Redeeming Summer

Weekly Update – May 30th, 2024

In his book titled, Don’t Waste Your Life, John Piper says, “God created us to live with a single passion:  to joyfully display his supreme excellence in all the spheres of life.”  In other words, we live life to marvel at the grace of God and to display his greatness.  And we do this in every realm and in every function of our life.  So if we think about all spheres of life, we must surely include work, home, church, leisure and more.  But with the summer approaching us, I want to consider with you how we might use this season of the year to joyfully display the supreme excellence of God in all things. 

First, consider God by spending time outside.   This is not a difficult concept to put into practice.  It is simply a call to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.  Take a walk at night, sit on your porch, do some gardening, or take a nap in your hammock.  And as you are outside remember as Psalm 19:1 says that “the heavens are telling of the glory of God.”  Take time to marvel at creation and all of its intricate details.  Consider the long days of summer with the bright sun and warm weather a foretaste into the eternal desires of our heart for the new earth that awaits us.  Summer is a great time to enjoy and give glory to God for the landscape of his design.

Second, consider God by connecting with others.  One of the things I always think about in regards to summer are cookouts.  It is hard to go outside on a nice summer night and not smell charcoal from a grill.  It is also not uncommon to drive down a street during this season and see a group of friends in the backyard of a house enjoying a warm evening.  Summers are great for connecting with people.  In this regard, take advantage of being involved in a home group or simply take some time to have someone over to your house.  But in all of this, here is the key:  use this time redemptively.  Ask questions, encourage and generate spiritual conversations.   Summer time can often be a relaxing time with friends and family.  Take full advantage of getting together with others, but be intentional about those gatherings.

Third, consider God by remaining consistent.  It is easy in the summer time to get off track with devotions.  Vacations come, families visit, nights are sometimes late and it is easy to push aside time in the word of God.  Instead use the summer to grow in consistency with the Lord.  Since summer time is often used for relaxation, use the times of rest to refresh your soul.  Take a walk and pray, read your Bible in the shade, switch up your normal time with the Lord.  This season could also be a time where you commit to memorize a certain passage of scripture or read a certain book of the Bible.  The point is that summer doesn’t have to be a time to break from God, but it can instead be a time to grow in God through remaining consistent.

As people of God, we ought to seek to live all of life with purpose.  In fact, life with purpose is relaxing in itself.  It is stressful to look back and see time that was wasted.  God has created us to live, dedicating ourselves to the pursuit of his glory.  Therefore as we live through this summer, live as 1 Corinthians 10:31 says in that “whether, then, you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson

Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson

Fighter Verse for the Week

If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, ¹⁰even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
- Psalm 139:9-10

Announcements:

Meal Train: Make sure to check the weekly update email to be a part of the meal train for Kamto and Rachel Eze. Didn’t get the update? Email the office for a link to the meal train page.

Men’s Bible Study: This men’s study is based on the book, The Exemplary Husband. The study is held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday night of each month at 8:00pm in the library. If you are interested see Clint Blankenship.

Annual Church Picnic: The annual church picnic potluck will begin at 5pm on Sunday, June 30th, at Freedom Park. We hope that you will plan to join us!

Vacation Bible School: Mark your calendar. This year, we will host Vacation Bible School on Monday, July 8th-Friday, July 12th from 5:45-8:00pm. You can register your kids HERE. We also need lots of volunteers. Check out the sign up sheet in the hall.

Food Pantry: We are in need of spaghetti-o’s, ravioli, dry pancake mix, and maple syrup.

Nursery Volunteers Needed: Nursery volunteers are needed each week during the 10:30am service time. Contact Betty for more information on how you can serve.

Equipping Hour

We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “Firm Foundations” meets in the Sanctuary, a biblical exposition of 1 Peter meets in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the New Testament meets in the classroom next to the nursery. You can find more information HERE.

Giving

To Give Online, Go HERE. 

You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030

Home Groups

Home Groups typically meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. Please contact Pastor Michael if you would like to join a Home Group. You can find more information HERE.

Prayer

An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE. 

Prepare for Sunday

Guide for Worship can be found HERE.