Hello summer! It’s been a fun and busy June so far. Whether it be reading the Bible an extra 30 minutes a day or sleeping in an extra hour or two in the mornings, the time it takes to do so is definitely more available now that summer is here.

It is in time that transformation happens and opportunities arise. After this past school year and this summer, some of us transform from elementary students to junior high students. Some transform from high school students to college students.

We all go through different, unique, personal transformations. Through it all, many things are expected to occur – growth, maturity, responsibility, knowledge, wisdom, etc. It’s important to focus on these things. Not just physically and academically, but spiritually as well.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12: 2)

God has blessed us with extra free time now that summer is here. What are we transforming into? What are we doing with our time? We should embrace the blessing God has given us and use the summer time to renew our mind. Prayer, reading the Bible, attending church, being obedient to His ways, community service, and going the extra mile to help others are all ways we can renew our mind that are pleasing to God. If these options don’t sound as fun as option B or C, find a way to make them fun. Pray and ask God to make it fun. Pray that God transforms your heart to love and transforms your mind to enjoy these options. Plus, you can always invite a friend to join you; we weren’t meant to do all this alone.

so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. (Romans 12: 5-8)

Seek Christ and allow the gifts we have been given to be used to bless others. Jesus calls us to love one another and spread His love and word to the world around us. Seek Christ and in time, we will be transformed. With transformation, we can transform others.

To God be the glory.

-Joseph Ruiz (HCC Youth Leader)

#HCCYouth