Isaiah 40:31 NIV — but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Do you have a favorite season? I have aspects of each season that I like, but summer is my favorite season. As a child, summer signified a time out of school, a less structured routine, and time to play with friends. As an adult, the same is still partially true. Over the years, my time for summer break has decreased, but I still have a little time to play with friends. I enjoy spending time sitting on the beach or by a pool relaxing and catching up with friends.

As I reflect on the many reasons I love summer, I realize summer signifies time for me to pause and be still. The warm sun on my skin seems to recharge my batteries and rejuvenate my spirit. Summer is a time apart from the usual hustle and bustle of life. As I type, I realize I need to take time throughout the year to have a “summertime” to be refreshed and renewed. In fact, I will begin viewing my daily time with God as a mini summer break. 

What can you do today to be rejuvenated? How can you be renewed and refreshed? Carve away a time to have your very own mini summer break with God.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for summer. As I spend time with You today, renew and refresh my spirit so I may be an effective vessel of Your love to others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Hebrews 13:8 NIV — Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary “change” means to make different or to give a different position, course, or direction. How do you feel about change? Change can be scary and hard. Change can be sad. Sometimes when change begins as scary, hard, or sad, it eventually turns out to be a positive thing.

As the daughter of a United Methodist minister, I experienced some big changes on a regular basis. The United Methodist conference has an itinerant system meaning ministers do not stay at one church appointment for long periods of time. In fact, until I was married, I had never lived anywhere longer than 5 years. 

Each time when we learned we would be moving, I would be filled with a range of emotions. Angry, sad, excited, and nervous are just a few of the feelings I experienced. As I reflect over that time in my life I now realize the change taught me many valuable life lessons. I met many people who impacted me and helped to shape me into the person I am today.

No matter what changes we go through, there is one constant: Jesus. Jesus is with us through the changes and He will guide and direct our steps as long as we are willing to allow Him. Spend some time today reflecting on changes you have been through. How did those changes shape you? Did you allow Jesus to direct your steps?

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your presence in my life. Help me to look for and recognize the positives that change can bring. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV — There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

This week we will ponder various aspects of change and different seasons in our lives. Let’s start today by recognizing the season you are in now. What brought you to this season and how are you handling it? Is this a difficult season? If so, how are you responding?

As you participate in corporate worship today, draw close to God. Allow Him to bring to mind the blessings in today’s season. Allow His love, peace, and joy to rejuvenate and renew you. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for today and for the blessings of today. Open my eyes to my current season and help me to respond after the example of Jesus. In His name I pray, Amen.

Psalms‬ ‭16‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Notice the the beautiful boundary line in Ray’s photo. Join us for See You Saturday by clicking the link. We share on boundary lines and our circle of control.

Isaiah 60:1 NIV — Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.

Do you think you’re not worthy? Well, the glory of the Lord is upon you, shining brightly. It would be easy to think we are unworthy when life is full of ants and brokenness, right? 

I am here to encourage you that the Lord rises upon you. As you arise to this day and your present situation, remember that God picked you to shine His light. He knew I would have a really overwhelming few months. He saw my negativity and ungrateful heart. He still loves me unconditionally and is the source of my strength and joy. 

I encourage you to worship with “Rejoice” by Andrew Ripp. Some of the lyrics sing: “Until I rise like the morning. Wake up in the arms of glory to finally see the sun above the pouring rain.”

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for rising upon me. Thank You for calling me worthy and redeemed. Help me remain in You and rise above my situations. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Psalms 92:12 Holman Christian Standard Bible — The righteous thrive like a palm tree and grow like a cedar tree in Lebanon.

With God, we can thrive in every situation. We are no different than the palm trees. I encourage you to read the full chapter surrounding today’s verse: Psalm 92: 1-15 HCSB

Did you notice that we thrive in God’s courts and bear fruit in old age? First, we need to plant ourselves in God’s courts, then we must remain there. We also need to stay on guard because Satan isn’t going to want us to stay there. I admit, it is hard to remain when you’re on Day 6 of Living With Ants. Like Home Defense bug spray, we must intentionally and proactively remain to thrive. Thankfully on Day 7, the ants were evicted. I think God was making sure He had my attention and kept me laughing.

Let’s pray. Dear God, For You have made me rejoice oh Lord, by what You have done. I will shout for joy because of the works of Your hands. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen (Psalms 92:4).

Isaiah 43:18 NIV — Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

We must not dwell on our past, nor our current situations. However, when it rains it pours. The same day I threw my leaky coffee pot out, my Keurig needed cleaning and refused to work. No problem, I have a spare coffee pot! Yet, I had no filters. This is when coffee desperation kicks in. A tip from a professional coffee drinker, a folded paper towel makes a fabulous filter in a pinch. If only you could be an ant to be a witness in this scene.

I knew that God was trying to get my attention. Remember, I shared on Sunday that I had been letting negativity consume me. I know in this season, God wants me to keep moving forward, not allowing Satan’s schemes to thwart me. God doesn’t want us to dwell, but rather slow down, evaluate and execute. We can’t help but to laugh at His sense of humor along the way. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank you for making me laugh. Help me not to dwell on my past or my present situation. Show me how to positively move forward with Your strength, love and joy. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.