Life in the Sun

Many years ago, on a mission trip to Jamaica, I remember creating a journal of devotions titled: Life in the SUN (Son). Little did I know, years later, I would live as a missionary in a land of so much sun (Ethiopia).  

But now, in Ethiopia, we are waiting for the rain. It’s been too hot and rainy season seems late to arrive this year. The sun burns and the skies feel like they’re on fire. 

The air feels dusty and smoky.  Lord have mercy!  Let it rain soon!

The devos I crafted tied in life in the sun to life in the “Son” – Jesus.  And I was remembering some of those thoughts this past week as the sun was burning.

TRANSFORMATION

If we are in the sun, you usually see impact that you’re living in that sun and heat. Despite sunscreen and sunglasses, your skin will probably become red or brown or dry, your hair blonder.  I definitely try to wear longer sleeves so I don’t burn here, but sometimes even my feet in sandals are marked with sun. 

IF we are REALLY following in the footsteps of Jesus- it’s also a way marked by transformation. We should be changing as result of activating God’s Word in our lives and should be “dusted” by following in the footsteps of our Rabbi. Can people tell you’ve been in God’s presence?  The Holy Spirit should be growing fruit in you. Does your life, does mine, reflect transformation … of God at work in you and through you? 

We reflect the Lord’s glory more and more … 2 Corinthians 3:18

Moses’s face was radiant … Exodus 34: 29-35

When the religious leaders saw the boldness of Peter and John, they took note that they had been with Jesus … Acts 4:13

I am the vine, you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in Him produces much fruit… John 15:5

A good tree is recognized by its fruit … Matthew 7:17

SWEAT

In the sun and heat, you are poured out.  Last week at our National Staff Meeting for EvaSUE, you had to fan yourself to keep cool.  The sweat would come. Ugh.

If you’re really following Jesus, there should also be a natural “pouring out” of your life. You are to pour out your life for those around you.  It’s hard work and it requires intentionality.  Are you working for others? Or working more for yourself? Are you serving others? Or serving yourself? If you’re in the “Son”, you will learn to lay down your life for those around you and serve others before yourself.

He (Jesus) poured out His life unto death … Isaiah 53:12

For I (Paul) am already being poured out like a drink offering … 2 Timothy 4:6

Have the same mindset of Christ, who made Himself nothing by taking on the very nature of a servant, … He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on the cross Philippians 2:5-8 

THIRST

Life in the sun requires staying hydrated. You get thirsty. You need water or you will collapse.  The same is true for following Jesus. Thankfully, Jesus says He is the living water. We can drink freely and be refreshed. Are you thirsty for Him or have you, have I, looked to other things to satisfy? We must keep letting Him pour into us, only then will we have strength to go on and “water” to share with others who are thirsty.

My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns… Jeremiah 2:13

If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water … John 4:10

Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink … John 7:37

My soul thirsts for God … Psalm 42:2

I thirst for you … in a dry and parched land where there is no water … Psalm 63:1

SHADE

You also need “shade” in the sun.  Here in Ethiopia, many people bust out the umbrellas to give shade from the sun. Big for me, is sunglasses to shade my eyes.  Last week, at our staff meeting, our team tried to find shade to sit under outside so we wouldn't burn. 

We are living in a fallen world and as we follow Jesus, we need refuge. God says He is our hiding place, our shade and our shield. Are you staying with Him? Resting in Him?  Sometimes we move out from Him to go our own way. We get tired of waiting for Him. He says to stay in His presence.  He has all we need!

The Lord watches over you- He is you’re your shade at your right hand … Psalm 121: 5-6

DIRT

In the sun, the dirt cakes on.  The dust and dirt sticks.  It’s in the hair and in the clothes.  It’s on the floor. If you don’t keep clean or mop often, a cough comes and illnesses.  Even breathing issues.

Also, in the Son- as we follow Jesus, we need to watch our lives closely. When sin comes, when wrong thoughts get into our minds, bad habits, we need to get rid of those immediately. Our sin can’t separate us from God for eternity, thanks to Jesus, but we need to live holy and right before God. We must stay in His light. There are consequences for sin, and our witness can be impacted.

Confess your sins one to another and pray for each other so that you may be healed … James 5:16

If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with each other and the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin … 1 John 1:7

Be holy because I am holy … I Peter 1: 15-16

COMMUNITY

What I’ve also learned about life in the sun is it’s hot and not easy. It’s good to have family and neighbors and teammates who can check on you- making sure you’re not blinded by something or falling down without getting up. The same is true of running a good race for God and keeping on the narrow way. You can’t be isolated. You can’t grow by yourself. You need people around you. It’s essential for deep roots.  Life in Jesus Christ requires staying in community. Only then do you have accountability and can you grow.

Don’t give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encourage one another – and all the more as you see the day approaching … Hebrews 10:25

Love one another as I have loved you; they will know you’re my disciples if you love one another… John 34-35

How is your life in the “Son?” Is there evidence of transformation, of fruit? Are you thirsting for the right thing and going to the right source? Are you drinking from living water? Are you getting in the shade to rest? Are you being serious about sin? Are you pouring out your life for others? Are you staying in community? 

May God help us stay in the SON.  For in Him only- is LIFE!

Praises / Prayer Requests

-Praise God for a big Youth Ministry Leadership Summit at ETC that EvaSUE participated in

-Praise God for a peaceful election on June 1st for Ethiopia

-Praise God for a successful EvaSUE National Staff meeting

-Pray for the end of the school year for staff and students

-Pray for our two big EvaSUE national events: the National Mission Summit in July and the National Mission Summit in August, that God will pour out His Spirit on the next generation and mobilize them for His Kingdom!

Happy Fathers Day to all Dads on June 21^st- this weekend. A special shout out to the world’s best Dad, the amazing, handsome, and charming Jim Garrett. We love you so much Dad!

Thank you to all who continue to pray for me and support the work here. If you’d like to make a one-time donation for my ministry funds for this summer, I am needing to raise funds for my account. You can make a donation through this link: 

https://www.globaloutreach.org/giving/missionary-details/holly-garrett          

Thanks so much and Blessed Summer to you all as it continues!