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Cambridge United Methodist Church Loving God, Loving Others, Serving Both OCTOBER 2019 NEWSLETTER 120 West Exchange Street, Cambridge, IL 61238 Phone 309-937-2018 “He must become greater; I must become less.” - John 3:30 (NIV) On Sunday October 13 th we, as a church will promise that we will help some of our youth to confirm their faith in God, and in Jesus as their Savior. I say we, because all of us that will gather for worship on Sunday October 13 th , will make the following promise in front of God and the entire congregation gathered at God’s church in Cambridge. I will ask those gathered for worship, “Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include these persons now before you in your care?” And everyone will respond, “With God's help we will proclaim the Good News and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround these persons with a community of love and forgiveness that they may grow in their trust of God, and be found faithful in their service to others. We will pray for them, that they may be true disciples who walk in the way that leads to life.” Every time that we confirm or baptize someone into God’s family, we as a congregation promise that we will surround these folks with love and guidance so that they will grow in their trust of God. We will pray for them, and we will hold them accountable to the vows that they will take. We must also be an example of Christians that these folks will want to emulate. On October 13 th we are also welcoming several people to be members of God’s church in Cambridge. These folks will come up to that platform for the last part of the confirmation ceremony where I will ask the confirmands and our membership candidates one final question, “As members of this congregation, will you faithfully participate in its ministries by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service?” And then comes their final choice, they can either say “Nope”, or “I will”. If any of the confirmands say “Nope”, they are still confirmed, they have made the most important choice of their life, they have publicly confirmed to God and the gathered congregation that they believe in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

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Page 1: OCTOBER 2019 NEWSLETTER - cambridgeilmc.orgcambridgeilmc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/2019-October-WEB-Newsletter.pdfdevotional and reflecting on it. 2. Worship regularly – weekly

Cambridge United Methodist Church Loving God, Loving Others, Serving Both

OCTOBER 2019 NEWSLETTER 120 West Exchange Street, Cambridge, IL 61238 Phone 309-937-2018

“He must become greater; I must become less.” - John 3:30 (NIV)

On Sunday October 13th we, as a church will promise that we will help some

of our youth to confirm their faith in God, and in Jesus as their Savior. I say

we, because all of us that will gather for worship on Sunday October 13th,

will make the following promise in front of God and the entire congregation

gathered at God’s church in Cambridge. I will ask those gathered for worship,

“Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include these persons now

before you in your care?”

And everyone will respond,

“With God's help we will proclaim the Good News and live according to the example of

Christ. We will surround these persons with a community of love and forgiveness that they

may grow in their trust of God, and be found faithful in their service to others. We will pray

for them, that they may be true disciples who walk in the way that leads to life.”

Every time that we confirm or baptize someone into God’s family, we as a congregation promise that

we will surround these folks with love and guidance so that they will grow in their trust of God. We

will pray for them, and we will hold them accountable to the vows that they will take.

We must also be an example of Christians that these folks will want to emulate.

On October 13th we are also welcoming several people to be members of God’s church in Cambridge.

These folks will come up to that platform for the last part of the confirmation ceremony where I will

ask the confirmands and our membership candidates one final question,

“As members of this congregation, will you faithfully participate in its ministries by your

prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service?”

And then comes their final choice, they can either say “Nope”, or “I will”. If any of the confirmands

say “Nope”, they are still confirmed, they have made the most important choice of their life, they have

publicly confirmed to God and the gathered congregation that they believe in God the Father, Son and

Holy Spirit.

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If the candidates for membership say that they don’t want to faithfully participate in its ministries by

your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service they can still attend worship here, their lives

will not have changed.

But if they say, “I will”, it means that they not only believe in God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, but

that they are willing to obey God’s command and build His church in Cambridge.

If the confirmands and the membership candidates “I will”, they are saying so knowing that

membership is a commitment beyond attendance at worship. They are saying that they accept a

commitment that binds them to other members of Christ's body, and that they will support all of us in

our journey of faith, so that all of us can be fully committed disciples of Jesus Christ. When we become

members in a United Methodist Church we are committing to the following six tasks.

1. Pray daily – this can be as simple as thanking God for the gift of a new day or reading a daily

devotional and reflecting on it.

2. Worship regularly – weekly attendance at church services as work or family responsibilities permit.

3. Grow diligently – Attend Sunday School, read the Bible at home or at another small group study.

4. Give faithfully – give as our finances permit, giving is between us and God.

5. Serve selflessly – each person has different talents and spiritual gifts, and as the body of Christ, if

someone does not use their talents, a need may go unmet.

6. Witness fruitfully – as Christians we are called to make disciples. The first step in this process is to

share with others the impact that God has made in our lives.

When we all fulfill our membership vows, God’s church in Cambridge will grow beyond this physical

building, make an incredible impact on this area, and build God’s Kingdom on earth.

May God guide you in your decision to become an active member of His church.

As we have been blessed, we are to bless others,

Pastor Jim

Have you checked out our Website? Cambridge United Methodist Church has a great website for you to take a look at.

If you missed Worship this week? The sermon and music are all on the website. If you would like to check out any of our classes such as Christianity or Bible 101?

It’s ALL on the website. A calendar of Upcoming Events or times for the Women’s Club or Women’s Bible Studies. It’s ALL on the Website

Give it a try! Check us out at www.http://cambridgeilmc.org

If you have any suggestions on what you would like to see? Christy Aniol at [email protected]

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What Does the Bible Say About Giving?

Believe it or not, money and possessions are the most talked

about subjects in the Bible — more than prayer, faith or

salvation. That’s because God knew what areas we would struggle

with. Our interaction with money should begin with

acknowledging that everything belongs to God (Psalm 24:1).

When we honor the LORD with our wealth, we demonstrate

that we trust him. In return he promises to take care of us

(Proverbs 3:9 – 10).

In Old Testament times, tithes were to be given to God from the proceeds of land, herd and flock. The

Israelites were to give a percentage of their belongings to God, recognizing God as both the source

and owner of all material blessings. The tithe (Hebrew maaser, meaning “the tenth”) was originally 10

percent of every Israelite’s property (Leviticus 27:30 – 33). It was given as a type of tax to support the

priests and Levites (Numbers 18:21 – 24). However, greed discouraged many Israelites from paying it,

and eventually it became a duty that replaced true worship.

Are Christians Required to Tithe? The short answer is no, Christians aren’t required to tithe. The

Law of Moses mandated the tithe to support the Levites in their priestly service and those in need

among the foreigners, orphans and widows (Deuteronomy 14:28 – 29). Since Christ’s sacrifice of

himself removed the need for a Levitical priesthood, the principal purpose for the Old Testament tithe

is gone. But the New Testament says quite a lot about giving.

Believers are to give in the following manner:

Generously: Jesus told his followers to give to everyone who asks (Luke 6:30), to give to

those who can’t repay (Luke 14:13 – 14) and to freely give what we have freely received

(Matthew 10:8). Paul established the principle that what we reap is a reflection of what we sow

(2 Corinthians 9:6).

Humbly: There is danger in thinking that if we follow a specific rule, we have done everything

that God requires. Jesus chastised the Pharisees for giving a tenth of their spices while

neglecting more important matters of the law — justice, mercy and faithfulness (Matthew

23:23). To suppose that God demands 10 percent — and nothing more — can foster an

attitude that says, “This bit is for God, and the rest is mine.”

With the Proper Attitude: Using a strictly legal principle of giving prompts wrangling over

questions like: Is it 10 percent of gross income or net income? Of take-home pay only? Before

or after insurance and retirement deductions? Instead, we are to give what we decide in our

hearts to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver (2

Corinthians 9:7). Therefore some better questions might be: How can I better manage my

affairs so that I can give more? Where can I give that will best serve God’s purposes?

Now that I’ve given what money I can, what else can I give?

The New Testament doesn’t contain instructions for Christians regarding the tithe, but there are many

admonitions concerning giving.

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1. Giving should be an act of stewardship. God is the source of everything we have (John

3:27; 1 Corinthians 4:7; 12:7 – 11), so in a sense we own nothing but are only stewards of

what is rightfully God’s (1 Peter 4:10)

2. Giving should be an act of worship (Romans 12:1)

3. Giving should be proportionate (1 Corinthians 16:1 – 2)

4. Giving should be voluntary (2 Corinthians 8:1 – 5, 11 – 12; 9:2)

5. Giving should be planned (2 Corinthians 9:3 – 5)

6. Giving should be cheerful (2 Corinthians 9:7)

7. Giving should be generous (2 Corinthians 8:2; 9:5, 11, 13)

Setting a standard of giving, such as tithing, can help us do what we believe in our hearts to be right

even if our feelings should waver. But if a Christian decides to tithe, it should be a free and joyous

decision, not a legalistic one.

What Should Determine the Amount We Give?

When we feel compelled to give based on an external standard, the heart is cut out of the gift. Such

giving is a matter of works, not grace. On the other hand, discipline helps us with what we know to be

right. Choosing a standard of giving can help us do what we believe in our hearts to be right, even if

our temporary feelings should waver.

The apostle Paul summed up the New Testament standard of giving in 2 Corinthians 9:6 – 7 when he

said,Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows

generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to

give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Limiting ourselves to a rigid 10 percent standard of tithing can cause us to miss the fundamental

principle behind biblical generosity. God’s liberality is the basis for his people’s openhanded,

bighearted responses. In fact, we are called to willingly offer 20, 30 or even 100 percent (Luke 18:22)

if that is what the Lord should require of us.

Many Christians have adopted a system called 10 – 10 – 80, which is to give 10 percent of their total

income, save 10 percent and live on 80 percent. These percentages aren’t mandated in the Bible, but

the principle as a whole is both biblical and practical.

For Reflection: Are you giving humbly, generously, and with the proper attitude? Ask God to speak

to your heart regarding your giving habits. Then listen and obey.

Article edited from study features in the NIV Quest Study Bible. Found on line by G.W,Hamer

https://www.thenivbible.com/blog/what-does-the-bible-say-about-money-and

giving/?utm_source=nivbibleblog&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nivblog-what-does-the-bible-

say-about-money-and-giving&utm_content=js

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Greetings Men of God!

The FORGE MEN’S DINNER

The monthly men’s mtg & dinner on Tuesday, October 8th @ 6 PM in Geneseo.

BASE CAMP MEN’S BREAKFAST

The monthly men’s breakfast will be Sunday, October 13th at 7 AM in the Café.

Base Camp Assignments – if you can’t lead for your assigned month, please find your replacement

Oct. 2019 – Dick Borg Feb. 2020 – Dean Talbott June 2020 – Richard Bilbruck

Nov. 2019- Mike Wignall March 2020 – Wilbur Wigant July 2020 – Pastor Jim

Dec. 2019 – Richard Bilbruck April 2020 – Rick Franck Aug. 2020 – Ken Johnson

Jan. 2020 – John Roehrs May 2020 – Ed Dole Sept. 2020 – Jerry Miller

OCTOBER CALENDAR

Tuesday, October 15th 2 PM Priscilla meeting at the church

Hostess – Wilma Whitehair

Thursday, October 17th 7 PM Wesleyan meeting at the church

Hostess: Kathy Borg & Lesson by Karen Larson

Monday, October 21 GUEST DAY 9 AM Breakfast and program

Priscilla and Wesleyan Groups

Food Pantry News The Cambridge Food Pantry will be open at the following times

Sunday, October 20th from 3 - 5 PM

Monday, October 21st from 9 -10 AM.

Cambridge First Baptist Church will be in charge this month.

FOOT CARE CLINIC OCTOBER 1 Foot Clinics are held each month on the first Tuesday from 9 – 12 the cost is

$32. There was a cost increase due to the cost of travel to Clinic Sites. This

includes getting your feet soaked, toenails trimmed and feet, ankles and calves

lotioned.

LADIES – if you bring your polish they will paint your toes also!

UPCOMING CLINIC: November 5 and December 3

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HENRY CO. HEALTH DEPT. FLU SHOT CLINIC

Wednesday, October 2 9-10 AM

at the United Methodist Church Flu shots are covered by Medicare Part-B and some insurances.

Bring your insurance Card. Must be 18 yrs. Or older

For other Flu shot clinics in the area – see flyer posted in Entry

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD DONATIONS Please bring your donations to the box in the coat rack area. Thank you

for your help with this important Mission project.

OCTOBER FOCUS IS PICTURES & LETTERS

Do Not Include: Candy; toothpaste; gum; used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; seeds; fruit rolls or other fruit snacks; drink mixes (powdered or liquid); liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.

October Birthdays

1 - Larry Stahl

4 – Lynette Wignall

5 - Jared Brewer, Tawny

DeKezel

6 - Larry Charlet

9 - Glenna Brewer, Olivia Nuckles

10 - Vernon Stackhouse, Lilly

Kessinger

11 - David Matheny

13 – Steve Brown

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2019 Fall Review Schedule of Events Sunday, October 6 After 10:30 Worship Service Move furniture out of Kdg. Sunday School room

Monday, October 7 All day Set up Gourmet Shop

Wednesday, October 9 12:00 Noon Fudge needs to be at church

12:30 PM Packaging Fudge Boxes

6 PM Soup Making in Kitchen

6 PM Cookie pkg– upper fellowship – near Bakery

Thursday, October 10 4:45 PM. Set up for Fall Review

6:30 PM Bread Mixing

Friday, October 11 6 AM – 2 PM Baking

4:00-8:00 p.m. Crafter Set up

Saturday, October 12 6:00-8:00 a.m. Crafter Set up

7:00-9:00 a.m. Breakfast

8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Gourmet Shop and Craft Show

11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Lunch

3:00 p.m. Clean up

ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL

GOD’S NATURE CORNER

. Occasionally hoots of owls are heard in my neighborhood. Since

owls are mainly nocturnal, we are more likely to hear them than to see them. Owl’s soft feathers allow them to fly silently. Large eyes help owls hunt in darkness. Their heads can swivel 270°. Asymmetrical ears allow owls to locate prey by sound. Sharp talons allow them to grasp prey, sharp beaks allow tearing prey into bite sized pieces. Owls may not be the wisest birds because much of the brain is used for visual functions. A common owl in our area is the Screech Owl, a small but mighty hunter about the size of a beer glass. Their diet includes worms, moths, birds, voles (owl popcorn), and mice. Screech owls may be gray, brown or rusty red. Their hoot is a ghostly trilled sound. If you approach too closely they may clack their beaks and dive bomb you, especially if their youngsters are near. Another common owl is the barn owl. They often hunt for rodents along roadsides, in towns, and wild areas. It’s call is a hissing scream. My friend’s sons was glad he didn’t hit the hunting owl that flew in front of his car one evening! Barred and Great Horned Owls are also common in our area. Some owls except the Great Horned Owl appreciate a nest box. Directions can be found on-line. Put up the box in late fall. Courtship and nesting begin in winter. Youngsters stay with their parents into late spring. Want to learn more? Go to Youtube. Watch “Owls of North America and Their Calls”. God bless you and keep you!

Abigail Possum Abigail’s Thought for October Remember spending time enjoying nature is good for the soul. A recent study also found people spending as little as 2 hours a week in nature were generally happier and healthier.

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ARE WE GRATEFUL FOR THIS SEASON IN OUR LIFE? Each season has its own distinct character and purpose—dormancy in

winter, budding in spring, growth in summer, release in autumn. Each

season is dependent on the others occurring in their

natural order.

Our lives, too, have seasons. We move through infancy,

childhood, adulthood, and maturity experiencing

constant change. Each season brings its unique joys & challenges, & each builds on the one before

it.

In Ecclesiastes we read, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under

heaven.” I am grateful for this season of my life, for the changes and growth it brings, for the rest

and activity. With each season, I grow into the fullness of my humanity.

They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season … In all that they do, they

prosper.—Psalm 1:3

Sunday Oct. 6, Pastor Jim will be leading worship at Hillcrest Home and serving the Lord’s Supper. Everyone is welcome to attend to share the love of God’s church in Cambridge.

Don’t forget about the Lunch at the Lutheran Church 12-1 PM on October 6.

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 9 AM Exercise 9 – 12 Foot Clinic 6:30 PM Women’s Bible Study

2 9-10 AM Flu Shot Clinic

3 9 AM Exercise 10 AM Prayer Grp 3:15 – 5:30 AWANA Begins

4

5

Holy Communion 6

9 AM Sunday School 9 AM Adult Educ.Hour Bible 101 10:30 AM WORSHIP

2 PM HILLCREST Worship

7 Gourmet Shop Set-up

8 9 AM Exercise

6 PM Forge Dinner/mtg NO Women’s

Bible Study

9 12:30 Fudge due @church 6 PM Soup making 6 PM Cookie pkg.

10 9 AM Exercise 10 AM Prayer Grp NO AWANA 4:45 PM Set up 6:30 PM Bread Mixing

11 6 AM – 2 PM

Baking 4 – 8 PM Crafter set-up

12

FALL REVIEW

See Schedule

NEW MEMBERS 13 AND CONFIRMATION 7 AM Men’s Breakfast 9 AM Sunday School 9 AM Adult Educ.Hour Bible 101 10:30 AM WORSHIP

14

15 9 AM Exercise

2 PM Priscilla Group @church 6:30 PM Womens

Bible Study

16

17 9 AM Exercise 10 AM Prayer Grp

1:45 – 5:30 AWANA 7 PM Wesleyan Meeting @ church

18

19

20 9 AM Sunday School 9 AM Adult Educ.Hour Bible 101 10:30 AM WORSHIP

3-5 PM Food Pantry

21 9-10 AM

Food Pantry 9 AM UMW Guest Day

22 9 AM Exercise 6:30 PM Womens

Bible Study

23

24 9 AM Exercise 10 AM Prayer Grp NO AWANA 6:30 PM Fall Rev Evaluation mtg

25

26

Noisy Offering 27 9 AM Sunday School 9 AM Adult Educ.Hour Bible 101 10:30 AM WORSHIP

28

29 9 AM Exercise 6:30 PM Womens

Bible Study

30 31 9 AM Exercise 10 AM Prayer Grp NO AWANA

8:45 – 10:45 AM

FRIENDSHIP CAFÉ OPEN

EACH SUNDAY

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Fall Review October 12, 2019

DOOR PRIZES NEEDED BY WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9th.

We have been collecting door prizes for the 30th Annual Fall Review. Please if you would consider donating a new or very gently used items (especially seasonal items) for our door prize table it would be very much appreciated. Donations may be brought to the church and put in the storage room next to the nursery or you may call me and I will be glad to pick up your item.

Thank you in advance for your support. Loreen Borkhart - 309-230-1487 PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANY ITEMS IN AFTER WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 9TH !

Bread Making - We will start making and baking breads on

Thursday, October 10th at 6:30 PM. We will finish on Friday, October 11th beginning at 6 AM. Helpers are needed Many hands make the work load light. Contact Sue Franck @ 937-5123

FUDGE NEEDS TO BE AT THE CHURCH ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9TH BEFORE 12:30

SO THAT IT CAN BE CUT AND PACKAGED.

ADMISSONS "We would like to ask all workers to pay the $1.00 admission

fee if you are doing any shopping of any kind. This gives us a truer idea of how

many shoppers we actually have, and we will use that number in our publicity next

year. Thanks for helping us raise this number!"

PLEASE NOTE: Carryout orders will NOT begin before 11:30 a.m. Orders are

being prepared for the crafters prior to that. Please do not submit an order until 11:30.

DONATIONS – So many of you have generously offered to bake for the Bakery, donate money

and/or work the day of the Fall Review. We thank you for your commitment. In order for us to have a

very successful day, we are counting on you to remember this commitment on October 12! If you were

accidentally missed and would like to help out in some way, please call Pam Ahring (937-2925).

**Evaluation Meeting Thursday, October 24 - 6:30 p.m. - for all Chairmen

LET’S MAKE THIS A GREAT FALL REVIEW FOR OUR 30TH YEAR! WHEN WE ARE

GOD WINS! What the Bible tells us about work and working together….. In Ecclesiastes 4:9 it says “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.”

In Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

And finally in Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:20-23 (NIV)

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Distribution of funds from the 2018 Fall Review:

Cambridge Youth Center - $1,000 GROW Ministries - $1,000 Cambridge Food Pantry - $1,000 Grade School – Caring Hearts - $600 Shop With a Cop - $600 Abilities Plus - $500 Boiler Fund - $5,000 Bulk Mailing Permit paid from Fall Review funds- used to mail out about 900 invitations. $8, 000 was kept back to pay expenses for the 2019 show.

Expect God's Favor Psalm 5:12 "For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." And Job 10:12 "You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit."

Beloved one, know the assurance of your Father's blessing, his presence, his favor, and his surrounding grace. Who you are and everything you have is the result of his favor. He is your sun and shield, and his honor validates you (Ps. 84:11). Your Abba wants to take you as his precious child right up next to his heart today. He will keep you close and make his face shine on you and be gracious to you (Num 6:24-25). Your Father smiles on you today with his compassion and his full blessing as you seek him (Isa 30:18). He has written this day of your life in his book. He knew you before you were born (Ps 139:16). You are constantly on his mind (Ps 139:17-18).

Be blessed to know that your Father's providence goes before you to provide for your every need. He is with you to strengthen you and keep you from harm (1 Chron 4:10). Be blessed as his favor rests on his appointed work through your hands (Ps 90:17), because his purposes and power for you are great.

Dear one, you need favor with your authorities whom God has placed over you and with those in decision-making positions (Ezra 7:27; Neh 1:11). His Word says, "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases" (Pro 21:1). Be blessed as God breaks through all hindrances and uses all concerned with you to fulfill his will on your behalf.

Let your Abba protect your emotions, as he surrounds you with the shield of his presence (Ps 5:12). He promises that weeping may endure for a night, his anger is but for a moment, but joy comes in the

morning, and his favor lasts for your lifetime (Ps 30:5). He keeps you today in the favor of his love and faithfulness (Pro 3:3-4). He withholds no good thing from you as you live before him blamelessly

(Ps 84:11). Be blessed in the name of the One who rejoices today in doing you good (Jer 32:41).

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7 Verses to Rejuvenate Your Faith This Fall from The Legacy Journey

Something about the cooler temperatures and the changing season just puts many of us in a reflective mood. That makes autumn a perfect time to grow deeper in your faith and reflect on the awesome works of our Creator.

If you’re a fan of fall, you’re certainly not alone. Something about the cooler temperatures and the changing season just puts many of us in a reflective mood.

That makes autumn a perfect time to hear what God’s saying amidst the sound of leaves crunching and the scent of pumpkin-flavored coffees. To get you started, here are seven Scriptures that can help you grow deeper in your faith this fall.

1. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” —Psalm 19:1 (KJ2)

The sky on a clear fall day can be the most incredible shade of blue—especially against the background of changing leaves. One glance gives us a clue that we’re a part of something bigger than ourselves. Take some time to enjoy the wonder of His work.

2. “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” —Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV)

Whether it’s leaves changing in your backyard or you changing your clock for Daylight Saving Time, autumn reminds us that nothing stays the same forever. Change is one of the few constants in life, but that’s okay. God has perfect timing, and He has a purpose that stretches into eternity.

3. “How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you.” —Psalm 31:19 (NIV)

God doesn’t just give us a few blessings. He pours out an abundance of good things on our lives. Fall offers the perfect time to reflect on His goodness toward us. His blessings really are new each day (Lamentations 3:22-23).

4. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” —Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Fall is a season of harvest, so it’s good to remember that we always reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). Sometimes, we get discouraged and wonder if the seeds we plant will ever sprout. Fall assures us that harvest day is coming, so we have to stick with the work

5. “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.” —James 5:7 (NKJV)

Patience may be a virtue, but it’s never easy. This agricultural illustration with a fall flavor reminds us that we have to develop patience. God will work out His plan in His timing. We can trust His work, even when He’s not working on our timetable.

6. “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” —Isaiah 40:8 (NAS)

Dried leaves crunch beneath your feet, and the grass is a sad shade of brown. The air turns crisp—maybe even cold. It’s the annual transition from the life of spring and summer to the hibernation of fall and winter. But while seasons shift, we serve a God who never fails. He stands forever—and new pages on the calendar can’t change that.

7. “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” —Psalm 9:1 (NIV)

In 1789, George Washington made November 26 a day of thanksgiving. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November as “a day of Thanksgiving and Praise.” In 1941, Congress made the fourth Thursday of November an official Thanksgiving holiday. But believers know that Thanksgiving shouldn’t just be a holiday. It should be a way of life—and something we share with others.

You may have some favorite verses of your own that fall brings to mind. That’s great. The important thing is to enjoy creation by reflecting on the awesome works of your Creator.