“For Every Purpose”

“For Every Purpose”                                    

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV). 

WOW! Has this not been a crazy season? And King Solomon wisely said, “To everything there is a season.”

Here’s a COVID acrostic for this season which began in March 2020:

Crazy

Overwhelming

Viral

Interesting

Disruptive

What would your COVID acrostic look like? You might do better than I because all those words I came up with seem a bit understated.

Now, look at the second part of that verse: “a time for every purpose under heaven.” Time is a measure of space in each of our lives. Purpose is the reason and the value we place on something. 

When we look at the first and second chapters of Ecclesiastes, we see King Solomon attempting to put his finger on the meaning of life. He concludes that much in life is out of our control. The pandemic has certainly illuminated that all over the globe. Striving to corral everything in our little sphere is like “grasping for the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14) and he concludes, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV).

We must remember that God created the universe— “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world and all that dwell therein) Psalm 24:1 KJV). God is in Heaven and we are on earth. God is eternal—from eternity past to eternity future. Our time on earth is temporal—limited and brief. But we are eternal beings and because of that God has put eternity in each of our hearts. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

So, God created the earth and the universe. He put it all in motion and set up a time for everything—a season and a time for every purpose—His purpose.

We will do well to know our place in His world. He is Creator and we are a part of His creation. Though we’re each a small part, He knows and loves each one of us. He saw our form in our mother’s womb and He knows each of us by name. We’re higher beings than the animals, birds, creeping things, and sea creatures. We’re greater than the trees, plants, mountains, oceans, lakes, soil, rivers, and deserts. We are the crown of God’s creation for we are made in His own image and are triune beings, consisting of spirit, soul, and body.

We can be assured that this season of COVID19 is a period of time when God will fulfil a purpose—His purpose. No, I don’t know what that purpose is, but might someday.

So consider this acronym for COVID:

Cosmic Occasion Vigilantly Illuminating Divine purpose.

Five things we can do to maintain hope & peace during COVID19:

1- Stay focused on our Savior, Jesus. Spending time in His Word and in prayer are key.

2- Do what we can to stay safe and healthy.

3- Remain positive, confident that God is on His throne and has this all figured out.

4- Trust God to fulfil a great purpose that will astound us in the end. Be excited with anticipation!

5- Encourage others along the way. 

Let’s pray: Oh Lord, You see each of us. You are intimately aware of how this season of time is impacting each of our lives. Thank You, Father, that Your love is unfailing and without end. Thank You that we can trust You with our present and with our future.

Thank You for Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and help us to take His peace and rest in Him. And thank You that You are doing wondrous things during this crazy time. In Jesus name we pray—Amen.

Questions to consider:

1. Evaluate the quantity and quality of time you spend in Bible reading/study/meditation and prayer.

2. What are you doing to stay safe and healthy?

3. Do you have a positive attitude during this COVID season?

4. List some positive things you believe God is doing or will do during this COVID season.

4. List ways you can encourage others during these days of pandemic.

“O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do,                                   but our eyes are on You” (2 Chronicles 20:12 NKJV).

©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

A Season of Reset: Three areas to consider

A Season of Reset: Three areas to consider       


Have you said or heard the word, “reset” lately? 


With the beginning of the COVID19 Pandemic and the upending of our lives, many people have been talking about and anticipating the implementation of a reset in certain areas of their lives. For many, it has been in regard to family and the way they prioritize time. For some, it’s a forced reset because their means of earning a living has diminished or vanished.


Whether being affected by the pandemic, or more recently, civil unrest, I want to suggest three ways in which we can each benefit from a reset. 


A word used in the Bible that is comparable to reset is renew. It is described as “a combination of ana, ‘again,’ and kainos, ‘new.’ The word suggests a renovation, restoration, transformation, and a change of heart and life. In Romans 12:2, it indicates a complete change for the better, an adjustment of one’s moral and spiritual vision.” *


It says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2 NKJV).


Then in Paul’s letter to Titus, we’re told of the Holy Spirit’s work in helping accomplish renewal. Holy Spirit is helping us reset our character. 


“but when goodness and lovingkindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 3:4-6 RSV).


When we believe and receive Jesus, we’re made new—we’re born-again. From time to time, even daily, we can do some soul-searching and consider how we’re doing in our walk with Christ. Occasionally, we may need a reset and renew our commitment to Him. We may even need to rededicate ourselves to Christ. 

Image by Focus on the Family 

As we are on the cusp of reentering society, let us consider three ways we can reset our lives in order to live better on the other side of COVID19. In doing so, we can more closely experience the abundant life God wants for us.


Let’s reset: 


1. Our spiritual walk. In this season of quarantine, many people are interested in knowing God better and involving Him more in their lives. Please read Titus 2:11-3:8 or at least re-read verses 4-6, quoted above. Romans 12:1-2, (above), gives insight as well. 


We can ask ourselves and ask God, “What can I do to improve my relationship with my Creator?” Here are a few suggestions:


Let’s spend quality time, daily, in His Word and in prayer, and listen quietly to hear Him speak. He’ll probably not speak audibly but will speak into our spirits in a still small voice through an impression, instruction, or encouragement.

Involvement in a Bible study group, church fellowship, or both, either in person or online can give us sound teaching, encouragement, and fellowship.


2. Our priorities. A reset of our spiritual walk will set us up for realigning our priorities. 


It’s sad that, due to the pandemic, people are out of work. And it’s unfortunate that sports and extracurricular activities have been suspended on every level. But there has been a bright side to this situation. 


I’ve heard many people say that since they have more time at home, they’ve had additional family togetherness, time for exercise, pleasure reading, or Bible study. Some are doing things they’ve not had time for, like plant a garden and enjoy creative talents such as art, cooking, sewing, knitting, crocheting, woodworking, and so on. 


I recently hear a man say that after quarantine he and his wife plan to continue taking frequent walks together. Others are exercising on a regular basis and plan to continue in the future.   


It’s good to look on the bright side of a dark event. Taking time to prayerfully realign priorities is wise and can lead to a more joy-filled and meaningful life.

Regarding our use of time, the Bible says, “Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise—sensible, intelligent people; making the most of the time—buying up each opportunity—because the days are evil! Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15-17 Amplified). 


3.Our finances. A thorough evaluation of and reset of finances is a good thing to do periodically. Currently, as many people have experienced a reduction or total loss of income a financial reset has dealt a harsh blow. 


No matter our level of income we can execute our financial life according to biblical teachings and we will be blessed in doing so. Resetting our spiritual walk and our priorities put us in position to reset our finances with godly wisdom.


Learning biblical principles on money and aligning our priorities with God’s Word and His character give guidelines that, when followed, produce financial security. In a nutshell, the Bible teaches that we should work and earn a living, give into God’s kingdom generously, and spend money wisely. Also, we’re to stay away from excessive credit. Proverbs 22:7b tells us that “the borrower is servant to the lender” (NKJV).  

Internet Ima

Jesus taught, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-20 NLJV).

As we reset our finances, we’re wise to follow the principles set up by God, being confident that He knows what’s best. 


So, have you been thinking about a reset of some kind? Please share your thoughts in a comment, especially if COVID19 has impacted your ideas on the subject.


May God bless you as you continue to navigate this strange season. If a reset of any kind is a part of your life, I pray you do so with God’s leading.
   

*Spirit Filled Life Study Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, “Word Wealth” at Titus 3:8, page 1863.

©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford