Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

Each of us is in different or similar seasons in our lives. We are all moving different or similar stones. There is a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them as we read in ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.

When you look at this beautiful image from our friend Ray, what stones do you see? Maybe for you the stones have been gathered for love and celebration. Maybe they have been scattered from grief and mourning. Maybe they represent joys or sorrows. 

Now look at the image more closely. They are stacked from largest to smallest. To scatter them, it would be easier to move the smaller stone first. Are you trying to move a stone that is burdened by the weight of other stones? God knows what stones you are carrying. Whatever season you are in, surrender your stones to God. Don’t forget to celebrate your joys.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the joys and celebrations in my life. I surrender my stones of burdens. Help me to scatter and gather stones for Your glory. Remind me to celebrate along the way. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

Take time today to meditate on this week’s scripture verses.

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬ —- Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.

@biblegateway @youversion

Take a moment to worship with the Goodness of God by CeCe Winans.

God is good through every season. The lyrics sing, “Cause all my life You have been faithful, oh yes You have. And all my life You have been so, so good. With every breath that I am able Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God.”

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

In Mark 9:50 Jesus said — Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other. 

This week we explored what the phrase “be salty” means for Christians. In today’s featured scripture Jesus tells us He wants us to maintain our spiritual purity and integrity and to remain at peace with one another. In order to stay salty, we must stay vigilant and focused on God. 

How were your thoughts about being salty confirmed or changed this week? Have you decided to do anything differently to stay salty? Being salty requires us to remain close to God and willing to surrender our will for His will. How will you be salty today? 

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are 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. 

This week we are exploring what the phrase “be salty” means for Christians. Sometimes being salty can be controversial and sometimes it means being different. The world is full of fun, exciting, fast paced, opportunities. One can easily get caught up in the whirlwind of the world. The race to be the best dressed, the most popular, highest paid, etc., sometimes causes us to lose our focus on Christ. The world can easily pull us away from our focus and Satan is always looking for a foothold to lure us away from God. Not conforming to the pattern of the world is how we can “be salty”. Going to God daily in prayer to ask for guidance and direction, reading our Bible to test and approve His will, and having a relationship with God is how you and I can keep from conforming to the pattern of the world. Everything in our world is not bad, but everything should be tested and approved by God. What do you do so those around you see you as being salty? How do you stand out in the world as a Christ follower? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, open my eyes, ears, mind and heart to receive Your message for me this week on being salty. May my thoughts be pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Ezekiel 43:23-24 NIV — When you have finished purifying it, you are to offer a young bull and a ram from the flock, both without defect. You are to offer them before the Lord, and the priests are to sprinkle salt on them and sacrifice them as a burnt offering to the Lord. 

This week we are exploring what the phrase “be salty” means for Christians. Today’s featured scripture explains that in Biblical times, salt was sprinkled on sacrifices as a preservative and purifier. Therefore, you and I should “be salty” as we dedicate our lives to God. Being salty and staying salty requires us to be dedicated to a relationship with God and stay in God’s word, the Bible. How do you stay salty? What is your daily habit for spending time with God and in His word? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, open my eyes, ears, mind and heart to receive Your message for me this week on being salty. May my thoughts be pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen,

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Romans 12:1 NIV — Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 

This week we are exploring what the phrase “be salty” means for Christians. Today’s featured scripture reminds us that we are a living sacrifice for God. Think of food without salt versus food that has been salted. Food without salt is bland and dull. It will also spoil faster. Food that has been salted has a stronger, enhanced flavor and will last longer. Now think of yourself as a Christian with or without a close relationship with God. How does your life look different with Christ as your savior? What is different about you now that you walk closely with God? How do you ensure you stay close to God? How do you stay salty?

Let’s pray. Dear God, open my eyes, ears, mind and heart to receive Your message for me this week on being salty. May my thoughts be pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen,

@biblegateway @youversion