Summer is always a fun time of year. There's just so many things to do when the sun's shining and the weather's good. Going to the beach to me has always been one of those fun summer things to do.
The only thing about going to the beach is that you have to be prepared. There's a few things we need to take with us in order to enjoy the beach. Pack your bag and come go along with me!
Here's what we'll be putting in our beach bag...
Sunscreen.
One of the first things we'll need is protection from the sun. There's so much skin damage we can get if we don't protect ourselves. The sad thing is , we don't even know sometimes we've gotten skin damage until later down the road and are diagnosed with some type of skin cancer.
It's just like when we as Christians walk in the world and get too close to those worldly attractions and follies. We get burned and get damaged as it were. Sometimes we don't even realize how much we have been damaged by worldliness and those fiery darts of the devil. We could avoid it if we'd just put on some protection.
We'll be using that wonderful brand called, "Christian Armour". It's the highest protection there is. Off brands won't do as they don't contain all the right ingredients. Make sure you apply it liberally.
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereuntowith all perseverance and supplication for all saints."
Ephesians 6:11-18
Sand Shovel.
One of the most delightful things to do at the beach is digging and playing in the sand. Making sand castles with moats, or for the little ones, just digging in the sand can be just the best of fun. Digging a hole in the sand and just putting your hands deep into it can be the best of sensations.
Digging into the Word of God can be the best too. Bible study doesn't have to be dry and boring. Just dig in! Find some verses that just tingle over your soul like sand does to your fingers when you are digging at the beach. Take those verses and concentrate on them for awhile. Put them in your bucket, pat them down, and dump them out and admire them awhile, just like you'd do a sand castle at the beach. God's Word will just glisten. Dig in and take in all the intricacies God's Word has to offer.
"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have
tasted that the Lord is gracious." I Peter 2:2,3
"Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it. Psalm 119:140
Sand Bucket.
Let's bring along a bucket or something we can collect our treasures in while we are at the beach. Aren't the shells you can find along the beach just amazing? They are so beautiful and interesting.
The treasures found in God's Word are amazing too. There are so many things like the promises and assurances that are wonderful finds to put into our buckets and keep. Here are a few of my favorites to
pick up and admire.
--The treasure of strength...
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isaiah 41:10
--The treasure that Christ is unchanging...
"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." Hebrews 13:8
--The treasure of eternal life...
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16
There's so many more treasures in God's Word just waiting for us to pick up and put in our buckets.
Beach Ball or Frisbee.
Having a little activity at the beach is always fun. Playing with a beach ball or Frisbee can be great.
Activity as a Christian can be fun too. The Christian life can be so rewarding when we are actively living it to the fullest. There is so much joy in serving Jesus! We've got to embrace all there is to serving the Lord and put all we can into what we do as Christians. It not only furthers the cause of Christ but it enhances us as individuals.
"Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." Romans 12:11
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31
Sunglasses.
We wouldn't want to go to the beach without our sunglasses. We not only need them to protect our eyes from the sun's damage, but they also help us to focus. When we don't have them on in the bright sunlight, we tend to squint and not see as clearly.
The type of sunglasses we'll be using is the "God's Love" kind. When we look at the world through Christ's eyes we see a lot more clearly and things look a lot more different. Just like the sun doesn't bother us so much when we've got on our sunglasses, things won't even annoy us so much when we are looking through the eyes of God's love. We can focus better and begin to see the souls of the people around us too.
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:34
So, are you ready for the beach?
by Julia Bettencourt
