It’s Summertime
Summer is in full swing and that means that it is that time of the year to break out the flip-flops, sunscreen, and charcoal. As people make their way to the lake, as they gather for summer BBQs, and sit out by the pool it can be easy to allow the relaxed atmosphere of summertime to carry over into our walk with the Lord. Packed calendars, summer weddings, family reunions, and squeezing in some sort of vacation can leave you needing a vacation from your vacation.
In the midst of our busyness and fun this summer, the Lord desires from us to continue to treasure our time with Him. He desires to commune with us. We speak to Him through prayer and He speaks to us through His Word.
The Bible is a big book that has a lot of story lines and major learning points for us to follow and read. David teaches us how to worship our God. Moses shows us how to be a leader. Paul constantly gives us helpful tips for our daily lives. But, if you were to choose one thing to say the Bible is written for, it would probably be that God sent His son to Earth to save us all. That idea permeates all of the Bible. From prophesies in the Old Testament, to the story of Jesus in the New Testament. And how are we saved? By grace! Grace is what saves us. This idea HAS to be important if it is such a large portion of the Bible. Think with me this summer about how amazing it is that we are saved by grace! I love how Paul puts it in Ephesians 2:8,9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
So here are a few ways to help you keep God on your mind while you are on your way here and there to your summertime destinations:
– If you’re heading to the zoo – think about Noah and the ark and the diversity of God’s creation (Genesis 7:1-5).
– Heading to the beach – talk about the difference between building your house on shifting sand versus solid rock (Matthew 7:24-27).
– Spending some time near a lake or on a boat – consider how Jesus calmed the storm (Luke 8:22-25).
– Cooking out at a BBQ – as you enjoy the sweet smell coming from the grill consider how we are the fragrance of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:15).
There are many opportunities to bring God into your daily summer activities, so be creative and enjoy your summer more as you consider how God can be seen everywhere you go.
Last but not least, I would like to remind you that in the midst of all busyness this summer, Jesus Christ is the refreshing center of summer. He is pre-eminent in all things (Colossians 1:18), including vacations and picnics and softball and long walks and cookouts. He invites us this summer: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). This my friends, is serious summer refreshment.
Happy Summer, Y’all!
Love, Pastor John Todor
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