How can we use the "signs and seasons" to deepen our faith today? Setting the Foundation “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Within that creation He wove a rhythm: • “And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to distinguish between the day and the night, and let them be signs to mark the seasons and days and years.’” (Genesis 1:14) • Signs = indicators that point to God’s activity. • Seasons = appointed times that structure life and worship. Understanding “Signs and Seasons” in Scripture • Creation itself declares His glory (Psalm 19:1–4). • The festivals of Israel were “appointed times” that reminded the people of salvation history (Leviticus 23). • Prophets and Jesus spoke of heavenly signs tied to God’s future acts (Joel 2:30–31; Luke 21:25). • Paul urges attentiveness: “About the times and seasons… the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:1–2). Recognizing God’s Calendar in Creation • Daily cycle: sunrise and sunset invite morning praise and evening reflection (Psalm 113:3). • Weekly rhythm: six days of work, one of rest, reaffirming trust in His provision (Exodus 20:8–11). • Monthly witness: each new moon reminds that life has phases yet God’s faithfulness is constant (Psalm 104:19). • Yearly pattern: spring planting, summer growth, autumn harvest, winter rest—visible sermons on sowing, perseverance, reaping, and renewal (Galatians 6:7–9). Practical Ways to Observe Signs and Seasons Today • Keep a creation journal—note sunsets, first blooms, harvests, starry skies; record Scripture that comes to mind. • Align family devotion around seasonal milestones: – Spring: read resurrection accounts; discuss new life. – Harvest: share testimonies of God’s provision; read Psalm 65. – Winter: meditate on promises of light in darkness; read John 1:1–14. • Celebrate biblical feasts (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles) as Christ-fulfilled object lessons. • Watch celestial events (eclipses, meteor showers) with gratitude, echoing Psalm 8:3–4. • Mark personal “Ebenezers”: anniversaries of answered prayers, conversions, baptisms—modern signposts of His faithfulness. Guarding Against Misuse • Do not chase speculative date-setting (Matthew 24:36). • Let signs deepen expectancy, not anxiety (Philippians 4:6–7). • Test every interpretation against the whole counsel of Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Keep the focus on the Lord of the signs, not the signs themselves (Colossians 2:16–17). Encouragement for Daily Walk The same God who fixed the sun, moon, and stars also orders every step of His children. By noticing His “signs and seasons,” faith is stirred, worship is refreshed, and hope is anchored in the One who “upholds all things by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3). |
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