James‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬ —- Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Click here to watch today’s See You Saturday video as we close out our week on change and seasons. Check out @urbanbrewcoffeehouse if you would like to try the pumpkin spice coffee or dirty chai tea latte that we are drinking.
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Psalms 1:1-3 NIV — Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers.

After winter comes spring. Spring is always such a joyous season for me. The temperatures begin to rise and new growth abounds. As I shared yesterday, winter is necessary for spring to occur. Plants must have a season of dormancy in order to spring with new growth. Likewise, you and I have our own winter times so we are able to grow. As today’s featured scripture states, we must meditate on the law of the Lord, day and night, so we may yield fruit and not wither. 

What season are you currently in; summer, fall, winter, or spring? How is God speaking to you in this season? Are you listening and learning as you walk through this season? Take time today to be like a tree planted by a stream of water. Sit still, be quiet, and listen so you will be able to yield fruit for God.

Let’s pray. Thank You God for spring. As I sit at Your feet today, speak to me so I can be Your vessel by yielding fruit. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 51:10 NIV — Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

I do not like being cold. Therefore, winter is not my favorite season. Although it is rare in South Carolina, in some areas, winter brings snow and ice. When I think of winter I think of dark and dismal times. Often I gripe and complain about the weather in winter. Even though I do not enjoy winter, I realize it is a necessary season. Take a moment to click here and read this student friendly article entitled “Why Do We Need Winter?”

The article states that many plants benefit from winter because of the opportunity to be dormant and store up energy for new growth. Take a moment to reflect. Have you ever experienced a winter in the journey of your spiritual life? Has there ever been a season of dormancy for you? Did that dormant season result in new growth? I think our growth after a dormant season is dependent on our attitude and response to our personal winters. What will be your response to the next winter you experience? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for winter. Create in me a new heart so that I may respond with openness to growth during my personal winters. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

James 1:17 NIV — Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Saturday will be the first day of fall 2023. Is fall your favorite season? What comes to mind when you think of fall? In South Carolina fall means having slightly cooler temperatures, leaves beginning to turn colors, and the appearance of yellow butterflies. Click here to read an article about what a yellow butterfly symbolizes in various cultures.

While I love the weather change – the vibrant colors of the changing leaves, and the sighting of yellow butterflies fluttering around – at the same time all of those signal for me a flash of sadness. Fall reminds me of the end of my favorite season of summer. Fall also symbolizes a time years ago when my family suffered the loss of the matriarch of our family, my grandmother, who we called Mother. Exactly a week from her funeral, my Uncle Buddy passed away. Both Mother and Uncle Buddy had been living with my family so their deaths greatly impacted each of us. For years, fall brought on a time of sadness for me. However, as I mentioned, now the sadness is just for a flash. Now, as fall approaches, I use the flash of sadness to be a catalyst for a time of thanksgiving. Fall reminds me of the blessings of having Mother and Uncle Buddy in my life and for that I am most thankful. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for fall. As summer leaves and fall begins, I am reminded of all You have blessed me with and I am so thankful. When I see a yellow butterfly, may I be reminded to be an instrument of praise and thanksgiving. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Isaiah 40:31 NIV — but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Do you have a favorite season? I have aspects of each season that I like, but summer is my favorite season. As a child, summer signified a time out of school, a less structured routine, and time to play with friends. As an adult, the same is still partially true. Over the years, my time for summer break has decreased, but I still have a little time to play with friends. I enjoy spending time sitting on the beach or by a pool relaxing and catching up with friends.

As I reflect on the many reasons I love summer, I realize summer signifies time for me to pause and be still. The warm sun on my skin seems to recharge my batteries and rejuvenate my spirit. Summer is a time apart from the usual hustle and bustle of life. As I type, I realize I need to take time throughout the year to have a “summertime” to be refreshed and renewed. In fact, I will begin viewing my daily time with God as a mini summer break. 

What can you do today to be rejuvenated? How can you be renewed and refreshed? Carve away a time to have your very own mini summer break with God.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for summer. As I spend time with You today, renew and refresh my spirit so I may be an effective vessel of Your love to others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Hebrews 13:8 NIV — Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary “change” means to make different or to give a different position, course, or direction. How do you feel about change? Change can be scary and hard. Change can be sad. Sometimes when change begins as scary, hard, or sad, it eventually turns out to be a positive thing.

As the daughter of a United Methodist minister, I experienced some big changes on a regular basis. The United Methodist conference has an itinerant system meaning ministers do not stay at one church appointment for long periods of time. In fact, until I was married, I had never lived anywhere longer than 5 years. 

Each time when we learned we would be moving, I would be filled with a range of emotions. Angry, sad, excited, and nervous are just a few of the feelings I experienced. As I reflect over that time in my life I now realize the change taught me many valuable life lessons. I met many people who impacted me and helped to shape me into the person I am today.

No matter what changes we go through, there is one constant: Jesus. Jesus is with us through the changes and He will guide and direct our steps as long as we are willing to allow Him. Spend some time today reflecting on changes you have been through. How did those changes shape you? Did you allow Jesus to direct your steps?

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your presence in my life. Help me to look for and recognize the positives that change can bring. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV — There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

This week we will ponder various aspects of change and different seasons in our lives. Let’s start today by recognizing the season you are in now. What brought you to this season and how are you handling it? Is this a difficult season? If so, how are you responding?

As you participate in corporate worship today, draw close to God. Allow Him to bring to mind the blessings in today’s season. Allow His love, peace, and joy to rejuvenate and renew you. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for today and for the blessings of today. Open my eyes to my current season and help me to respond after the example of Jesus. In His name I pray, Amen.