Introduction: Dog days this summer can be hot, but a time to produce good fruit. What is our Lord up to in your life? Where does He want to take you? How is He preparing you? Who is it that He wants you to reach?

Please make these your summertime goals:

1. Spend some time watching out for CARNALITY! (James 4:4,5)

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?”

Spiritual growth takes initiative; it doesn’t happen automatically. What are you trusting our Lord to do in regards to answering prayers, giving biblical insight, evangelistic opportunities?

2. Spend some time staying under AUTHORITY! (James 4:6,7)

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

This will be a daily decision. It is a matter of dethroning SELF and enthroning JESUS!

3. Spend some time appreciating HUMILITY! (James 4:8-10)

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

As you can read, God resists the proud but gives GRACE to the HUMBLE.

Conclusion: What choices will you make this summer?

Grow.