You may be growing up, but you are not too old to obey your parents. Lord willing the day will come when you will get married, cleave to your husband or wife, and make your own decisions apart from our parents. But until such time as you ARE an adult who lives away from home you MUST OBEY them! Paul taught us that this obedience is well pleasing to the Lord (Col 3:20), and that it is “right” to obey them (Eph 6:1-2). So, being constantly disobedient to your parents, or guardians, is more than just a bad habit; it will separate you from God.

If you’re not careful, you will overlook an important piece of Paul’s statement in Ephesians 6:1. “Honor” is just as crucial as obedience for us to be pleasing to God. Obviously one can obey without giving honor. When was the last time you stopped to honestly think about everything your parents do for you? This makes disrespecting them that much sadder. You can disrespect and shame your parents by being lazy (Prov 10:5), by mistreating them (Prov 19:26), with the words you use and the tone with which you speak to them (Exo 30:11), and many other ways as well.  Ask yourself this: If you spoke to your friends the way you speak to your parents, how do you think they would react? Would they remain friends with you?

John wrote, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (III John 4). It must equally be true that a godly parent has no worse grief than to hear that their child walks apart from God. Don’t miss heaven because of sins against your parents.

To  all  of  those  who  are visiting with us today, especially   our  honoured  guests, we  wish  to extend a  warm welcome to you.

SERMON   

This morning, we are again privileged to hear from our brother, C.B. Gan. His message for us is titled “The Reunion.”

Let us lend him our ears to his exhortation from the Word.

W.M. CoC NEWS

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BIBLE CLASS

The Bible class teacher for today is brother Chee Hoe. He teaches the fifth commandment of Honoring Parents. Next week our brother KC will teach about Honoring  God’s Name.

Jun Ning is the teacher of the junior Bible class.

VISITING US

In our assembly last week were Valerie Ho (Moulmein), our regular visitor CK Tan and Yen who is a friend of brother Kok Pern.

Do come by and visit us as often as you can.

MEETINGS

Immediately after lunch today, the leaders will meet in the office to have their leadership meeting. The ladies will use this opportunity to study the second lesson about “Living A Life Of Balance” called “Balancing Time And Responsibilities.”

HOMECOMING

The homecoming fellowship is rescheduled to Thursday, 9 February as the earlier date is sandwiched between two public holidays. Venue and time remains the same that is the church building at 7.30pm. Dinner will be provided.

The student cell group and the care group will commence the following Thursday, 16 February.

FEBRUARY BABIES

Our February babies are Chin Ching (08), Sharon (13), Kok Pern (16) and Samuel (19).

**** Prayer LIST****

Thanksgiving - (1) Thanks be to God. All praise unto His name. Adelina got a place/company to do her internship for the summer semester (June-July 2012) and for keeping her safe and during her time there in US - Eileen

(2) Thank our Lord for the daily needs - Pearly

Spiritual - (1) Allowed the Holy Spirit in us to transform us to start inviting students to the Homecoming on 6/2/12 so that His name will be glorified - Gan

(2) Continue to pray for me to transform myself to seek God to keep me faithful and spiritual uplift this year - Steven

(3) That WM youths be able to transform to serve the Lord faithfully - Pearly

Health - pray for Luci (Winston Bolt’s wife) and Richard Wee (PPCoC member) who are suffering from cancer - KC

Studies - pray for Chee Hoe, Jun Ning and Jun Ai in their studies - Pearly

Petition - request for business growth - Pearly

Personal - for my spiritual faith and Lai Hing’s working condition - Chris

God wants that kind of change in us spiritually. God wants us to be changed — to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Ephesians 4:23-24 says, “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man [self] which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” R.C. Bell who wrote Studies in Ephesians made this statement: “No portion of the Bible draws the contradiction between fleshly and spiritual men more fully, or portrays the depraved, wretched, natural man in more colorful terms than Ephesians does.”

We must have the desire to develop that biblically conscious way of thinking that will change our thoughts, words and actions that are contrary to God’s will. Jesus said in Luke 9:23, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

Dying to self is the grimmest and most distasteful funeral we will ever attend. Many of us are in love with ourselves and our self-serving, self-seeking ways and attitudes. What we commonly refer to as The Beatitudes of our Lord in Matthew 5:1-12 are the basic groundwork of the change in our thinking that God requires. This changing that Jesus taught is not an automatic or an easy process. Let’s face it, we have to work our way up to changing into what God expects and wants us to be. However, the submission of our stubborn will is vital for life altering change.

God wants us not only to be changed, but He also wants us to stay changed! God wants to see the reflection of His Son in us every time He looks at us. This requires our daily, diligent pursuit of righteousness in our growth and transformation. We need to understand that every day of life God gives us is another opportunity to grow into the realization that this world has nothing of eternal value to offer us. That recognition alone would change us if we would allow it.

Once this transformation has occurred, any thoughts of backsliding must be confronted immediately! Satan will tell us that it is permissible to look back and fall back as long as the sin is insignificant and done in moderation. Apparently, some think they look good and feel better sinning, and perhaps God is giving them more time to keep on sinning! Paul slams the door on such a self-serving, self-seeking mindset in Romans 8:13. “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

Others may feel that God will accept a “somewhat not all together” return to the world. The writer again refutes such faulty thinking in Hebrews 10:38. “Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” Verse 39 tells us why lifelong faithfulness is a supreme imperative. “But we are not of those who draw back to perdition [destruction], but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.” The faith that is required is the faith that endures as long as life endures. James 1:21 states, “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” God will not grant His blessings to a Christian who draws back and returns to the world. Those who draw back cannot keep their faith to the preserving of their soul.

As we look into that “perfect law of liberty” that James speaks about, we are soon hit right between our eyes with the knowledge that changing to become more and more like Christ is a lifelong process! When a person becomes and remains a faithful Christian, he or she passes from darkness to light. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). When a person becomes and remains a faithful Christian, he or she passes from death to life. “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death” (1 John 3:14). One’s attitude toward God and others is reflected in the dramatic change in lifestyle. As one of our relatives said, speaking of another relative, “He changed — for real.”

Our relationship to God and our interaction with all others is changed forever. First John 3:1 says, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.” This permanent change makes us right by the divine standard.

Do we know this enduring change that God wants in us is only attainable by His divine power? First Peter 1:3-5 tell us how God fulfills that promise and what our part is to receive that promise. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope… who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed at the last time.” Second Peter 1:3 says, “His divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.” We are kept secure by God’s power as we stay faithful to Him until we die.

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV). James Meadows authored A Study of the Holy Spirit as Revealed in the Bible. He makes this statement on the verse just quoted. “A diamond in the rough is changed from glory to glory by sawing, polishing, cutting. In like manner, one is in the rough when he becomes a Christian but God keeps purging and pruning (John 15:1-6) and we are changed.”The reflection of Jesus Christ, a permanent change in us to the glory of God, must take place to ensure heaven as our eternal home.

To  all  of  those  who  are visiting with us today, especially   our  honoured  guests, we  wish  to extend a  warm welcome to you.

SERMON

The speaker for this morning is our own brother Steven Shee. His first message for this year is aptly called “Transformation.”

Let us pay attention and may the message be applied to our lives.

  W.M. CoC NEWS

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BIBLE CLASS

Our regular Bible class resumes this morning with our brother Chris Chin as the scheduled teacher. He teaches the fourth lesson of the Ten Commandments called “Honoring God’s Name.”

Brother Gan teaches the beginners’ class and the teacher of the junior Bible class is sister Jun Ning.

LEADERSHIP MEETING 

The men of the congregation will have their leadership next week after lunch. The ladies will make use of this opportunity to have a Bible study.

FEBRUARY EVENTS

Everyone is encouraged to attend the Homecoming on Monday, 6 February to bond with the KTAR and UTAR students. During that week, on Thursday, we begin a new season of cell group and care group meetings. All events will be held in the church building

LEAVING US

Sister Valerie Ho, from the Moulmein congregation, who has been with us for the past six months in matters relating to her job with a bank will return to Singapore at the end of this month. May our God continue to bless her each step of her way.

CONDOLENCES

We extend our heartfelt condolences to brother Philip Loh on the demise of his father, brother Loh Kong Onn last Friday. May the God of comfort be with Philip and his siblings during this time of their bereavement.

**** Prayer LIST****

Health - (1) Continue to pray for Lusi, wife of Winston Bolt, for cervical cancer treatment as she is having bad nausea due to chemo.

(2) Chris’ eye to be completely healed .

Work - (1) Pray also that the Lord could ease my wife’s work load and better working condition - Chris

(2) Pray for his career and may the good Lord show him the way - Matthew

To  all  of  those  who  are visiting with us today, especially   our  honoured  guests, we  wish  to extend a  warm welcome to you.

SERMON

The speaker for this morning is our own brother Steven Shee. His first message for this year is aptly called “Transformation.”

Let us pay attention and may the message be applied to our lives.

W.M. CoC NEWS

************************

BIBLE CLASS

Our regular Bible class resumes this morning with our brother Chris Chin as the scheduled teacher. He teaches the fourth lesson of the Ten Commandments called “Honoring God’s Name.”

Brother Gan teaches the beginners’ class and the teacher of the junior Bible class is sister Jun Ning.

LEADERSHIP MEETING

The men of the congregation will have their leadership next week after lunch. The ladies will make use of this opportunity to have a Bible study.

FEBRUARY EVENTS

Everyone is encouraged to attend the Homecoming on Monday, 6 February to bond with the KTAR and UTAR students. During that week, on Thursday, we begin a new season of cell group and care group meetings. All events will be held in the church building

LEAVING US

Sister Valerie Ho, from the Moulmein congregation, who has been with us for the past six months in matters relating to her job with a bank will return to Singapore at the end of this month. May our God continue to bless her each step of her way.

CONDOLENCES

We extend our heartfelt condolences to brother Philip Loh on the demise of his father, brother Loh Kong Onn last Friday. May the God of comfort be with Philip and his siblings during this time of their bereavement.

**** Prayer LIST****

Health - (1) Continue to pray for Lusi, wife of Winston Bolt, for cervical cancer treatment as she is having bad nausea due to chemo.

(2) Chris’ eye to be completely healed .

Work - (1) Pray also that the Lord could ease my wife’s work load and better working condition - Chris

(2) Pray for his career and may the good Lord show him the way - Matthew

I dare say there is not one among us that hasn’t suffered adversity to some degree or another. We may become disappointed with ourselves, with others or with things that do not come up to our expectations. One of the most powerful weapons Satan has in his arsenal is disappointment. A disappointed person is prone to react irrationally, or not use the good judgment they ordinarily would.

Perhaps the most hurtful of all is when one becomes disappointed with their brethren. This may cause them to say hurtful things or sometimes leave the church altogether. I know of situations where this has happened. And it’s very difficult to ever bring them back into the fold. Solomon wrote, “a brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city” (Proverbs 18:19). Sometimes a person may feel their brethren don’t care about them because they went through a difficult time, sickness or some other trying situation and no one offered to help or even bother to call or drop them a note expressing their concern. Oh, they will shake your hand, slap you on the back and say how good it is to see you. But that’s the only time they have to talk to you. It seems you are their ‘brother’ only when they see you at the church building! Such lack of concern could certainly be view as hypocritical. Or they may have discussed their problem with them but they seemed unconcerned. And basically did not want to get involved, perhaps from fear their friends might criticize them. Sometimes there may be a problem between brethren but one cares so little they don’t even bother to tell them or just refuse to discuss it. And rather than putting forth an honest effort to resolve the matter (as the Scriptures teach) they just ignore the situation, stop calling, or having any further contact with them at all, hoping it will some how get better on its on. Yet we are plainly told in Matthew 18:15, “If thy brother sin against thee, go show him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.” But how can problems be resolved between brethren when they refuse to talk to each other? These problems will not just go away or solve themselves. While these unresolved issues often fade from our minds with the passing of years, no amount of time will fix them. Twenty years may go by, but they will still be there until they are dealt with. Even the strongest among us could become discouraged under those circumstances.

However, a person must recognize people don’t always behave as they should, or even do what they know to be right. And we must not only have patience with them and stand ready to face these problems, but also to forgive. We often become too involved in our own lives and just neglect our duties toward our brethren. A constant reminder that we are our brother’s keeper comes from studying God’s word and then putting into practice the principles it teaches. And God will hold us accountable for neglecting our duty toward our brethren (Matthew 25:41-46). Life has its complications and we all will experience disappointment in our lives. How we react to them will show us how much love, trust and faith we have in God and his word.

To  all  of  those  who  are visiting with us today, especially   our  honoured  guests, we  wish  to extend a  warm welcome to you.

SERMON   

Our first guest speaker for this year is brother Antonio Lopez from the PJ church family.  He shares his thoughts from the pulpit a message titled ‘Hurt.’

Brother Antonio, or affectionately known as Tony is the second son in a family of boys and a girl whose parents with his siblings are Christians. He was baptized in the early Seventies. Working as a marketing manager in a printing company based in Puchong, he has been married to the former Elaine Dasen for ten blissful years.

Let us pay heed to what he has to say about the emotions of hurt.

    W.M. CoC NEWS

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BIBLE CLASS

This morning we have Tony as our guest Bible class teacher. The topic of his lesson is call ‘Pain’ that is a prelude to the sermon.

VISITING BRETHREN

Among the congregants in our worship service last week were Irene Cheang from the PP church, Valerie Ho (Moulmein) and Shirley Leong with her son Melvin from KL. Do drop by whenever you are in town.

LEADERSHIP MEETING

The leaders will have their monthly meeting on 5 February while the ladies meet at the same time to have their Bible study. All are kindly to keep that afternoon free.

UPCOMING EVENTS

It is the season for bonding with the students from the local institutions of higher learning in the neighbourhood next month. The events are as follows:

(1)The homecoming on  6 February (2) A six week cell and care group meeting will start on 9 February. All the events will be held in the church premises and brethren are greatly encouraged to be involved by being here.

**** Prayer LIST****

Spiritual -  Pray for serenity, wisdom and focus, to follow Jesus with the right heart - Lai Hing

Health - (1) Continue to pray for Lusi Bolt’s cervical cancer treatment as she is having bad nausea due to chemo - KC & Irene Cheang

(2) Chris’ eye to be completely healed - Lai Hing

(3) Pray for protection and my health - Chris

Work - (1) Pray also that the Lord could ease my wife’s work load and better working condition. - Chris

(2) Pray for his career and may the good Lord show him the way - Matthew

Travel - (1) Pray for road safety and  protection for those travelling during CNY period - KC & Irene

(2) May the good Lord protect those who are travelling - Chris

Studies - (1) Elizabeth and Austin to be always guided by God’s word and wisdom - Lai Hing

The society in which we live is very proficient in causing us to shift our focus from what is truly important to things that are purely temporal in nature. However, we know, as Christians, that we are not to focus on the material but on the spiritual (1 Peter 2:11-12). What are we to do about such divided attention and misplaced priorities? The Bible says, “focus, focus, focus.” It does this by the use the several words and phrases that emphasize the importance of focusing on God and his Word. Let us notice some of these biblical terms that would teach us the necessity of focus.

 Meditate (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 4:4; 63:6; 77:6, 12; 119:15, 27, 48, 78, 148; 143:5; 145:5; Malachi 3:16; Philippians 4:8; 1 Timothy 4:15). To meditate means to focus the mind on a given point, to ponder a subject, to let it be your only contemplation. If you’ve ever watched a chess match between champion chess players, it was probably not the most exciting thing you’ve ever seen but you witnessed two individuals that were so intently focused on what was before them that they were totally oblivious of everything else around them. Their entire attention is on the board — that’s a good example of meditation. When we examine these Bible passages that use this word “meditate,” we see that our attention, our focus, is to be upon God’s Word. We are to be focusing on God’s Word from the time we wake up to the time we close our eyes in sleep. In Psalm 119:148, among others, the Psalmist even pictures himself as being deprived of sleep because he places such focus on God’s words. He would prefer to stay awake and meditate on God’s Word than to drift off to sleep. We, as Christians, have this exhortation from God (Philippians 4:8). Let us therefore be focused on God’s Word rather than being continually distracted from it by every care the world places on us.

 Diligent (2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 4:11; 2 Peter 3:14). Diligence means to give focused attention to the task at hand, to work hard at something. A diligent student is one who gives focused attention and hard work toward his studies. He is not distracted from his studies. The New Testament word means, “to exert oneself, to endeavor, to give diligence” (Thayer’s). It’s the same word used in Ephesians 4:3, “…endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit…” (also 2 Peter 1:10). For a good example of diligence, think about the athlete. He gets up early in the morning and begins his exercise; he eats only those things that will help him to excel in his sport; he cares for his body and works hard to prepare it for the event before him. He is diligent! It’s not surprising, then, to see the Christian likened to an athlete in this regard (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). Just like an athlete who gives himself to diligent training, focusing on the goal, we must give ourselves to diligent training in God’s Word so that we can reach the goal of our race (Hebrews 12:1-2). Also, when we think about diligence in the workplace, we think of those who give their best effort, those who always strive to give 100% in whatever they do. Such a person will never have opportunity to be ashamed at having his work exposed for being substandard. This is the idea of 2 Timothy 2:15, giving all diligence to serving God and using his Word correctly, the man of God will never have opportunity to be ashamed, not only in the site of God but in the site of man. What could bring greater shame on a person then being asked to give the reason for the beliefs he holds to and not having one. Or, the shame of being exposed for mishandling the Word of God! One thing is certain; a person will mishandle the Word of God if diligent effort, focused attention, is not given to handle it rightly.

 Abide (John 15:1-10; 1 John 2:24, 27-28; 2 John 1:9). This word “abide” means “…not to depart…to continue to be present…to be held, kept continually…” (Thayer’s). When we are told to abide in Christ, in the doctrine of Christ, the meaning is to not let the doctrine of Christ depart from us, to keep it continually present within us. It takes focus to abide continually in the doctrine of Christ. If we are distracted from our purpose, then we no longer abide in that purpose or it in us. The same thing is true of Christ and his Word. This idea of abiding is well illustrated by Paul when he says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” The Word of Christ is to dwell, or abide, in us richly, that is with great abundance, continually. How can that possibly be the case if we are continually distracted from the Word of God? It cannot! The only way we are able to abide in the doctrine of Christ is if we place a great degree of focus upon it. The very sobering thought here should be that if we are distracted from the doctrine of Christ, do not abide in it, then Christ will not abide in us. Therefore, who could argue that it does not deserve our most enraptured focus?

One Thing (Luke 10:42; John 9:25; Philippians 3:13; Mark 10:21). These “one thing” statements show us that we are to be focused and what we are to be focused on. They show focus in several areas in particular: 1) Focus in Acquisition (Luke 10:42; Mark 10:21); 2) Focus in Action (Philippians 3:13, 14); and, 3) Focus in Acknowledgment (John 9:25). Jesus said that Mary was focusing on that “one thing” that was needed, to hear and obey his Word. He shows again the awful consequences for not focusing on the acquisition of his Word when he tells the rich young ruler, “one thing you lack.” It is indeed a sobering thought to realize that just one thing lacked can cause us to go away sorrowful on the Day of Judgment. We need to focus on the one needful thing, make it our focus in acquisition, lest we be found lacking one thing. Paul refers to focus in action when he says, “one thing I do.” He was not willing to let things that he had left behind hold him back in his onward march toward the goal that is in Christ. His focus was straight ahead. Jesus said those who have put their hand to the plow and then look back are not fit for the kingdom (Luke 9:62). We need to make sure that we are pressing on, focusing on Christ and being found faithful in him. We also must have focus in our acknowledgment. When the blind man was questioned about the one who had healed his sight, he was able to say, “one thing I know.” He knew that the one who healed him was from God (cf. John 9:33). Every indication is that he knew exactly what would happen if he proclaimed that Jesus was from God (cf. John 9:22) and yet he was focused in his acknowledgment. Paul said that he was not ashamed to suffer for the Gospel because he knew him in whom he believed (2 Timothy 1:12). The only way we will be able to have such focus in our acknowledgment is by having an unwavering faith that Jesus is who he said he was, the Son of God — the Christ.

There are many more biblical principles that we could discuss on this point of being focused. This very well may be the greatest need of the church in our age, greater focus on the part of Christians to being Christians. We often say that we have a great need for more faithful elders, for more faithful preachers, for more faithful teachers, etc. But, if we were more focused on the task at hand, being Christians, then all of these things would just fall into place. We have lost our focus and we must get it back!

To  all  of  those  who  are visiting with us today, especially   our  honoured  guests, we  wish  to extend a  warm welcome to you.

SERMON  

It is our privilege this morning to hear from our brother, Chee Hoe. His message of encouragement for us is titled “Distractions.”

Let us lend him our ears to help us in our hectic pace of life nowadays.

                        W.M. CoC NEWS

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BIBLE CLASSES

The Bible class teacher for this morning is brother C.B. Gan. The lesson for this morning is the third lesson from “The Ten Commandments. It is called ”No Idols.”

Our sister, Jun Ning teaches the junior class.

BRETHREN AND FRIENDS

We are honoured to have in our midst last week,  Khuen Foong and  Jun Joy with their first born Jocelyn from the Seremban congregation, Valerie Ho (Moulmein) and regular visitor, CK and his son, Shaun.

Do visit us as often as your schedules allow you.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Do keep the following dates free to meet and bond with the students from KTAR and UTAR next month. (1) The student homecoming on  6 February (2) A six week cell and care group meeting will start on 9 February.

 **** Prayer LIST**** 

Thanksgiving- (1) For all the blessings in 2011 especially Elizabeth results in the recent PMR exam - Chris Chin

(2) Thank God for the year 2011. Continue to bless us in the year 2012, keep us safe and good health - Christie Gan.

(3) Thanksgiving for family, protection and blessing for 2011 - Eileen Shee

(4) Thank KC for sharing the message on Sunday and pray that Lord will keep him safe always - Victor Chong

Spiritual - (1) Continue to bond with students in UTAR/KTAR, pray that we

can build a solid friendship with them - Chee Hoe

(2) Church growth- pray for all brethren both in their spiritual and faith - Eileen

(3) Bless the church with new members and continue our GMBT - Christie

(4) Pray for guidance and wisdom in life through Christ - Matthew

Petition - To always remember that even in times of distraction we still hold on to Christ - Chee Hoe

Health - (1) Pray for healing on Luci, Winston Bolt’s wife currently undergoing treatment in Singapore on her cancer - KC Cheang

(2) Pray for her general well being and physical health - Eileen

Work - (1) Pray for my wife’s work so that it will not be so taxing - Chris

(2) Pray for his career advancement - Matthew

Studies - (1) Pray for his coming presentation & interviewing session this coming Friday - Samuel Lee

(2) Pray also for his Final Year project so that he will be able to obtain an excellent results - Samuel

(3) Pray for Austin in his studies and UPSR in September this year - Chris

…I sometimes tell patients the parable about the two wood choppers who had taken down a tree that was over one hundred years old. Looking at the growth rings to determine the tree’s age, the younger man noticed that there were five very narrow rings. He concluded that there had been a five-year-drought, during which the tree had shown very little growth. However, the other lumberman, a wise, old man with a philosophical bent, had a different viewpoint. He contended that the dry years actually were the most significant in the tree’s history. He reasoned: Because of the drought, the tree had to force its roots down further to get the water and the minerals it needed. With a strengthened root system, it was able to grow faster and taller when conditions improved. (71)

Observations:

1. All of us inevitably experience “dry years” at some juncture in our lives. “For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life” (2 Corinthians 1:8; cf. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Like the apostle Paul, we can identify with those occasional periods of trouble and burden; they are an inescapable part of the human condition (cf. Psalm. 90:2; Job 14:1; 2 Corinthians 12:7).

2. “Dry years” tend to be intense, but limited in duration. “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7). “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17; cf. Romans 8:18). In a manner of speaking, a part of what I hear Peter and Paul saying is that while a five-year drought is harsh and difficult to tolerate, it eventually comes to an end.

3. The “dry years” can be a time of internal growth and maturity. The Psalmist observed, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word” (Psalm. 119:67). “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statues” (Psalm. 119:71; cf., Genesis 50:20; Job 23:10; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Hebrews. 12:11). In his book, The Heart of a Champion, Bob Richards communicates these same truths. He writes, “I’ve never read the story of a great man without finding that at some time or another in that man’s life he went through days of hurt. And it was the molding influences of the hurt that made the man what he was. It’s a great principle for life. It’s the heart of a champion” (42). That sounds like the Bible, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3; cf., Romans 5:3-4).

“I walked a mile with Sorrow

And ne’er a word said she;

But, oh, the things I learned from her

When sorrow walked with me.”

(Robert Browning Hamilton, “Along the Road”)

4. Often times, strength during adversity is drawn out of the resources generated during the “dry years.”

John Bunyan, imprisoned in Bedford jail, wrote of his trials as a “pulling of the flesh from the bone.” His experiences seemed to him to signal the end of a useful life. Out of those lonely years came Pilgrim’s Progress. Victor Hugo, at the zenith of his mental and intellectual power, came into disfavor with Napoleon III, and suffered exile for nineteen years. This was by him and his friends regarded as unmixed tragedy. They were wrong. Hugo’s biographer informs us that during these years “books that were far stronger than anything that had gone before came from his hand,” and that during his exile, “he became twice the size of man he had been.” Even Hugo commented, “Why was I not exiled before?” (Woods 643).

When civil war broke out between Israel and the tribe of Benjamin, the Benjaminites exhibited an unusual resiliency. The text says, “Among all this people there were seven hundred select men who were left-handed; every one could sling a stone at a hair’s breadth and not miss” (Judges 20:16). It is interesting to note that the English word rendered “left-handed” in the Hebrew means bound of the right hand. History suggests that when soldiers were captured in battle, they were often taken to an enemies’ camp where their right hands were then cut off. In a very real sense, they were “disarmed.” It is entirely possible that these seven hundred soldiers had originally been right-handed, but had lost their hands in this gruesome fashion. If this is the case, then we have an inspiring Bible example of men whose “dry years” became the catalyst for greater physical skill and prowess.

Dear reader, take a long, hard look at those “narrow rings” from the dry years of your life. Are they indicative of regression and spiritual withdrawal, or do they identify certain perseverance and deepening faith?

Works Cited

Krauss, Pesach and Morrie Goldfisher. “A Time of Trouble Is a Time To Grow.” Why Me? – Coping with Grief, Loss, and Change, 71.

Woods, Guy N. “The Blessings of Adversity,” Gospel Advocate, Oct. 18, 1979, 643.