June 14

NT -- Acts 9:26-43
vs. 31 "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in fear of the Lord."
The peaceable times. The ordinary times. Green banner days.
These are the times that most of us live in most of the time.
Nothing noteworthy. Doesn't seem like much is happening.
Not many high holidays and the feasts that there are are ones because the tomatoes are ripe or it is the first corn of the season or we are home from vacation so let's go to Nanny's for dinner and a swim.
But if these are the ordinary times, the 'normal', what does our scripture have to say about them?
It was strengthened.
Well, how so?
I think, when I am in my normal routine and ritual of the day, chores, projects, telephone calls and emails happen and get taken care of. Crisis time -- not so much.
If this is true for me, could it be true for the church as well? The bills are paid, Sunday School happens, the sick are visited, children baptised, people married and buried, things get taken care of.
Crisis time at church -- budget crunch, a pastor quits, a really important couple divorces or leaves. Things don't happen on time, are skittery, people don't feel loved on.
The result of normal? In my household, it is consistent grades, consistent weight and exercise programs, good meals, relatively smooth parent/child relationships and husband/wife. Strengthened. Growing in numbers.

So, my prayers for you and me tonight is that we live in the green times, conscious that this is where we and our families are strengthened for the work of the Lord.