August 1: THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

We find ourselves at that place on the calendar commonly called “the dog days of summer.” I don’t think the dogs named it, so it had to be a human description. The heat of summer has had its effect. The world is dusty and dry for many people, the morning haze has lingered into the afternoon in many homes. Even the school children are bored by the length of summer and are thinking about returning to school.
If you are feeling the effect of summer, hear this word: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV) “Straight paths!” Paths going somewhere and going with purpose.
Trusting God and discovering what he is doing all around you and joining Him; this can relieve your doldrums. Summer heat is no excuse for spiritual apathy. Christians in tropical countries awaken us to that reality. A Pastor from India was recently asked how he endured and overcame persecution. His reply was “give all you have, then all you are, then step back and see God do the rest.”
Summer heat often produces just the opposite here. The Budget for God’s work suffers because many Christians go in debt on vacation and have no money left to support their church. Ever notice how many churches cut back on services and ministries in the summer? Because members exhaust themselves playing and traveling, forgetting their spiritual needs, they have to cut back. The proper order is to give your all to God in the heat of summer and God will gain fruit from your life.
A good bit of summer boredom is spiritually rooted. Actually, with people outside more in the warmth of summer, there is more opportunity for a Christian witness. Acknowledge God’s plan for your life today. Go to worship this Sunday. I can assure you, there will be plenty of empty seats.

“God of all seasons, be patient with us again! We are the same folks who
complained last winter that it was too cold to go out to Worship. Amen”