I am writing this on the first official day of fall.  Fall is my favorite time of year.  However, I don't define fall by the calendar.  For me fall begins when the leaves start to turn colors and ends when the last tree has dropped its leaves.  The murals that God paints, either entire hillsides full of colorful trees or individual trees that look like someone has lit a giant match, are spectacular to look at.  And the view is completely free to everyone, no matter what their relationship with God.  This is a good thing, because if the view depended on our relationship with God when we are left to our own devices, we would see nothing but blackness.

      Fortunately we are not left to our own devices.  God has given us the gift of His own son Jesus, so that our relationship to Him can be restored from our sinful state. Refer to Romans 5:12-18.  God offers us the gift of forgiveness of sins.  While that gift came at a price, the price was already paid when Jesus gave his life on the cross.  Now let’s consider what a blessing the beauty of nature is, and it is given out free of charge.  Think of what an even greater blessing forgiveness of sins is when it was purchased at a great price.  If you are not participating in this gift, we invite you to start today.  Contact us at Rose Hill, either by email, phone, or visit us on Sunday morning, and we will tell you what the Bible has to say about receiving that precious gift.