In the winds of change we find our true direction in life.

If there’s one thing I like about the fall season, it’s the changing of the leaves.

Seeing God’s natural beauty change from green to the bright colors of orange, yellow, and red is breathtaking and puts a smile on my face.

It is often said, “Autumn teaches us the beauty of letting go.” Growth requires release…that’s what trees do.”

Another author mentioned, “There’s something very special when the early leaves blow from the trees… as if we’re all getting a chance to peel ourselves off, refresh ourselves, and start over.”

And…yes…life starts over again when it gets cooler in the fall.

Just go for it…maybe it’s time to change some things in your life.

Maybe it’s time for a fresh start.

Maybe it’s time for you to let go of those dark fears that are holding you back from moving forward.

And maybe it’s just time to feel the presence of God’s love in your life.

When things change within you, things around you also change.

On January 1, 2023… my word for the year was CHANGE. What should I do to make my life better?

Two years ago, in April 2022, I decided to take a leap of faith and write some faith-based devotionals every Sunday in The Canyon News. I felt like there was so much negative news in America these days. Why shouldn’t I allow my experiences and God’s Word to bring hope to our community?

My first devotional, Living with the Attitude of Christ, reflected the importance of having the same attitude toward Jesus Christ in our relationships, circle of friends, workplace, and home.

Philippians 2:5 says, “We must have the same attitude as Christ Jesus.”

Jesus Christ was humble and willing to give up his rights to obey God and serve people. Just like Christ, we should have a servant’s attitude and serve out of love for God and others…not out of guilt or fear.

Mark 10:45 says, “For I, the Son of Man, did not come here to be served, but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many.”

A commentary from my Life Application Study Bible on Mark 10:45 says, “Businesses, organizations, and institutions measure greatness by personal achievement.” However, in the Kingdom of Christ, service is the way to advance. The desire to be at the top will hinder, not help. … Instead of striving to have our needs met, we should look for ways to meet the needs of others.”

Our daily motivation… a quote I take from Germany Kent… should be: “Let your life reflect the faith you have in God.” Fear nothing and pray for everything. Be strong, trust God’s Word and trust the process.”

In 1 Timothy 2:5-6… “For there is only one God and one Mediator, who can reconcile God and men.” He is the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to buy freedom for all. This is the message that God has given to the world at the right time.”

Each of us is separated from God by sin and only one person – Jesus – can stand between us and God and bring us together again. Jesus is both God and man… and his sacrifice brought new life to all people.

Jesus gave his life as a ransom for our sins…His death paid the penalty for our sins and purchased our freedom.

In Romans 3:30, the Holy Scripture reminds us: “There is only one God, and there is only one way to be accepted by him.” Only through faith does he bring people into harmony with themselves, regardless of whether they are Jews or Gentiles.”

When God saves us by faith alone…that faith removes the pride of human effort and praises what God has done, not what we have done. Faith is based on our relationship with God, not on our performance for God.

…If you look at your life now, what things would you like to change?

Is it your job? … Maybe there is a new path that will ignite your inner fire and make you willing to take a risk?

Is it your daily habits? …How do you prioritize your time and your days? Maybe you spend way too much time on the computer or watch too many episodes of your favorite series on Netflix.

Is it your spiritual path? … Are you stagnating in your path and constantly questioning God in different areas of your life?

Each of these points is changeable…it just requires DISCIPLINE.

If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results.

Writing these devotionals helped me open up spiritually and believe more in God and less in myself. Through studying the Word of God and listening to various podcasts, I have learned to believe in what I pray for.

My past is full of moments I’m not proud of, and while I can’t change those experiences, I can start changing my future today.

Socrates believed that “the secret of change is to concentrate all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”

If you want to be successful, focus on yourself first and not on changing others.

Instead of people pleasing and seeking the approval of others, just be yourself and seek God’s approval. …In any case, God’s approval is the only thing that matters.

You can’t change what people think about you. However, when we live our lives for the Lord, we have a purpose.

According to Matt Chandler, “Your approval before God is woven into the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, not what other men and women think of you.”

In Romans 15:7…we are to “accept one another, just as Christ has accepted you, to glorify God.”

As we grow in faith and come to know Jesus better, we will be better able to maintain this attitude of loving unity throughout our lives.

As you make these daily changes, remember: “You don’t need everyone’s approval to make your dreams come true.”

Zig Ziglar quotes, “All you need to find and achieve God’s purpose in your life is God’s permission and approval…not anyone else’s.” When you come into alignment with God, there will be a glow on your face be something that will make people wonder what you’re up to.”

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Paul warned believers in Romans 12 not to copy the behavior and customs of this world.

As Christians…we must allow God to transform us by changing the way we think. We are shaped by our thoughts and all too often become what we think.

It’s time to give our lives to God. … He can achieve more with it than we can alone.

God’s desire is to take us to a new place…one we have never seen before. All it takes is a little trust.

Maybe you want God to change your situation. …Have you thought that God might want to change your heart?

Rick Warren believes, “When God’s love hits your heart, it changes you.”

When these leaves change color, it’s time for a new beginning in your life.

“God created heaven and earth in six days.” Who says He can’t change your life all at once?

…Put God first and watch your life change.

(Tim Ritter is the editor-in-chief of Canyon News. Email comments to [email protected].)