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

The vineyards of Alsace, France are breathtaking in the autumn! Rich golden color covers the hillsides and when the sun shines just right, the leaves look to be on fire! But it will not be long before these leaves turn brown, shrivel and fall to the ground, exposing gnarled bare branches. I miss being surrounded by these vineyards as they mark the passing of time. There was a sense of order and comfort knowing that each season will make its appearance in due time.

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) What is always encouraging is that God is the Eternal Rock of Ages, unaffected by time or seasons.

Seasons change. I miss living in the vineyards as now I am in a different season of life. But each season, whether negative or positive, is temporary. And even though I enjoy my current season, the next one may bring some challenging times. But there is coming a “season” that will be eternal and unchanging! In Heaven, I will be forever in His presence where there is joy and eternal pleasures. (Psalm 16:11) There will be no sin to separate and no end to the unimaginable fulfillment of a life with my Creator!

Lord, keep me focused on that time without end!

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 4:2-3 “Be completely humble and gentle, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

One year our children attended a private school where students were to wear uniforms. I was not too sure how I felt about it. Wouldn’t looking all the same discourage individuality? Would the uniqueness of my “exceptional perfect children” not stand out? I did appreciate the ease of choosing outfits in the morning. But what was interesting was to see how these students still managed to distinguish themselves from their fellow classmates by the shoes, the backpacks or the accessories worn.

Today’s verse talks about unity of the Spirit. Our unity comes from one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father. (verse 4-6) What is wonderful about the unity of the Body of Christ is that it is not “uniformity.” Thankfully, our unity does not come from looking alike. There is no one skin color. Our unity does not come from sharing the same roles and gifts in the Church. And our unity does not come from the same social status or the same political preferences.

It is an effort to do what is not natural. The natural thing for me to do is to be prideful about my positions on any issue. My tendency is not to be teachable and humble. It is easier for me to be harsh with criticism rather than gracious to other believers with different convictions. Yet, I am supposed to be showing love, not just to those who agree with me but to those who do not. When I make the effort to keep our unity, non-believers can see the difference the Spirit makes.

Lord, keep us unified. Make me humble, gentle and loving.

Scripture for Today: Philippians 3:14 “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

This juicy seed-filled tropical fruit is becoming more popular with its long list of health benefits. The roundish shape and purple (or yellow skin) encases a nutrient-dense flesh that has a tart/sweet taste. It comes to us from the passion flower that Spanish missionaries to South Americans used to explain truths of Christianity. More than just the flower, passion itself was important to Greek philosophers who would ask just one question when a man died; “Did he have passion?”

Today’s verse reveals the all-encompassing passion of Paul’s life. His life was spent with passionate purpose towards his heavenly calling. He did not want to run or labor for nothing. (Phil. 2:16) Paul was even willing to pour out his life in sacrificial living and dying for the Lord. (Phil. 2:17) That is passion! And the fruit Paul encourages believers to produce is the fruit of the light consisting in all goodness, righteousness and truth. (Eph. 5:9) Paul’s passion gave him focus on his goal. He could “press on” despite the shipwrecks, beatings and imprisonments and stay faithful to the One who called him.

I cannot think of a life better spent than a life of passionate service to the Lord. I do not want to half-hearted like the parable of the one who buried his talent. I want to spend all that He has given me to live for Him. The problem is that I am easily distracted. Rather than seeking His kingdom and righteousness, I get hung up on this earthly kingdom and its preoccupations. He wants to be my focus. He wants to be my passion. And when He is, my life takes on eternal meaning!

Lord, keep me passionate for You.

Scripture for Today: John 8:31-32 “…Jesus said, ‘If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'”

This poor cat looks traumatized! And because he is a cat, he is not only stuck but embarrassed about it! There is panic in his eyes as he realizes that pretended indifference will not save him! He can act as if he meant to be there in this ridiculous position, but no one would be fooled. Perhaps he believed a lie in overestimating his own prowess. But clearly he needs someone to climb up there and free him.

Today’s verse describes how the truth will set one free. Jesus is speaking to Jews who were incensed that He would refer to them as “enslaved.” But in fact, lies and falsehoods do enslave those who believe them to the author of lies, Satan. Jesus names him as the “father of lies” having no truth in him. (verse 45) In contrast, Jesus calls Himself, the Truth. (John 14.6) And He calls His Word, “truth.” (John 17:17) His truth sets us free from deception. The truth sets us free to know our Creator, to love Him and to serve Him.

It is increasingly difficult to distinguish truth today. The veneer of authenticity is so convincing. The packaging of the lie is deceptive. But I know the One who is Truth. It is not a concept. It is a Person. The more I know Him, the less likely I am to be deceived by the father of lies. The more I read the truth of His Word, the more I can distinguish what does not come from Him. And the best part of recognizing truth is that it brings me closer to Him!

Lord, free me by Your truth to love You more!