Our Daily Bread: The Best Season Yet ?

The Best Season Yet ?

Joe Stowell

READ:  Ephesians 5:15-21

See, then what you walk circumspectly, . . . redeeming the time, because the days are evil. - Ephesians 5:15-16 

Life is a lot like the weather . . . it's seasonal. It has a way of pushing us into the next season whether we like it or not. And when pushed into the next season, we are often uncertain and even fearful of what it might hold  for us.

This is especially true of later seasons of life, when we are haunted by thoughts such as: Will I be left all alone? Will my health hold up? Will my money last? Will my mind stay fresh? As with every season of life, we have to walk a choice - to waste the season in fearful thoughts or, as Paul says, make the "best use of the time, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5:16 ESV).

Regardless of your season, you can count on God's faithfulness. He says, "I will never leave you nor forsaken you." So we may boldly say: The LORD is my helper; I will not fear'"(Heb. 13:5-6). 

Because you have God's presence and provision , you can make the most of your time in every season by following Jesus closely, spending time in his Word and prayer, loving and forgiving more freely than ever before, and serving others with joy and generosity. God has blessed us with our present season - make the most of it!

  Lord, give me the grace to accept life right where 

it has put me, and help me to overcome the fear

that would waste my days. Give me the wisdom

and desire to make every day count for You. 

Now, Because it's very hot in the Philippines, the land and its people are suffering from severe effects of El Niño, together let's all say this prayer . . .

Oratio Imperata Ad Petendam Pluviam

(Obligatory Prayer asking for rain)

“God our loving Father, Maker of all Creation,

look kindly on us Your Children in this Earth

You have given us as our home, as we plead You

to shorten the life of El Niño now threatening our country

with prolonged drought, extreme weather, and low water supply.

“O merciful God forgive us our ecological sins

that have contributed to this adverse phenomenon;

Forgive our indifference to the groans and suffering of Mother Earth;

Forgive us our wastefulness, our disregard for the value

of the gifts of creation You have given us.

We promise to repent for our sins by following the Gospel of Creation,

and by caring for and being mindful of your Creation in all that we do.

“Give us the strength and wisdom to be good stewards of your creation

and to protect the environment from abuse and exploitation.

“At this time of impending crisis move us, dear Lord, to share more, serve more and love more.

“Loving God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, you entrusted the Filipino people to the special care of Mary our Mother, listen to the prayers, we bring up to you through her,  and grant us our petitions  through our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God for ever and ever. Amen.

Our Lady of Guadalupe,                    pray for us.

Saint Michael and the Archangels,   pray for us.

Saint Rose of Lima,                            pray for us.

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz,                            pray for us.

Saint Pedro Calungsod,                     pray for us.” 

=====================================================================================================

" Be as patient with others as God has been with you."

=====================================================================================================