Like the seasons themselves, our lives are variable and can change in a moment. In Seasoned by Seasons, Michael Mitton acknowledges this and offers Bible reflections for the variety of life's seasons: spring, the season of emerging new life; summer, the season of fruitfulness; autumn, the season of letting go; winter, the season of discovering light in the dark. What can we learn, and how can we be encouraged in each season of our lives? This book will empower you to discover for yourself the truths and messages of scripture, and might well transform the way you view life's changes.
Contents
Introduction
Autumn: the season of making space
Introduction
Fear - space for new confidence (Andrew)
Infirmity - space for wholeness (Mephibosheth)
Rejection - space for true value (Hagar)
Vulnerability - space for true safety (Woman in the crowd)
Change -space for new vision (Joseph)
Humbling - space for growth (Naaman)
Disturbance - space for a new calling (Nehemiah)
Winter: the season of discovery
Introduction
Death - the discovery of prevailing love (Naomi and Ruth)
Guilt - the discovery of wisdom (David)
Despair - the discovery of hope (Isaiah)
Failure - the discovery of being (Samaritan Woman)
Confusion - the discovery of light (Nicodemus)
Depression - the discovery of insight (Elijah)
Crisis - the discovery of presence (Daniel)
Spring: the season of birthing
Introduction
Infant - birthing new life (Hannah)
Creation - birthing wonder (Earth)
Adventure - birthing vision (Abraham)
Love - birthing romance (Jacob and Rachel)
Creativity - birthing imagination (Bezalel)
Healing - birthing new wellbeing (Crippled woman)
Awakening - birthing faith (Ethiopian Eunuch)
Summer: the season of flourishing
Introduction
Holiday - the flourishing of rest (Mary and Martha)
Birthday - the flourishing of you (Ecclesiastes)
Rousing - the flourishing of justice (John the Baptist)
Release - the flourishing of freedom (Slave girl)
Abundance - the flourishing of wealth (Solomon)
Salvation - the flourishing of gratitude (Zacchaeus)
Celebration - the flourishing of community (Bride at Cana)
Contents
Introduction
Autumn: the season of making space
Introduction
Fear - space for new confidence (Andrew)
Infirmity - space for wholeness (Mephibosheth)
Rejection - space for true value (Hagar)
Vulnerability - space for true safety (Woman in the crowd)
Change -space for new vision (Joseph)
Humbling - space for growth (Naaman)
Disturbance - space for a new calling (Nehemiah)
Winter: the season of discovery
Introduction
Death - the discovery of prevailing love (Naomi and Ruth)
Guilt - the discovery of wisdom (David)
Despair - the discovery of hope (Isaiah)
Failure - the discovery of being (Samaritan Woman)
Confusion - the discovery of light (Nicodemus)
Depression - the discovery of insight (Elijah)
Crisis - the discovery of presence (Daniel)
Spring: the season of birthing
Introduction
Infant - birthing new life (Hannah)
Creation - birthing wonder (Earth)
Adventure - birthing vision (Abraham)
Love - birthing romance (Jacob and Rachel)
Creativity - birthing imagination (Bezalel)
Healing - birthing new wellbeing (Crippled woman)
Awakening - birthing faith (Ethiopian Eunuch)
Summer: the season of flourishing
Introduction
Holiday - the flourishing of rest (Mary and Martha)
Birthday - the flourishing of you (Ecclesiastes)
Rousing - the flourishing of justice (John the Baptist)
Release - the flourishing of freedom (Slave girl)
Abundance - the flourishing of wealth (Solomon)
Salvation - the flourishing of gratitude (Zacchaeus)
Celebration - the flourishing of community (Bride at Cana)