Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Do you desire to embody the fruit of the Spirit? Paul also talks about works and deeds. It is natural as humans to strive for the fruit but get caught up in worldly adoration, traditions, and rules. In our striving, sometimes we might lose sight of God and how His Spirit provides daily fruit for us to embody. I recently listened to Jordan Howerton, worship leader and songwriter, speak on the Holy Bible App. He shared on ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

He talked about how it’s not just what the Spirit can do through us, but also within us. He also shared on their song Bloom by CCV Music. He used the words of the song to pray. I would like for us to do the same. Let’s be the fruit of God.

Dear God, where You walk the flowers bloom. You turn deserts into gardens when You move. God, this barren land can give good fruit so come tread the ground inside my heart and make it new. God, let it bloom. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen

@biblegateway @youversion

@ccvmusic 

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

How can we be strong and courageous for God in a dry and weary land? In the song Psalm 63 by Jeremy Riddle, he encourages us to seek and worship God. We are humans who have a tendency to create unrealistic expectations and easily get discouraged by the people, places, and things of this world. If we seek God wherever we go and choose to see God in all our people, places, and things, then we can gain his strength and courage. 

In the devotion on How To Pray in Five Dimensions by Rick Warren, he shares how there are dimensions to prayer. I encourage you to take some additional time today to read it. In one of the dimensions he encourages us when praying to look inward at Jesus in us. We read in Ephesians 3:20 NIV – Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.

Did you catch that? God’s power is at work within us. We have all the courage and strength we need. We also read in Romans 8:11 NIV – And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his spirit who lives in you. 

Do you take for granted that the same God that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you? Let’s pray.

Dear God, thank You for Your power that lives in me. Help me not to look to this world for unrealistic expectations. I seek Your strength so that I can be courageous for Your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

@biblegateway @youversion

@jeremymriddle 

@pastorrickwarren 

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

I recently listened to the podcast, episode 52 by Jess Connolly called “Is Ambition a Dirty Word?” In Philippians Paul writes about a healthy ambition, full of humility. We also know that there is an unhealthy ambition that James writes about in‭‭ James ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

In your time of prayer and devotion, take some time to reflect and ask God if you have any selfish ambition. In the song Single Mind by Jeremy Riddle, he sings how we should long to please God because He should be our heart’s desire. With that in mind, let’s be ambitious for God today.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the teachings from Paul and James. I come to You with a humble heart today. Guide me in removing any selfish ambition. I long to please You, Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

@jeremymriddle

@jessaconnolly 

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV — For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.‬

I recently dedicated a space in my closet to retreat and pray. It is still a work in progress, just like I am. How can we love others well? Spending time in prayer and devotion to God. The second most important commandment is to love our neighbors as ourselves. Before we can be a light for others, we must first ignite our fire within. In the song Temple by Jeremy Riddle, he sings that we should have a desire to fill our temple and have a burning desire for God’s Glory.

Will you choose to be a light for God today? Will you choose to love yourself so that you can love others well? Will you love your neighbor as yourself? We can show others we love them by praying for them. Do you currently have a space that you can retreat to for devotion time and prayer? If not, I encourage you to create a space.  

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for commanding us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Give me the burning desire to be a light for You. May I bring You glory, honor, and praise as I shine Your light. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

@biblegateway @youversion

@jeremymriddle 

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

Take some time today to meditate on this week’s bible verses.

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV — For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.‬

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

Today I encourage you to worship with CCV Music. As well as Jeremy Riddle, live in the prayer room.

Temple by Jeremy Riddle

Single Mind by Jeremy Riddle

Bloom by CCV Music

Psalm 63 by Jeremy Riddle

@jeremymriddle 

@ccvmusic