JULY 2024

July has always been one of my favorite months for several reasons. One, it is my birthday month. This year I will celebrate a big one. I cannot believe I have become this old. The alternative, however, seems a bit premature at the moment. Two, my dad always bought fireworks to celebrate the Fourth. Usually, after shooting off all the fireworks, we would break out the shotguns. I’m not certain that our neighbors enjoyed them as much as we did. Three, our family took a summer vacation to Daytona Beach every year in the month of July. My dad vacationed in Daytona when he was a child. We took Clinton and Madison there a couple of summers as well when they were children.

When I think about a birthday, a celebration, and relaxation my mind goes to the new life we have in Jesus. Jesus used the analogy of birth to describe conversion. Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3, “I assure you: Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Furthermore, Paul told the Corinthian church in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.” When we come to faith in Jesus, He truly gives us a new life. As we enter those long, hot days of summer thank God for the new life He has given us in His Son.

Jesus told a parable about a great celebration in heaven. The occasion for the angelic party was the repentance of a sinner. I am truly grateful that God is a forgiving God. The psalmist noted this quality about God in Psalm 86:5: “For You, Lord, are kind and ready to forgive, rich in faithful love to all who call on You.” I doubt heaven will be full of fireworks and shotguns, but I know it will be full of celebration. May we always thank Jesus for ensuring our eternal merriment in God’s presence.

We all know that this life can be full of stress and struggle. Relaxation, sometimes, seems like a carrot on a stick. However, Jesus told us in John 10:10 that He gives His followers abundant life. My prayer for all of you is that you are feeling His abundance at this very moment. However, if you are struggling, let Paul’s words in Philippians 4:6-7 comfort you and strengthen you: “6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” As always, if I can help you find peace in Christ or in any other way, please reach out to me or one of our great people at Bethel.

May God Bless You

-Pastor Clint Miller