As I ran last night, I was blessed to watch the sun color the sky with amazing colors as it set. I am directionally challenged but if I stay near the ocean coast it makes it easier to know my North, East, West, and South. I remember as a child having to memorize, “Never Eat Sour Watermelons”. Although this picture isn’t turning North, it reminded me of Deuteronomy 2:1-3 NIV as I was finishing up mile four. God is talking to the Israelites about how they have wondered long enough;

“Then we turned back and set out toward the wilderness along the route to the Red Sea, as the Lord had directed me. For a long time we made our way around the hill country of Seir. Then the Lord said to me, “You have made your way around this hill country long enough; now turn north.”

On this Transformation Tips Tuesday, I want us to take inventory. Is there an area in our lives we feel like we are wondering in the wilderness. Maybe our minds are clouded with where to turn next. It would be amazing if we could get an audible direction like, just turn North. I know God talks to me clearly through his word, through people He has placed in my life, and through God winks. I encourage us to be more intentional to hear and see God throughout our day.

If God asks us to turn North, will we follow? Or will we stay wondering because that is comfortable?

“I got somethin’ make the Devil gonna run” are the lyrics from Run Devil Run by Crowder. This is a popular song for a runners playlist. Everyone seems to pick up their pace when it plays. On this Mindset Monday we have a choice on setting our pace for the day. Even Jesus set the example when Peter tried rebuke Jesus dying on the cross; “Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”” Matt ‭16:23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In this photo the path looks like it is inviting us to a tranquil spot. I see vibrant shades of green and the sun appears to be shining. I can only imagine this path leads to the beach. Our path with Jesus isn’t guaranteed to be tranquil or easy. Thankfully through Jesus, we have God with us on our path. When today brings a Monday, let’s take a deep breathe, close our eyes, envision this photo, and say “Not today Satan”. Remember God is with us.

Many of us in South Carolina got up early to experience the beautiful snow falling effortlessly from the sky. Although it didn’t last long, it was enjoyable. My daughter snapped this photo of her foot prints and reminded me of how God often Carries us.

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Is‬ ‭46:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Of course there are many stories of how God rescues us. We read in Matthew chapter 18, verses 10-14, the parable of the lost sheep. God will leave the 99 so that he can rescue 1. The image of him carrying us as little lambs so effortlessly because of the loving father He is.

“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” Is‬ ‭40:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God is in the rescue business. You may not need rescuing today. Maybe God has placed you in someone’s life to be a vessel. On this Spiritual Sunday, picture yourself as a little lamb resting in God’s loving arms. Thank Him for the unconditional love He so freely gives. Ask God to carry you through this week so that you can be a vessel to the 1 in need of a rescue.

I encourage you to listen to the song, Rescue by Lauren Daigle.

There are several of us doing a health challenge so that we can kick off 2022 as a healthier version of ourselves. Not so much a diet but a lifestyle change. It is teaching us to eat fruits and veggies, drink plenty of water, not to eat after 8:00pm, get our bodies moving for 30-45 minutes a day, read scripture, do good deeds, and encourage one another. Sounds easy enough, right? How often do we sin? Our answer should be daily, if not minute by minute. We are reminded in 1 Cor 6:19-20 NIV that our bodies are temples for God; 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

How do we keep forgetting the simplicity of these two verses? In this song Resurrender by Hillsong, some of the lyrics sing; “If your calling, we’re coming. We’re not walking, we’re running. God we need resurrender”.

That’s it! We must daily, if not minute by minute keep resurrendering ourselves over to God. On this finish Friday, let’s make a commitment to finish the week strong. Let’s not wait till Monday because every day we are to be a temple for God. We should be as excited as my jump shot photo to strive after what God desires of us; to be temples for His glory.

If you are physically able, I encourage you to get a jump shot photo or a regular photo of yourself. Then post your photo on social or share it with a family and or friend. Include this devotion and type the message; “Today I am resurrendering my body to Christ Jesus so that I can be a temple for His glory”.

Deborah and I were wowed this week when we received the message from WordPress that we had reached 10,000 views. We are so thankful to all our faithful followers. Although the look and format has changed over the years, our passion has been to expand borders and shine God’s light to everyone around the world.

Of course we give God all the glory and thanks; “With all my heart and passion I will thank you, my God! I will give glory to your name, always and forever!” Psa 86:12‬ ‭TPT‬‬

On this Thankful Thursday I encourage you to pick a journey you have been through and may still be going through. Go back to the very beginning when it was just a dream or a thought. Then connect all the dots where God was faithful. Look at the highs and lows. Look at the joys and regrets. Look for God in every turn and give Him thanks! Show God the passion you have by giving Him glory and celebrating those milestones.

A prayer from the beginning has been to enlarge our territory; “Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.” 1 Chr 4:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Along with the USA and many other countries like, Ireland, Ecuador, and Bangladesh have been faithful readers of God’s word. Let’s continue to shine God’s light by sharing our faith! We encourage you to keep inviting friends and family to follow our Water Walkers blog.

Yesterday I experienced something that I have been mentally praying and preparing for over the last three months. There is something different when praying on the battleground for yourself verses praying on the battleground for others. The scripture verse that was presented to me in a morning devotion came from 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.””

In this song, Wherever You Lead by Kristene Dimarco, our Christian walk really doesn’t promise us comfort or beautiful beach fronts. Sometimes the direction is swampy like the marsh and clouded with muddy waters. In these lyrics I am reminded that I want to follow God the second I hear him call me no matter what circumstance surrounds me;

Wherever You go
Wherever You lead
That’s where I’ll go
That’s where I’ll be
The moment You call
The second You speak
That’s when I’ll go
Step out and believe

I am reminded of the Disciples, committing to follow Jesus, wherever He goes; “As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”” Luke‬ ‭9:57‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Look at this photo by Ray White. You see, there isn’t a clear path. On this Water Walking Wednesday what will you choose the second you hear God speak? Will you be like a disciple? A courageous follower? Or will you be afraid and discouraged? God is waiting patiently for us to put our complete trust in Him. We can respond by Living for Today, taking one step of faith at a time.