Proverbs 27:23-27
Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations? When the grass is gone and the new growth appears and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered, the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field. There will be enough goats' milk for your food, for the food of your household and maintenance for your girls.

The approach of summer means that the bible study I co-led with another guy has come to an end until the fall. By God's grace, we saw a lot of success. We grew in numbers, people saw their coworkers and friends come to faith in Christ, and we were crazy unified and in love with one another. We grew so much that we are splitting into two separate bible studies in the fall.

This verse struck me in a strange way the other day. I'd never really thought that deeply about it before, but I was feeling kind of sad that our bible study was splitting and some of the relationships I have with my brothers and sisters won't be as close. As I read it, I realized that next year may not have as much success; it may even be pretty difficult. But what matters is not success and praise from people, but loving one another and being faithful and laboring for the building up of the church.

Real life is found in Christ, and you can find Christ where he has always been -- laboring after his bride. We are fed the same way he was when he was with the woman at the well, so says Proverbs 27.