Good Morning Friends,
We remember in Southwest Florida the hurricane seasons when the eye of the storms went over our homes, and we remember the last hurricane season because even though there were lots of named storms we were spared. And certainly, though I do like Florida Summers, I do not enjoy the thought of the next hurricane season going into extra innings. I like the comfort of things being neat and organized and exciting like a well-managed sporting event. And this last year though sanitized, has not been comforting as in the ways of the routines of the past. Now we are in what should be the middle of the Bowl and Holiday Season and hurricanes removed from our anxiety. Instead, we have the Covid-19 Storm looming again. Collectively we look forward to our favorite match ups. but some of them are being canceled. Of course, we look forward to the College Bowl Games and the Super Bowl. But moreover, we look for something normal. So, it is a bit of joy and sadness combined in our bleak mid-Winter 2021 pandemic. Thankfully, the seasons of life are not always related to sports. Much depends on one’s relationships, personality, character, goals, vision, and willingness to work hard. But there are a couple of other elements that are important, and I would like to explore as we end the year of 2021 with the stock market at record highs in a year that we were supposed to have beaten the pandemic. But I will always remember it as the year I became a grandfather to two boys, one my daughter’s and one my son’s. I have a focus on them without a doubt. But, What Are You Looking Forward To in 2022 That Will Live On?
Scripture: I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven on account of his name. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young people, because you have conquered the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young people, because you are strong and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world. And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever.
1 John 2:12-17 (NRSV)
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
Luke 2:36-40 (NRSV)
Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding, for her income is better than silver, and her revenue better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;
those who hold her fast are called happy.
Proverbs 3:13-18 (NRSV)
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NRSV)
Message: Discovering one’s destiny means we gain an understanding of the spiritual seasons in our lives. And here living in a season of wisdom and wonder of God is indeed more profitable than silver and rubies. Friends, wisdom is what we should be looking forward to. But also, true love so we might know the difference between worldly wisdom and Godly wisdom. Like Anna we need to be looking forward to God’s reign and be filled with wisdom. Like Solomon we need to realize that there is a time for things but that the hope is that Godly wisdom might never go out of season. You see Godly wisdom is demonstrated in our lives when we, seek to follow God’s will and purpose for our life. When we live according to the commands and precepts of God. When we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us. But, as we go through life, we discover that we are not always wise in the choices we make. Maybe we simply did what we thought was best, maybe we acted on impulse, or maybe we listened to ungodly advice from someone we knew. Humanly speaking there have probably been times in each of our lives when we have failed to fully follow the wisdom of God. But friends, know this, Godly wisdom makes possible redemption when empowered by love. That is the season we hopefully all are looking forward to.
And So, we are to seek the transformative wisdom of love. Seek the quality of the mind that is virtuously skilled in a success shared with a quality from above that forms creation itself and the structure to our lives to God’ glory with God for this generation and the next.
Pray we develop the ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge and understanding and faith. Pray we have reverence to God, and respect for other people. Pray we discover wisdom in trusted friends. Pray we discover wisdom in scripture. Pray that wisdom helps us in every season of life but most importantly the life that transforms. Pray we raise up the next generation in a way that glorifies God.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 