Here we are Church, half way through 2023! As we make our way through these summer months with travel/vacation, family visiting, kids out of school, late nights, etc. you may find it more difficult to maintain your regular devotional times with the Lord.
When things get busy, here are five brief reminders to keep in mind for communing with Jesus*:
It’s not about checking a box, it’s about spending time with your Savior. Often, the days you feel strongest personally and most spiritually accomplished are the days you’re most prone to walk in your own strength, rather than by the strength God supplies.
It is loving to others for you to regularly commune with Jesus. You will be a better spouse, parent, friend, neighbor, co-worker, etc. for carving out regular time with Jesus. Even if it’s just a few minutes to humbly acknowledge your need for Him for the day ahead.
Keep your morning routine adaptable. You may not have as much time as you’d like but God is not constrained by time. Read a short passage, meditate on it, and pray the truth of that short passage will strengthen you for the day ahead.
If time alone with Jesus just doesn’t happen on a crazy morning, look for a morsel of gospel food through a conversation with a brother or sister in Christ.
Evaluate later what you might be able to change to limit the “crazy” mornings. It may just be the season of life, but there could be some unhealthy habits or choices you can eliminate to free up more time for sitting with Jesus.
I hope these reminders will be helpful for the busy summer months. Let’s continue to pray and encourage one another to keep making time each day with our Lord and Savior!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Paul
Announcements, events, and things to pray for in July:
New Sermon Series! On July 16th we will begin a seven week series on “Prayer” to close out the summer months. We will examine what prayer is, what it looks like both personally and corporately, and a few different types of prayers (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and confession).
Members’ Meeting: Mark your calendars for July 30th at 3PM!
Peninsula Rescue Mission: We will serve a meal and conduct a chapel service Sunday July 9th. If you would like to learn more or get involved please reach out to Brent Sanders or Nate Andrew.
Wednesday Evening Fellowship (WEF): Join us every Wednesday this Summer at 6:30PM for a small group study of “The Gospel Centered Community.” We will learn how the Holy Spirit shapes diverse people into a Christ-centered community that reflects Jesus to a watching world. For the last Wednesday evening, July 26, we will meet at King Lincoln Park.
Churchwide Breakfast Fellowship: July 30th at 10AM. Just a reminder we are taking the last Sunday of each month for a time of fellowship. There will be no NEST, HRF Kids/Students, or Adult Institutes class. Bring a breakfast item to share!
Women’s Bible Study: Please join us July 10 from 6-8:30PM in the Fellowship Hall for a great time in the Word. From 6-6:30PM we will have the Fellowship Hall open for anyone who would like to bring your dinner before the study or to sit in some quiet before we begin - We will then start at 6:30PM and end at 8:30PM.
Men’s Bible Study: Join us Monday, July 17th from 6:30-8:30PM as we continue our study through the book of Philippians. This month we will meet at the Dinse home.
Elders’ Meetings: It is such a joy to serve you all and our desire is always to depend on the Chief Shepherd as we seek to shepherd you. We would love for you to pray for us as we meet this month on July 11th and July 25th at 6:30PM.
* Adapted from David Mathis’ Habits of Grace