Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

Philippians 2:5-8 NIV —  In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God,   did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing   by taking the very nature of a servant,  being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man,  he humbled himself   by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!

One definition of relationship is the state of being connected. Spend some time thinking about your relationships and connections. Do you have the mindset of Christ in your relationships with others? How do you humble yourself within your relationships? In what ways do you use your connections to take the nature of a servant? 

As you go throughout your day, step out of your boat of comfort and walk on water as you  look for opportunities to relate with others and share Christ. Listen for common situations, burdens, or valleys and use those as a way to share your experiences of Christ with others. Use servanthood to connect and reflect the nature of God.

Let’s pray. Dear Holy Father, thank You for sending Your only son to show us how to live. Show me opportunities to serve others and be a witness of Your love. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

Philippians 2:1-4 NIV — Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

This past Sunday was Easter. We have just walked through the death of Jesus for our sins and His resurrection which promises us everlasting life. In today’s featured scripture Paul tells early Christians that they should be “like-minded” and “one in spirit and of one mind.” How does that apply to you and I today and what does that look like? Paul goes on to explain that Christians should put others first. Does this not echo Jesus’ commandment in Matthew 22:39 NIV to “Love your neighbor as yourself?” As we walk through this week and move farther away from Easter Sunday, may we not forget the value Jesus placed on relationships. May we each give thanks for the opportunities we have to witness to others by serving Christ through our relationships. Let’s trust the Holy Spirit to guide us as we put others first.

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessing of relationships. Help me to be mindful today to put the interests of others above my own. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

Spend some time reading and meditating on the scriptures for this week.

Philippians 2:1-11 NIV

Philippians 2:1-11 MSG

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.

@biblegateway @youversion 

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

Matthew 28:2-7 NIV — There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

Spend some time celebrating the risen Savior while listening to these songs. 

Christ the Lord is Risen Today by NCC Worship

Graves Into Gardens by Elevation Worship

Grave Clothes by TRIBL and Maverick City Music
Still Rolling Stones by Lauren Daigle

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

We are finishing a week of taking a closer look at David, who later became a great King. I pray that this week as you have read the scriptures, you have a little more knowledge about David’s early days after being anointed. Did you know that David’s great grandmother was Ruth? Ruth and Boaz’s son was Obed. Obed’s son was Jesse and Jesse’s son was David. 

As you read, study, and learn more about King David, you will learn that he made mistakes and had flaws just as you and I. However, his desire was to please God. As we close this week together, spend some time prayerfully listening to Your Heart by Chris Tomlin. The song is written as if it is being sung by David. The chorus states, “At the end of the day, I wanna hear people say my heart looks like Your heart. When the world looks at me, I pray all they see is my heart looks like Your heart.” 

I, too, desire that others see the heart of God when they look at me. Yet I realize for me to reflect the heart of God I must surrender to His will and not insist on my own. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, guide and direct my words and actions. May all that I say and do reflect Your heart. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

1 Samuel 21-24 NIV

Psalm 27 NIV

In today’s chapters of 1 Samuel, David is again fleeing for his life. David continues to turn to God for guidance and direction as he flees. In Psalm 27:5 David writes — For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.

When David refers to God’s “sacred tent” he is referring to the Tent of Meeting which in Old Testament times is where the presence of God dwelled. David desires to dwell in the presence of God. Do you? What is your response when you are in the throes of the hustle and bustle of life, when obstacles and giants stand in your way of progress, or when you are fleeing for your life? Do you desire to dwell in the presence of God? On this Fruit Friday, let’s remember Galatians 5:22-23 — the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  

Are you allowing God to develop the fruit of the spirit in you by abiding in His presence? 

Pray with me. Dear God, thank You for the presence of Your Holy Spirit. May I always desire to abide in Your presence and allow You to develop the fruit of the spirit in me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

1 Samuel 18-20 NIV

Psalm 59 NIV

Today’s featured scripture in 1 Samuel tells of David being sought after by his enemies. David wrote Psalm 59. In verse 8 David says God “you laugh at them” and “you scoff at all those nations.” David had complete trust in God, even when he was fleeing for his life. Can you say the same?

You and I may not be fleeing for our lives in the same manner as David. However, in some ways we are fighting to stay focused on God and not be distracted by the evils of this world. How do you stay focused on God and trust His path? On this Thankful Thursday, thank God for His guidance, direction, and protection.

Let’s pray. Dear Father, thank You for Your guidance, direction, and protection. May I stay focused on You and trust Your path. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion