Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

1 Corinthians 16:14 NIV — Do everything in love.

This week we are sharing short bible verses we can easily recall and develop a daily bible reading habit. Today I want to reflect with you on my word of the year for 2023: “Love.” My verse of the year came from 1 John 3:18-20 MSG titled: “When we practice real love.” In today’s key verse, we are instructed to do everything in love. As I look back over the years, have I done this? Everything is hard to measure so let’s look at what isn’t love.

Comparison can devalue our own self-love. Selfish ambition, being so focused on our wants and desires, sometimes results in losing sight of loving others. Being prideful, the antonym for humility, could result in missing out on forgiveness and grace. Gossip, which spreads like fire, distorts the truth and hurts feelings. As we continue to move farther away from Easter week, let’s pause and walk it out in our minds before we act. May we all be so full of God’s love that we overflow His love in all areas of our lives. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, as I continue through 2026 strong, help me to do everything in love. Help me to stay humble and give grace. I desire to walk it out and filter through Your word and truth. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭48‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — I am the bread of life.

This week we are sharing short bible verses we can easily recall and develop a daily bible reading habit. It is easy for us to remember that Jesus is the bread of life if we already have a Christian faith base. Take time to think about those who don’t know Jesus or don’t believe in Him. A simple loaf of bread viewed by the world represents the broken body of Christ for Christians. If they only knew that Jesus died for everyone and how wonderful it is to have a personal relationship with Christ Jesus. 

Now take time to evaluate what others see when they look at you. Do they see Christ Jesus through you? What bread are you eating from? Are you getting nourished by Jesus or by the manna in this worldly life? In ‭‭John‬, Jesus shows us how our ancestors ate from the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. I encourage you to read the full chapter in John 6:25-71 and have the confidence that all we need to recall is five simple words. We have one life here on earth to live, let’s not waste it on worldly manna. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for dying on the cross for my sins so that I can experience a personal relationship with You here on Earth and a life of eternity in Heaven. I desire to eat from the bread of life so that others see You through me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

@biblegatewayway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

1 John 4:19 NIV — We love because he first loved us.

This week we are sharing short bible verses we can easily recall and develop a daily bible reading habit. What is muscle memory? According to Merriam-Webster, muscle memory is the ability to repeat a specific muscular movement with improved efficiency and accuracy that is acquired through practice and repetition. Not only is this true for body movement but also driving, typing, and playing musical instruments. 

In today’s key verse, our love should come from the practice and repetition that we receive daily from God. Although we live in a fallen and sinful world with worldly influences, God’s love can conquer all. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 we read all that love is. Is your love patient and kind? Is your love self-seeking? Do you find yourself easily angered? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, help me with my muscle memory this week as I memorize Your word. Help me to love as You have loved. Help me to love from a place of truth, full of grace and hope. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

This week we will be sharing short bible verses we can easily recall and develop a daily bible reading habit. Take a moment today to worship with the following songs:

“So Will I (100 Billion X)” by Hillsong Worship

“Don’t Give Up On Me” by Brandon Lake.

“Jesus Cries” by Riley Clemmons.

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭16‬:‭5‬-‭6‬, ‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.

This week we have shared the life of King David from the Bible. Just like David, we can surrender our bodies to God in complete rest. God has already set our boundary lines. Even in the midst of trials, we can rest in knowing that God has already secured our lot. 

As I write to you this week, I am enjoying Spring break. I have big plans to surrender and find rest. God is my portion and I plan to fill my cup with the things I enjoy like reading, writing, running, planting, connecting with family, friends, and lots of coffee. I want my cup to overflow so when I return to work, I can pour into others from a restful Spirit. 

How will you find rest? Feeling overwhelmed? Need to find joy? Turn it over to God. Take a moment to Worship with Psalm 16 (Fullness of Joy) by Shane and Shane.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the boundary lines You have already laid for me. I surrender to Your will this week and seek to get good soul rest so I can be rejuvenated for Your kingdom work. In Jesus’name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭7‬:‭18‬, ‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said: “Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? You have established your people Israel as your very own forever, and you, Lord, have become their God.

This week we are sharing more on the life of King David from the Bible. In today’s key verse David prays to God. There is fruit in remembering where God has brought you from. There is also fruit in our trust in God for our tomorrows. Thankfully we have the word of God that holds our lineage in Christ Jesus. The seeds have already been planted. We’ve been prayed over since before we were born.

Have you ever been in a position like David, where God has called you to something you didn’t feel qualified for? Maybe you don’t feel qualified for your job, marriage, parenting, or ministry. God is going to show off where He can get the glory, even if that means calling two women from Georgetown, South Carolina to start a Christian blog 10 years ago. He will do it. Deborah, Ray, and I have been faithful with the seeds God has given us to produce fruit.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for calling Deborah, Ray, and I together for such a time as this to share Your glory. I pray that our readers will seek Your glory and join us in walking on water. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭7‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — “Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: “I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth.

This week we are sharing more on the life of King David from the Bible. In today’s key verse David recounts the promises that God has made. I think of the humble life that David lived before and after he became king. God called an unlikely king and David humbly fulfilled his calling. Have you humbly accepted God’s call for your life and all the promises He offers you daily?

On Thankful Thursday let’s go back to our humble beginnings and write our gratitudes as we reflect on God’s promises. 

Thank You Lord, for Your many promises!

Salvation, John 3:16

Peace, Philippians 4:6-7

Hope, Romans 8:28

Provision, Philippians 4:19

Good Works, Philippians 1:9

@biblegateway @youversion