7 Ways to Incorporate God’s Word into Your Favorite Fall Activities

Apples are grown in every state and in many regions of the world, and they usually come into seasons anytime from late July through November. And given the popularity of apple pie, apple sauce, apple cobbler, and more, apple picking can be a wholesome and interesting way to celebrate Fall.

If you go apple picking this year, or do any kind of harvest-gathering, consider the words of the psalmist in the very first psalm as you gather.

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers” (Psalm 1:1-3).

In that region, trees were planted closest to a riverbank so their roots could reach the water, therefore thriving. Similarly when we walk closely with the Lord, we are close to our life source, and thrive in turn. As you pick apples or other fall fruit, consider how you can stay connected with God in all you do.

2. While Snuggling under Blankets 

For some of us, fall is a great chance to cozy up on the couch with a cuddly blanket, a mug of hot cocoa or tea, and a good book or some binge-worthy television. As the leaves fall, life’s pace seems to slow a little. Cold temperatures start to move us inside. We have an opportunity to sit and simply be in the moment with the Lord in these times. 

As you enjoy snuggling under blankets this season, meditate on Psalm 46, which reminds us of God’s almighty power over all things, from wars to earthquakes.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. … He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11).

Between colorful leaves, comfortable outdoor temperatures, and a general lack of snow, talking a walk in the forest or other terrain is another favorite fall activity. Spending time in nature is often a good way to settle your thoughts and refocus on God amid His splendor that is creation. And when nature is combined with walking, it becomes not only a good opportunity to exercise but to meditate on your spiritual walk with God.

The prophet Micah, in his message to the people of Israel and Judah, offers a good verse to consider as you enjoy a hike.

“With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:6-8).

Here, the prophet is telling readers that God doesn’t want or need our burnt offerings, our oils, our rams, or our firstborn children to show our love, honor, and dedication. He wants our hearts—He wants us to embrace justice, mercy, and humility as we go about our lives.

As you hike, pray on this. How can you love and exhibit these values God holds dearly in your own daily existence?

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Sitting around a campfire with family or friends can be another favorite fall activity. There’s something about the mesmerizing flicker of flames, the smell of fresh wood, the crackle and pop, the warmth from the blaze that runs counter to the chilly night air; it’s a sensory experience.

The Bible is filled with verses about fire that we can meditate on while we relax around a campfire.

We know fire is cleansing, righteous, and pure. In Leviticus 6:13, the priests instructed, “The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.” Similarly we must not let the fire in our heart for Jesus go out.

In Luke 12, Jesus told His disciples He’d come not to make peace, but to start a righteous war on behalf of the Father. As Jesus said in Luke 12:49, “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!”

In the Book of Acts, after Jesus ascended to heaven after His resurrection, the disciples were gathered together in one place when “suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:2-4). Like a fire, the Holy Spirit settled upon them and ignited their hearts in unity and truth. From this, an explosion of believers began—3,000 alone that first day.

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Whether it’s apple pie, pumpkin cookies, or a loaf of scrumptious homemade bread, fall can be a favorite time for baking delicious treats for the people we love. As we take part in this tasty activity, consider the parable Jesus offered about God’s promise of salvation being like yeast at work in bread.

As Jesus said in Matthew 13:33, “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

Yeast is an amazing thing—a small amount mixed into a great deal of dough causes the whole thing to rise, or leaven. Similarly, even just a kernel of God’s Word has the potential to impact the whole world in magnificent ways. One believer can transform thousands of lives just by sharing the Gospel.

As you bake, whether or not you use yeast, you can pray, and those prayers can impact the lives of those who enjoy your festive treats.

6. While Navigating Corn Mazes 

Part of the excitement about corn mazes is the challenge—it’s fun to get lost and figure your way out! As you navigate the twists and turns, consider that Jesus reminded us in John 14:6 that He is not a way to salvation—He is “the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

And King Solomon, in his wisdom bestowed by the Lord, urges us in his proverbs to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Thank God as you go that He provides us a path to eternal salvation.

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Sometimes we tend to keep certain areas separate from each other. But the same people who cheer on their favorite football or other sports team Friday or Saturday night are often the same people in the church pews. And God is present and can be glorified in all of it.

As you enjoy cheering on your team, remember the apostle Paul’s words to the early church in Corinth: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). And as he wrote to the Colossians, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23).

Everything we enjoy can and should be used for God’s good and centered on Him.

And, as another aspect, remember that just as there are rules and guidelines for how the games are played, so are there rules and guidelines for living in line with God. Consider Paul’s words to young Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:4-7: “No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.”

Enjoy your fall, and I hope these suggestions help fuse faith into every special moment.

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