Hello friends,
If you didn't know the first day of fall is approaching quickly (it's tomorrow, September 23). In the midst of all the Pumpkin Spice, I wanted to take a moment to encourage you to put God first in this new season. If you didn't know, autumn is actually a symbol of hope that God created. It may not appear as such right away, but in God's greater plan of redeeming mankind, nature can serve as a reflection of this. So as you are sipping on warm apple cider, watching the leaves turn, and embracing all of the sweet crisp moments of fall, I want you to remember how this upcoming season is a symbol of hope.
If you think about what happens in Autumn, everything is dying. As the days are shortened and the cold sets in, the leaves begin to fall, and the death of winter begins to set. That might sound depressing but it's actually a symbol of hope. You see, in the process of everything dying, you'll note that there is an abundance of beautiful colors painted over the landscape of God's earth; therefore, portraying this act of dying as beautiful. Well, that's because the dying to one's self begins the process of transformation in Christ. In Galatians 2:20 it says, "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me."
Because of God's grace and mercy, Jesus, His only son died on the cross bearing our sins. Three days later He rose from the dead, overcoming the world, so that we would be forgiven. "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him" (John 3:16-17).
To accept this wonderful gift and give your life to Christ you must, "openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead," and "you will be saved" (Romans 10:9) As we give our lives to Christ we choose to die to ourselves and take up our cross (Matthew 16:24), we are welcoming Jesus into our hearts. By doing so, we are saved, and we get to live eternity in the presence of God.
Fall is a symbol of hope and a reflection of the gospel. The death of oneself is a beautiful thing, just as the trees dying is a miraculous display of color. With the death of your physical form, comes the renewal of your spiritual life, and a life spent eternally with God.
Autumn however is just one piece of the puzzle that is God's creation. The other seasons also show a reflection of God's greater plan to redeem us. To learn more, subscribe to our newsletter so you won't miss that conversation.
God Bless You,
Tiffani Disselkoen