The Heat Is On!

The heat is on!  I believe that was the title of an old Eagle's song from the 70's. It's also the warning meteorologists are offering to millions of folks across the country this weekend. Air temperatures in our area are expected to be in the high nineties with heat indices from 105 to 110 degrees.  Seems like not that long ago we were complaining about the lingering cold temperatures of late spring.  I suppose the extremes command our attention, often challenging perspectives about convention.

The same could be said about the everyday experiences of life. Things happen along the way that we take for granted, but occasionally, something happens that grabs our attention...the ordinary becomes extraordinary. The result can bring a wide range of emotional reaction...anger, sorrow, joy, even fear. Some will play on these emotions for their own purposes and for their own gain. Keeping proper perspective is important if one is to deal with the ordinary and the extraordinary.

Jesus spoke in Matthew 6 about overcoming the emotions that often flare at the extremes of life. He said, "strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." The Message Translation puts it this way, "Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met." It would seem then, in the extremes of life, as well as the mundane, that focus is vital for the follower of Christ. Distractions are constant in this twenty-first century. So too is the promise of God's love. So, steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Everything else will take care of itself...even when the heat is on!

Our youth and adults will give their Impact report in morning worship this Sunday. So you will want to be present to hear their report and to encourage them. Hannah He will share special music, and I will bring a message entitled, "Road Construction...A Righteous Path," based on Psalm 85. Dress coolly, invite a friend, and let us steep our lives in meaningful worship and praise.

Jim Abernathy