Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭9‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.

This week we are sharing what the rainbow symbolizes to Christians and what it represents in God’s new covenant. When you see a rainbow, what do you think of? Rainbows form when sunlight refracts and reflects within water droplets. Sunlight, composed of various colors, bends as it enters a droplet, separating the colors. 

Think about the biblical meaning of the colors displayed, from red for our redemption through the blood of Jesus to violet for the majesty of God. In today’s key verse we are told when the rainbow will appear. The Good News is that Jesus is the source of our light. ‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬ tells us that He is the light of the world — When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

On this Thankful Thursday take time to thank God for His attention to detail, such as the rainbow. There is so much more to see when we start our days with gratitude.

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for your attention to details. The rainbow is such a beautiful reminder of Your sacred Love for me. Help me to see this day through the lens of gratitude. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Bonus: For more on the biblical meaning behind the colors of the rainbow, visit Biblehub.com.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭9‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.” And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come.

This week we are sharing what the rainbow symbolizes to Christians and what it represents in God’s new covenant. When you see a rainbow, what do you think of? Wikipedia describes it as an optical phenomenon. Did you know there are seven colors to a rainbow, the number of perfection? Another detail that only God could create. 

In today’s key verse God continues to give details of the covenant, promising it for generations to come. Through the generations, we build relationships. Communication is key to nurturing those relationships. How do we listen to God? Often it is through signs. ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ instructs us to listen — Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.

On this Water Walking Wednesday think about how you listen to God when He leads you to walk on water. We have God’s word, worship music, God Winks, and friends to sharpen us. How will you listen to God today?

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for speaking to me through various ways. I want to be in tune to You through what I know, hear, see, and feel. I don’t want to miss a thing. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭9‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV — Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: “I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you—the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you—every living creature on earth.‬‬

This week, we are sharing what the rainbow symbolizes to Christians and what it represents in God’s new covenant. When you see a rainbow, what do you think of? From a biblical standpoint I think of God’s promises and how God is always doing something new. Last week Deborah shared new beginnings with Christ. 

In today’s key verse, God is telling Noah about the covenant He is establishing. A covenant is an eternal agreement, a sacred relationship between God and humanity. That sacred relationship is only offered through God’s son, Christ Jesus. We read in ‭‭John‬‭14‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Do you know Christ Jesus is your way to the covenant? On this Trust Tuesday examine your sacred relationship with Christ Jesus. Do you trust that His promises are everlasting?

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your son to die for my sins so that I can experience a sacred relationship with You. I put my trust in Your everlasting promises. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

This week, we are sharing what the rainbow symbolizes to Christians and what it represents in God’s new covenant. Take some time today to meditate on the following scripture verses for the week.

Genesis 9:8-17 NIV

‭‭John‬‭14‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.

‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬ — When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭17‬:‭3‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

@biblegateway @youversion 

This week, we are sharing what the rainbow symbolizes to Christians and what it represents in God’s new covenant. Take a moment to worship with Ever Be by Natalie Grant.

The opening lyrics sing, “Your love is devoted. Like a ring of solid gold. Like a vow that is tested. Like a covenant of old. Your love is enduring. Through the winter rain. And beyond the horizon. With mercy for today. Faithful You have been. And faithful you will be. You pledge yourself to me. And it’s why I sing.”

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

Isaiah 40:31 NIV — but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

As spring approaches, we look forward to a new season, new birth, new life, and new beginnings. Is there an area of your life that needs a jolt of newness? Do you need to make a fresh start and a new beginning? Do you need a “do over” in some way?

I refer to today’s featured scripture as my life verse. This verse is the one I turn to in times of struggle and in times of joy. I gain strength, comfort, and insight from this scripture. I also turn to this scripture when I am in need of a new beginning or fresh start. What better time, than spring, to wipe the slate clean and start something new? What do you need to do today to make your new beginning successful?

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for spring. As I take a deep breath of the fresh spring air, may I inhale Your strength and exhale Your love and mercy. May I be courageous as I start a new beginning in You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV — Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Are you familiar with Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples? Google Peter in the Bible and a plethora of scriptures will guide you in gaining a synopsis of his life. You will also learn of how “human” he was and the various mistakes he made as a disciple. The one that sticks out most to me is when Jesus was arrested, the night before He was crucified, Peter denied knowing Him three times. However, if you continue to follow his story you will learn of Jesus’ forgiving love for Peter and how Peter became a leading disciple in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

How are you changed by knowing Christ? Are you a new creation or are you dwelling in the “old” of your past? Whether you are new to Christianity or grew up in the faith, I encourage you to reconnect with your new beginning in Christ and may your words and actions reflect that you are His new creation. 

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for making me Your new creation through Christ. May all that I say and do reflect my new beginning in You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion