Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

Happy Memorial Day! This week I will be sharing books that have inspired my ministry. Recently I enjoyed reading a fictional book based on the nurses that served in Vietnam called, The Women by Kristin Hannah. I have such a new appreciation for all those who have served. Today let’s remember all those who have served and lost their lives. I am praying for all those who are currently serving to protect and provide our freedom today. 

Take time to meditate on this week’s key scripture verses. 

Jeremiah‬ ‭18‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.

Jeremiah 18:1-6 NIV

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭29‬ ‭NIV — “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

‬‬Colossians 15-18 The Message — We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body.

Colossians 1:15-20 The Message

‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭4‬, ‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”

John 15:1-17 NIV

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

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Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV — fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.‬‬

In 2026 Deborah and I are striving to do more reading. Some of you have asked for book recommendations. This week I will be sharing books that have inspired my ministry. Take time to worship with The Author by Brandon Lake and Nick Jonas.

Take some time to think about the author of your life and books that have inspired your ministry. Of course the number one book read is the Bible. 

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Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

I’m at a point in my life where I love to cook for my family. For me, it is a love language through acts of service. As my children are now older and lead busy lives, I place great importance on home-cooked meals. Providing a safe place of security. My prayer is that my children will always cherish these memories and that they will always desire to return home. For Love never fails! 

I encourage us as we end this Mother’s Day week, to surrender our schedules and cherish our meals spent with those we love.

Let’s pray. Dear Lord, encourage us to enjoy the day-to-day tasks. Help us to live unrushed lives. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

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Bonus: What is the #1 meal request or staple when your children come home? We would love to hear from you. I have featured Granny’s famous hamburger balls. Make sure to check out our At The Table recipe page.

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

There are different types of love. Today I will highlight Phila Love which is considered friendship love. The words in the above photo that describe this love are fondness, organic, and affection. There is a quote that I love by Jess C. Scott, “Friends are the family you choose.” I truly believe that God organically puts all the right people in our lives just when we need them.

Paul writes in the verses above that as God’s chosen people we are to clothe ourselves in certain virtues. When I think of friendship, these same virtues come to mind: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love. I am so thankful to have a circle of Godly friends wholove me and are patient with me. Have you ever thought of Jesus as being your best friend? Just like our earthly friends fill our cup, Jesus fills it so that it runs over. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for putting friends in my life who help me to grow Godly fruit. My cup runneth over. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

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Today’s thoughts are by Deborah’s daughter, Briley Ard

When I think about friendship, one of the most important aspects in a friendship that I think of is feeling safe with one another. A song that I always think about as a good example of this is “What a Friend” by Matt Maher. This song is about how Jesus is our friend, and it tells of some of the aspects we get to have through this incredible friendship. The verses talk about how everyone has trials, temptations, heart breaks, isolation, fears, worries, sorrow, and devastation but no matter what it is we can always lay our burdens down to Jesus. In the chorus it talks about how our sins are gone and replaced with grace and how His heart is our home forever. In the bridge it talks about how there is no longer any betrayal because Jesus is faithful. Not only does this song remind us of how great our friendship with Jesus is, but it is also a reminder and example of how we should be with our relationships with others. It reminds us to be open, good listeners, and forgiving to our own friends because He always is with us. What a friend we have in Jesus.

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Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

Proverbs 27:17 NIV — As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

A good friendship, family, tribe, or a furry friend often makes us better. A Water Walker is often never solo. Just like the Disciples had each other through both strong and wavering faith, we too have a tribe to walk this life with. 

My family helps me to love deeper and longer. My friendships help me to walk taller and smarter. My furry friends teach me unconditional love and intentionality. My tribe helps me to endure and keep moving forward. 

We all learn and grow from our relationships. That is what Jesus wants from us, a relationship. We too need to keep reaching just like Jesus reaching a hand out for Peter in ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?””

On this Water Walking Wednesday I encourage us all to nurture our relationships by encouraging and loving one another. Don’t forget to reach a hand out. It could be a text, a phone call, a visit, or a card that is needed.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for always reaching out to me. I desire to reach out to others through Your love. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

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Today’s thoughts are by Julie’s daughter, Kendal Wicker

When I think of friendship, I cannot help but think of John 11. John 11 tells us of a man named Lazarus. We are told in John 11:5 that Jesus loved Lazarus. In John 11:11, Jesus refers to Lazarus as a friend. When Jesus hears that Lazarus is sick, he goes to Bethany to be with him. When Jesus arrives in Bethany Lazarus has already died. He is met by the sisters of Lazarus. We are told in John 11:33 that Jesus was deeply moved in spirit at the sight of Mary and Martha mourning the loss of their brother. In John 11:35, we are told that Jesus wept for the death of Lazarus. Jesus mourned the loss of a friend. He mourned Lazarus even though He knew He would raise him back to life in just a few moments. He knew death wouldn’t have the final say, and yet … Jesus wept. He felt the pain that comes with losing a friend – the pain that comes from losing someone you love. 

In this passage, which is most famously known for the resurrection of Lazarus, I cannot help but marvel at the beauty of friendship. For whom better to demonstrate friendship for us than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. What a friend we have in Jesus!

Bonus: We are blessed to share this week on friendship with Deborah’s daughter, Briley, and Julie’s daughter, Kendal. This precious photo was captured at a baseball game. Make sure to keep following for Briley’s writing on Thursday. So exciting to see them share their faith with friends.

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