FOREST WINDS

The September winds are kicking up,
and the poplars, all so grandy,
along the road are saying, “Turn!
Your way is not too dandy!”
 
Their silvery leaves are showing me,
as the sun falls in, and merry,
that the way I go is not that good,
and I’d best let someone carry—
 
Carry me to where the birches dance,
and the ferns, on a wind a-borning,
do swirl and twirl, as I listen well,
to their end-of-summer warning—
 
Warning of the way that I think’s right,
which is not, to be contrary,
for there are commandments to obey,
and they’re anything but airy!

 

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 14:12

 

 

 

 

FOREST WINDS

The September winds are kicking up, here in my neck of the woods. A yellow hue is appearing on the trees and some leaves are already orange and red. The cooler, crisper days of Autumn have begun here in Veery Glade.

While walking as meekly as possible on the faithful trail in the woods, have you noticed a lone fern twirling in a windy swirl as if it were waving while other ferns remain motionless? Is it trying to say something?

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come; he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

John 16:13

The September winds blow in understanding. The Word of God is the standard by which to live. God, the Holy Spirit, breathes wisdom into the minds of those born again. He points us down the path He wants us to hike. We submit to His authority because we know He knows best and, meek, faithful prayer is effective in communicating with a loving Heavenly Father who has amazing power to help us.

Know ye not,

that to whom ye yield

yourselves servants to obey,

his servants ye are to whom ye obey;

whether of sin unto death,

or of obedience unto righteousness?

But God be thanked, that ye were the

servants of sin, but ye have obeyed

from the heart that form of doctrine which

was delivered you. Being then made free

from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Romans 6:16-18

Free from sin. Wonderful, good news! Obedience equals life. Every day, pray for strength and opportunity to be obedient to God’s Word. Store up for yourself treasures in Heaven!

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful: but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Romans 1: 18-21

The twirling, waving fern reminds us there are warnings in God’s Word. When people cease to glorify God, they become vain in their own imaginations and end up fools with no excuse to sway God’s decision for justice. For wrath. For vengeance. Wicked people will perish by the hand of Almighty God.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

We must own up to our sin, realizing personal efforts towards justification fall short. Self-centered, seemingly right ideas and traditions not relying on Christ always lead to death. But if we own up, we are free from sin. FORGIVEN.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:6

Only Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who bore all sin on the cross, is able to forgive all unrighteousness! No one else can forgive any sin.

I trust you know, dear forest dwellers, that we all have sinned and deserve death. We will stand on trial before Heaven’s court. Without the only representation allowed before God, which is made by Jesus Christ, sinners before God will be condemned because God cannot look at sin. Evil-doers not washed will not be allowed into God’s kingdom. They will be sent to Hell. But those who point to Jesus as their lawyer, who died for their sins, staying on the cross, displaying out-of-this-world meekness, will gain eternal life.

U-turns are accepted today. The prodigal son in Luke 15 made poor choices and walked wayward. The way seemed right at the time. But one day, maybe a windy day, the prodigal son came to his senses and turned around, returning to his loving father who forgave him.

Pray for loved ones to turn and get off the path that leads to death. Ask for strength and wisdom for today. Thank the LORD for His goodness in providing a Redeemer.

Know ye not that the unrighteous

shall not inherit the kingdom of God?

Be not deceived:

neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers,

nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, 

nor revilers, nor extortioners,

shall inherit the kingdom of God.

And such were some of you: But ye are washed,

but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified

in the name of the Lord Jesus,

and by the Spirit of our God.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10

Our faith in God’s meek Lamb, Jesus Christ, equals being washed, sanctified and justified. Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life live forever. Live to be there. 

If ye love me, keep my commandments.

John 14:15

Because of Jesus, we strive to obey His commands.

Because of Jesus, we pray again, ‘Thy will be done.’

Because of Jesus, we try to be meek.

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

1 Timothy 6:10-11

There must be glorious forests in Heaven covered with ferns on the woodland floor waiting for us to walk among them with our Redeemer. May forest winds guide you to them by way of our Lord’s meekness.