“and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Ephesians‬ ‭6:15‬ ‭NIV‬

This photo is of my son holding a Tarpon. Fishing and being on the water has brought him great joy. I imagine it to be peaceful until the moment they hook a fish. This particular fish weighed about 90lbs so you can imagine the strength it took to bring it in. We can compare that strength to following God, especially in the unknown. As most of you know, I have always loved the song, Oceans by Hillsong United. God takes us places where our feet may not wander. He gives us peace by calling us to take His hand and take a step forward.

In Ephesians Paul tells us to have our feet fitted with readiness that comes from the peace of God. In a small group meeting this week we talked about how some are called to missions and some are not. Deborah and I have been talking about how missions can be done locally. I want us all to think about if we are ready to go where God calls us? Even in oceans deep? Even in our communities we may be called to step out of our comfort zones. Many times we ask God to give us confirmation by giving us peace that transcends our understanding.

Do we have the strength and peace to pray; “Here am I. Send me?” (Isaiah‬ ‭6:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Revelation‬ ‭12:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Look at these beautiful mountains. They always make me think about God and how with faith the size of a mustard seed, we can move mountains. We don’t get a Testimony without a Test! Remembering what God has done is a big part of our testimony. This verse from Revelation holds so much power. Through the testing of our faith, we will triumph. Take a moment to think about how much power our testimonies hold over Satan. This is so encouraging to keep pushing through the testing.

I encourage you to listen to this song, Don’t You Give Up On Me by Brandon Lake. The lyrics sing, “When the night is at it’s darkest, that’s when the light hits the hardest. You ain’t seen what I promised, child were just getting started”.

Today I leave you with homework. Recall a time in your life you have been tested. Have you shared your testimony? Ask God to impress upon your heart, who needs to hear your testimony. Ask God to give you an opportunity to share your story. Together we can bind Satan though the power of our testimonies. With God’s help, let’s move mountains!

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:” Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Remembering the who is so important in our faith journies. This is two fold. Number 1, the who can be God. In yesterdays post, all things are possible with God. Number 2, the who can be friends. Last week Deborah asked, what can you do to sharpen your friends? The photo pictured here is from January 2019 when we created our Water Walker’s Facebook page. Over the years as we’ve grown spiritually, we have experienced joy in sharpening one other. We have let the “who” in our lives play an important roll in helping shape who’s we are. Yes, I said who’s, meaning children of God.

What does this all mean on Mindset Monday? No matter what comes our way today, we can remember who’s we are. A child of God can take discouragement and change it to Courage. A child of God can pull Joy out of faithfully rejoicing. I challenge you to share this post and tag the friend(s) that have brought you joy in sharpening one another.

Join me in reciting the mantra; I choose to Find Joy in the Journey!

““ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”” Mark‬ ‭9:23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Do you believe in God? Do you believe anything is possible with God? Look at the butterfly captured by Ray. Notice all the intricate details. Remember this beautiful butterfly was once a plain caterpillar. Remembering the who, what, where, and when from which God has brought us is a key component of faith. If you read the full passage from Mark 9:14-29 you will find that all things are possible through belief and prayer.

On this Spiritual Sunday, take some time in worship and prayer to thank God for the who, what, where, and when. I invite you to listen to the song, Remember by Bryan and Katie Torwalt. Even when we can’t see the beauty of a butterfly, God is in the intricate details.

I encourage each of you to share today’s post on social and comment “I believe”. Now Join me in prayer!

Heavenly Father, I believe with my heart and profess with my mouth that you are Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Thank you for working out all the who, what, where, and whens for your glory and my good.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Click here for See You Saturday as we talk about shining God’s light! Please help us spread God’s word by subscribing to our Youtube page!!

Here are two songs to remind us that are surrounded by God and He is our defense!

Surrounded by Michael W. Smith

My Defense by Vertical Worship

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Although it is good to plan, make goals, and dream about the future, it is also important to live in the moment. Recently on social media, I saw a post about living in “one-day” times. This could look like, one day when my kids are out of diapers or one day when I pay off my mortgage. The problem is one day gets here and we have already moved on to another one day thought like, one day when I retire.

On this Future Friday, I encourage us to re-center our thoughts on Christ and find our one-day moments today. The gifts God has for us includes plans to prosper and hope for the future. They also include the blessing of living in today’s “present” moment. Let me remind you of my mantra for 2022; Live For Today!

As the sun rises and sets on yet another day, let’s make sure to count the present blessings! I encourage you to watch and listen to the song Wonderful Life by Matthew West. It will put things in perspective.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Have you ever thought about what must go on in heavenly realms? What spiritual forces are being fought on our behalf? Every day I pray and ask for God’s hedge of protection over me and my family. At any given moment I can reflect on the day, week, month, or year and see how the goodness of God follow us.

I am so thankful for God and all His angels working all around us. And as I look at this image from Ray White, I think about how God surrounds us both on the mountain top and in the valley. Just like Jesus was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, God is with us to rescue us. “He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”” Daniel‬ ‭3:25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Click here to worship with CeCe Winans and the Goodness of God. On this Thankful Thursday, make sure to thank God for His full armor. Let’s Pray!

Heavenly Father, Help us to stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around our waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, lets take up the shield of faith, with which we can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Help us to take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. In the name of Jesus Amen. (Ephesians‬ ‭6:14-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬)