Fall is upon us

If you’re looking for some conversation starters, the fall season has what you need.

Football season is underway, and pumpkin flavored everything is back on the menu everywhere.

I doubt there is anyone in your sphere of influence who doesn’t have an opinion – or three – about either of these two topics.

For the sports mind, the Bible is full of stories about great feats of physical strength, defeating foes, and winning the ultimate race.

Judges 15:15 (KJV) – “And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith.”

That’s what Samson did, what if your team had that feat of strength?

Deuteronomy 20:4 (KJV) – “For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.”

When you need that something extra, who better to have on your team?

Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) – “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Strength, agility, and soaring to new heights will resonate with any football fanatic.

For those with a pumpkin sweet tooth, there are many references to blessings that aren’t seasonal.

Psalm 68:19 (KJV) – “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.”

He takes care of us no matter what craving we might have.

James 1:17 (KJV) – “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

God’s gifts are perfectly sweet every time.

Yes, I know, don’t get on me about selective verses relating to earthly wastes of time and petty desires (tell a pumpkin spice caramel ice coffee lover she has a petty desire, and you’ll get a full-on conversation fast. Ask me how I know).

The point is to use a worldly topic that is important to someone to find an opening to start a conversation and turn that someone’s thoughts to God.

Now, disciple, however you can connect in a conversation, bring it all back to Jesus.

Salvation is the sweetest victory anyone will ever receive, and it lasts far beyond the fall season.

3 Questions for now

“Are you ready for some …”

That line is famous among football fans, and it can be applied to the onslaught of pumpkin flavored sweet treats.

So get ready for some conversations based on the season.

When there is a fall-related opening, here are some questions:

• What do you think gives your team an edge? (Bring it back to, here is the edge I have with everything in life.)

• How do you like that flavor this year in your drink? (Bring it back to the sweet water of life that Jesus delivers.)

• That game didn’t go your way, or that drink fell flat, huh? (I’ve found someone who never fails me, and is not a seasonal thing.)

Ask, and see where the conversation leads.

There might be a sweet victory ahead.

Be kind. Love others. Be bold.

Shawn’s noodling rant:

(“Noodling” is a term I swiped from my mentor. The meaning is to “ponder” or “think deeply about” a topic that God is challenging us with through scripture or the Holy Spirit, or both.)

A crinkle that leads to Jesus

I may not get this analogy correct, but I find the premise enlightening.

The Bible is written in such a way that every part of it is interwoven with stories and examples that lead people to God.

Imagine a string woven into the words of Scripture from front to back.

If you pull on the string at any point in the Bible, it crinkles another part somewhere else – everything is tied together.

So, if you find a verse in say the Old Testament that speaks to your life and you – figuratively – tug on that point in the string of Scripture, another verse that leads to Jesus will “crinkle up” elsewhere in the Bible. That thread of thought, guided by the Holy Spriit, woven into Scripture will help you in your faith walk.

Like I said, I don’t know if I have that right, but it excites me, inspires me as I read the Word and seek growth in my life.

The Old Testament talks about soaring on wings of eagles and the New Testament crinkles about running the race.

The Old Testament talks about defeating enemies that come against you and the New Testament crinkles about defeating the forces of darkness.

The Old Testament talks about God saving His people and the New Testament crinkles about eternal victory through Jesus’ salvation for all who seek Him.

I think sometimes in our teaching, preaching and studying we skim over this thread of connection to God woven throughout the Bible.

From Genesis to Revelation, that thread leads to Jesus.

Now, disciple, what verse can you tug on today to see what the Word crinkles up for you?