This Sunday finds us in the third chapter of Ecclesiastes (3:1-15). It is here we are reminded that, no matter what time (event) of life we are experiencing at this very moment, there is a purpose for it according to the will of our God. The Author of our days and moments has made everything beautiful in its time. Do you believe that? We are wired to want to know, to search out, to understand the ways of God – but His judgments are unsearchable, and His ways past finding out.

God orchestrates these events in spite of our lack of understanding and apart from our control – and He does this so that we may fear Him. So what is the best thing we can do? Rejoice; do good, and enjoy God’s good gifts. Are you able to do that?

David Gibson reminds us: What difference would it make to our now to begin to live in the light of the fact that there will be a then? Ecclesiastes tells us to learn now, today, that there really is a time for everything. Learning now that the season or seasons I am in will not always be the season of my life can at least help to prepare me for the chapters of my life God has yet to write…It is possible that actively embracing the fact of change in advance of change can help us to adjust our step that little bit more readily when autumn or winter is upon us. Living like this is also what helps us to realize that so much of the time, we use our times to seek satisfaction rather than living in the times God has given and so receiving satisfaction from Him as a gift. Satisfaction comes when you know you are a time-bound creature and God is the eternal Creator. Satisfaction lodges in my heart when I accept the boundaries of my creaturely existence and accept the seasons of my life as coming from his good and wise hands.

Prayer Wednesday evening will be at the Burke’s home.

On Sunday afternoon we will wrap up our Joined and Knit Together series with a consideration of ‘Church Discipline’.

Songs for Sunday are as follows:

• Reformation Hymn
• I Sing the Mighty Power of God
• Come All Ye Pining Hungry Poor
• What God Ordains Is Always Good
• All Hail the Power of Jesus Name