“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

Today’s photo features the same tree with different lights shining on it. If you study the tree in each image you may notice different details but in reality it is still the same tree.

Today is Transformation Tips Tuesday and I encourage you to examine yourself in different lights, in different situations, and different seasons of life.

When you became a Christian, you “put off your old self” and “put on the new self”. What does that mean to you? How have you incorporated that idea into your transformation and your daily walk with Christ? Are you being renewed and changed daily by the time you spend with Christ?

Just like the tree in the picture, you may look differently in different lights, but you are still the same person. Let’s just be sure the light that shines on us is the light of Christ so others will want to learn more about Him.

“And then God answered: “Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn’t lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time. * * *” Habakkuk‬ ‭2:2-3‬ ‭MSG‬‬

The surfer in today’s photo once had a dream to learn to surf. I am sure it took much practice and many tries to learn the proper form to ride the waves with ease. I imagine he had many falls and many failed attempts to stand up to surf successfully. Yet, apparently, he kept practicing and trying until he got it.

In his book Win the Day, Mark Batterson writes, “A dream without a deadline is called a wish.” Resolve is defined as firm determination to do something. Do you have something you have resolved to do? Do you have a goal you are currently working toward? Have you set a deadline?

Today is Mindset Monday. Today I encourage you to resolve to refocus on your dream. Write down your goal and set a deadline. If you feel defeated because you have failed, ask God to give you strength and courage to keep moving forward. Then turn to the end of Habakkuk and follow his lead in praising God despite the circumstances.

“Though the cherry trees don’t blossom and the strawberries don’t ripen, Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted, Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty, I’m singing joyful praise to God. I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. Counting on God’s Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I’m king of the mountain! (For congregational use, with a full orchestra.)” Habakkuk‬ ‭3:17-19‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Finish your time by Clicking here and listening to “Do It Again” by Elevation Worship.

“Let me go over with you again exactly what goes on in the Lord’s Supper and why it is so centrally important. I received my instructions from the Master himself and passed them on to you. The Master, Jesus, on the night of his betrayal, took bread. Having given thanks, he broke it and said, This is my body, broken for you. Do this to remember me. After supper, he did the same thing with the cup: This cup is my blood, my new covenant with you. Each time you drink this cup, remember me. What you must solemnly realize is that every time you eat this bread and every time you drink this cup, you reenact in your words and actions the death of the Master. You will be drawn back to this meal again and again until the Master returns. You must never let familiarity breed contempt.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭11:23-26‬ ‭MSG‬‬

The beautiful tapestry in today’s photo was painted by God. The sky on Wednesday night caused me to slow down and remember. In a split second God reminded me to slow down, reflect and give thanks. What a beautiful way to remind me.

Today is Spiritual Sunday and in the worship service at my church, we will partake in the sacrament of Holy Communion. I think often we recite the responses and go through the motions of communion without really taking to heart what it all symbolizes or means to you and me. If you are partaking in communion today I encourage you to be mindful of what the bread and juice represent. You are re-enacting the death of Our Savior. Don’t let “familiarity” cause you to miss the blessing and responsibility that comes with the blessing. Don’t let the moment pass without remembering the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for each of us. Reenact the sacrifice and remember.

Click here to watch today’s “See You Saturday” video as I talk about God showing off! Like, subscribe, and share the video to help grow WaterWalkers.

Click here to listen to the song “Fighting For Me”.

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians‬ ‭3:16-19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Let’s make today “Fill Up Friday” and instead of just making it through the day, let’s use it as a day to go to our source of strength and fill up so we can finish the week strong. The picture is a sign found on a gas pump. As you can read, it is not a usual pump, but a prepay pump. Apparently, the sign has been removed at some point and customers were unable to buy gas. I imagine that would be very frustrating.

Sometimes I find myself turning to the wrong sources to fill me up. When I turn to earthly glory, praise, or satisfaction to fill me up, I eventually become frustrated when it doesn’t last. What about you? What other sources do you turn to fill you up?

Today let’s turn to Jesus, our ultimate source, to fill up. After all, He has prepaid the ultimate price of love for you and I. May each of us fully acknowledge His sacrifice of love and allow the deep and wide love of Christ to fill us up to the “full measure of God,”

As you begin to fill up this morning, Click here to listen to “Fill My Cup Lord” by Andrew Ripp.

“This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭66:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Do you tremble at the presence of God? Are you in awe of the masterpieces God creates? Do you marvel at the daily miracles God performs?

Today is Thankful Thursday and I encourage you to be cognizant of God’s presence around you. Today’s picture was taken Monday evening. If you recall from Tuesday’s post, I had spent Monday being still and in prayer on the veranda of the hotel at the beach. I had a relaxing and God focused afternoon. Afterwards I headed out to Walmart to buy a few things and then to grab a bite to eat. As usual, I was on the go from one place to the other. As I got out at the restaurant I was stopped in my tracks when my eyes were drawn to the sky. I was in awe of the beauty and artistry before me. I immediately praised God and proceeded to take out my phone and capture today’s picture. As I reflected, I realized that so often I rush through life without an awareness of the beauty around me. Monday I was more in tune but I should always tremble at the feet of God. Read the Message version of today’s scripture.

“God’s Message: “Heaven’s my throne, earth is my footstool. What sort of house could you build for me? What holiday spot reserve for me? I made all this! I own all this!” God’s Decree. “But there is something I’m looking for: a person simple and plain, reverently responsive to what I say.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭66:1-2‬ ‭MSG‬‬

God is looking for us to have a reverent response. God is looking for us to tremble with awe and thanksgiving.

On this Thankful Thursday let’s be aware and in awe. Let’s tremble at the glory and majesty of our Lord. Click here and listen to the song “Tremble” by Lauren Daigle. May the song play on repeat in our minds today as we freely give God praise and Glory at His presence around us.

“Jesus said, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.””
‭‭John‬ ‭20:29‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Yesterday morning I left Myrtle Beach and headed to work on a path I wasn’t very familiar with, so I entered my destination into my gps for directions. As I traveled in the dark, I followed the voice of Siri as she directed my path. When I was nearly at work it occurred to me that I had complete trust that the gps would lead me the right direction. Wow! What blind faith and trust I had put in my cell phone. I began to feel convicted as I realized I don’t always put that much blind faith and trust in my Lord and Savior.

On this Water Walking Wednesday, I encourage you to examine your faith. Do you trust and obey blindly? Do you ask God for proof or answers before stepping out in faith? Walking on water requires faith, trust, and obedience. Examine yourself and your faith journey. Are you allowing God to lead you with no questions asked?