promise. It is a small thing to suffer indignities for His name when He suffered so much more for me! When I am maligned or marginalized for my faith, I can even count it a privilege! The promise of blessing and future reward far outweigh this kind of hurt!

Thank you Lord, for building me up when others are intent on tearing me down!