Summer is the season of rest and relaxation for many of us; vacations, time spent with family, time spent outside enjoying the weather! Summer is also often the season we coast and grow passive in our relationship with Jesus. But what if we used the summer to intentionally pursue Jesus and grow spiritually stronger?

The website deeperchristian.com shares an article and podcast titles 11 Ways to Have a Spiritually Strong Summer. Check out the website for the complete list.

I want to share with you my favorites from this list:

1. Read the New Testament this Summer (90 day reading plan).

The easiest way to do this is to take the number of pages (in the New Testament), divided by 90, and that is how many pages you need to read per day. Or take 20-30 minutes each day and see how far you get!

2. Study a topic you've wanted to learn more about Biblically.

Pick a topic and see what Scripture says about it. Biblegateway.com has a search feature that will help with this!

3. Prayer

Set aside intentional time everyday to pray. Consider having each day of the week be a theme through which you pray on top of your normal prayer life (for example: Monday you pray for the government, Tuesday for your church, the people, the pastor; Wednesday pray for missions around the world).

4. Entertainment Fast

Fast from movies, news, TV, phone, social media, whatever you spend a lot of downtime on. You could fast for a certain period of time each day or fast for a day each week or even a week or more. Then use the extra time to pursue Jesus and study the Word.

5. Turn outward and serve

Don't use the summer months to focus on yourself, rather turn outward and serve those around you. Consider "Operation Secret Things: where you encourage, bless, give notes or gifts, etc. to people without them knowing it was you.

6. Purposeful fellowship

Have weekly gatherings and/or game nights with friends, family, people in your church, neighbors, etc.  This is a great opportunity to build relationships but also share the Gospel by inviting people into your lives and using that as an open door to share Christ.

7. Take a getaway with Jesus

Bring your Bible, worship music, journal, etc. - find a place: ocean, mountains, lake, a favorite coffeeshop in a nearby town, whatever - and spend a few dedicated hours or days with Jesus.

How will YOU use the summer to be closer to Jesus?

In Christ's ministry together ~ Pastor Caryn