My husband Hollie and I have been riding bikes most evenings. We like to wait until it is dark because it is cooler and very peaceful to ride at night. My bike light shines light on the path ahead and his bike light alerts the traffic behind us. On this Transformation Tips Tuesday, I think about the strengthening of our muscles that is not only happening physically but in our marriage and spiritually as well.

In 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬ the Apostle Paul writes to strengthen our faith; “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”

I love how the Message version reads that our Heavenly Father takes us by the hand; “May the Master take you by the hand and lead you along the path of God’s love and Christ’s endurance.”

I sit this morning and think of how our bike light guides us as we endure the workout. This Christian walk we are on takes lots of love and endurance. I want us to imagine our Heavenly Father taking us by the hand today and leading us throughout our day. May we remember that we are to shine His love as He strengthens us to endure the days tasks ahead.

On this Mindset Monday, what is your perspective for the days ahead? In this photo we know there is a beach of sand we cannot see. Just like faith, it can’t always be seen. In this verse from Hebrews brings us a perspective of hope; “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews‬ ‭11:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

My prayer for you and I; that we all have assurance in our faithful God. That we can all have hope when we can’t see the sand. That our glasses are half full verses half empty. According to the dictionary assurance means, a positive declaration intended to give confidence; a promise. Let’s voice a declaration that it is going to be a great week!

Click here and Worship with Blessed Assurance by Elevation Worship.

Last Sunday Deborah asked us to examine our bloom color and our soil. This week at my house, our Cala Lillie’s we planted last year stated to return. They are located in a shady spot under our tree. I remember them being really hard to plant with the trees root system strongly in place. I wondered if they would return. Amazingly the the remnant of the seed bloomed just a beautifully.

Remnant means something left over, small remaining quantities of something. In 2 Kings 19:30 NIV, one year there was an invasion so the land could not be sown. The following year was to be a sabbatical year. Yet the Lord provided; “Once more a remnant of the kingdom of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above.”

Spiritual Sunday is a time to go to church and get filled so that we have a remnant of worship to carry us throughout our week. That remnant may not always be in full bloom but God is always providing. We always seem to be waiting on something, right? Clothes to dry, dinner to finish cooking, a child to come home, waiting on a Doctor to come in the room, breakthrough, or healing. If we praise in the waiting, our root system will remain and our faith will stay strong. May there always be a remnant of praise on our lips to carry us through the week.

Click Here to worship with Stay Strong by Danny Gokey.

Don’t laugh. This picture was taken of my nails within the last week. I had begun to take off the color and failed to finish. This picture is a visual representation of the busy schedule I have had recently and a reminder to slow down and reflect.

This Finish Friday as I reflect on my week, I am thankful for the guidance of God through the many tasks I met each day. As I look back further than this week, I am overwhelmed by the goodness of God. I can now see clearly what I once found puzzling. I can see God’s hand guiding me every step of the way, even when I didn’t realize it at the time. God’s grace and mercy have continually taught me how “to put on a new self.” God has done and continues to do so much for me!

I encourage you to begin your Finish Friday by spending some time reflecting.

Read Ephesians 4: 17-32. Remember where you began your Christian walk and how far you have come. Praise God for bringing you so far and give thanks for how far you will continue to go.

Click here to listen to the song, “Look What You’ve Done” by Tasha Layton and give God the glory for what’s been done for you in the name of Jesus Christ.

On this Thankful Thursday, let’s give thanks for the wings that gives us refuge. Some days feel like we face one attack after another. Nothing goes right and the devil would like nothing better than for us to throw our hands up in defeat. However, we know better!

We have a Heavenly Father who covers us with His feathers. He protects us from the arrows that attack us and He gives us shelter from the storm.

Today, recognize and be aware of the feathers that cover you. Take time to thank God for His refuge and when you see a bird today, consider it a reminder of His love and protection.

Spend some time in worship and praise. Read all of Psalm 91. Click here to listen to “Your Wings” by Lauren Daigle.

Water walking Wednesday is a day to ponder your faith, courage and even your obedience. Water walking requires you to step out of your boat of comfort and walk, even when you may not be able to see what’s ahead clearly.

How can we do that? We must stay focused on the light of Christ ahead of us. Jesus is a beacon, shining His light to guide and direct our path, just as a lighthouse does for boaters.

Are you focused on the light of Christ to guide your steps? Have you taken a step onto the water in faith? Are you being obedient to the call of Christ? Look towards the Lighthouse of Christ and allow Him to show you the way. He won’t let you sink. After all, He is the light of the world!

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.””
‭‭John‬ ‭8:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Click here to read an article about 5 Interesting Facts About Lighthouses.

Several years ago, while teaching phonics in my kindergarten class, I placed some red letter words in a pocket chart for my class to practice. With this particular phonics program, sight words were printed in red to signify them as words we just have to remember by sight. I asked my class, “Why do you think these words are red?” Immediately one of my students answered, “That means that Jesus said them.” Needless to say I was caught off guard but also so pleased that this student had knowledge of Jesus!

On this Transformation Tips Tuesday I encourage you to open your Bible and read some of the words in red. Read any of them and let the words of Christ speak to you today. May you remember that the words in red were written for you. Click here to listen to the song “Written For Me” by Matthew West and let the words in red transform your day and life.