Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV — And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 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.

This week I am sharing with you some of the spiritual disciplines that I practice. What is spiritual discipline? Simply put, spiritual disciplines are habits and practices that may be done individually or corporately that are intended to promote spiritual growth. In her book Relaxed, Megan Fate Marshman shares a quote from Dr. John Coe, “Spiritual disciplines don’t transform you. They open you to the God who can.” 

Corporate worship is a spiritual discipline that I practice. Corporate worship is the gathering together of believers to hear scriptures, sing, pray, and glorify God. Today’s scripture tells us that by gathering togethering we help one another grow spiritually. Growing up as the daughter of a minister, I didn’t have a choice as to whether or not I would attend Sunday worship services. Church on Sunday was so much a part of my life that I don’t think I realized that may not be the norm for everyone. As a college student I soon learned how easily it is to fall out of the habit of attending church on Sunday. Thankfully, God placed me with a roommate who also grew up in a church attending home. I moved back home after college and joined a young adult Bible study that deepened my faith and my desire to be a part of a church family. Over the years, being a member of a scripture based church family has become one of the most important spiritual disciplines in my life and has helped me to grow as a believer.

Are you a part of a church family? How has the habit of attending corporate worship helped deepen your faith? Ray attends Pawleys Island Community Church, Julie attends Herbert United Methodist, and I attend Wayne Methodist Church. If you are looking for a church home and are interested in visiting any of our churches, please reach out to us via social media or email. 

Click here for more information on our social media channels. Our email address is waterwalkers29@gmail.com

Let’s pray. Thank You God for my church family. Strengthen my desire to gather together in corporate worship as I grow closer to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

James 5:16 NIV — Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

This week I am sharing with you some of the spiritual disciplines that I practice. What is spiritual discipline? Simply put, spiritual disciplines are habits and practices that may be done individually or corporately that are intended to promote spiritual growth. In her book Relaxed, Megan Fate Marshman shares a quote from Dr. John Coe, “Spiritual disciplines don’t transform you. They open you to the God who can.” 

Accountability is a form of spiritual discipline that helps me grow in my faith. Accountability to others also helps keep me on track. Julie, Ray, and I are currently reading the Bible Project plan on the Youversion Bible app. We often share with one another our individual takeaways or ideas from the reading. Knowing each of them will be reading the same text and passages as me helps me to stay on track and to grow in my faith.

I have other friends and family members who hold me accountable for other areas of my life. Knowing they may ask me about my progress or challenge my lack of progress helps me to stay focused. Allowing others to share in your ups and downs is a way to step out of your boat of comfort and walk on water.

Who holds you accountable? How does accountability to others help you grow spiritually? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for friends and family who hold me accountable. Help me to walk on water by sharing with them my progress as well as my failures. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

Psalm 143:8-10 NIV — Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

This week I am sharing with you some of the spiritual disciplines that I practice. What is spiritual discipline? Simply put, spiritual disciplines are habits and practices that may be done individually or corporately that are intended to promote spiritual growth. In her book Relaxed, Megan Fate Marshman shares a quote from Dr. John Coe, “Spiritual disciplines don’t transform you. They open you to the God who can.” 

One of the spiritual disciplines I practice is spending time daily with God by studying His word, the Bible. Currently, I choose to rise early in the morning for my quiet time with God. Years ago, when my children were smaller, I did not get up early for Bible study. As I reflect over those years I realize I was giving God my leftovers. If I had any leftover time, I would try to squeeze in Bible study between taking care of children, preparing meals, housework, etc. My life was always busy so the only way to ensure I could spend time with God was to get up 30 minutes earlier and give God the first part of my morning. Getting up 30 minutes early proved to be a change that positively affected my life. I have learned that if I trust God with the first part of my day it will set the tone for the rest of my day.

Do you practice the spiritual discipline of Bible study? What is your routine and habit? How do you make time with God a priority?

Let’s pray. Dear God, help me to trust You with my time. Open my eyes to pockets of time that will allow me to arrange my schedule and make Bible study with You a priority. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

This week I will share some of the spiritual disciplines I practice. As you prepare for the week ahead, take some time to read the following scriptures.

Psalm 143:8-10 NIV — Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

James 5:16 NIV — Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV — And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 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.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV — Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV — So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

This week we will be exploring spiritual disciplines. Spend some time today in prayer and ask God to open your ears, eyes, heart, and mind to spiritual disciplines that He would have you practice. Listen to More Like Jesus by Canaan Baca as you spend time in worship with God.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭16‬:‭5‬-‭6‬, ‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.

This week we have shared the life of King David from the Bible. Just like David, we can surrender our bodies to God in complete rest. God has already set our boundary lines. Even in the midst of trials, we can rest in knowing that God has already secured our lot. 

As I write to you this week, I am enjoying Spring break. I have big plans to surrender and find rest. God is my portion and I plan to fill my cup with the things I enjoy like reading, writing, running, planting, connecting with family, friends, and lots of coffee. I want my cup to overflow so when I return to work, I can pour into others from a restful Spirit. 

How will you find rest? Feeling overwhelmed? Need to find joy? Turn it over to God. Take a moment to Worship with Psalm 16 (Fullness of Joy) by Shane and Shane.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the boundary lines You have already laid for me. I surrender to Your will this week and seek to get good soul rest so I can be rejuvenated for Your kingdom work. In Jesus’name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭7‬:‭18‬, ‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said: “Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? You have established your people Israel as your very own forever, and you, Lord, have become their God.

This week we are sharing more on the life of King David from the Bible. In today’s key verse David prays to God. There is fruit in remembering where God has brought you from. There is also fruit in our trust in God for our tomorrows. Thankfully we have the word of God that holds our lineage in Christ Jesus. The seeds have already been planted. We’ve been prayed over since before we were born.

Have you ever been in a position like David, where God has called you to something you didn’t feel qualified for? Maybe you don’t feel qualified for your job, marriage, parenting, or ministry. God is going to show off where He can get the glory, even if that means calling two women from Georgetown, South Carolina to start a Christian blog 10 years ago. He will do it. Deborah, Ray, and I have been faithful with the seeds God has given us to produce fruit.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for calling Deborah, Ray, and I together for such a time as this to share Your glory. I pray that our readers will seek Your glory and join us in walking on water. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

@biblegateway @youversion