Fall trees bring me such delight. Each one so different, and yet so pretty. Individually, each tree itself has such variety in its foliage. This fall day I look out my living room window during autumn and study some branches. Seeing the array of colors, reminded me of the people in a church and how they compare.
Fallen Leaves
How sad that some of the leaves had already fallen off the trees. It reminds me of the people who quit attending worship. I think that sometimes we use the excuse that others have caused us to stray from going to church because of the way they have acted, but the truth is that we are all responsible for our own actions and relationship with God. Those leaves that have fallen off are like the millions who have stopped worshipping in God’s house who will have a lessened showing of the fruits of the spirit. How sadly that affects our world. John 15:5 quotes Jesus saying, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
Wilting Leaves
As I continue to gaze still at the trees, there are leaves hanging on but have withered. So many of God’s churches across this land are filled with people taking up space without being truly plugged in and desiring to serve, or perhaps they make their voice heard too loudly in the form of negative nags that produce harm to others. At times, we, who call ourselves a Christian tear down the body of Christ.
Green Leaves
On the limbs many leaves remain green; Christians who continue to thirst for the nourishment. They display such eagerness to learn and grow. This desire to mature pleases God. I believe hopes that everyone craves to draw closer to Him in all of our days.
An Array of Color
I love the leaves in their brilliance! They attract others to Christ with their beauty. I think perhaps these colorful leaves are meant to represent the Christians, who truly carry out the word of God. These are the ones who put others before themselves, giving of their time, money, and talents. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22.
When I look up at all the autumn trees together in my yard, I notice the numerous shades. It is amazing to me at how God loves us. He formed us with different strengths as well as various imperfections. It is my belief that He created us with diversity so that we would depend on each other. God’s thriving church houses strive to be filled with an array of talents and servants. In this way, people can depend on each other for support within the church as well as extending its glow outside to welcome others into the fold. What a blessing it is to serve our Lord, who created such beauty and care for His children.
p ahead. Carlton, the little prissy inside dog, is always in the middle, desiring to keep up with Seebee.
As we continued to paddle, I raised my arm out of the water, exposing a huge jellyfish that had wrapped its tentacles around my arm. Screaming, I flung my arm. It flew through the air, and landed on my back. I thrashed around to knock it off as it was stinging my back. In my frantic movement I fell into the water and my float glided away. Jellyfish stung my entire body. The only thing within reach was Annmarie lying on her float. I quickly climbed on top of her back. We paddled rapidly to my float, and I relocated.