‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Give us today our daily bread.

Sunday I encouraged you to worship with Thank You by Katy Nichole. Take a moment to thank God through her lyrics, “Thank You for Your goodness. Thank You for Your kindness. Thank You for all the things You do, Jesus, thank You. Thank You for the blessings. Thank You for a million little things. Thank You for the ways that You come through, Jesus, thank You.”

I was recently blessed to see and hear Katy Nichole sing at the 2024 Winter Jam concert. I found myself crying as I sang along. Back on February 1st, I had my one-year exam following my hysterectomy for the Human Papillomavirus and cervical pre-cancer. The doctor was confident that my pap smear test would come back good and I would finally be done with this four-and-a-half-year journey. At the time of the concert, it had been three weeks with no results. As worry started to sink in, I thanked Him for all the ways He had come through for me over the years.

Are you in a waiting season? Are you focusing on the wait or all the million little things God does for you in the waiting? I decided that while I waited, I would look into what I needed to start making sourdough bread. I figured watching the dough rise would take my mind off the wait. I also wanted it to be a symbol every week to thank God for His daily bread. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, give us this day, our daily bread. Thank You for Your son Jesus that walked this world so that I am not alone through the trials of life. Help me to focus on You and not the wait. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Take some time today to meditate on the following scriptures.

Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV — This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.‬‬”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.y

‭‭Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭35‬-‭41‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Join us for See You Saturday as we talk about Oceans! For this season of your life, what would stepping out of the boat look like for you? What is your Goliath? We would love to hear from you!

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Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭2‬ ‭ASV‬‬ — Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, That seek him with the whole heart.

Join us on YouTube for See You Saturday as we recap the week! Today we talk about the blessings of today, as well as our word for the year and previous years. Deborah and I had a little trouble remembering a certain word. It was relish. We hope you enjoy this video. Make sure to like and subscribe to our YouTube page. We challenge you to share our Water Walker’s blog with your friends and family.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees.

How can we seek God with our whole hearts? How can we stay true to His commandments? How can we continually praise Him and learn from His word? One way that Deborah, Ray, and I find helpful is by selecting a word of the year that we can reflect on and be intentional with. 

I started this practice in 2018, my word being “rejoice” so that I would carry the Christmas joy with me all year through. In 2019 my word was “influence.” When I picked that word, I had no idea how God would use it but I was sure he would show off and He did. In 2020 my word was “gifts.” When I selected that word, I believed it would take on different meanings with different scriptures throughout the year. In 2021 my word was “refine.” I knew through my trials that I wanted God to refine me in the process. In 2022 my word was “serenity.” I knew I had a challenging year ahead and wanted the joy and peace of God to rule my heart and mind. In 2023 my word was “love” because of the unconditional love of God that I continually strive to overflow into others. In 2024 my word has been “seek” as I desire to seek God first and be a kingdom seeker for His glory. Do you have a word of the year? If yes, we would love for you to share it with us. If you don’t, it is never too late to start.

Let’s pray. Dear God, I desire to seek you with my whole heart. Through my word of the year practice, I strive to draw closer to You. I give You all the glory, honor, and praise as I share Your goodness with others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.