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Why You Need Autumn

The weather has changed pretty drastically here in Pennsylvania. We all went from wearing shorts and t-shirts to now armed with multiple layers of clothing. Some folks are trying to see how long they can hold out before turning on the heat for the season. Are you one of them?

Halloween is only two weeks away. (This is not a post endorsing or bashing the celebration of Halloween—calm down!) However, October 31 serves as a reminder that Autumn is indeed here. Autumn is not just decorations, candy, and parties. No, Autumn is much, much more. There is a slowing down of the soul that occurs during this time of the year—if only our stubborn selves would lean into this natural shift. Less daylight and cooler weather makes for a perfect recipe for you to slow down.

As we move indoors for the next few months, what are you feeling? Is now the time to tackle those indoor projects or a time to rest? A time to heal? As a pastor and as a disciple of Jesus, one of the most common statements that I am hearing from people is we are collectively “exhausted”. Note the stark differences between tired and exhausted. Everyone gets tired from a day’s work, yard work, or chasing their kids/grand-kids around and yet exhaustion says so much more. Exhaustion leads to burnout, anger, rage, and checking out on the people closest to us. Exhaustion is unhealthy and quite the opposite of what Jesus offers us.

Do some soul care with Jesus this Autumn. A walk in the woods or the local park may bring you back to a healthy baseline. Jumping in a pile of leaves could awaken your playful side—do this with friends and family but don’t break a hip. Sip some warm apple cider with your significant other. Yes, you can tackle those indoor projects but at a pace that is reasonable.

Lastly, now is the perfect time to begin praying for your theme for 2026. A theme from Jesus is focusing on a word or two for the upcoming year. This guidance from Jesus is not meant to be legalistic nor heavy. Quite the opposite, a theme for the year is a compass for the valleys and mountains that are a part of the journey of the heart.

Get outside today!

Child-like Faith

Have you ever noticed the faith of a child?

Innocent.

Honest.

Open.

You see, children do not have the baggage that us adults do. Let’s be honest-we have all been burned by the Church. All of us. And if you have ever been in leadership (paid or unpaid) in the Church–you have definitely been burnt. Some of us have never recovered. Some have recovered and some are still healing.

I am reminded of child-like faith by our daughter. She is 2 and is such a joyous and loving person. She loves to laugh and enjoys being silly. She likes to learn and enjoys being taught.

Although our daughter is young, my wife and I have found is vital to begin to teach her the basics. Mackenzie loves the stained glass windows at church and the many crosses and statues of Jesus; however, she knows this much—–Jesus is in her heart. We have taught her that and she knows this. While I respect the beauty of our church and many other churches, I want her to know there is more to knowing Jesus than having a pretty church building.

What if we approached our faith—like a child does? A child does not sway in faith because of denominational ties or pressures from leadership. A child embraces themselves and their faith…….without worring what others think.

Here’s the irony. We live in a culture where everyone thinks they are “independent” and can think for themselves. Yet, when it comes to faith/church/beliefs……people often take the comfortable road. They don’t question the doctrines that are placed before them. They don’t engage in conversations about Jesus, etc……..other than in church on Sunday mornings. Friends, your FAITH is in you.

Your faith is not stuck in your local church building. Let it out! Talk about your faith. If you don’t have like-minded friends, make some. Befriend people who have views opposite you so you don’t live on the 5th floor of an ivory tower—above everyone else. And be real in your faith journey. We all experience joy, heartbreak, illness, hopes, dreams, and setbacks.

Will you have childlike faith—-with arms wide open?

Jesus is Bigger Than the Government

We are only a few days removed from the Presidential Election. Many are celebrating their candidate’s win; others are upset over the results. I will not lie–I am not happy with the results. But I have faith. I have faith because Jesus is bigger than the government.

When you take a look at Scripture, Jesus is consistently talking about the Kingdom of God. Jesus is not concerned with getting all political because Jesus knows that the Kingdom he speaks of it out of this world. Many people expecting the Messiah (Jesus) to come onto the scene and overthrow the government. Jesus mixed things up a bit. Sometimes Jesus would work behind the scenes and do God’s work. In other situations, Jesus would go right to leaders (political and religious) and give them the truth.

Jesus did what was needed–not what was popular. He did not worry about what people thought of him. Jesus could have played the political game and rode his way around Jerusalem like a king. But Jesus had other plans. He knew what was needed. He picked average people to carry out an extraordinary mission: restore humanity. Restoring humanity would take Jesus through the wilderness, ignoring Satan, getting sold out by his own followers, and getting nailed to the cross as a criminal.

Jesus was different.

And this is why Jesus is bigger than the government—regardless of whether our President is Republican or Democrat.

Jesus wants to restore people’s hearts. Jesus desires to give each of us a purpose in life. We are not here by accident and we should not spend the rest of our lives taking up space. We must move forward.

Jesus is bigger than the government because he brings authentic hope and change. The government deals with laws. Jesus deals with the heart, mind, and soul. The government promises provisions for all people. Jesus promises peace that no government, person, and society could deliver.

Jesus is bigger than the government.

Where do you put your hope these days?