“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians‬ ‭3:16-19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Let’s make today “Fill Up Friday” and instead of just making it through the day, let’s use it as a day to go to our source of strength and fill up so we can finish the week strong. The picture is a sign found on a gas pump. As you can read, it is not a usual pump, but a prepay pump. Apparently, the sign has been removed at some point and customers were unable to buy gas. I imagine that would be very frustrating.

Sometimes I find myself turning to the wrong sources to fill me up. When I turn to earthly glory, praise, or satisfaction to fill me up, I eventually become frustrated when it doesn’t last. What about you? What other sources do you turn to fill you up?

Today let’s turn to Jesus, our ultimate source, to fill up. After all, He has prepaid the ultimate price of love for you and I. May each of us fully acknowledge His sacrifice of love and allow the deep and wide love of Christ to fill us up to the “full measure of God,”

As you begin to fill up this morning, Click here to listen to “Fill My Cup Lord” by Andrew Ripp.

“This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭66:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Do you tremble at the presence of God? Are you in awe of the masterpieces God creates? Do you marvel at the daily miracles God performs?

Today is Thankful Thursday and I encourage you to be cognizant of God’s presence around you. Today’s picture was taken Monday evening. If you recall from Tuesday’s post, I had spent Monday being still and in prayer on the veranda of the hotel at the beach. I had a relaxing and God focused afternoon. Afterwards I headed out to Walmart to buy a few things and then to grab a bite to eat. As usual, I was on the go from one place to the other. As I got out at the restaurant I was stopped in my tracks when my eyes were drawn to the sky. I was in awe of the beauty and artistry before me. I immediately praised God and proceeded to take out my phone and capture today’s picture. As I reflected, I realized that so often I rush through life without an awareness of the beauty around me. Monday I was more in tune but I should always tremble at the feet of God. Read the Message version of today’s scripture.

“God’s Message: “Heaven’s my throne, earth is my footstool. What sort of house could you build for me? What holiday spot reserve for me? I made all this! I own all this!” God’s Decree. “But there is something I’m looking for: a person simple and plain, reverently responsive to what I say.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭66:1-2‬ ‭MSG‬‬

God is looking for us to have a reverent response. God is looking for us to tremble with awe and thanksgiving.

On this Thankful Thursday let’s be aware and in awe. Let’s tremble at the glory and majesty of our Lord. Click here and listen to the song “Tremble” by Lauren Daigle. May the song play on repeat in our minds today as we freely give God praise and Glory at His presence around us.

“Jesus said, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.””
‭‭John‬ ‭20:29‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Yesterday morning I left Myrtle Beach and headed to work on a path I wasn’t very familiar with, so I entered my destination into my gps for directions. As I traveled in the dark, I followed the voice of Siri as she directed my path. When I was nearly at work it occurred to me that I had complete trust that the gps would lead me the right direction. Wow! What blind faith and trust I had put in my cell phone. I began to feel convicted as I realized I don’t always put that much blind faith and trust in my Lord and Savior.

On this Water Walking Wednesday, I encourage you to examine your faith. Do you trust and obey blindly? Do you ask God for proof or answers before stepping out in faith? Walking on water requires faith, trust, and obedience. Examine yourself and your faith journey. Are you allowing God to lead you with no questions asked?

““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.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55:8-9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Yesterday I had the opportunity to accompany my husband as he attended a conference for his work. While he was in meetings I took advantage of some time alone to rest and rejuvenate. The last few weeks have been jam packed with activities with some extra stresses added in to the mix. The strain of the busy-ness has left me feeling drained and depleted. A day away was just what I needed.

On this Transformation Tips Tuesday I am reminded of a Mark Batterson quote;

“Change of pace + change of place=change of perspective”.

When at the beach I usually choose to have my toes in the sand. However yesterday I chose to sit on the covered veranda at the hotel. The above pictures show two different places I enjoyed sitting. As the ocean breeze blew, the sound of the crashing waves coupled with the smell of salt slowly eased the tensions of the past weeks. I spent my alone time praying and talking with God about all the things on my mind and allowed God to change my perspective. The few hours on the veranda reminded me of how important it is for each of us to be intentional with changing our pace and place sometimes so that God can mold our perspective.

In honor of transformation tips Tuesday I encourage you to plan a time apart with God and in a different location. You may not be able to go to the beach but perhaps sit on a porch, in the yard, or even in a different place than your usual devotion spot. Just making a few adjustments may give you a different view. Allow God to mold your thoughts and change your perspective.

“She answered God by name, praying to the God who spoke to her, “You’re the God who sees me! “Yes! He saw me; and then I saw him!”” Genesis‬ ‭16:13‬ ‭MSG‬‬

What do you see when you look out your window? What is in your line of vision? Yesterday, I saw this tree outside my car window and I was intrigued. Look at all of the crooks and turns in the limbs. I wonder what caused the limbs to change direction? I wonder what helped to shape the tree.

Today’s scripture is about Hagar. If you are unfamiliar with her story, take a moment to read Genesis 16 and read it through Hagar’s eyes. Think of how she must have felt. Think of how her life suddenly and drastically changed direction.

Just like Hagar and even like the pictured tree, we may have a change in direction that may or may not be our choice. Like Hagar, our life may take unexpected turns that leaves us feeling lost and deserted. However, we have a God who sees us when the world throws us for a loop.

On this Mindset Monday may each of us focus on the God that sees us. Take some time to listen to the song, “The God Who Sees” by Nicole Mullen. Click here and listen to all the examples in the Bible of God “seeing” the ones whose lives took unexpected turns that left them feeling alone. As you go about your day, notice how God sees you when the world forces a turn in your direction. Look for God around the bend!

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:8-9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:16-18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How was your last week? Was it smooth sailing or was it rough and choppy? Do you have a clear vision for your week ahead or do you feel off kilter and out of focus like today’s picture?

Today is Spiritual Sunday. I encourage you not only to go to worship but to also be an active participant. Start right now by reflecting on today’s featured scriptures. Believe these promises and tuck them away in your heart so that when you face hard pressed and crushing moments you will not lose heart or focus. Let’s use the crushing to remind us that God is building inside of us to prepare us for eternal glory. Let’s allow God to use our momentary troubles to prepare us to be His vessel. Let’s not focus on the blurry vision ahead of us, but on what is unseen.

Click here and listen to the song “New Wine” by Hillsong Worship to begin your Spiritual Sunday. Listen to the words and allow God to speak to you about the hard and pressing moments you have experienced. Let God whisper in your ear words of love and strength. You are a vessel of God and you are heading for eternal glory.

“Yahweh is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23:1‬ ‭The Passion Translation

Click here and join me as I talk about breath prayers.

I encourage you to read the guest post devotional by Jennifer Tucker on Ann Voskamp’s website; Annvoskamp.com