Change is coming!

 

Stephanie and I went NORTH last weekend and noticed the first signs of fall in the trees. I also know it is about time for the transition because the Bluffton Street Fair is going and next week is the Dekalb County Fair. I have a friend who is already taking out his beans and corn. Time is marching forward. I can't say I am excited for the winter weather to come. I do enjoy some fall weather but I always know that right behind it stands old man winter. TO ME, the weather this past week has been nearly perfect. Temps in the mid 80's are ideal. Some people like the changing seasons, not me. The only time I enjoy winter is around Christmas, but that nostalgia is short lived. We have to take the good with the bad. That's the way it works. 

In Isaiah 11 there is hope. There is hope that the season of exile and enemy rule are just about over. The Messiah is coming:

"Out of the stump of David's family will grow a shoot -- yes, a new branch bearing fruit from the old root. And the Spirit of the Lord will rest upon him -- the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. He will delight in obeying the Lord. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay. He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked. He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment." (Isaiah 11:1-5, NLT)

Death will come in the winter, but there is hope each spring. So, for people like me, I look forward to the Spring and the warm weather that will follow. I will enjoy these days for the blessing they are and look forward to the time AFTER WINTER. 

That really is like our lives. We ONLY have hope because Jesus, the Messiah, the shoot that came out of the dead stump of Jesse. I just can't grasp people that don't have that hope. I just can't understand life without the Hope and TRUTH of JESUS. There is a lot of "WINTER" in our lives and if we have no promise of the things to come, that is such a dreadful life to live. 

Heavenly Father, I come to you today praising you for the hope we have because of the root of Jesse. I praise you because the MESSIAH came and he will come again. AND this time he will bring permanent joy and hope for those who believe. Give us the strength and endurance to share your GOSPEL message with those who have no hope. I love you, LORD and look forward to eternity resting in your arms with perfect peace. Amen!