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 by Deborah Ard.

This week we have explored ways to share the Good News of Jesus through our relationships with others. I challenge you to examine your relationships and the way you are reflecting Christ to others. How are you using your actions and reactions as a witness to others around you?

The Good News is that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the grave so that you and I will have the gift of everlasting life if we simply believe in Him. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your savior it is our prayer that you will surrender your heart to Jesus. Click here to follow the link to our page with Steps To Peace that will walk you through accepting Jesus as your Savior. If you would like to share or connect with us click here for information on our social channels or email us at waterwalkers29@gmail.com. We would love to share your faith journey with you.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬ —- Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

In May of 2019 I was honored to have one of my writings published by Proverbs 31 Ministries. The devotional was about friendship, so today I share it with you again. Today is Fruit Friday. Often, friendship can reflect the fruit of the spirit. The friends I share about in this devotional helped me in a time I needed it and shared their love in a Christ-like way. 

Friends That Stand In The Middle

@biblegateway @youversion @proverbs31woman

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

Read Philippians 2:1-11 MSG

Often we don’t feel comfortable with testifying and witnessing to strangers. However, by building relationships with others we can share Christ simultaneously. Those around us will see the way we respond and react to life. Through our words and actions others have the opportunity to see Christ. 

Be sure to click the link above to read today’s featured scripture. 

Are you a deep-spirited friend? How do you “put yourself aside and help others get ahead?” How do you “forget yourself long enough to lend a helping hand?” How are your relationships a reflection of Christ? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the relationships I have and the opportunity to show Christ through my words and actions. Help me to be ever mindful of my responses and reactions so that I am a true reflection of You, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion