#laborinlove by: Julie Wicker
The definition of Love is an intense feeling of deep affection. John Wesley, leader of the Methodist movement once said, “Oh let no man think his labor of love is lost because the fruit does not immediately appear”. One of the greatest love stories ever told is that of Boaz and Ruth, a story that shows the true meaning of laboring in love.
#presence by: Julie Wicker
Presence means the state or fact of existing, occurring, or being present in a place or thing. I had already felt the nudge that “presence” needed to be my word for the week. Last weekend as we were traveling, that word was confirmed. On a country road, I drove through a sea of flying dandelions. There was so many flying in the air, it looked like snow for a moment. Immediately this image triggered a thought of the Holy Spirit carry us, guiding us, being present with us. Other than knowing a dandelion can be a pesky weed I felt the need to know more.
#redeemed #identity by: Julie Wicker
Hosea 3:1 “The Lord said to me, go show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other Gods and love the sacred raisin cakes”.
This is a beautiful story of Redemption and the beginning of Hosea’s Reconciliation with his wife. Hosea has been left by his wife Gomer to take care of their home and three children, so she can go live her life as a prostitute and give herself away to other men.
#beautifullybroken by: Julie Wicker
In Mark Batterson’s book, Draw the Circle, he says; “Going back to places of spiritual significance should be a part of our spiritual rhythm. Going back to places of spiritual significance can help us find our way forward again.”
#Overflow by: Julie Wicker
Our word for this week has been Overflow, which means to be so full that the contents go over or extend above the sides. When God gave me this word, I had His Holy Spirit in mind. The scripture that comes to mind is from Romans 8:11, “The Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by the same Spirit living within you.”
#Flourish by: Julie Wicker
Who is your tribe? What do I mean by tribe? Your circle of family and friends you surround yourself with. We have some great family lineage, since we know that Jesus was the tribe of Judah. In Revelation 5:5; “Do not weep. See the lion of the tribe of Judah, the Rood of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll & Its seven seals”.
#todayistomorrow by: Julie Wicker
This week’s theme of tomorrow started with my sweet dog Oreo. For her tomorrow means something is going to happen. When I say in a soft voice, “Oreo, tomorrow you are going to granny’s house”, she wags her tail with excitement. Then when tomorrow arrives, in an excited voice I say, “Oreo, today is tomorrow” she runs to the door ready to go. Just think about God and his excitement over us for what our tomorrows hold. I recall the scripture; Zeph 3:36 NLT “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
