East Orrington Congregational Church

DEVOTION:

Philippians 2:15
“So that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”  

THOUGHT:

The photo above was taken during a walk with my sisters near Augusta. As I was walking along a wooded path, the ground was covered with the muted browns and yellows of fallen leaves — all blending into one another. But there, in the midst of it all, lay a single red leaf.   Vibrant. Unmistakable. Alive with color. I sto[[eed and took the photo because it seemed to preach a quiet sermon of its own. In a world that too often fades into sameness — into compromise, complaint, and conformity — God calls His people to stand out. Not by being louder, but by being faithful. Not by pushing against others, but by holding firm to Him. Not by condemning and putting down, but by being the one to show grace, hope, and love. 

That one red leaf reminded me that holiness isn’t about separating ourselves from the world, but about bringing color into it. When the world grows weary and dull with cynicism, our kindness becomes a flash of red. When others fade into despair, our hope stands out like autumn fire. When love seems scarce, the mercy of Christ shining through us paints the world in new tones of grace. As I stood there, I heard the Lord remind me to stay faithful to the message of Jesus Christ.  To bear the fruit of the spirit through Him and not lose focus.

A thought came to me that we, God's people, need to be “colorful for Jesus,” and let the light within us — His light — spill out in ways that cannot be ignored. It’s refusing to dim our faith to match the faded hues around us. It’s choosing to be the contrast that invites others to notice the beauty of God. And perhaps, just like that single red leaf, your presence in a quiet corner of the world — your compassion, your integrity, your faithfulness — may be exactly what God uses to remind someone that His glory is still alive among us.

PRAYER: 

As morning light filters across this new day, we pause in quiet gratitude. The world awakens, and so do we — ready to live once more as Your people, rooted in faith, clothed in grace, and made alive by Your Spirit.

Lord, as we gather in Your house today, remind us that You call us to be the color in a faded world — the kindness that stands out, the hope that does not fade, the love that refuses to grow cold. May our lives reflect Your beauty in every place we walk, in every word we speak, and in every hand we hold. We thank You for this church family — for the laughter shared, the burdens carried, and the prayers lifted together. Bless those who come with joy, and those who come quietly carrying sorrow. Remind us that even in our differences, Your Spirit weaves us into one tapestry of grace.

Lord, let Your light shine through us into the heart of this community. May our compassion reach the lonely, our service uplift the weary, and our faith awaken those searching for meaning. Let the world see Your reflection in us — steady, kind, and alive with color. As we worship You this morning, rekindle in us the courage to stand firm in truth and to live boldly in love. Just as one red leaf brightens the forest floor, may our lives bear witness that Your glory is still alive among us. In the name of the One who colors the world with mercy — Jesus Christ, our Lord —Amen.