Considerations

    What are you doing this summer?

    I meditate on your precepts
        and consider your ways.
    Psalm 119:15 NLT

    Longer days. Slower pace. Time by the pool, beach or relaxing in a park to read that book you bought months ago. A chance to get away for a family vacation. Summer can bring about a much needed break from the norm and new opportunities to be personally refreshed and reconnected to our loved ones. Not only does this apply to us physically, emotionally and mentally but also spiritually. What could you do this summer to be refreshed spiritually and more intimately connected to Jesus? What are some new and unique ways for you to meditate on God’s precepts and consider His ways (Psalm 119:15)? How might you fix your thoughts on things that are excellent and worthy of praise throughout the summer (Philippians 4:8)?

    A time to do something new

    Summer is a great time to try new things, new foods, visit new places and meet new people. It can also be a wonderful time to shake up our spiritual habits with new and exciting ways to be spiritually nourished and discover unique ways to be Christ’s hands and feet in our community. Here are a few ideas to consider:

    1. Journal your way through the summer. Keep record of the ways you see God work in your life over the summer. Keep track of what you are grateful for. 
    2. Read a book about the life of a missionary or person of faith whose Christian ministry resonates with you. Allow their stories to encourage you to remain steadfast in the areas you currently serve or cause you to consider how you can serve in the future.
    3. Volunteer and be a part of a team in an outreach opportunity with your church or local missions. Be actively engaged in any training provided to not only be equipped as Christ’s ambassador but to also be spiritually nourished yourself.
    4. Meditate on the Psalms, Proverbs or another book in the Bible. Take your time to explore what the word says and identify ways you can make real-world applications in your life over the summer.
    5. Spend time in nature and marvel at God’s creation. Take photos along the way and match them with scripture. Create a collage or calendar of the pics with verses that you can share with loved ones. Or find some other creative means to express the awesome works of God’s hand.
    6. Meditate on the Attributes of God. Uncover the different attributes of God revealed in scripture. Journal how you or others have experienced these attributes personally.
    7. Join or start a summer bible study group. Whether it be studying together a book in the Bible or exploring a topic through scripture, this is a great way to grow spiritually while connecting with others.
    8. Be intentional about seeing and hearing those around you. Discover ways that you can come alongside others who are lonely or have a need that you can assist with. Let the word of God be actively living through you and bless others with the blessings God has given you.
    9. Take your prayers on a walk. Walk and pray in different locations over the summer. Walk in targeted areas and shape your prayers specifically around that area needing prayer.
    10. Take a break from serving over the summer. Allow yourself to be rejuvenated and resume serving after the summer months. We are no good to God, others nor ourselves when we are burned out because we fail to take time to rest. God rested and so should we, including extended times of rest to be fully refreshed for the work we engage in on His behalf.

    So what will you do to shake up your spiritual habits this summer? Whatever you choose, may it be an enjoyable season that brings about benefits to you and others well beyond the summer months. Lastly, I leave you with this encouragement directly from the word that we can all consider and intentionally strive to do this summer. May it become a hallmark of our lives in Christ:

    And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.  
    Philippians 4:8-9 NLT