I normally do not write lists for this site, choosing not to get caught in the “how to” craze when it comes to spiritual matters. I resist the temptation to mold my relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ into a neat package, preferring to rely upon the work of the Holy Spirit to guide me accordingly.

With that said, there are times when a list is the best approach to bringing order to our lives especially during the slower summer months when the kids are out of school, our work levels are reduced and our schedules are most flexible. To that end, I offer to you some tips on how you can use these next few months to rejuvenate spiritually:

Seek Our God – The best laid plans of men are those built on a sure foundation. Before you get started, submit your plans to God. Ask Him to guide you as you step out in faith. Some Christians won’t make a move until God gives them a nudge, while others will run out ahead of Him and ask Him to bless their efforts. Why not allow God to guide you as you walk in faith?

Share Your Faith – The times we live in are certainly perilous, but come to think of it when weren’t they? Some people are so hardhearted, but God is the nutcracker waiting for you to come along. Your words won’t return void and God will be the one to convict, so the pressure is actually not on you. Pray for God to lead you to someone who needs to hear the life changing message of Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:19, 20 (NASB), “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Study His Word – A lack of a schedule can mean that we’re inconsistent with our Bible studies. Commit yourself to a set time each day to read your Bible, perhaps spending fifteen minutes or so in the morning praying and reading. 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV), “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

Give Of Yourself – I recently heard a message on a Christian radio station where a church (or churches) have decided to love their neighbors by meeting their needs in a tangible way. These days, so many people won’t listen to what you have to say, but they’ll see your message of love if you come alongside them in their time of need. Perhaps taking a young child to the pool with your children would relieve a stressed out mother or maybe offering to cut a lawn, trim some bushes, remove trash or paint a house is a way that you can demonstrate God’s love to an elderly neighbor. Longer days give us more time to put our faith in action especially when it involves outdoor work.

Start Planning Ahead – Psalm 37:23 (KJV) reads, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” God wants us to make long term plans, but He wants us to include Him in those plans. A slower summer pace can give you the opportunity to imagine yourself taking on a different project, starting a new ministry or going in a fresh direction. Find inspiration in your favorite place whether that be walking on a beach, climbing a mountain trail, or hang-gliding!

None of what I have shared is intended to put you on a guilt trip. Rather, I hope you find something to inspire you or perhaps affirm what God has already spoken to your heart.

See Also — Fret Not

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Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men — Luke 2:52 (NIV)

My wife, unknown to me, began to pray a few weeks ago that I would not only gain favor with God, but with man. Not that she doubted that I already wasn’t receiving God’s favor, rather that His favor would extend to people whether they trusted their lives to Him or not.

Since I work for myself, I’m busy throughout the day writing articles, marketing myself and trying to run a business. Needless to say, there are times I feel overwhelmed by it all, needing some help especially from above.

The verse in Luke mentioned above is very interesting. At that time, Jesus was twelve years old and was astounding everyone with his scriptural knowledge and composure. Jesus never lacked the Father’s favor, as He already had that.

and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased” — Matthew 3:17 (NASB)

We also have God’s favor when we become born again. That doesn’t mean we always have all of His blessings, especially when we’re willfully sinning, but it does mean that His favor is upon us.

The favor of man is something that is entirely different, seemingly harder to gain, especially by human means. People are so fickle, loving you one moment and ready to rip you apart the next. But, having man’s favor is still important, especially as we navigate through this life.

Jesus had man’s favor not because He told them what they wanted to hear but because He spoke truthfully and with authority.  As Christians, we’re to model that pattern in our own lives, demonstrating to the world who we are and what we believe.

Related to that, I believe that God wants us to seek favor from men in other areas of our lives.  My wife’s prayers were uttered in the knowledge that she wanted prospective customers to give me their favor too, in the form of new work.

Well, her prayers have been answered as I recently started working with two new clients and have signed on with a third a special promotional opportunity. I’m not saying that the floodgates have been opened, but I will say that my cup is filled to the brim. All this has taken place in the face of the worse economy we’ve seen in a generation.

Speaking about the economy, I realize that man’s economy is one thing, but God’s economy is something completely different. Where man pulls back, God moves forward advancing His kingdom and completing the work that He has promised to fulfill.

Oh, and lest I forget, thanks Ruthie for following through with your prayers!

Photo Credit: Jesse Schutt

See Also — You’re Worthy Of My Praise

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