What’s God taught you this summer?

What’s God been teaching you over the last couple of months?

It’s a question that’s always worth asking ourselves, and one another. And taking time to reflect at this time of year can be particularly valuable, as we think ahead to a new term and catch up with others a church after a summer apart.

All summer on The Good Book Blog we’ve been encouraging you to get a spiritual boost this summer—whether that’s by using our Explore Bible-reading notes for free over August, or by embracing all the joys that different seasons of life bring to the summer period—as a parent, a single, a teenager or a student. 

So as we head into the new season, we asked around the office to see how TGBC staff have been spiritually boosted this summer.

Tim Thornborough, Creative Director
It's generally a bit quieter around the office in summer, with team members serving on camps or taking holiday, so I find myself with more time to think and reflect on the fine Sunday preaching I enjoy at Emmanuel Wimbledon. We've been working through a couple of chapters of Isaiah (59 – 60), and I have been struck by how God's glory is so bound up with the glory of his people—the church. It's been a challenging and thought-provoking truth to reflect upon, particularly as we have been working on Sam Allberry's next release with us, Why bother with Church?

Rebecca Main, Customer Services
God knows my every thought, even before I do. It's at times terrifying, but then amazingly humbling to know that he loves me. He made us in the secret place and he knows us. To know that you are truly loved, warts and all is a wonderful thing!

Alison Mitchell, Commissioning Editor
I've read Matt Fuller's new book A Time For Every Thing? over the summer—mostly in snatched moments while waiting for buses. I'm aware of the irony of that, but can testify that Matt's book works really well in small doses! My thinking was stretched; my assumptions were challenged; and instead of feeling guilty (which I'd expected) I also found myself feeling encouraged by the gift of time the Lord has blessed me with.

Dex Fletcher, Customer Services
I’m getting married in a few weeks and relationships are great at revealing just how sinful you really are! I’m really thankful that my fiancée is patient and lovely – but more so, that my God is kind and patient and faithful! I am really, really sinful! Why on earth would he put up with a wretched sinner like me? Because He is 'compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.'

Matt Endres, Product Administrator, US Office
I've been reading Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ by John Piper. I am deeply encouraged that Jesus is the Lion AND the Lamb. He is strong and meek at the same time, making him the perfect Savior. “A lion is admirable for its ferocious strength and imperial appearance. A lamb is admirable for its meekness and servant-like provision of wool for our clothing. But even more admirable is a lion-like lamb and a lamb-like lion” (page 30). It's pretty amazing that we have a Savior who is a lamb-like lion and a lion-like lamb.

Rachel Jones, Marketing and Production Editor
Two things stand out for me. Serving on a summer camp for 9-12 year olds was a real highlight. I had a difficult talk I was struggling to prepare, but God helped me do what I thought would be impossible! That was really humbling. It’s also been a joy to watch a couple of good friends get married this summer, and it gave me the opportunity to catch up with some friends from my church at university. I came away challenged to be more intentional in my relationships with people at church, by using my words to help others grow in their faith.

How have you been encouraged, challenged and changed this summer? Leave us a comment in the box below—and even better, do ask someone the same question after church on Sunday morning!