This Sunday we will be sending off two buses full of teenagers and leaders to Gulf Shores, Alabama for our student ministry’s Beach Camp. Camp season is such a special time in the life of a church. I believe it is important for every child and teenager to have the opportunity to experience camp in their upbringing. Camp helps students grow in their character, grow in their relationships with each other, and most importantly in helps them grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. I’m thankful to pastor a church that prioritizes the next generation and provides ministry with excellence for them. God has already moved this summer through our church’s pre-teen camp, and I’m looking forward to hearing how He will impact the hearts of our teenagers next week.
As we get older, we unfortunately do not have the luxury of a “camp experience” every summer. However, I want to remind you that you can find ways to spiritually retreat in these coming weeks. Last Sunday, we learned that blessed people approach God differently. For the blessed, God is not just part of their life, He is their life. How can you approach God differently this summer? You could set the alarm clock back a few minutes to create some margin for prayer and solitude with the Lord. You could start a Bible reading plan and begin to seek His voice through intentionality in His Word. You could take a hike on a trail to walk and talk with God. You could put down the phone and read a good Christian book instead or go out with Christian friends to fellowship. You could incorporate a new spiritual discipline such as journaling, fasting, or giving.
I hope you don’t miss your own opportunity to spiritually grow this summer. I believe God is already doing a work in the life of our church, but I want you to know above all that He wants to do a work in your life as well. What is your next step? I pray that you do not become complacent, but instead you become courageous. “Awake, O sleeper and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” (Ephesians 5:14). I look forward to seeing you in worship this weekend at 8:45am or 11:15am. Let your light shine this week and invite a friend to join you this Sunday.
Onward and upward,
Jonathan Spencer
www.jonathanspencer.org 