How do we know?
The season of Fall (Autumn) presents its full glory for my viewing pleasure every time I step outside or take a drive. The crisp, clear weather and lack of wind and rain have combined to create a spectacular panorama of color. Fall is here in glorious splendor–we knew it was coming–but, how do we know?
As a child, we most likely learned about the seasons in our elementary school classrooms. Some regions have more marked changes in seasons than others. And since trees play a major role in the beauty of fall, those who live near forests, mountains, and heavily wooded areas may have better views.
How do we know?
But back to my question of–how do we know fall is coming? Those of us who live in regions with clearly defined seasons recognize the signs of change. For fall, temperatures begin to ease their onslaught of summer heat. The sky loses its summer haze and displays a brighter blue. Deciduous trees signal the approach of their time of sleep–first by changing color of their foliage, followed by dropping their leaves–a gift to nourish the earth.
We know this because our Creator set up this schedule for us. The timing of when the process begins may vary somewhat based on climate conditions, but the seasons come.
How do we know our Father loves us?
Did you ever sing the song, “Jesus Loves Me?” In the song, the answer to how we know is–The Bible tells us. One of the most well-known verses in God’s Word assures us of His love:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
God’s love is everywhere
- In the beauty of His creation
- His gift of Earth as our temporary home
- In his gift of love to us
- Our ability to love and be loved by each other
- In his gift of eternal life
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 4:7-10)
Seasons will change because our Father’s magnificent plan designed the universe and our Earth in such a way. Fall will come and winter will follow as the cycle of life continues. But our Father is eternal and He loves us so much that He sent a Savior so that we may also have eternal life.
As He prepared to go to the cross, Jesus prayed to His Father:
Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he may give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:1-3)
How do we know God loves us?
We know because of the cross.
God’s love is everywhere. We need only open our eyes and hearts.
Yes! Diana, you’ve summed it up in your phrase, “God’s love is everywhere.” Aren’t we blessed? Wishing you a week filled with joy.
Your words led me to experience a modicum of the depths of God’s love for us this morning. Thank you dear friend. If we could only choose to love others as God loves us. What a precious thought and hope that is ma’am.
I keep praying for God’s grace to help me love others as He loves me. I’ve made some progress, but am still so far from where I need to be. I’m so thankful for His mercy and grace, and that even though I am weak, He doesn’t give up on me and keeps encouraging me. Wishing you and the Cross-Dubya family a blessed week.
I love the changing of the seasons and the reassurance it brings that all is right with the world. That doesn’t mean there isn’t strife, illness, and evil. To me, it reveals that God is in His Kingdom and His will be done, on this earth and in heaven. Thank you, Katherine, for the reminder.
Every season brings us new beauty and joy. When God gifted us with the different seasons, He blessed us as only He, our Creator, could do. As you say, the dependability of the seasons, and the trustworthiness of our Father, show His power and faithfulness. Thank you for blessing me by reading and commenting. Wishing you a joyful and blessed week, Craig.
The sun and moon move in their ordained pathways. The seasons change and the arctic blast freezes as the axis tipping changes just a few degrees. A few small degrees from the ordained and we cease.
Praise the Lord.
Your comment reminds me that our Father is the Master Planner and knew exactly where to set our planet in its orbit so that we might enjoy abundant life here on Earth. Thank you, Tedd.
Fall is my favorite season but the reminder of God’s love is best!
I agree, Lisa! Not only did our Father love us so much He sent His Son to save us, He created this amazingly beautiful Earth for us to have as our home until we join Him in eternity. Thank you for stopping in to read my blog and share your thoughts. You blessed my day!
Reading John 3:16 or the other Scriptures about God’s love never gets old. We can’t hear this message too much! Blessings, Katherine, and thanks for sharing this encouragement.
“Reading about God’s love never gets old.” I agree, Barbara. Not only did God give us the greatest gift of love, Jesus as our Savior, our Father made it possible that we have His Word, recorded as Scripture. We are blessed that we can go to His Word at any time, read the inspired message, and be assured of His great love for us.
The beauty of fall takes my breath away and points me directly to the Creator of the universe. To God the glory!
Amen! Candyce, I know we both enjoy the blessing of walking in God’s creation. We’ve been doubly blessed with these wonderful and beautiful days of fall. Hopefully, we’ll have a few more before winter settles in. Blessings!
It’s been decades since the foliage around here has been this vibrant. And we’ve recently seen rainbows with more regularity than usual. Fall through the holidays is my favorite time of year, but there is much to appreciate throughout the year. Great post, Katherine. God bless!
I continue to marvel at the beauty of this fall season. The leaves are beginning to fall heavily in my area, but even the carpet of color on the ground is lovely. However, I’m not looking forward to the major task of leaf removal from the many trees in my yard. But, it’s just a reminder that with beauty comes responsibility to care for our world.
I love your pretty fall pictures, and the changing seasons is a great analogy to remind us how we know God loves us. Especially your end –because of the cross. Amen!
Thank you, Kathy. I think sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of life (trying to keep up with all our responsibilities), we sometimes forget the greatest gift of love ever bestowed upon us. Jesus gave His life because of love. I need to answer that gift of love by doing my best to share God’s love for others. As an introvert, it’s hard for me to witness to others, but I’m praying God will guide me to do better. Wishing you a week filled with sunshine and joy.
Although I’m not a fan of colder weather, I love the fall colors. There is beauty found in each season–God’s masterpiece!
Every season is lovely, but fall and spring are the most colorful, I think. Like you, I’m not a fan of colder weather, but winter helps us appreciate the other seasons (and I do love some snow). Wishing you a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving, LuAnn and family.