It was an exciting week –our sanctuary was transformed into a stage of water, suitcases, rocks, and more! The theme for our VBS kids was “Shipwrecked… Rescued by Jesus!” As adults, we too can learn something from this lesson. Has there been a time when you felt alone or worried? The weight of the world around us feels overwhelming at times. Have you struggled with something – perhaps correcting a bad habit or a solution to a difficult situation? Have you done wrong to yourself or to others and needed to find a way to correct it? Has there been a time you felt so powerless, helpless of things beyond your control? Isaiah 41:10 says, “’Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’” If we ever feel “shipwrecked” by all that life throws at us, we have the confidence that we can always lean on our Savior, for Jesus is our great Rescuer, and He strengthen us.

The summer is going by so quickly and we can hardly believe where the time is fleeting by. We trust that the summer days are treating each of you well. Have you ever had to make changes to your life? Sometimes change can be challenging and difficult, but change is a constant of life; change is inevitable, and we have to learn to adjust. Often times, conflict is a function of that change. By nature, we tend to avoid change and even avoid conflict as much as possible. Consequently, it is inescapable. Hopefully, this change makes us better, wiser, and moves us forward. In this life, there will be changing circumstances, challenges, and conflicts and unless we learn how to deal with change, it can get to the better of us. We much try to adopt an approach that allows us to face any changes that may affect us by “rolling with the punches” or having a “when life deals me lemons, make lemonade” attitude. Most importantly, gain assurance from the Apostle Paul’s words, “I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me (to fulfill His purpose — I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace” (Philippians 4:13). No one person can do anything alone. We will fail, make a mess, hurt ourselves and sometimes hurt others, but in Christ, through Christ, and with Christ in us, we can confront any change or challenge and know that He is with us.

We have been experiencing some abnormal and sweltering heat and extreme temperatures. At times it seems unbearable, unless we are indoors, find shade, or get something cold to quench our thirst. Summer is making itself known! Such extreme weather can be compared to spiritual temperatures – whether we are hot or cold for God… whether we are on fire or frozen for Him. Perhaps, the worst is to be in between. Have you ever drank something on a hot day that was lukewarm? It can not quench your thirst and might even make you warm! The Bible says that the Lord knows our works and knows if we are neither hot or cold, but lukewarm. In fact, it specifically states, ”…I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm (spiritually useless), and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth…” (Revelation 3:15-16). However, there is still hope, as the following verses tell us that if we recognize our condition and temperature, and come to God and seek Him, there is a way we can be hot for God and get our faith on fire. Despite the hot, muggy, and sticky weather outside that we might not enjoy as much, this spiritual heat is one we must have! May we be hot in faith and cool in Christ!