FALL IS HERE!

Hi !

My pumpkins sit all in a row on my mantle; the fall fruit and gourds are displayed on my table; and I’m getting ready to plant crotons in my patio pots. What does all of this mean? FALL IS HERE!  I love fall! I love candy corn, apple cider, and spaghetti (who eats it during the summer?)  Here in southeast Texas we don’t have many trees changing color, but I enjoy looking at the exquisite pictures of fall leaves and feeling the cooler temperatures.   During this time of the year, I find myself singing,

For the beauty of the earth,
For the beauty of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

For the beauty of each hour
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flower,
Sun and moon and stars of light,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

This change of season leads me to appreciate God’s creativity and the truth of Who he is.  I am again reminded that He is in control of this beautiful world in which I live.

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV)
¹⁶ For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. ¹⁷ And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

These verses from Colossians remind us of Jesus’ wonderful connection to Creation.  Paul reminds us of these truths:

He Created All Things -

Jesus is the Creator of all things. There is nothing in the created order that Jesus did not create .  John 1:3 (ESV) All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

This really puts our world in perspective, doesn’t it? Because he is the Creator, Jesus has absolute authority and supremacy over all creation…all things in heaven and earth; visible and invisible. All things are under His command!  Since only God can be the Creator, this verse also makes it absolutely clear that Jesus is divine. Not only is he the perfect image of God, He is God!

All Things Exist for Him- Everything exists in Him, for Him, and through Him. Jesus Christ is the Sphere in which they exist, the Agent through which they came into being, and the One for whom they were made.(Warren Wiersbe). 

Creation exists for Him and here we see a glimpse into His heart. Oh, how He loves you and me!  Creation was formed so that Christ might : Love it – Bless it – Redeem it – Receive it – Save it – Exalt it !  As a part of His creation we owe Him praise and honor, worship and service.  We exist for Him, our Creator!

He Holds All Things Together – Jesus is eternally self-existent – this is an attribute only of God – no one created God. Because this is true, Jesus is before all things. Jesus sustains our universe.  Because of Him, all things hold together!  What hope and confidence we receive from this truth – we are not living in an out-of-control, chaotic world. Our world is in His hand – His hand keeps it going and continues it.

So, we have a wonderful opportunity during this time of year…every time we see the colors of Autumn…each time we sip hot apple cider…whenever we slip on a sweater or a cozy scarf… we can take a moment to praise our Jesus who made us who we are, who sustains us each day, and who chooses to spend eternity with us!  Lord of all, to thee we raise – These our grateful words of praise …and adoration. Set aside Fall as a special time of worship!

Joyfully,

Yvonne