Mindset Monday is an opportunity for you and I to begin our week with a bang. This picture of the clouds is both sunny and cloudy. At first glance I am unsure whether the next moments will bring more sun or a storm. Hebrews 11:1 is one of my favorite verses because it reminds me that we may not know what this week holds but we know the One who holds us. Verse 2 reminds us to look to the examples in faith modeled by our spiritual ancestors. Remember that what you and I do today is an example for those watching. We show what being a Christian is in the ways we exercise faith, the way we act/react to obstacles, and the way that we face our unknown future. How are you handling what you cannot see? Does your “act of faith” distinguish and set you “above the crowd”?

“The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:1-2‬ ‭MSG‬‬

As you begin this week and face the unknown obstacles I encourage you to;

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians‬ ‭3:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How are you growing this Spiritual Sunday? Will you be going to a place of worship or watching a service online? Did you have some quiet devotion this morning to read the Bible and pray? Or will you have Bible study later today? Be sure to spend some intentional time today growing spiritually so that you produce a beautiful and intricate bloom for Christ!

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;” 2 Cor‬ ‭4:7-8‬ ‭NIV

I have fallen in love with Expresso. It is a coffee brewing method in which a small amount of nearly boiling water is forced under 9–10 bars of pressure (expressed) through finely-ground coffee beans. Just like the coffee being expressed, we too are hard pressed. The yummy aroma and flavor lingers as I taste each sip. The good news, God does not leave us in despair. His Grace abounds and his love lingers, even when we think our cup is empty.

Are you a coffee lover? Some of you may prefer tea or soda. Each one of them go through a process to taste good. We read in Psalms 34:8 NIV; “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” On this Finish Friday, let’s allow God to make something beautiful out of our hard pressed areas so that others will see Him through you and I in all His glory. Let’s be intentional by tasting and seeing the goodness only God can provide.

What scripture verse or verses are you thankful for? Maybe it is one that has gotten you through a hard season. Maybe it is one that reminds you of a loved one or a place. Maybe it’s one that was read to you by a parent or taught at VBS. I am thankful for Isaiah‬ ‭55:8-9‬ ‭NIV‬‬; “”For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

I am thankful for these verses because they keep me surprised by God. Just when I think I’ve seen or experienced God’s best laid plans, He’s got something better down the road. Take a look at this picture that was taken at Brookgreen Gardens when I recently ran a 5k. Can you just imagine the goodness and God’s beauty that is at the end of that road?

I’ve always loved a song by Garth Brooks, “Unanswered Prayers” because so many times what I thought I wanted, God had something or someone better. Take a moment today to thank God for those unanswered prayers and I encourage you to listen to this country song, https://youtu.be/gSL_sjya9rg

We would love to hear from you! Tell us what scripture you are Thankful for!

When we are doing the will of God, we can guarantee the Devil will be prowling around. Last night as I was running and listening to the Run for God Club Podcast, I was reminded of the verse in 1 Peter 5:8 and how we need to be intentional and vigilant everyday. Vigilant means to keep careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Often as Water walkers we are striving to stay in God’s perfect will. You may be running in a puddle like this one or jumping head first into a new job, a relationship, or a season. Great news, the Devil can’t compete with the Holy Ghost that lives and dwells in us. I love running to this song, Run Devil Run by Crowder because it not only helps me to run faster, it helps me to be vigilant in my daily walk.

I encourage you to listen to it today on this Water Walking Wednesday; https://youtu.be/US1-R-R9lYQ

I am sure we have all attended a vacation Bible school and heard a lesson on F.R.O.G, Fully Rely On God. What does it mean to fully rely on God? I love the message version of Psalm 18: 1-2;

“I love you, God— you make me strong. God is bedrock under my feet, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. My God—the high crag where I run for dear life, hiding behind the boulders, safe in the granite hideout.”

If we rely on God, we can have His strength. He can even be our rescuer in time of trouble. In the movie the Princess and the Frog, Tiana has a long, hard journey once she is turned into a frog. In the end Tiana and Naveen are transformed back into a beautiful Princess and Prince.

On this Transformation Tips Tuesday, I encourage us all to lean on God for strength. Let us allow God to transform us into His image in the process. May we all be rescued by His love and Grace.

This camera at church is recording firsthand what it sees. What lenses or filters are you seeing life through? In Matt 6:22 NIV; ““The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” On Sunday we see the cross. Do we carry the image of the cross with us throughout the week? It is easy to get distracted, worried, or discontented when looking through worldly lenses. On this Mindset Monday, let’s remember to keep the cross which is full of love, grace, and kindness in the forefront of our minds.