Staying Refreshed in the Summer

Introduction

Summer Time

Exposure to Elements

AZ people go on hikes and die

Parallels: Physical and Spiritual

Question: What do you need to stay Refreshed in the Summer?

Outline:

Substance - Water and Food

Shelter/Shade

Sleep

Strategy

Pray

I. Substance

Water and food are the substance of refreshment

Not chips and soda

Not coffee and doughnuts

Water

Water is more important than food in a hot environment

Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Food

Food rhymes with MOOD

Lack of food = bad mood

Food has a psychological benefit

Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Sometimes God’s people get grumpy too, usually if they have not been in the word lately

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Stay away from spiritual junkfood - what? anything that takes you away from God

Review: Substance...

II. Shelter

To stay refreshed in the summer heat, find shelter, find shade.

In a survival situation shade can literally save your life

Spiritually, shelter is a place where you can go to get out of the heat, a place of rest, and refreshment. Shelter is CHURCH.

Acts 2:41-43 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

Shelter provides protection - helps to regulate your temperature

Church helps to regulate believers - stay on track

Church helps to get us out of the HEAT of this world…so we can fellowship in the shade with fellow believers

Review: Substance, Shelter...

III. Sleep

Sleep is probably the most overlooked reason as to why we are not refreshed, but adequate sleep is absolutely necessary

So many people are weary, and wearing themselves out, because they lack sleep

Warning: Driving sleepy is no different the driving under the influence - you are operating a motor vehicle impaired

Jesus Rested

John 4:6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

Mark 4:38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

Luke 9:58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Benefits of Rest

Rest allows your mind and body to refresh and recharge

Good rest benefits everything we do

Good rest especially benefits your memory

Defragmenting - Cataloging

Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

Rest in Salvation

Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Review: Shelter, Substance, Sleep...

Strategy

What time of day will you see a rattlesnake? (WHY)

Working on the House - Morning and Evening

Problem - No Strategy

Winning Teams Have Strategy, Successful Businesses

Develop a Strategy in the Word of God

Example: Apache Creek

Example: Advice on Deputation

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Even too much of a good thing is a bad thing

Take a step back, re-evaluate, prioritize, HAVE A STRATEGY

It’s OK to take a vacation, but plan to go to church on Vacation

Conclusion

Are you spiritually refreshed this Summer?

3 John 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Outline:

Substance - Water and Food

Shelter/Shade

Sleep - REST

Strategy - Balance - Patience