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by Rev Doc Adkins

This is a crazy thing to remember…When I was a kid I can remember a teacher telling us that anytime we went anywhere in a public building that you should always know where the exits are–that you should always make a mental note of it when you sit in your seat for whatever function it is. And I remember being told that you just don’t look for the nearest one, but that you make that mental note of all of them that you see, because for some reason you may not be able to get out at the nearest one in an emergency.

I guess that was good advice, and I have always remembered it, especially when going to a big concert or big event in a huge building. Hey! If there is going to be a mass exodus–I don’t want to be the one left behind.

Yeah. Maybe I’m just weird and nobody else thinks like that, but you always have to sit and think about something quietly while waiting for a function to start. Me? I look around and familiarize myself with the building. Okay, I look at people too. Wow! There are some strange people in this world! How about we say I’m observant, not weird.

At this time of the year we are thinking about all our plans for the New Year. It’s so easy for me to get caught up in all the little nuances of life. Little tiny details tend to slow me down so that sometimes I can’t see the big picture. I need some exits!

So I was thinking I need some exit strategies. You know, I need to be able to have some alternative plans if things don’t go too accordingly. I need something to think about to recall me to be focused on the task at hand. I need to bring myself out of the rabbit trails that I chase. I need to plan and prepare. I need to keep on a schedule and all those things. I’ve got to stop getting side-tracked because time goes so quickly.

1 Corinthians 10:13. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

I know I need some exit strategies where my planning and organization is concerned, but what’s important is that for the New Year is that I don’t forget to have those exit strategies in place in my spiritual life. I have to be prepared.

My Spiritual Emergency Exit Strategies.

1. Submit to God. (James 4:7)
2. Have a strong prayer life. (Matthew 26:41)
3. Know God’s Word. (Hebrews 4:12)
4. Keep good company. (1 Corinthians 15:33)
5. Be more like Christ. (Romans 13:14)
6. Go in God’s strength–not my own. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
7. Be watchful. (1 Peter 5:8)

by Pastor Doc Adkins

Song of Songs 2:11-12 “See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. New International Version

Winter has always held a magical place in my heart. I enjoy winter most of the time. Oh, I know the hardship of slick roads, winter illnesses from being “cooped up” most of the time. Yet I don’t mind the snow. I do mind the cold but not the snow. Have you ever noticed how much quieter and cleaner the world looks after snow.

Again, I am reminded of the farm house and those early days of my life. It doesn’t snow as much in Hinton as it does here in Beckley, but when it does it can be a “doosey”. Yet the farm was always picturesque. Everything was white and beautiful, and the whole of nature seems to be in deep peace.

Changes comes suddenly in the snow. I knew what the garden looked like a few weeks prior, and I knew that the white flakes have covered fallen brown leaves, withered grass and plants. It’s was all there, but it wouldn’t be seen now as long as winter lasts.

The winter may seem unpleasant to many, but frost and snow in our country are an indispensable part of life. Without winter, spring and summer wouldn’t be what they are.

There are seasons in our lives too. And we often have difficulties in understanding why they are there. Why do we have to pass through winters with barren branches and frozen ground, times without flowers and fruit, without singing and joy? Why?

It’s good to learn from the way nature works, because He who created us also created nature, and through His works we can better understand Him, and His ways.

Winter may seem a time of death, but in reality it’s a time of rest. When harvest is over, trees aren’t ready to bear new fruit immediately. They need a rest, and winter gives them time to do that.

Many of us get so easily caught up in a treadmill of producing all the time. ‘God can’t be satisfied with me if I don’t produce anything for Him, can He?’ is the way we think. But in His grace God allows a winter season in our lives, to give us rest. He doesn’t expect us to bear fruit when it’s winter, and we would do well if we could learn not to expect fruit when we should be having a rest.

At the same time winter is preparation for new flowers and new fruit. Under the snow, in the unseen depths something is going on. It’s only on the surface that it looks like death. Under the surface life is active and stirring! Roots are filling up with nourishment, and buds are bracing themselves for spring. In late winter it only takes a sunny day, and you see how the buds begin to break forth! They were ready for it.

All this Covid virus is making such changes and adjustments in our lives, it hard to adjust to changing seasons. BUT, rest assured that our loving God has all of us in the palm of His hands and covered with His grace. All this has changed our way of thinking. Dread and despair are not easy to overcome. When you inwardly go through a time of winter, you may well withdraw from many expressions of life, but that doesn’t mean your spirit is dying. It only means that for a time you are resting, and preparing for a new season, a season of flowers and growth. God takes you aside to prepare you for what is to come, and without that thorough preparation, you won’t be ready for a new season!

So, if you’re in a winter season in your life right now, it’s not the end! After winter, comes spring. All part of God’s plans for His children. Be prepared, one day you’ll suddenly become aware of an irresistible pull in your spirit that tells you winter is past, and the time for singing is upon you again.