Seasons Change

We have had a great summer here at First Baptist. Our summer programs, Terrific Tuesdays and Tremendous Thursdays, were a huge success thanks to the leadership of Mary Bailey and Regina Morris. Thank you Mary and Regina! They were also surrounded by an army of volunteers including some youth and parents. We have seen several children make decisions to follow Christ this summer and that is always a good sign of God’s favor as His Holy Spirit moves among us.

As I watered the garden early this morning I thought about the heat and how much longer we have until cool weather. This summer has been a hot one. The bugs I have fought for the flowers and the fruit seemed endless! I was glad to see the bugs die off and I know the gardening will slow down soon. The season will come to a close and a new season will start.

The end of summer is marked by events rather than weather at most homes. For us it means the end of summer programs at church. For some it is the end of family vacations. It is also the beginning of things like school and fall programs. Teachers and students prepare to return to the classroom. At church we are preparing for Fall Revival.

The end of summer is a time of change for everyone. A saying attributed to Mark Twain says, “The only person who likes change is a wet baby.” We smile at such sayings and maybe even deny that we are like that. It is everyone else who will not change the way we want! We are all in favor of change as long as we are in control of what changes.

Truth is, we are not in control of any change but the changes we make to ourselves. We can control how we react to change. We can change our attitudes and actions. We cannot change the people around us. We can pray, trust God, and let Him change us first.

Reinhold Niebuhr said, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33, ESV)

Revival is the result of prayer. It is just that simple, and just that difficult. As we go through seasonal changes I hope you will take time to consider some spiritual changes we each need to make. Take time to pray for a new vision for your relationship with God. Pray for Revival, personally. Let God be in control of your changes and you will be much better for it.
Bro. Robin