Greetings in Jesus Name!
NO DETOURS… Have you ever taken a detour, and it almost ruined your day? I have. While detours are part of the driving experience these days, I am convinced that God doesn’t want your Summer being consumed with man-made detours.
GOOD THING… Summer is known for a change of pace with school being out, family vacations, and outdoor activities like picnics and swimming. I think this is a good thing, but even a good thing can become a detour from the best thing. I’m praying that God will use your Summer to draw you close to Himself and that the Summer of 2021 will be a season of refreshment and recalibration.
PERSONALLY… I’ll be taking a break from my blogging this Summer with the intention of allowing Him to write His word on my heart. Your summer plans should not detour God’s work in you & your family.
Here are 5 practical things that you can do to protect yourself from a summer of detours…
1. DAILY TRAIN with Soul Exercises. Get alone each day with God to pray and read scripture. If you’re not sure what this looks like, go back and read my posts on “Training for Godliness.”
“My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.” – Psalm 5:3 (NKJV)
2. WEEKLY ENGAGE in church and purpose to not leave the same way you came. Early on in my faith, I determined to linger as long as necessary at church. The problem is seldom the worship, preacher, or people but our very own nature or circumstances that keep us from hearing God and enjoying community. Purpose to not leave the sanctuary the same way you came. If you’re out-of-town, attend somewhere as a guest or at the very least join us online at www.cplace.tv.
“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” – Hebrew 10:25 (NLT)
3. SET GOALS that will help you feel more revived when Summer concludes. What will make Summer a win for you? We are each better when challenged with a fresh vision. It could be as simple as cleaning the garage or reading a book that you’ve not been able to get to. Make your goals S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound).
“May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans!” – Psalm 20:4 (ESV)
4. KNOW THE THREE people who will sharpen you as a person of faith. It could include someone you look up to, or some close friends, who love Jesus and inspire you. I already have my relational bucket list of three for this Summer. Who are your three?
“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” – Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
5. SMELL THE ROSES. Ok, maybe not literally but enjoy God’s creation. Each day look for something in creation that declares His handiwork. Audibly give your heavenly Father thanks and brag on Him to at least one person about His creation that same day.
“1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. 2 Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. 3 They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. 4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.” – Psalm 19:1-4 (NLT)
“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” – Romans 1:20 (NLT)
I believe God is preparing His people for something incredible this Fall, and I don’t want to miss it because I failed to allow Him to order my steps over the Summer. Let’s have a refreshing and empowering Summer. You’re all invited to join us June 26-27 for Summer Splash – it’s going to be amazing.
I am praying for you. You are not alone!
Rick Lorimer
Lead Pastor
Christ Place Church
