John speaks of the new commandment in Christ, which is a commandment from the beginning—love God, love each other. 

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

James 3:17-18

Paul instructs us to use the gifts of God fervently, passionately, enthusiastically.

• Live fully

• Hearts on fire

• For Christ Jesus

• Make every moment count.

How do we instead show our love so that newcomers do not feel alienated? Love like Jesus loved, embrace others who are different than us.

I Corinthians 13:13

And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Paul’s words are so comforting to us. If God is with us, who can ever be against us? Amen to that.

As I sit here, it is fall. I see the leaves break from their bonds to the tree as the wind gently blows, only to be released to the ground below. Just like our sin is removed, blowing away from us, allowing for renewal in the spring. God’s design in nature is fulfilling our desire for second chances.

When we are feeling troubled or anxious, turning to God and seeking His peace will help put our soul at ease.

Today, we have God's words and miracles of times past all in one text, so it is easier for us to believe and trust. As well, we have each other to support our belief in God..

We all are lost, lost to sin, lost to lust, lost to worldly idols. We are all found by God and forgiven by His grace.

Our pride can separate us from our chosen Destiny. It can close us off to the blessings God has in store for us. Our pride can shut out the good that others can offer. Jesus wants us to love others, accept others, give ourselves to others, and be the love in the world, sharing His light.

With God, we are never alone. God tells us in Matthew 28:20; He is always with us. And when we are still, we can feel Him carrying us as we are His children, safe in His loving arms. When people let you down, as they will, turn to God, trust in God, and feel God's presence.

God desires that we find peace and rest in Him. God wants us to have an easy mind full of love and light. God does not want us to feel burdened or heavy.

How do we build muscle? By tearing down muscle fibers and building stronger bonds in their place. The same is true with our spiritual strength. We need to tear down what we think we know and build ourselves up by praying to God, reading His Word, and trusting in Him.

God wants us to love, give grace, and compassion to all.

On the other side of mourning is hope. In Daniel’s dreams (Chapter 10), God sends his angel, Gabriel, once again to Daniel. In Verse 19, Gabriel tells Daniel that he is very precious to God, to be encouraged and be strong.

God is our strength if we allow Him. God is our shepherd, our leader, our refuge. God is safety and stability, our shepherd.

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.”

Luke 6:37

A friend of mine once said, “hurt people, hurt people”. Meaning people who are hurting on the inside will lash out and hurt others.  How true this is.

This is what the LORD says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, Godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls….

Jeremiah 6:16; Seek out God