Originally posted 10/24/23

 Phil 1:6 ESV And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

The air is cooler. There is a slight nip in the air and the leaves have begun to turn. Harvest is in full swing. Fall is officially here.

As I reflect on the trees in my neighborhood, I can’t help but notice the change taking place. Some trees are still green and seem unaffected by change. Others have a slight change. Others only have a small portion that is changed. If I skip a couple days of walking, I can notice the change.

Has the Lord changed you like the trees? Are you like that tree that has been unchanged? Maybe you are that tree that is just beginning to change. He is slowly changing you. You might be that tree that has mostly changed but has a few leaves that are reluctant to change. 

There always seems to be that one tree that shines with more brilliant colors than any other tree around. You cannot help but notice its beauty. Are you that tree? Do you shine brilliantly for Jesus? Are you that tree that is gradually changing over time? Is Jesus changing you leaf by leaf?

Will you look and act differently next week? Next month? Are you that tree that never changes colors? Are you growing closer to Jesus? Do people notice anything different about you? I encourage you to take a step and grow closer to Jesus. You will never be sorry. You will find a sweetness that you have never experienced before.

A couple of months ago I said hello to one of our toddlers after church. Her response was not hello. She said, “Shine for Jesus, Miss Mary.” It touched my heart. Isn’t that what we should all be doing? Shine for Jesus. We should all be the brightest, boldest tree in the neighborhood. 

How can you best let Jesus shine through you? Be bold and take just one step.