Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

“This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When I read these verses and surrounding verses from Paul, I am energized in my faith. I ask myself the questions; am I making the most of every opportunity or am I letting things get in the way? This week I have shared Rachel Hollis’ Last 90 Day challenge, which consists of her 5 to Thrive: get up 30 minutes earlier than usual to do something for you, get your body moving for 30 minutes, drink ½ your body weight in water, fast a food group or food item, and write five gratitudes. 

Have you seized an opportunity to take better care of your body and God’s temple? One way we can do this is by getting up an hour earlier. I know it is Saturday so you may have slept later today but tomorrow is Sunday worship and a fresh start. I encourage you to reflect on this past week. What success did you have? Next week, build on those successes for God’s glory! Let’s surrender to God and make the most of every opportunity.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for inspiring me and encouraging me to make the most of every opportunity. Help me set aside time for You and Your temple daily. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion @msrachelhollis

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

Daniel‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬, ‭8‬, ‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬ — The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king. But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink.”

Every year Deborah and I share Rachel Hollis’ Last 90 Day challenge, which consists of her 5 to Thrive: get up 30 minutes earlier than usual to do something for you, get your body moving for 30 minutes, drink ½ your body weight in water, fast a food group or food item, and write five gratitudes. 

Today let’s talk about Major Prophet Daniel who was taken into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon to serve in the royal palace. He was a man of integrity and faithful to God.

Daniel, also known as Belteshazzar, was to eat a daily portion of what the king ate. The king’s diet for the Babylonians violated the Jewish dietary laws established by God. Daniel proposes a new diet that consists of fasting meat and eating only vegetables. The king agrees to the diet and sees that this diet is better. 

It was a true test of faith for Daniel to not only fasting to be healthy for God’s glory, but to also risk his life by standing up to the king. On this fruit Friday, what is something you can fast so that you can be elevated by God? Maybe it’s junk food or something secular that gets in the way of bringing God glory.

Let’s pray. Dear God, You are able to do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine, according to Your power that is at work within me, to You be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

@biblegateway @youversion @msrachelhollis

Today’s thoughts are by Julie wicker

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.

This week we are talking about the practice of doing things repeatedly. Every year Deborah and I share Rachel Hollis’ Last 90 Day challenge, which consists of her 5 to Thrive: get up 30 minutes earlier than usual to do something for you, get your body moving for 30 minutes, drink ½ your body weight in water, fast a food group or food item, and write five gratitudes. 

Over the years Deborah has been encouraging us to practice the writing of our gratitudes. I may not do this daily but I practice it often enough that it helps keep me focused on God because He is the ultimate source of my joy. In practicing, I learn to not always focus on big things but rather look for the tiny blessings. Rachel Hollis suggests writing ten gratitudes. Today I challenge you to do the same.

Today’s key verse is what I consider my life verse. It keeps me grounded in God’s word and helps me not get discouraged. I am reminded that life isn’t always easy. Sometimes we need a little extra hope when our hallelujahs are hard-fought and our feelings of gratitude are forgotten. We must press on because God will continue to work in our lives for our good and for His glory.

Take a moment to pray through your Hard Fought Hallelujah’s with Brandon Lake

Bonus: Hollis, Rachel. “How to Become Unrecognizable by January 1st.” The Rachel Hollis Podcast, Episode 1020, 28 September 2026. https://msrachelhollis.com/audio/

@biblegateway @youversion @msrachelhollis