This week, we are sharing what the rainbow symbolizes to Christians and what it represents in God’s new covenant. Take a moment to worship with Ever Be by Natalie Grant.

The opening lyrics sing, “Your love is devoted. Like a ring of solid gold. Like a vow that is tested. Like a covenant of old. Your love is enduring. Through the winter rain. And beyond the horizon. With mercy for today. Faithful You have been. And faithful you will be. You pledge yourself to me. And it’s why I sing.”

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

Isaiah 40:31 NIV — but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

As spring approaches, we look forward to a new season, new birth, new life, and new beginnings. Is there an area of your life that needs a jolt of newness? Do you need to make a fresh start and a new beginning? Do you need a “do over” in some way?

I refer to today’s featured scripture as my life verse. This verse is the one I turn to in times of struggle and in times of joy. I gain strength, comfort, and insight from this scripture. I also turn to this scripture when I am in need of a new beginning or fresh start. What better time, than spring, to wipe the slate clean and start something new? What do you need to do today to make your new beginning successful?

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for spring. As I take a deep breath of the fresh spring air, may I inhale Your strength and exhale Your love and mercy. May I be courageous as I start a new beginning in You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV — Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Are you familiar with Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples? Google Peter in the Bible and a plethora of scriptures will guide you in gaining a synopsis of his life. You will also learn of how “human” he was and the various mistakes he made as a disciple. The one that sticks out most to me is when Jesus was arrested, the night before He was crucified, Peter denied knowing Him three times. However, if you continue to follow his story you will learn of Jesus’ forgiving love for Peter and how Peter became a leading disciple in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

How are you changed by knowing Christ? Are you a new creation or are you dwelling in the “old” of your past? Whether you are new to Christianity or grew up in the faith, I encourage you to reconnect with your new beginning in Christ and may your words and actions reflect that you are His new creation. 

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for making me Your new creation through Christ. May all that I say and do reflect my new beginning in You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

In Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV the Lord said — Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines beginning as the first part or a rudimentary stage or period. Today’s featured scripture reminds us to not dwell in the past but instead be open to the new things God is preparing for us. Spring is a little more than a week away and often signifies new life, new hope, and new beginnings. 

What new beginning is God preparing for you? “Do you not perceive it?” Are you dwelling in the past instead of trusting God to lead you? Let’s face forward, step out in faith on the way in the wilderness God is preparing, and take hold of the new beginning.

Let’s pray. Dear merciful Father, thank You for making a way in the wilderness for me. Open my eyes to Your loving path and help me walk in faith toward Your new beginning for me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

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

In Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV the Lord said — Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV — Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Isaiah 40:31 NIV — but those who hope in the Lord    will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;    they will run and not grow weary,    they will walk and not be faint.

Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV — You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard

Welcome to a new week as a Water Walker as we share about new beginnings. As you prepare for this week, listen to the following songs and ask God to prepare you for any new beginning He has in store for you.

Made New by Lincoln Brewster

More of You by Colton Dixon

Break Every Chain by Jesus Culture

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭14‬, ‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.

This week I will continue sharing thoughts about Paul from the Bible. Today’s key verse is about not having idols in our life. What is an idol for you? A quick response might be to say you have no idols. At a deeper look, we can evaluate what we put before God. I will share some examples that I tend to struggle with. 

1. Family. It is easy for me to put my family on a pedestal. I have to remind myself that my husband, son, and daughter are God’s children first. 
2. Running. It is easy for me to get caught up on my appearance and how I perform. I have to remind myself why I run, which is to take care of God’s temple physically, spiritually, and mentally. 
3. Identity. It is easy for me to get caught up in my career and earthly titles. I have to remind myself that my identity in Christ Jesus comes first. 

Family, exercise, and a career are all healthy things as long as we humbly surrender to God’s glory. Are you living like Paul? Are you sitting at God’s table and drinking from His cup? I encourage you to evaluate idols in your life.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your savior, I encourage you to visit our Steps To Peace page to learn how you can trust God with your life. If you would like more information or support, please email us at waterwalkers29@gmail.com.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You that I can come and feast at Your table. I surrender my life to you for Your glory to shine. Help me to find a healthy balance so that I can flourish. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen. 

@biblegateway @youversion