Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard

Last week Julie shared her testimony. This week I am sharing my personal testimony, my Christian walk, and my version of our Water Walkers journey from the beginning.

How did we get here? When Julie and I began our Water Walkers blog, we were simply taking one step at a time and jumping one hurdle at a time. In the beginning, our posts were few and far between. I would write a message and Julie would write a prayer. Julie did all the technical stuff and always did the posting. Each year we have stretched and grown. Ray joined us around five years ago and what a blessing it has been to have his perspective and input. Now we take turns writing and posting and we write several weeks in advance. We now have a post and video every day. Usually I write for a week and then Julie writes for a week. Ray, Julie, and I each read and edit the writings and Ray provides pictures for our posts. Although the three of us come from different backgrounds and we each have a different Christian walk, God has brought us together for the common goal of sharing God with others and making disciples in the name of Jesus Christ.

How did you get here? Are you a veteran Christian, new to Christianity, or are you searching for understanding and meaning for your life? We encourage you to click here to visit our page titled Steps To Peace and learn about accepting Jesus as your personal savior.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to free me from the sins I commit. Help me to surrender daily to You and Your will for my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Last week Julie shared her testimony. This week I am sharing my personal testimony, my Christian walk, and my version of our Water Walkers journey from the beginning.

How did we get here? As Julie shared last week, our Water Walkers blog was started after we were encouraged by our pastor to step out of our comfort zone and participate in an online course about sharing faith on social media. At the time, Facebook was my only social media outlet. Each week the course stretched Julie and I to create an account on different social media platforms. While we created individual accounts, we also felt the call to create a joint account when it came to a blog. Thus began Water Walkers. The name of our blog is based on the scripture Matthew 14:29 when Jesus walked on water and called to Peter — “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

 Our prayer is that God is always glorified through our blog and that the fruit of our ministry is multiplied through Him.

Jesus calls each of us. He is calling you too. Do you believe in Christ Jesus? Have you asked Him into your heart to forgive your sins and be Lord over your life? If you want more information on salvation click here to go to our page on Steps To Peace.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the gift of Your son, Christ Jesus. Guide me in being Your Disciple and living out the Great Commission. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard

Isaiah 40:31 KJV — But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Last week Julie shared her testimony. This week I am sharing my personal testimony, my Christian walk, and my version of our Water Walkers journey from the beginning.

How did I get here? After high school I attended an all women, private, United Methodist college. Not only did I receive a Bachelor of Arts degree, but I gained lifelong friendships. The summer between my sophomore and junior year of college, while at the beach with my family, I met Clark. My college roommate was with me and almost as a joke, we planned a double date for later that week. On our date, Clark prayed for our supper. I had never experienced a guy my age being so naturally bold about his faith. We soon began dating and four years later we were married. Today’s featured scripture had become meaningful to Clark and I and as a result we had it inscribed in our wedding bands. 

Clark joined me in being active in our church and the fall after we were married we decided to take part in a nine month Bible study with other young adults. Participating together in that Bible study solidified our Christian relationship and Christian marriage. For that, I am so thankful.

Do you believe in Christ Jesus? Have you asked Him into your heart to forgive your sins and be Lord over your life? If you want more information on salvation click here to go to our page on Steps To Peace.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the gift of Your son, Christ Jesus. Forgive me of my sins and be Lord over my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard

Romans 12:2 NIV — Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Last week Julie shared her testimony. This week I am sharing my personal testimony, my Christian walk, and my version of our Water Walkers journey from the beginning. 

How did I get here? After accepting Christ as my Savior I remember clinging to opportunities to be with other Christians, even if that meant Christian adults. I enjoyed times when our church went to nursing homes to have worship services or crafts. During my childhood I was mostly sheltered from the “real world.” As a teenager I quickly realized the majority of my classmates were not Christians. Often I was not included in outings with my friends and I was rarely invited to parties. In hindsight I realize that my closest friends may not have included me out of respect and as a way of protecting me from activities that they knew could compromise my integrity. At the time I felt like an unwanted sore thumb. Now I appreciate being an outsider. I didn’t realize at the time that I was a water walker as a teenager and young adult. 

Do you believe in Christ Jesus? Have you asked Him into your heart to forgive your sins and be Lord over your life? If you want more information on salvation click here to go to our page on Steps To Peace.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the gift of Your son, Christ Jesus. Forgive me of my sins and be Lord over my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭ESV‬ — For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Last week Julie shared her testimony. This week I am sharing my personal testimony, my Christian walk, and my version of our Water Walkers journey from the beginning. 

How did I get here? I was blessed to grow up in a Christian home. My dad was a United Methodist minister. While I was taken to church and church functions from birth, I didn’t accept Christ as my savior until the age of 8 or 9. We had a visiting youth group share a drama on the life of Christ. I was so touched and overwhelmed by emotion that when there was an altar call at the end of the service I felt the call to go forward and profess Jesus Christ as my Savior. From then on I have found guidance and comfort from the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Faith begins with trusting and believing that Jesus came so that you can have eternal life. Do you believe in Christ Jesus? Have you asked Him into your heart to forgive your sins and be Lord of your life? If you want more information you can  read more on our steps to peace page.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the gift of Your son, Christ Jesus. Forgive me of my sins and be Lord over my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Take time to read and meditate on the featured scripture for this week.

John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭ESV‬ — For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 12:2 NIV — Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Isaiah 40:31 KJV — But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 14:29 NIV — “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard

In preparation of our week ahead, spend some time in prayer and worship as you listen to The Goodness of God by CeCe Winans and My Testimony by Elevation Worship.