Summertime

Matthew 12:43-45a – When an evil spirit comes out of a person, it goes through dry places looking for a place to rest. But it doesn't find any. Then it says, "I'll go back to the home I left." When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean, and in order. Then it goes and brings along seven other spirits more evil than itself. They enter and take up permanent residence there. In the end the condition of that person is worse than it was before. (GWT)

I am so looking forward to summer. I love being outside. I love going for walks. I love sitting in my yard, reading a book. I love puttering in my flower garden. I love watching the younger generation playing in sprinklers, swimming, playing at the park. I just love summer.

In northern Alberta, Canada, we don't have too many really hot days. When we do, it is hard to go to sleep at night due to the heat. The heat just stays stuck in the house, unless we do something about it. We have a ceiling fan circulating air, which does help a good bit. In the evening, we also put one fan in the window, sucking in cooler air. The warm air is forced to go out the window on the other side of the house. It does help to cool the house off. But if we turn that fan off, the hot air just permeates the house once again. It feels worse than it was before.

In our lives, often we allow "hot air" to stay stuck inside of us. This hot air could be anger, resentment, bitterness, pride, selfishness, rebellion, lack of respect for others, or self-pity. The list could go on and on. When we recognize the hot air, and confess our shortcomings, cool air comes to flood our souls. We feel refreshed. We wonder why we left it, harbouring it in our souls for so long. Sleep comes more easily. We can once again know, deep in our hearts, that we are loved by God and that He will heal us and help us. Let's constantly be aware of not letting the "hot air" back into our lives. It is so easy just to "turn off the fan" and let it happen — and then we are worse off than we were before.

Prayer: Father God, we want to please You, but so many times, we fail. Sometimes, we don't realize what is stuck in our hearts, until we are so tired, so irritable, so bitter. Thank You that You are so willing to come and cleanse and heal our faltering hearts. Thank You for Your refreshing Spirit. Help us to be aware of Your presence in our lives and how easy it is to slip back. How we need You today! Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share this devotional on Facebook     Like PresbyCan on Facebook