My Summer

Hello Friends,

It is summer once again and, as many of you know whom I messaged from last summer, I have decided to focus on a spiritual discipline once again. Every summer we all have large lists of books we want to read and by the end of the summer we maybe make it through half way of the first one. So I have decided to do away with my book list for this year and focus on two items. First I plan to read the Pilgrims Progress all the way through as I have started it many times but can’t seem to finish. The second and most important is to read through the Bible as many times as I can this summer.

I really don’t know what that will look like, maybe once or twice or only a half. Yet I have been thinking that most of what I study at school is much more in depth and down among the trees which is very detailed and yet easy to find yourself lost. I hope to be able to get a better glimpse of the whole forest this summer. 

So I am telling all of you because like last year when I focused on prayer I would ask that you all hold me accountable to this. My summer is looking to be very busy yet I feel this could be the most important thing that I do. So please send me a quick message throughout the summer to make sure I am not falling on my face, also feel free to share what things you have been reading in scripture as encouragement as well. 

And even though I am not “focusing” on prayer this summer it is still something I want to implement more and more into my life. So please also feel free to send me what things I can be in prayer for you this summer. For myself please pray that I would not be discouraged in my efforts, I find more and more just how painfully slow sanctification is when I just want to be changed overnight and it can be very discouraging for me. Also I will be working anywhere from 45-55 hours a week this summer, as well as doing an “unofficial” internship with my church, and also preparing for my senior season on the basketball team. When I look at ahead to this plan for summer I find all I want to do is just lay in bed. So please also be in prayer for my stress and anxiety.

Thank you all so much,

Scott

Galatians 2:20

Thoughts From A Broken Jar

Sometimes it feels as if the whole world is bearing down on me, as if the worlds troubles were in my control to change.

Sometimes I feel that nobody wants me around except for some laughs, as if what other people thought about me was more important than my savior who died and gave his life for me (Gal. 2:20).

Sometimes I feel that there is only darkness, as if I didn't know the light of the world shining forth from me (Matt. 5:14).

Sometimes I feel that I have to be perfect, as if God didn't know that I am broken and has put people around me to help pick up my pieces.

Sometimes I feel as if there's more I need to do, as if what Christ accomplished in his death and resurrection weren't enough and I only do because he did.

Sometimes I feel like God made a mistake choosing me, as if God makes mistakes in extending grace and mercy.

Sometimes I feel like I am the only person who matters, as if others need me to function and God needed me for anything.

Sometimes I feel as if only God would break down my stupid pride so that all that would shine forth from my broken and beaten body is the treasure that God delights to place in broken vessels (2 Cor. 4:7-12).

I am afflicted in every way, but not crushed. I am perplexed, but not driven to despair. I am persecuted, but not forsaken. I am struck down, but not destroyed. Always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, SO THAT the life of Jesus may also be manifested in my body.