Most of the country has experienced intense heat. Anyone deciding to go outside for any period of time has to plan carefully. Those who ignored the heat advisory information and decided to hike the trails in places like Arizona have either been rescued, hospitalized, or died.
Every day spiritual warfare intensifies (Ephesians 6:10-12). The scriptures are clear; “Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) He goes to heaven day and night making accusations against God’s people like in the case of Job (Revelation 12:10). Trials will come; we must not ‘act like something strange’ is occurring (1 Peter 4:12). The Lord has even died on the cross providing us salvation, so we don’t perish in this heat forever (hell).
They say that climate change is taking place. It is clear that Satan is busy making the world more evil by the minute. When we think we have heard it all, there comes some unimaginable crime the very next day. The scripture explains that in the last days, “evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:13; NASU) Paul continues in this manner; “you, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:14; NASU) This is why the Lord has provided the Bible to guide us, so we do well with the temperature very high every day.
There is no way we can live in this kind of heat every day and not intentionally seek the Lord through His Word, especially since our spiritual battles can be internal and external (Galatians 5:17). This process is like building muscles in a gym; it has to be intentional, or when the wicked world connects with the wicked flesh, we will overheat. Remember, the flesh has nothing good in it (Romans 8:9-14). So let’s be intentional as we work out our salvation (Philippians 2:12-13); remember the list?:
1. Be purposeful about our spiritual growth – Life Application, Sunday worship, Bible study, and be accountable to someone you trust (Hebrews 10:23-26; James 5:16).
2. Live by faith and not by sight, so our troubles strengthen us, displacing hopelessness (2 Corinthians 5:7; 2 Corinthians 4:7-12)
3. Be purposeful in trials, so they mature us, accomplishing why Christ allows trials to be in our lives (James 1:2-4).
4. Become a prayer warrior (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).
5. Be dedicated to making our marriages and families stronger; it empowers everyone in the family (Ephesians 5:25-6:4).
6. Become engaged in making our church spiritually mature and physically productive (join the 700 club; Exodus 35:20-36:7).
7. Be loving and friendly, not just desire that people be friendly towards you (1 John 4:7-11).
The fruit of the Spirit will keep us cool in the heat (Galatians 5:22-25).