Look very closely at the picture and you will see a praying mantis. Of course that is not the scientific name but that is how we know them. Praying mantis received their name due to their bent, prominent front legs that look like they are praying. What a way to be named!

Likewise, others observe you and I and make opinions and judgements that “name us.” What do others see in you when you are in a difficult situation or even in despair? Do they see you full of worry and anxiety? Or do others see you in a posture of prayer? When you are in a battle, do you fight with a spirit of praise as you allow God to fight for you?

On this Thankful Thursday, let’s prayerfully consider our battle stance. Let’s praise God for mercy and goodness. Let’s give God the glory for the good He will bring from our despair. Let’s be sure that when others see us in a battle, they will see God’s glory by our words and actions.

Click here to listen to “Surrounded” by Micheal W. Smith. Allow the words to sink in. Find strength and comfort in the promise that no matter what battle you face, you are surrounded by God.

Can you “hear” the picture? Can you imagine the sound of the waves crashing on the sand? While the ocean often has a peaceful and calming affect on us, it isn’t quiet.

The lyrics of the song “So Will I” by Hillsong United recently reminded me that we are not meant to be quiet in our praise to God.

“If the stars were made to worship, so will I. If the mountains bow in reverence, so will I. If the oceans roar Your greatness, so will I.”

I have realized that when I am in my normal routines and usual daily grind, I am more comfortable with vocalizing praise to God. However, when I am pushed outside of my comfort zone and around people I may not know very well, I am not as automatic or vocal with praising God.

On this Water Walking Wednesday, let’s be intentional about stepping out of the comfort of our boats and be deliberate about praising God. Let’s not hold back. Let’s roar like the ocean!

To get you started I encourage you to read all of Psalm 145. This chapter is all about David praising God. Next, listen to the song “So Will I” by Clicking here . Lastly, make a gratitude list of at least 5 things you are grateful for today. Name specific and unique to you blessings. After your time of devotion, prayer, and reflection, start your day ready to roar your praise to God!

Steven Covey said, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” I recently read that quote and was blown away. The quote stepped on my toes and caused me to do a self examination. Today I encourage you to do the same.

Are you a good listener? Do you really listen to others? Do you really listen to God? Read the following scriptures as you examine your own listening habits.

“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12:15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭21:23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As I look at the tree in the picture I imagine the branches surrounding me with safety. I imagine sitting under the tree and sharing with a friend. Today, find you a safe place to sit and listen. Be still and quiet. Instead of pouring out your heart to God, wait and listen. What do you hear? At first you may hear traffic but if you stay there long enough your ears will tune in to the nature around you. Be quiet for even longer and I am sure you will hear God speaking into the circumstances of your life. Just listen!

As you greet this Mindset Monday, how does your week ahead look? Is everything clear or are some things out of focus and uncertain? Are there parts of your week ahead that you are anxious about or worried to face?

As the morning sun reflects and blinds our vision, so does worry. If we focus so much on our feelings of anxiousness about an unknown future, we will lose our focus on the overwhelming love of God. God loves us abundantly and unconditionally. God loves us despite our transgressions. God loves us!

Yesterday at church, during our Contemporary service, we sang the song “God Really Loves Us” by Crowder. I am not sure that I had heard it before but yesterday I really “heard” it. God spoke to me through the reassuring words:

“I’ve got a friend closer than a brother. There is no judgement. Oh how He loves me. I’ve got a friend and He is my strength. He is my portion. With me in the valley. With me in the fire. With me in the storm. Let all my life testify.”

Click here to listen to the song. Allow God’s love to pour over you and readjust your vision for the week ahead. Let the warmth of God’s love be your focus.

Today is Spiritual Sunday. How was your week? Were you successful in your plans? Or are you feeling like a failure because you weren’t able to accomplish all that you had planned? Did things not go as you wanted?

As I prayed about my post for today, God laid the song “The God Who Stays” by Matthew West on my heart. The first few lines of the song are:

“If I were you I would have given up on me by now. I would have labeled me a lost cause. ‘Cause I feel just like a lost cause.”

Sometimes I feel like a failure when life is overwhelming and I am not able to accomplish all the “stuff” I feel like I should get done. If I allow Satan to guide my thoughts I can spiral into a space of self-directed negativity. However, God assures me that, unlike the person in today’s photo, I am not alone on this journey. God is here to guide, direct, and walk by my side.

Then I watched Julie’s “See You Saturday” video and she underscored all that God was telling me. Wow! Go God!

At some time during your Sabbath today , I encourage you to watch the videos below and allow God to give you strength, courage, and direction for your week ahead. Allow God to give you the comfort, peace and rest to walk into next week assured of the Almighty’s presence no matter what!

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

Click here to learn about the story behind the song “The God Who Stays” by Matthew West.

Click here to hear the song and watch the video for “The God Who Stays”.

Watch today’s “See You Saturday” video.

My front porch receives full, afternoon sun. Due to the constant, direct sunlight, no plant survives well on my porch except succulents. Contrary to the harsh conditions, succulents thrive in the parching heat. In fact, succulents are the perfect plants for me because I only have to provide minimum care for them. Imagine my surprise when this week I noticed the succulent pictured in full bloom! I had no idea succulents would produce a bloom. My ignorance about the plant came as unexpected joy.

Today is Finish Friday. Have you been undergoing a trial or tribulation that has placed you in harsh conditions? Has the parching heat seemed unbearable and suppressive? Don’t give up! Continue to lean into your Savior for shade and shelter. Draw strength from the Holy Spirit’s guidance as you greet this Finish Friday.

Take a moment to read Isaiah 35. In the You Version Bible app this chapter is titled, “Joy of the Redeemed.” Trust and believe that redemption is ahead and you too will burst into bloom. God has a way of causing blooms in deserts!