Julie and I talk each week about stepping out and walking on water. Take a moment and read all of the story of Jesus walking on water and pay special attention to verse 30.

https://www.bible.com/111/mat.14.22-33.niv

Yesterday when I was recalling the journey of our Water walkers blog I realized that I teeter back and forth from walking on water to doubting and sinking. I sometimes muster enough courage to step out of my boat when Jesus calls me to “come” but then I might lose focus, begin to rely on my own strength, and start to worry about my own abilities. What about you? Have you stepped out of your boat to walk on water and today find yourself doubting and sinking? On this water walking Wednesday I encourage you to do as Peter did and call out to your Savior, “Lord save me!” Allow Jesus to reach out his hand. Have faith that He will catch you and give yourself grace. Spend some time refocusing, pull up your bootstraps, and step out again. Our faith journey is all about ups and downs, learning and growing, and most importantly not giving up. Take some time to worship as you listen to this song, “The Goodness of God” and may God renew your water walking spirit!

I am sure you are wondering what kind of picture I am sharing today. I took this picture while going through a car wash. I have to say, it was a somewhat scary and unnerving experience. You may be familiar with this type of car wash where you drive your car in and put it in neutral, take your foot off the brake and let the system do it’s work. Your car is slowly pulled through as lights flash and soapy suds cover your car. Before you know it your car is back outside and sparkling clean. The unnerving part for me was releasing control of my car by taking my foot off the brake and allowing the track of the car wash to pull my car through. However, if I had continued to push the brake my car would have remained in the same place and filthy dirty. Yes, I experienced a few moments of uncertainty and anxiousness, but by my letting go of control the result was a clean car.

What about you? What area of your life is God nudging you to relinquish control? Has God asked you to take your foot off of the brake? This transformation tip Tuesday I encourage you to let go and allow God to guide you through the track of life. The result may be a clean, pure heart. As you examine your heart take a moment to read the message version of Psalm 51.

https://www.bible.com/97/psa.51.1-19.msg

Mindset Monday is an opportunity for you and I to begin our week with a bang. This picture of the clouds is both sunny and cloudy. At first glance I am unsure whether the next moments will bring more sun or a storm. Hebrews 11:1 is one of my favorite verses because it reminds me that we may not know what this week holds but we know the One who holds us. Verse 2 reminds us to look to the examples in faith modeled by our spiritual ancestors. Remember that what you and I do today is an example for those watching. We show what being a Christian is in the ways we exercise faith, the way we act/react to obstacles, and the way that we face our unknown future. How are you handling what you cannot see? Does your “act of faith” distinguish and set you “above the crowd”?

“The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:1-2‬ ‭MSG‬‬

As you begin this week and face the unknown obstacles I encourage you to;

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians‬ ‭3:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How are you growing this Spiritual Sunday? Will you be going to a place of worship or watching a service online? Did you have some quiet devotion this morning to read the Bible and pray? Or will you have Bible study later today? Be sure to spend some intentional time today growing spiritually so that you produce a beautiful and intricate bloom for Christ!

Wow! What a week this has been for me. I seem to have had one stress after another thrown my way. I have to say, I almost let it all get the best of me. However, this morning as I took my shower, put on my makeup and prayed about my writing today, God gave me an “aha” moment. Last week, in contrast to this week, was a “spiritually strong” week for me. I felt physically and emotionally strong in my walk with Christ. So naturally Satan didn’t like that so he did all he could to deter and overwhelm me. I let my guard down and failed to protect myself. So today I am praying Ephesians 6:10-18. Just as the trees in today’s picture cover the road, so does the armor of God cover and protect us. We just have to be alert to Satan’s schemes. This Finish Friday I encourage you to read the two following versions about the armor of God and finish strong by equipping yourself to fight off the schemes of the devil!

https://www.bible.com/111/eph.6.10-18.niv

https://www.bible.com/97/eph.6.10-18.msg

Meet Abby. She is our 2 year old Yorkshire terrier who is full of energy and love. This picture was taken yesterday when I walked back in the house after being gone for only 15 minutes at most. Yet Abby was just as excited to see me as if I had been gone all day long. Abby is always thankful to see me. I am thankful for this reminder from Abby that we too are called to rejoice. Rejoice: feel or show great joy or delight. Read the Message version of Psalm 97:11-12;

“Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God’s people, Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil. So, God’s people, shout praise to God, Give thanks to our Holy God!”

What a beautiful image! We have light-seeds and joy-seeds planted in us! For that we should be ever praising God! On this Thankful Thursday spend some time examining your thanksgiving and praise. Are you tending to and nurturing your light and joy seeds? Are you praising God? Let’s all take a lesson from Abby. Let’s rejoice! Let’s display our thanksgiving with joy and delight!

Every work day I cross this bridge and look out at the river. This beautiful view on my journey to work is always a reminder of God’s promises. Last year Ephesians 3:20-21 became a daily guide for strength and courage for me as God led me into uncharted waters. I like the Message version of this same scripture:

“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Glory to God in the church! Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:20-21‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Where are you on your journey today? Is God leading you down an unfamiliar road? Are you being challenged to step out and try something new? Have the courage today to take the first step and hold on to Ephesians 3:20-21. Trust that God will do “immeasurably more than you ask or imagine.”