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Use Your Winters Wisely!
In
Tasmania, where we are based, there is no doubt that Winter has arrived.
The temperatures have plummeted, there is frost on the morning grass,
the wood heaters are ablaze, and the new season’s jumpers are
being paraded. Unlike some parts of the world, in Tasmania, we enjoy
four seasons throughout the year. With the change of seasons comes
a necessary change of behaviour. I wonder if our lives have seasons
as well?
Perhaps you might be experiencing a change of seasons in your life?
While Winter in Tasmania is cold and not conducive to much outdoor
activities, there is still plenty to do and plenty that can be done.
My wife and I are renovating a house. We realised the pressing need
to get the timber garage painted before Winter set in. Which we did.
Now we are unable to undertake exterior painting but we are still able
to keep renovating. But the change in seasons has necessitated a change
of renovating focus. So we’ve started on renovating our kitchen.
The seasons of our lives can be similar to the four natural seasons.
We can enjoy the Summers of God’s love and blessing and perhaps
the “Winters of wondering” (where God is)!
Seasons. They’re easy to label when it comes to climatic weather
patterns, but not so easy when it comes to life. The Bible uses seasonal
language to describe our walks with God. Expressions such as “Spring” not
only pertain to natural weather patterns but marked spiritual changes
as well. In 2 Samuel 11:1 David had moved into Spring time, but did
not change his activities accordingly. The result was disastrous! In
1 Kings 20:22 the prophet warned that with the coming of Spring there
would be an attempted foreign invasion. The King therefore spent the
Winter preparing for this looming battle and was able to stave off
these attackers.
Winter is not just a natural season, but can be a spiritual season
as well. It’s an indoor time. It’s a time to prepare the
tools for harvesting. It’s a time to restock weaponry. It’s
a time to study!
Studying God’s Word, world and wonders helps us to live well,
answer tough questions, and minister to others wisely. Winter, both
naturally and spiritually, is a great time to study. It’s preparation
for the battles that lie ahead.
Many of you have already discovered the benefits of studying an ICI
course. Twenty years after I first began to study with ICI I am still
drawing on the valuable lessons and insights I gained from these ICI “winters”.
Even in the midst of rapid technological changes the ability of ICI
courses to inform and inspire remains world-class. In fact, ICI College
is one of only five Australian Distance Education Providers to be accredited
by the DETC (Distance Education and Training Council, regarded as the
pre-eminent International Distance Education accrediting agency). Studying
an ICI course builds you, your ministry effectiveness, and your library!
Inside this edition of our College news we have reports from students
about their experience with ICI College courses, recent graduations,
and the latest updating news.
More...
With ICI College you can start your Studies at
anytime of the year!
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