Summer is coming . . .in fact, it is here!

 

moving on . . .

Summer 2023....think of what our time with God does for Him!

Got a minute?

Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence. (Psalm 21:6)

“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:37-38)

I believe most of realize that our time with God brings us peace and calmness while living in an unstable world. However, do we ever think of what our time with God does for Him?

As parents of young adults, we simply cherish the times our kids spend time with us . . . nothing special, just time to chat, spend time in a backyard b-b-q, or sitting on the porch sipping a cool drink on a hot summer evening. I know we enjoy it more than they do. They may see it as a chore, but we are blessed within our hearts. Those visits are indeed cherished. Their time with us is precious.

So in relating to God, many times our time with Him may seem forced or even a daily chore, yet when we do God is pleased. When we ignore Him, He is hurt for sure, as we are when our kids are too busy to stop by the house.

So let's bless God today with a genuine visit . . . even if we have to make ourselves do it! Think of what our time with God does for Him!

Summer 2023....idle time/alone time

Is summer all it is cracked up to be?

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession or us with groaning which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. . . . As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8: 26-27, 36-39)

Summer time is supposed to be a time of fun, excitement, travel, and rest. However, many find it challenging. Some are not able to travel as they would like. Others may feel rather alone, not seeing classmates, co-workers, or family as they do in the normal routines of the non-summer months. Yet others face emotions of envy and jealousy seeing others travel to exotic lands, recall their fun-filled cruise excursions, or discuss their days or weeks on the beach.

For many, summer is simply not as much fun or restful as others may think. People may become frustrated, alone, and rather invisible during the summer. They may slip into a state of recluse and hide within the shadows as others enjoy the times of rest and relaxation. I know! As a teacher/mentor/coach, I have summers free. Yet free to do what? I find myself idle and feeling alone many times, even though family is around and friends visit. I tend to cover up my feelings inside with outward learned social skills. Is that you at times too?

God knows these emotions. He knows our hearts and His Spirit pleads for us (Romans 8:26-27). Know that we are never alone . . . especially when we have feelings of aloneness. (Romans 8:36-39)

We all must know that God truly cares. This is why I pursue others to know the God I know. His care gets me through the toughest of days! Let Him in today . . .

Summer 2023....a short break from the norm . . . rest a while!

 Everybody needs a break from the norm. Some are blessed and privileged to take weeks or months at a time while some of us take advantage of the short respites . . . a day trip or a weekend get away. Either way, breaks from the norm are needed for good mental and spiritual health as well as physical health. Many times the breaks are not just a time to rest and relax, but to restart or jump-start our failed or forgotten physical routines.

Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught.  And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves. (Mark 6:30-32)

The disciples had been sent out by Jesus to share the Good News and were weary. They had heard of John the Baptist's murder by Herod. They were tired, hurt and in need of rest. Jesus saw of their need to rest. It would come to be a short rest though, as the people followed them as they departed. They would again assist Jesus is ministering to those in need.

So take the time to rest . . . even if just a quiet evening on the porch! Take a short break from the norm . . . rest a while!

Planning with God in mind

God's plans and our plans . . .

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11)

As we head into the summer months and finish off school, be reminded that God wants to bless us! Many times it is up to us! 

Just a short message today to remind us all to do all we can to please God in our planning, so He can do all He has planned for us!

What are your plans this summer?

Summer...redirecting focus . . .but God!

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:2-8)

Who likes being tested? Who enjoys trials? Anyone facing the unknown? That is where God has me at this point. At sixty-two, I should be thinking of retirement but that is not the case! I am pondering how long I may have to work to keep my family secure and even where I may be working in the near future!

In this world and economy today, nothing is for sure anymore . . . but God! Yes, it's summer and I should be relaxed, enjoying the freedom from teaching, but that is not the case. We have a mission trip in two weeks with a group of nine teenagers from school. A bit nervous right? Then there is next school year. As is the case every year, next year's plans are tentative, as it is with every year of planning in education.

So what am I to do? I must take my focus of of me and redirect my focus on God. He has provided all along and will do so now. Will it be easy . . . NO! Is it the right thing to do . . . YES! With all the questions this summer, I must redirect my focus and remember these two words . . . BUT GOD!