Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV —  Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

This week we are exploring the topic of inspiration and remembering times we have been inspired. Inspire means to spur on, affect, or influence. Spend some time today thinking about ways you have been inspired over the years. Take a walk down memory lane and reminisce about inspiration you have experienced. Inspiration often comes when we least expect it and sometimes from unlikely sources such as people, music, scripture, songs, or nature. Who or what has inspired you? Who have you inspired? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, remind me and make me aware of times I have been inspired and those I may have inspired over the years. Help me to be mindful of my words and actions today. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Spend some time reading and mediating over this week’s featured scriptures. 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV —  Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Psalm 32:8 NIV — I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. 

Philippians 4:13 NIV — I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

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.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV — All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 

@biblegateway @youversion

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