Tomorrow is the first day of Fall, and the signs of the season are all around us. Leaves are beginning to change to vibrant colors of orange, red, and yellow, while the sun is disappearing from view earlier each night. Area farmers are itching to get out in the corn fields to gather this year's crop. Squirrels are busy collecting nuts and storing them in a "safe place." I've noticed lately that the early morning weekend hours are filled with the noise of parents cheering their children on to victory at either a neighboring soccer or football field. Even our wardrobes are changing from summer apparel to outfits which add an additional layer of warmth.

As the events within the realms of God's creation are constantly changing, God does not. He is the same today as He was when He formed the heavens and the earth. The protection He offered to Daniel during the night he spent with the lions is the same protection enveloping us. The guidance He gave to Joseph as he escaped Herod's wrath with his wife and the Christ child to Egypt is also given to us.

God's plan of salvation that He shared with Adam and Eve has been consistent over the centuries. The participation in this plan is not determined by blood or birth, but by the "obedience that comes from faith." (Romans 1:5) It is the same plan that was revealed to Ruth, a Moabite woman, and her husband Boaz. Paul wrote about this plan in each of his letters to the churches in Asia Minor. It remains the same today as it did for our ancestors. It will not change during our lifetime. This plan of salvation, as recorded in John 3: 16, is identical to the one future generations will share.

However, many feel that God's unconditional love for them isn't enough. They need to add something to the plan of believing in Jesus because "just having faith" seems too easy. They feel they need to do something to earn a place in heaven. And as much as they strive to earn it on their own, they never will. They will never feel the peace and reassurance that only God's love can offer.

Even though life around us is in a constant state of change, we can be grateful that God's love for each of His children is constant. We can rest in the assurance of Hebrews 13: 8, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." My prayer is that as we rest in the assurance of His grace, we feel the nudge of the Holy Spirit to go and share this plan of grace with our family and friends.

Enjoying the ride,

Jane