On Sunday 15 August Ps. Joe brought an amazing word on seasons. Encouraging the congregation with this simple thought: Every season has its own fruit. Here are four points from his message. If you missed it, you can watch the sermon here.
Point 1: In every season God is doing something. And there is always something for us to do in every season. We cannot afford to be like the sluggard who does not plow in the autumn, because we will miss the fruit of the season that is coming. Though we are in a season of lockdown, be committed to worship and prayer, seeking God earnestly and sowing for the future.
Proverbs 20:4 ‘The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.’
Point 2: Is this a season where you can gain some ground? Romans 8 says that ‘God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His presence’. If we believe this scripture, if we believe that God can make beauty out of ashes; then we have to ask ourselves what in this season can God make new? This season may bring you more time with your family, allowing you to build a better relationship with them. This season may be when you put in place the habit of daily exercise and healthy eating. Or this season may bring you the opportunity to be still and seek God daily. Whatever it brings, make it a season that gains you ground in your life.
Point 3: Your season is defined by what you look at. We reflect what we look at. This is why we need to fix our eyes on Jesus, so that we reflect Him. Paul and Silas didn’t look at the chains that kept them in prison. They kept their eyes on Jesus, their deliverer and Saviour. They made a conscious choice to look beyond their circumstances and fix their eyes on God. For us this means deliberately taking our thoughts captive and changing our habits. Whether that’s spending a little less time on social media, or getting up a little earlier, let’s all make an effort to look to God first in this season.
Point 4: This season is not fun for any of us. But one of the best things that we can do is to serve others, looking beyond our own situation. Paul and Silas made sure to help those around them in the prison, washing the wounds of the jailer and his family, and baptizing them. This prompts the question; how can we point others to Jesus in this time? Church has an incredible program called ‘Here to Help’ which has been feeding and providing essential items to hundreds of families struggling in Auckland. They are always ready to receive meals or donations to help the people in our community. We have the ability to help others that are in dire situations, and to bring them the hope of Jesus.
ACTS 16:25-34 ‘About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. 27 When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.’
As a church, let’s let every season be defined by the power, grace, and goodness of our God.
