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Tuesday, September 3, 2019

What is your Favorite Season of the Year? Ecclesiastes 3:1-8


To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:  A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which 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.
The above question is based on the book titled, Seasons of Inspiration for Spiritual Growth
that looks at life in seasons as they relate to spiritual growth and the handiworks of God. Each discussion topic is centered on a central theme for the month as each is designed for spiritual growth.
In preparing a child for a lifetime of commitment to Christ, which begins at birth and continues to death as the believer never stop growing in Christ. A person's spiritual growth is broken down as such, from birth to 18 years of age is known as the years of preparation (YOP), and from 19-30 years old is known as the maturation years (YOM), and from 31 to death is known as the preservation and perpetuation years (YOPP) (Manual for Nurture for Baptist Churches). However, I prefer to break out the preservation and perpetuation years into two groups to include the winter season of one's life. This incorporates Titus 2 men and women as men are to "be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, charity, in patience" (v 2). While verses 3-4 talks about aged women having the same type of behavior so that they can teach the younger women to be sober and love their husbands.
With that being said, life's seasons parallel that of one's physical life growth. Spring represents new babes in Christ; spring planting occurs in the spring, therefore to make new disciples for Christ matured and seasoned Christians (summer and fall seasons) are to teach and train the new babes as we train our children according to Deuteronomy 6:7 during their preparatory years (YOP). When do we begin teaching our children? We begin at age one, which includes godly teachings as well as secular life lessons. Summer is the growing season in the child life where there is evidence of training in his or her preparatory years. During the summer growth children become strong and healthy in the Lord as well in their earthly lives as they have been prepared to take on adult roles and assume leadership positions. Also, during summer growth watering, feeding and nurturing continues as God's Word is designed continuous feeding and watering. John 6:35 speaks of Him being "the bread of life" and all who eat of Him shall hunger no more, and neither shall the person thirst ever again. While John 7:38 speaks of the ever-flowing river of water that God provides through the Holy Spirit. Eat and drink God's holy word and Grow.
What is the purpose of the fall season? The fall season is for harvesting the crops that have grown and produced the desired fruits--other Christians for God's kingdom. Fall is making ready for the winter season when no physical food can be gathered. In our spiritual lives, mature Christians are to be well indoctrinated in God's Word and His righteousness. As mature Christians we are to represent Christ daily and obey the Great Commission given by Christ Himself (Matthew 28:19-20). Fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) are manifested during the fall season because there will be a spiritual harvest and our service record will indicate who we as mature Christians brought to Christ. The winter season is known as a period of rest as the long snowy days have taken hold from the laborious days of spring, summer and fall where rewards of our labor in witnessing Christ and winter Christians enjoy the bountiful harvest crops (fruitful believers). The manifestation of Christ is true Christian growth.
Who is the winter Christians? They are those believers spoken of in Titus 2, who remained faithful to the Lord. Do these servants stop serving God? No, they are looked upon as the age of wisdom as they walk and talk with the grace of God. These Christians/believers have a plethora of life experiences to share with the younger generation on life's journey. The Titus 2 men and women (winter) has lived a lifetime for Christ who can and does speak with a voice of authority as they have first-hand knowledge of God and His righteousness and have witnessed His awesome powers.
The Titus 2 men and women have come to know and accept God's wisdom over that of the world as God's wisdom to the world appears foolish. Accept the foolish wisdom of God over the wise wisdom of the world because God's wisdom is far superior. 
Our lives are in four seasons of growth, and our spiritual lives mirror our physical being, and in doing so, God's mighty hand is ever-present.
We are to reverence God for who He is and what He has and continues to do in the lives of all humanity.
All seasons are one continuous growth cycle.
We welcome your comments.
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