Walk With Me

Happy Monday! I hope this finds everyone doing well. It has been a rainy and cold day and definitely finally feels like fall. This time of year makes me want to be in coffee shops nonstop and watch the leaves cover the streets. Seeing the leaves change colors, fall off trees, and grow again is a great reminder of the new life we have in Christ Jesus. We have a beautiful life to live and so many blessings to be thankful for. Give thanks to God today.

Yesterday my church came together and celebrated 191 years of fellowship, and it was such a wonderful day of gathering with one another. The very foundation of which our church was built was on full display yesterday as we shared lots of smiles, laughs, conversations, and worship. I will always treasure that time. I do not want to ever take my time at church for granted because it holds such a special place in my heart. I have only been a part of this church for a year, but I feel like I have family there.

We are made new in Christ when we accept the Holy Spirit into our hearts and have a newfound love for our life. Just as the leaves shed and fall from the trees, we shed off our old minds, hearts, and will and start a new life with a new mind, heart, and will. We no longer think the same and are able to give and accept love like we never had before and living that way can, and should, look different. I have been reading a book for school called “Designed to be Like Him” and there is a quote I want to share regarding Paul writing his letter to the Corinthains about what they should or should not do as believers. J Dwight Pentecost writes these words, “The question is not, ‘Can a believer do this?’ The question is, ‘Can I give this up for the gospel’s sake to maintain my testimony before other believers, and before the world?’ Will you dare to be different by refusing to conform to the world for the gospel’s sake?” We do not want to lose our testimony and have nothing to offer the world.

As we go about this week, let us not forget that we are called to be different. Go to church, pray before meals, refrain from cursing, and hold true to your values unashamedly. Show that you are devoted to God without having to say it; It should be visible in how we act every day. Your unique act of kindness is just what someone needs to see God’s glory.

Take a moment this week to watch the leaves fall. The area is colored in orange and yellow right now, which are also the colors we see in a sunrise. It’s a great reminder of a new day and a new season. All my prayers and love are with you,

Courtney