Dear Friends,
Colorful leaves. Crisp apples. Jackets and sweaters. Yes, it is the beginning of fall. After this summer’s record heat waves, this seasonal relief is welcomed. As I write this article, I can see out my window that the leaves are changing. The air is crisp and cool as I leave open my window as much as possible. I love this time of the year as it reminds me so much of my homeland. Lastly, my mind wanders to the American custom of pumpkin spice that invades many menu items well beyond the traditional pumpkin pie and has even expanded into our morning coffee. Yes, I am still a Russian tea drinker but some cool mornings a cup of coffee is a delightful change.
I am sure you join me in being so ready for a physical change in a season; and we need to prepare for a spiritual change as well. For the Christian who observes the liturgical year, autumn is actually the beginning of the cycle. Fall represents anticipated change, harvest and preparation. The dead leaves are falling making way for new growth in the spring and will undergo a time of preparation until then. So, too, is our spiritual lives undergoing a time of preparation.
Autumn is a good time to focus on your commitment to God. As you are a follower of Christ, remember to remain close to Him during the shifting seasons of life. Just as our lives are undergoing changes, we should “gather and prepare” now for the time of new growth that will come. Stay connected to God as you transition. Some of the saddest words in the Bible are in Jeremiah 8:20, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” While changing to the next spiritual season, you may need to spend extra time “bundling up” in the Word and in God’s presence, to prepare you for all that is to come. So focus on the God who remains unchanged and unchanging. His life is always the same. His character is always dependable. His truth, ways, and purposes do not change. His Son does not change. “He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
Beloved, as we enter this fall, let us put our faith to work in the lives of the people God has called us to serve. “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?” (James 2:14) Russian Missions opens our arms to all. With your help we will continue to lift the downtrodden, include the marginalized and love the unlovable.
Grace and peace to you! May God bless each of you and may your October be filled with a harvest of blessings!
Your Brother in the Lord,
Pastor Vitali Yuchkovski