Sometimes I need to be reminded of how blessed I am by the promises of God. How about you?

Tuesday I ventured to the Florence Farmer’s Market with my in-laws. When I stepped out of the vehicle I was overwhelmed by the vibrant colors. As we walked through the stands of fruits and vegetables, God convicted me to reflect on the promises of the Bible, beginning with the covenant God made marked by a rainbow in the sky.

“So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.””
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭9:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬
Read Genesis 9 for the full story.

This Thankful Thursday I encourage you to look up some promises of God and find one to carry with you today. Let that promise speak into your current situation. Allow the words of God to strengthen, encourage and give you comfort. Every time you think of the promise today, offer up words of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Here are a few promises to get you started.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.””
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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

““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.””
‭‭John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We would love to hear from you. Comment below your favorite promise of God.

For the past several weeks on Water Walking Wednesday, Julie and I have been talking with you about the mission of Christians to spread the word of God. I would like to continue that today by sharing again from our pastor, Charles Wilbanks.

This past Sunday, Pastor Charles preached on the parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:25-37. I encourage you to take a moment to read it now.

Pastor Charles focused much of his sermon on the lawyer’s question: who is my neighbor?

As you know, our neighbor is everyone. Therefore our mission field is everyone. Wow! That’s a big task. However the way we tackle our mission field is by one loving act at a time and we can join together with other Christians . Love should be our driving force and as Pastor Charles said, “Love grows when allowed to ripple outward, reaching out into the community.”

What ways are you currently serving with other Christians to advance the love of God into your community? How are you spreading the Gospel? Are you helping create a ripple outward into your community?

Our Christian mission is to spread the word of God through love. I encourage you to pray today for how you can intentionally join with other Christians to cause a ripple of love into your community.

What a beautiful path that is captured in this photo by Ray White! The path ahead looks peaceful. Is the path ahead of you also peaceful?

This Transformation Tips Tuesday I want to remind you that your path can be filled with peace if you allow the Lord to direct your way. You will face trials, tribulations, and obstacles that Satan will use to try to rob you of peace and joy. However, if you have spiritual disciplines in place, you will be able to rely on those practices to help you stay grounded on the path with Jesus and have peace, no matter where the path leads.

Some of the spiritual disciplines I practice are prayer, worship, meditation, journaling, scripture reading, keeping a gratitude journal, and fasting. What about you? What are ways you stay focused and grounded on the path of Christ? If you aren’t sure what all could be considered spiritual disciplines, do an internet search and see all the ideas. I encourage you to intentionally ponder what spiritual disciplines you currently practice and I challenge you to try a new one or return to one you have let fall by the wayside. Consistently practicing spiritual disciplines will help you stay focused on the path with Christ so that when you meet obstacles, you can still have peace because your joy will come from Christ.

As you begin your Transformation Tips Tuesday I encourage you to Clicks here to listen to the song “No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus” by Steffany Gretzinger. Especially pay attention to the words in the chorus that end with, “let it be known, in you alone, my joy was found.” May that be known for you and I!

Today’s photo, taken by Ray White, is a picture perfect example of a fun-filled summer day. Have you filled your summer days with fun? More specifically, have you accomplished the goals you set to complete? Are you making the most of every opportunity?

As an educator, I do have several weeks that are a respite from the usual work world. I realize, everyone does not have that same schedule. Some of you have no change in your day-to-day routine in the summer. However today I would like for you to think about summer as the block of time that it is, a span of 3 months: June 21-September 21.

This Mindset Monday I encourage you to take some time to reflect and assess. During summer 2022, have you set goals? Your goals may be personal, professional, or spiritual. Are you making progress? If not, why haven’t you? Do you need to adjust your priorities? What do you need to do better? Are you making the most of every opportunity?

Ephesians 5:16 tells us not only to “make the most of every opportunity” but that “the days are evil.” Our days are filled with many worldly distractions and traps. As you reflect and assess today, be aware of what areas of your environment may cause you to fail at your goals. Make a plan of ways to mindfully and intentionally avert those traps. “Be careful how you live.”

As you begin your week this Mindset Monday, use your devotion time as a time to re-set. Ask God to guide and direct your thoughts as you reflect and assess. Together with God’s help, make a plan to accomplish your goals. Then as you step into your day you will be aware, equipped, and ready to “make the most of every opportunity.”

Last Thursday was an impromptu beach day. When we first arrived I snapped this picture to share with a friend. I am always overwhelmed with the peace and serenity the ocean brings me. After returning home and looking more closely at the picture I notice the tire tread marks in the sand. I began to wonder. What kind of vehicle made the tracks? Where was the vehicle going? Where had it been?

This morning as I look at the photo I am reminded of direction and how to know what direction to head. Often you and I roll out of bed with a direction for the day in mind. We hit the ground running toward that direction and don’t stop till we get back home and fall into bed after a jam packed day.

Today is Spiritual Sunday. Instead of rushing into our new week. let’s slow down. Let’s go to our place of worship today. Let’s allow God to decide our direction.

Today’s scripture comes from Psalm 25. Take a moment to read the entire chapter. Notice how David, the author, began the chapter praising God and then moved into asking for God’s direction and favor. Today as we worship, let’s do the same. Let’s spend time worshiping and praising God. Then listen to the scripture and sermon shared as God gives us direction for our week. Finally, let’s allow God to guide us in the direction our Creator has set before us instead of the direction we think we should go. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide our steps and direct our path. When we do, we will be overwhelmed by peace and serenity, just like the sight of the ocean.

Click here to watch today’s “See You Saturday” video.

Today is Finish Friday and at my house it is currently raining. I realize perhaps rain will throw off the schedules some may have today. Perhaps the rain will deter an event from happening or change the plans for the day. However for me, the sound of the rain gently falling is comforting this morning. As some of you know, I have an affinity for anything to do with water.

This morning as you finish the work week, I encourage you to look closely at today’s picture. Look at how vibrant the colors are of this branch. Notice the drops of water on the tips of some of the leaves. Imagine how life-giving the rain was for this plant.

Now reflect on God’s presence in your life. How has God sprinkled life-giving rain on the “mown field” of your life this week? How has God’s showers watered your earth?

Take a moment to read all of Psalm 72. As you prepare for your day ahead may the rain that falls around you be a Godwink. May the puddles that form remind you of the blessings God will shower on you today and give thanks.

“Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭72:18-19‬ ‭NIV‬‬