Times And Seasons

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

The Rev. Gardner Taylor has been called “the dean of American preaching.” Born in Louisiana in 1918, the grandson of slaves, he overcame the segregation of his youth to become the pastor of a large New York congregation and a leader in the struggle for racial equality. For 6 decades he traveled the world as a much sought-after preacher.

But at age 89, Rev. Taylor’s health gave way and he could no longer accept speaking engagements. He told Rachel Zoll of the Associated Press: “I at first felt rather crestfallen.” But then he spoke of his belief that “there are seasons and eras, and we have to see what they are as best as we can, and to find what is positive in them.”

In an effort to face the challenges of life, we often turn to Solomon’s words: “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” (Eccl. 3:1). But we readily admit that we would rather laugh than weep, dance than mourn, and gain than lose (vv.4,6).

Yet we know that as we embrace the lessons and opportunities of every season that comes to us, we find that “God is our refuge and strength” (Ps. 46:1).

Whatever season we’re in, it’s always the season to trust in Him. — David C. McCasland

Just as the winter turns to spring,
Our lives have changing seasons too;
So when a gloomy forecast comes,
Remember—God has plans for you. —Sper

Whatever the season of life, attitude makes all the difference.

Taken from "Our Daily Bread"

Bible Reading:

Beginning to End: Exodus 10-12
Old and New Testaments Together: Exodus 1-3 & Matthew 14:1-21
Historical: Exodus 10-12
Chronological: Genesis 27-29
Blended: Isaiah 1-2 & Mark 1:1-22