On this Transformation Tips Tuesday we can learn a lot from Mother Nature. If we are intentional with looking and listening to the birds, the crickets, the frogs, this means we are being still. If we can find time to be still in this fast pace world, we can look for God in many ways. On this particular day, seeing a bird pitched on a table caught my gaze. Will you slow down to look and listen for God today? You just might find a God Wink!

““But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?” Job‬ ‭12:7-9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In this particular picture the sun was setting. It was such a beautiful evening as we drove over the Bridge. In a 24 hour period the sun rises and the sun sets. Each day we see this repeated again and again. On this Mindset Monday, are you living on repeat? Are you just going through the motions to check another day off the calendar. Our days can become so monotonous if we allow them too. The good news, God has called us for so much more. In Isaiah 60:1 we read; ““Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” We are God’s remnant and He has so many glorious plans for each of us. I encourage us all to get off repeat mode so that we can arise and shine through our Monday!

Listen to this song, “Arise & Shine”. We are the remnant that will not be shaken but rather, standing firm; https://youtu.be/H7_34K-2EzI

Today is Spiritual Sunday, a day to get rejuvenated in God’s word. Some of us may need healing today. Maybe it’s past wounds, sickness, addiction, or from the lies we tell ourselves. We are blessed to be able to be in God’s presence today and receive His healing touch. Unfortunately there are many that don’t know or don’t believe that Jesus came to save them, to heal them, to love them. May we all get so filled today that our shadow this week will draw others to know Him as their personal savior so that they too will feel God’s love and experience His healing touch.

Take a moment to read the message version of today’s verse; “Through the work of the apostles, many God-signs were set up among the people, many wonderful things done. They all met regularly and in remarkable harmony on the Temple porch named after Solomon. But even though people admired them a lot, outsiders were wary about joining them. On the other hand, those who put their trust in the Master were added right and left, men and women both. They even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on stretchers and bedrolls, hoping they would be touched by Peter’s shadow when he walked by. They came from the villages surrounding Jerusalem, throngs of them, bringing the sick and bedeviled. And they all were healed.” Acts‬ ‭5:12-16‬ ‭MSG‬‬

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;” 2 Cor‬ ‭4:7-8‬ ‭NIV

I have fallen in love with Expresso. It is a coffee brewing method in which a small amount of nearly boiling water is forced under 9–10 bars of pressure (expressed) through finely-ground coffee beans. Just like the coffee being expressed, we too are hard pressed. The yummy aroma and flavor lingers as I taste each sip. The good news, God does not leave us in despair. His Grace abounds and his love lingers, even when we think our cup is empty.

Are you a coffee lover? Some of you may prefer tea or soda. Each one of them go through a process to taste good. We read in Psalms 34:8 NIV; “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” On this Finish Friday, let’s allow God to make something beautiful out of our hard pressed areas so that others will see Him through you and I in all His glory. Let’s be intentional by tasting and seeing the goodness only God can provide.

What scripture verse or verses are you thankful for? Maybe it is one that has gotten you through a hard season. Maybe it is one that reminds you of a loved one or a place. Maybe it’s one that was read to you by a parent or taught at VBS. I am thankful for Isaiah‬ ‭55:8-9‬ ‭NIV‬‬; “”For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

I am thankful for these verses because they keep me surprised by God. Just when I think I’ve seen or experienced God’s best laid plans, He’s got something better down the road. Take a look at this picture that was taken at Brookgreen Gardens when I recently ran a 5k. Can you just imagine the goodness and God’s beauty that is at the end of that road?

I’ve always loved a song by Garth Brooks, “Unanswered Prayers” because so many times what I thought I wanted, God had something or someone better. Take a moment today to thank God for those unanswered prayers and I encourage you to listen to this country song, https://youtu.be/gSL_sjya9rg

We would love to hear from you! Tell us what scripture you are Thankful for!

When we are doing the will of God, we can guarantee the Devil will be prowling around. Last night as I was running and listening to the Run for God Club Podcast, I was reminded of the verse in 1 Peter 5:8 and how we need to be intentional and vigilant everyday. Vigilant means to keep careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Often as Water walkers we are striving to stay in God’s perfect will. You may be running in a puddle like this one or jumping head first into a new job, a relationship, or a season. Great news, the Devil can’t compete with the Holy Ghost that lives and dwells in us. I love running to this song, Run Devil Run by Crowder because it not only helps me to run faster, it helps me to be vigilant in my daily walk.

I encourage you to listen to it today on this Water Walking Wednesday; https://youtu.be/US1-R-R9lYQ

I am sure we have all attended a vacation Bible school and heard a lesson on F.R.O.G, Fully Rely On God. What does it mean to fully rely on God? I love the message version of Psalm 18: 1-2;

“I love you, God— you make me strong. God is bedrock under my feet, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. My God—the high crag where I run for dear life, hiding behind the boulders, safe in the granite hideout.”

If we rely on God, we can have His strength. He can even be our rescuer in time of trouble. In the movie the Princess and the Frog, Tiana has a long, hard journey once she is turned into a frog. In the end Tiana and Naveen are transformed back into a beautiful Princess and Prince.

On this Transformation Tips Tuesday, I encourage us all to lean on God for strength. Let us allow God to transform us into His image in the process. May we all be rescued by His love and Grace.