The Radiance of Summer

As the sun casts its warm, golden glow upon the earth, the summer season ushers in an aura of joy and abundance. In this blissful period, the world seems to awaken and bloom in its full splendor. The Biblical essence of summer can be a profound inspiration for us to reconnect with God's love and grace. 

Here, we will explore the divine significance of summer and reflect on ways to let this season be a catalyst for spiritual rejuvenation and deeper connection with God’s love.

God’s Love Manifested in Creation:

In summer, nature is vibrant, and life is in abundance. This is a time when we can experience God’s love through the beauty of creation. With the chirping of birds, the fragrance of flowers, and the warmth of the sun, summer paints a vivid picture of the generosity of the Creator. By immersing ourselves in this natural bounty, we are reminded of God's unwavering love for us.

Embracing the Warmth of God’s Love:

1. Reflect and Rejoice:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” ~ John 15:5

Summer calls for reflection and rejoicing. With the beauty surrounding us, it’s an opportunity to express gratitude for God’s creation and the blessings in our lives. Reflect on how God’s love has shaped your journey, and let your heart overflow with joy.   

Ideas to try: 

• Find a lovely summer journal and reflect on God’s Beauty and Blessings in your life.
• Create (draw, sketch, paint, cross-stitch, embroider) your own personal branch from His Vine.  
• Express Gratitude or Share a Blessing with our free share-able e-cards.

2. Foster Spiritual Growth:

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”  ~ 2 Corinthians 9:6:  

Use the summer season to cultivate spiritual growth. Immerse yourself in prayer, read Scriptures, and engage in spiritual conversations. Let the metaphor of blooming flowers inspire you to blossom in your relationship with God. 

Ideas to try: 

• Commit to pray consistently in July.  By the end of July you will be much closer to making prayer a daily habit.
• Read the bible daily
• July is a great month to read Proverbs. Proverbs is a guidebook of wisdom on how to live well in God’s World. There are 31 days in July and 31 chapters in Proverbs,  making it an easy read a chapter a day plan to follow for Summer. 
• The book of James is another good book of the Bible to read.  It’s often referred to as the “Proverbs of the New Testament” and it lays out wisdom and instruction on how to live according to Jesus’ teachings. James consists of  5 chapters and there are 5 Sundays in July, so you can try to tackle one chapter each week of July.
• Seek out a community to foster your spiritual growth.

• Is there a group or class at your church you can join? 
• Is there a friend you can become prayer partners with?  I
• Is there a virtual facebook group you can engage with?

3. Nourish Relationships:

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” ~ Hebrews 10:24-25

Just as plants need sunlight to thrive, relationships require care and attention. This summer, commit to nourishing relationships with family and friends. Spend quality time together, have meaningful conversations, and let your relationships be a testament to God’s  love.

Ideas to try: 

• This summer assign one night a week to be a special night for family fun and memories.  If you are a grandparent and your grandkids are in a different state, consider scheduling a 20-minute video call to play charades or 20 questions.
• Host or Coordinate a get together with friends—a potluck, picnic, after church brunch, backyard ice-tea refresher.
• Every Sunday we post a “Pass the Peace” post on our social pages where we do a virtual “Peace Be with you and also with you” exchange post.
• Commit to sending encouragement to those important people in your life—with a phone call, letter. e-cards or an encouraging gift.

   

 

4. Engage in Acts of Kindness:

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” ~ Galatians 6:9

Let the warmth of summer inspire warmth in your actions. Engage in acts of kindness and service to reflect God’s love to others. Whether it’s through volunteering, helping a neighbor, or simply sharing a smile, let your actions be rays of sunshine in someone’s life.

Ideas to try:

• Pick a flower from your garden and share it with someone.
• Leave bottles of water for the mail and delivery folk.
• Make a fun challenge of trying to give a sincere compliment to everyone you meet, or a quick prayer for them or request of blessing
• Each Monday, we post a how can we pray for you post open our Instagram and Facebook pages.  Check our pages for those posts and like and or reply with your own prayer for them too!

5. Seek Refreshment in God: 

As summer can also bring heat and exhaustion, it’s a reminder to seek refreshment and renewal in God. Psalm 23:2-3 says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” Find solace in prayer, meditation, and in the quiet moments spent with God.

Ideas to try: 

• Start a simple Gratitude journal to record 3 things you are grateful for each day. It doesn’t have to be a journal. There are many ideas out there like writing each blessing on a small slip of paper and putting it into a jar—watch your jar fill up and by the end of summer your cup (jar) will runneth over. ;)
• Start doing a daily 10-15 minute prayer walk where you give thanks for the beauty and blessings you encounter, and pray over everything you see, your neighborhood, your neighbors, their pets, and anyone or anything that crosses into your thoughts. Let this be a time for you to be a conscious time for walking next to Jesus fully present in the world and open to its wonder.
• Wear one of our bracelets as a tangible reminder at the end of your arm that God is always with you. Always within reach.

Summer, with its boundless beauty and energy, is a radiant reminder of God’s love and grace.  By embracing the spiritual essence of this season, we have the opportunity to deepen our connection with the Creator and to become vessels of His love. As we navigate through this glorious season, let us be inspired to nurture our spirits, grow closer to each other and Him, and spread the warmth of God's love.

Many God's Peace and Love always be with you~

xo