Proverbs 27:19: As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart.

Transitions are always a great time to step back and reflect. As you get out of school and start summer and then transition into a new school year, this is a great time to think about how next school year can be different. What mistakes did you make that you can correct next year? In what ways can you improve and be a better follower of Jesus? Summer is a great time reflect on your life because ultimately it reflects your heart.

Numbers 6:24-26: The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

May this be a prayer you can say to yourself and others. What are you doing to make it happen?

Psalm 46:10: Be still, and know that I am God.

With school, homework, sports, friends, family, and band, the school year can get pretty hectic. Summer can be pretty crazy, too. But it does not have to be. Instead of staying up until 2am on your phone every night and sleeping in until noon, spend some time in quiet. Spend some time with God.

Psalm 4:8: In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

It is so easy to rely on our own strength, or IQ, or hard work to make us feel good. We have a sense of accomplishment and security. It is really easy to get caught up in that during the school year. You want to have the best grades, or be first chair in band, or look prettier than that other girl. However, none of that striving can give you peace or security. Use your time this summer to start putting more trust in God and less trust in yourself.

Matthew 11:28: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

One of the best things about summer is no school. You get a break from the daily grind and get a chance to take a breath. As you decompress from the craziness of school, spend some time with Jesus. He can and will give you rest you can’t find anywhere else.

James 1:17: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

We are truly some of the most blessed people in the history of the world. If you are reading this message that means you have access to a computer or phone which puts you as the top 20% of the world’s wealthiest. Enjoy all the good things God has given you this summer. Most importantly, be thankful for your friends, your family, and most importantly your faith.

Psalms 113:3: From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.

Whatever you do, you will probably have some free time this summer. Many of you will be traveling while others might just stay at home. Take a few opportunities this summer to stop what you are doing and look around at God’s amazing creation and praise Him for it.

Proverbs 27:17: As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Take some time today to build up someone else. Do something to encourage someone.

Psalm 137:17-18: How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!

When you go to the beach this summer , can you imagine trying to count every single grain of sand? That would be useless. Just think of each grain of sand turning into a precious thought God has about you. God is constantly thinking about you and loves you continually! That is something to get excited about.

Psalm 136:1: Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.

Take a moment to say a silent prayer of thanks. Don’t ask for anything, but just thank Him for being good to you.

Proverbs 17:22: A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. 

Your attitude determines your altitude. Over the next few months, there will be things that don’t go right for you. Actually, there will be things that don’t go right for you in the next few hours. But try to stay positive. Trust in God’s goodness. When you do, you will find that a cheerful heart is good medicine.

Exodus. 33:14: And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 

 One of the famous lines in Star Wars is, “May the Force be with you.” This of course gave them an extra boost in power. However, we don’t have some force that is with us but we have the Creator of the universe. His presence is with us. Let that knowledge give us peace and rest.

1 Thessalonians 5:11: Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

This summer, you will definitely be hanging out with other people. Use this as a time to build one another up by encouraging someone. Today: go out of your way to encourage someone else.

1 Thessalonians 5:17: Never stop praying. 

Use this time to pray! You can pray for your school year, your classmates, your houses, your teachers, your families and anything else  you can think of!