“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.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Such a simple yet powerful verse. Have you ever stopped to think how big God’s love is? Not only did He sacrifice His only son but He did it for the entire world. Like this beautifully vibrant bird, God’s love is unique and beautiful for each of us.

Do you feel like you have fallen short this week? Whether it is with housework, raising children, or the daunting to-do list, remember how big God’s love is. We can put our complete trust in the Savior of the world. No matter who we are or what is going on in our lives, our stories are interwoven with God’s big love.

Our readers probably don’t realize that Water Walkers reaches people all over the world. From Ireland, Ecuador, Honduras, Pakistan, India, Romania, Canada, France, Mexico, South Africa, and more. Take a moment to watch and listen to this song, John 3:16 in Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, English, Korean, and Persian.

On this Finish Friday, take a moment to stop, take a deep breath, and smile because you are vibrantly loved.

“Thank God! He deserves your thanks. His love never quits. Thank the God of all gods, His love never quits. Thank the Lord of all Lords. His love never quits.” Psalm‬ ‭136:1-3‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Often we need to hear things several times before we hear it. We might read over something but not comprehend it. Life gets so busy we neglect to hear and see God. In this message version of Psalms we are told 3 times that God deserves our thanks and that His love never quits. Even on days when we are not listening, like a child we need to be told mutile times.

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords love never quits, even on days when we don’t trust. One day this week I was worried about something. I texted my daughter, asking her to pray. Her response was, God’s timing is perfect so don’t worry. God often uses others to deliver a message so that we will hear it loud and clear.

How about when life gets busy like a busy bee? Even on the busy days, we can say breath prayers, giving our thanks throughout the day. On this Thankful Thursday, remember to continually give thanks for His unending love. Let’s give God our first and last thoughts so that we may hear and see Him clearly.

“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Revelation‬ ‭12:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

On Monday I wrote about God being a roaring lion. Amazing how He is also called Lamb of God. Each of us have been washed clean by the blood of the lamb. Each of us have a powerful testimony to share in the goodness of God. Many of us also have mini miracle stories that become our testimony.

Our daughter, Kendal was diagnosed with juvenile Scoliosis at 4-years-old. For 11 years we would travel to the Greenville Shriners hospital for her medical care. The staff at Shriners made a huge impact on her life at such an impressionable age. At the age of 15 when she was done growing. We considered her healed because she was no longer at risk for needing surgery. This is what I call a mini miracle. At age 4, the journey seemed overwhelming and scary at times. Now kendal has a powerful testimony to share of God’s goodness.

Kendal is now 18 years-old and is taking her prerequisites for nursing. Her life circumstances helped determined her career path. God often uses our tests and trials so that we can share of His glory in the next chapter of our lives. Looking back at such a tender age, God was our lamb that we trusted. We trusted that God would bring good from our journey.

I encourage you to listen to the song, Ain’t Nobody by Cody Carnes. Some of the lyrics sing; “I’m a living breathing miracle and I just got to testify. I’m a walking talking miracle and I just got to let it out.”

On this Water Walking Wednesday I hope you are inspired to share your testimonies and mini miracle stories with someone in need.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Last week I read this verse from Psalm 23 a little differently than I have in the past. My thought was that if the Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing in/at _________. You fill in the blank. On this particular day I was thinking about a job or calling someone had been chosen for and called to. The Lord is our Good Shepherd. He would never lead us astray or abandon us in our callings. We must trust whatever process we are in and keep moving in the direction God is leading.

There is that word Trust again. On this Transformation Tips Tuesday, I want us to picture God taking us by the hand and leading us towards the path He has chosen for us. In this picture the forest is taken care of and so are we. May we all go in Godly confidence today that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

As we listen to Shepherd by Amanda Cook, know that God’s presence in our daily lives is a promise we can count on.

“Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.””
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭5:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

On this Mindset Monday I want us to call on our God as our strong roaring Lion. In Revelation God is described triumphant Lion of the tribe of Judah that could open the scroll. God holds that same strong power today. We are blessed to have His Holy Spirit to extend that same strength and courage to us.

In this photo we see both a calm peaceful stream of water and a tower of strong stones. Why wouldn’t we trust the God who is both the calm in our storm and our defender through the storm?

I encourage you to listen to the song, Lion featuring Chris Brown and Brandon Lake. On this Mindset Monday set the tone for the week. Taken from some of the lyrics; louder than the thunder, may God’s glory roar. May the Lord prepare the way, raise our valleys up and make our mountains low.

“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah‬ ‭55:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This weeks inspiration comes from Steven Furtick’s 1 minute motivation; Who’s got the final word? In this video he talks about putting our trust in God. When we think of God being the all knowing, Great I Am, is it easier to put our trust in Him? Depending on what season we are in, might depend on what we call God. For the first time, I heard God referenced as the “Final Word fom Heaven”. When you read that, what scripture verses come to mind? The first one for me is from John 19:30 NIV; “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” Jesus himself was the final word and His purpose on earth was finished.

Look at the beautiful ocean pictured here. Think about how God’s word does not return empty. Even when sent out to the vast ocean. What He desires to achieve will happen with purpose. We have the choice to live out that purpose, daily putting God’s word into practice. What better way to put His word into practice than to put our trust in Him? On this Spiritual Sunday, let’s recenter our hearts and minds on God’s final word from Heaven.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:23-27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

A few weeks ago while returning to my friend’s house after an evening walk, we happened upon the insect in the picture. I am not an entomologist so I am not sure of the correct name for this insect. In my opinion it’s a huge grasshopper and I usually try to avoid them. However, I was stopped in my tracks at the sight and had to snap this picture. As I look closely at the image, I am intrigued by the details God has given to such a creature. Isn’t God amazing?

Often in life, we rush from one task to another and we lose our focus on God. When we lose our focus we also lose our perspective. Today’s verses reminds us to stay focused. Now read The Message version of the same verses.

“Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts. Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:23-27‬ ‭MSG‬‬

On this Focus Friday morning, let’s slow down and check our gaze. Are we looking straight ahead? Are we looking for God’s guidance and blessings as we travel throughout our day or are we focused on “sideshow distractions?” Today let’s keep our eyes straight ahead and when we do find ourselves distracted, may each of us look for signs of God. After all, God made grasshoppers and painted them with beautiful hues. Think of how much more careful attention to detail God had when he created you and I!