I have been convicted recently for not carrying my paper Bible to church. I have relied on my phones Bible App to look up scripture. The chances of me having enough cell service at church to pull up a verse are slim. I say I am going to start bringing my paper Bible and then another week passes by.

I am thankful for God’s word to light my path. Every morning I love looking up the verse of the day on my Bible App but there is just something about reading through a paper Bible. On this Thankful Thursday I ask the questions, do you use God’s word to light your path? Whether it is through an App or on paper, do you show God gratitude by reading His word?

I know Deborah lights a candle during her devotion time. We joke about lighting the candle in Sunday School class to stop our weekly chatter and begin our lesson. This morning as I read the verse from Psalm 119:105, I burned a candle to honor God and show gratitude of His word; “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalms‬ ‭119:105 NIV.

Sometimes when the journey seems long or the past seems muddled we can get discouraged. Deborah and I both like to journal our devotions, prayers, and sermon messages. We like to journal dreams, gratitudes, and answered prayers. When we journal, we can look back and remember. We can connect the dots to God’s faithfulness.

On this Water Walking Wednesday I encourage us all to make a daily habit to journal. If you already journal, take a moment to look back and reflect. Part of being a Water Walker is is remembering the power that is running through our veins. Take a member to listen to the lyrics of this song; Remember by Bryan and Katie Torwalt

I am a beginner in the planting process. I have used the same little pot to start out both my succulents and my cactus. This past Sunday I transferred the plants into bigger pots because they had outgrown the little pot and flower box they lived in. This reminds me, are we making room to grow in our Christian walk?

We should never fully mature at being a Christian. God wants us to get planted in His word and flourish. When we stop growing, we should evaluate why. Maybe we need to serve in other areas at church or in our communities. Maybe we need to join a small group at church.

On this Transformation Tips Tuesday , I encourage us all to pray and ask God to plant the desire in us to keep striving, to keep growing in our Christian walk so that we can flourish.

God worked it out for Mary. God worked it out for Elizabeth. God will work it out for you and I too. On this Mindset Monday, let’s remember that nothing is impossible with God. Just like the seasons change, God is in control.

Will you choose to surrender your week, your days, your hours over to Him? Like this song, God will work it out. Some of the lyrics sing;

Be encouraged

Be still and know

Lean in

Take hope in God alone

I encourage you to worship God this morning as you listen to this song. Set your mind on things above on this Mindset Monday; God Will Work It Out By: Maverick City Music

On this Spiritual Sunday I want us to think about our tribes. We could have multiple tribes; small groups at church, friendships, and family. In Hebrews 10:25 NIV we are instructed to not give up meeting together; “not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Relationships and fellowship are a vital key to our spiritual growth.

Have you ever tried running in sand? It can be very challenging. Sometimes you feel as though you are running in place. Look at these patches of beach grass, some hardier than others. Our tribes help nurture and strengthen us. God made us for relationships, especially for days it feels like we are running in place. As we go to our places of worship today, I pray we will all gain strength from God and our tribes.

Last night I had the pleasure of taking my daughter, Briley, to see Lauren Daigle in concert. One of the first songs she is known for is “How Can It Be”. As she sang last night, I was reminded again of what the cross means to you and I.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3:16-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

No matter our mistakes. No matter our failures. God sent His son Jesus Christ to die on the cross so that you and I may have everlasting life. That concept is so hard to understand, so hard to believe. Why would anyone take our punishment? As Lauren Daigle sings, how can it be?

On this Finish Friday, let’s hold on to the love and grace of John 3:16. Let’s share that verse of mercy with others. Let others learn about God’s promise of eternity through our own living testimony. What actions in your daily life are a reflection for others to see your belief in John 3:16?

Listen to the words of this song and gain power and strength from God’s love and mercy for you.

How Can It Be

Today I am thankful for hope. When my day is gloomy and I feel overwhelmed, I don’t have to be consumed with worry. I can kneel at the cross of Jesus Christ and look up to Him for strength and courage. I am thankful for the symbol of the cross as a reminder of my Savior. I am thankful I walk under the protection of His love, grace and mercy.

Today let’s start our rainy, gloomy day, by looking up to the cross. Let’s look up and give thanks. Let’s look up and have hope and courage. This song by Lauren Daigle can guide our gaze.

https://youtu.be/-4Nx2hEhVRE