“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.”
‭‭

As I prayed and looked ahead at my writing for this week, I mapped out what scriptures I would use as well as the pictures that would illustrate the messages. However, I didn’t have a clear direction for my Thankful Thursday post. Off and on all week I have been praying about it and have kept my eyes, ears, and mind open for a message from God. I even went to sleep last night praying for direction. This morning I woke up before my alarm sounded and my very first thought was, “Thank you God for this day.” That was the answer to my prayer!

Often, we get caught up in thinking our words should be fancy or elaborate to give God praise. However, God doesn’t expect flowery words. God adores us and loves any time we spend talking and sharing in prayer. This Thankful Thursday God reminded me to go back to the basics…back to the beginning. God created light and day just after creating the heavens and earth. And it was good!

Today I went back to the very first picture I have saved from Ray White and I thanked the Lord for Ray, his talent, and that God nudged Ray to share his gift with Julie and I.

Today I am thankful that God continues to inspire Julie and I to share the Good News. I am thankful God uses each of you to bless us and encourage us on our Christian growth journey.

Today I woke up and God gave me today. Thank you God.

Now it’s your turn. Let go of all the expectations and pressure for fancy words and prayers. Take a few moments to go back to the basics and pray a simple prayer of thanksgiving.

To start your prayer time, Click here to listen to “Morning Has Broken” and give thanks.

“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭16:15-16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How good are you at swimming? Are you confident enough in your swimming to save another swimmer? As a Christian, I would like to challenge you to be a lifeguard.

Today is Waterwalking Wednesday and lately, Julie and I have encouraged you to be a missionary and spread the Good News. Today, I would like for you to realize that as a Christian you hold the life preserver that could save another life. Sharing the Good News is a way to save someone who is drowning in the turmoil and chaos of our world.

A lifeguard is always on the lookout for anyone that may be in danger. A lifeguard is always ready to jump in and save another life. As Christians we are called to do just that. You and I should have our eyes open and ready to share the love of Christ at any moment.

If you have friends or family who are unbelievers, don’t give up. Keep praying, keep sharing, and keep living your life in such a way that others will see Christ in your life. One day, someone around you may be feeling the tug of the undertow of life pulling them under. At just the right moment you will throw the life preserver and share Christ in a way that surrounds them like never before. So for now, build your Spiritual muscles by reading Scripture, spending time in devotion, and praying for God to nudge you for the right moment to throw His life preserver. Being an expert swimmer is not necessary to be a Kingdom Lifeguard.

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:22-24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Can’t you hear this picture? The sound of water running over rocks is usually a comforting sound to us. Imagine how rough the rocks in this stream may have been originally. However, after years of water pouring across them the rocks have been shaped and are now smooth around the edges. The rocks have been transformed.

This Transformation Tips Tuesday I want you to think of the difficult situations in your life as a form of running water. Reflect on ways you have changed over the years. How have you been refined? Are you becoming smooth around the edges? Have you allowed God to use the circumstances of your life to transform you? Close your eyes and allow the sound of the running water comfort you as you are being shaped by God.

““You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:14-16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

A light bearer can be fancy and ornate or simple and practical. The examples in the pictures today were displayed at Brookgreen Gardens and range from an intricate metal lantern to a used water bottle. All of the light bearers pictured are beautiful, no matter whether the light is shining through in a complex or simple manner. All of them are still shining light!

On this Mindset Monday let’s each set a goal to be a light bearer for Christ this week. Let’s throw off all hindrances that cause us to feel there is a certain way we should share the light of Christ! Each of us has the same light even if the way we shine is different. God has gifted some with the ability to use fancy words while others may have a more simple but practical and direct way to share the Good News. The message may be displayed differently but it is the same message no matter how it is shared; “God loves you!”

Click here to listen to a different version of “This Little Light of Mine”. Then choose this Mindset Monday to set your mind on being a light for Christ wherever you go and whatever you do. Sometimes you may share in a detailed and intricate manner while other times you may shine as simple as a mason jar. Just shine!

“Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭150:1-6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Last Sunday was Youth Sunday at our church. During the service, the praise team performed to the song “Good God Almighty”. I had the pleasure of not only seeing the youth, but also seeing this one year old join in on the praise as seen in today’s photo. What a blessing!!

On this Spiritual Sunday, I encourage you to examine your praise and worship.

Do you praise as freely as this precious one year old? Do you put your whole heart and enthusiasm into worship? Are you only in worship services out of habit and routine? When songs are sung and when you join in reciting prayers or readings, do you really hear the words?

Today, make your Spiritual Sunday truly spiritual. Go into worship wholeheartedly. Give God all glory and praise. Put your whole heart into it like a one year old!

Click here to begin your praise and worship by listening to the song the youth performed last week.

What a cool photo taken by Ray White. If you have the chance, ask him how he was able to have this point of view.

This Finish Friday let’s spend some time reflecting.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:12-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Where are you headed today? What goal are you pressing towards? Are you straining toward your goal to win the prize? What is the prize? How is God using you in your race?

As you approach this Finish Friday, ponder your earthly goals but also remember your Heavenly goal. Be reminded of your ultimate prize and let that goal influence your race today.