Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

In 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed. Many seasons have come and gone since then. In today’s key verse from Ecclesiastes, we see there is a time for war and a time for peace. We must also honor and remember those that have fought and continue to fight for that peace and our freedom. 

Every summer season we celebrate the joys that the July 4th holiday brings. Let’s choose to focus on those blessings. To name a few: peace, freedom, family, friends, food, and fellowship. Whether blessings are big or small, they should be celebrated. As we read in Ephesians 1:3 NIV — Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Even when we can’t physically see a blessing, God is blessing us.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the many blessings You have provided as we celebrate our independence. Help us to keep the faith even when we can’t see a blessing. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”

Do you consider yourself a trailblazer for Christ Jesus? When I hear that term, I think of trekking through the mountains. In Matthew 3:3, John the Baptist was a trailblazer. He was preparing the way for Jesus. We have talked a lot about words, verses, and mantras for the year. Have you selected a word, verse, or mantra for 2026? Whether you have selected one or not, I want us to meditate on 1 John 2:6 NIV — Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

Jesus was the ultimate trailblazer. His life models who we should be today. When selecting a word, verse, or mantra, it should help us to grow in our faith and to live as Jesus did. As we celebrate Independence week, think about all Jesus accomplished during His Earthly ministry. Take a moment to celebrate all the trailblazers that have gone on before us so that we can have independence. 

The mantra I leave with you today is, “Be the Change.” Now let’s go trailblaze for Christ Jesus.

@biblegateway @youversion