At 211 degrees, water is hot.

At 212 degrees, it boils. And with boiling water comes steam. And steam can power a locomotive.

I picked up a little book, one that would be called a personal "success" book, that spoke about the difference a little extra effort can produce in a person's life. Take for example, the one degree between 211 and 212 can mean the difference between something that is only hot and the power to move tons of steel. That one degree is the difference between ordinary and extraordinary. The book is full of illustrations of what happens when a person puts forth just a little more energy to their endeavor. For instance:

The average margin of victory for the last 25 years in all major golf tournaments combined was less than 3 strokes.

The margin between a gold and silver medal in the Olympics in the men's 800 meter was 0.71 seconds. In the men's long jump, 28 centimeters. In the women's 800 meter, 0.13 seconds.

The average margin of victory for the past 10 years at the Daytona 500 was 1.54 seconds. The prize money between first and second was less than half the winners.

If you spent an extra hour each day studying in your chosen field, you will be a national expert in that field in 5 years or less.

212 degrees really represents your enthusiasm, passion, commitment, and extra energy toward a goal. It really is about perseverance and tenacity. It is about pressing on when others decide to pull up short. It is a mind-set and attitude that separates the ordinary from the extraordinary. To be honest, it's not about money or earthly success; but rather your personal excellence. It's about distinguishing yourself in the midst of mediocrity and average.

I believe that is a Biblical principle. I believe we are to give our best to every Kingdom endeavor. Jesus told us we were to love the Lord our God, "with all our heart, soul, mind and strength". I have to believe that means we are to have the 212 attitude. Let me ask...are there some spiritual things that could use a little more energy? Are there some things you could put some more passion, enthusiasm, and persistence to with regards to the Kingdom? I suspect if we looked the answer would be "yes".

 The catch phrase of the book is this: Maybe it's time to turn up the heat!

I want to encourage you as the summer begins, to turn up the heat!

It is easy to get that vacation mentality when the summer hits. I too, am looking forward to some time away this summer; but I need to be sure my spiritual passion doesn't take a vacation. Decide now to keep your focus and energy high this summer with regards to the things of God. Don't let the summer take you backwards, but let it move you forwards spiritually. I believe God can do some great things in our church even through the summer if we keep that 212 mentality. There may be no better time to get to DISCOVERY classes, CONNECT groups, WEDNESDAY BIBLE study, or even intercessory prayer times. I believe it is time to not only be "hot" for the things of God, but provide a little steam to move the work forward. (I know, the Holy Spirit is the steam, but you need to cooperate with what He desires to ignite inside of you.)

I am believing for a "hot" summer in more ways than the natural weather. Remember...OUR GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE (Hebrews 12:29).

Planting a Cross,

Pastor