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.”

It has been a while since I’ve asked this question. What scripture verse or verses are you thankful for? For me, the answer varies throughout different seasons in my life. 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 today’s key verses because they keep me surprised by God. Just when I think I’ve seen or experienced God’s best-laid plans, God has something better. So many times what I thought I wanted, God had something or someone better. Notice Ray’s photo of the clouds. Now imagine God’s ways being higher and bigger. Take a moment today to thank God for both answered and what you thought were unanswered prayers.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for answered prayers. Thank You for the yes, the no, and the not yet. Thank You for Your thoughts that are higher and bigger than mine. I want to stay curious and surprised by Your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Psalm 57:8 NIV — Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.

Today’s key verse is from when David was hiding out in the cave from Saul. God had rescued David and he was ready to sing to the heavens of God’s glory. We may not need to be rescued from the mouths of lions but maybe we feel we need to be rescued from our present circumstances. Ocean waves are caused by wind moving the surface of the water. The friction between the water and air molecules causes energy to be moved from the wind to the water. Are you staying above the waves, awakened by God? Or are you allowing the weariness that life can bring to pull you under? If we could just keep ourselves on the surface and not let weariness or waves of emotions like comparison, defeat, ungratefulness, or fear wash over us. 

We are Water Walkers. Our Heavenly Father desires to hold us on the surface. In Isaiah 43:2 NIV we read: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flame will not set you ablaze”. I love this image of God carrying us through life. God will find us and hold us both on the water and in the fire. Let’s pray.

Dear God, May my soul be awakened and I sing Your praises! I want to be a Water Walker and be held above the waves and through the fire. I ask that You carry me physically and mentally throughout my day. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Deuteronomy 2: 1-2 NIV – Then we turned back and set out toward the wilderness along the route to the Red Sea, as the Lord had directed me. For a long time, we made our way round the hill country for Seir. Then the Lord said to me, “You have made your way around this hill country long enough; now turn north”.

We as God’s children have a renewed life under His blessings. For generations to come, we continue to see His provisions. Today, this week, this month, or even this year you may feel like you cannot hear or see those blessings and provisions. Think of how the Israelites felt after wandering for 40 years.

Do you ever feel like you are wandering around in fear and worry? When my Dad was diagnosed with cancer, it was the Holy Spirit that guided my eyes to a Run for God book that had been perfectly placed on my parent’s shelf. It was like God was telling me to turn north after wandering in that fear and worry while we waited for the next step. Thanks to God and running, I was able to channel my fears and worries through prayer and worship.

We are all waiting on something. Waiting for a diagnosis. Waiting on a house to sell. Waiting on a marriage to mend. Waiting on a child to return home. Waiting for direction from God. While we are waiting, we can be listening and looking to God. He always uses our seasons of waiting for His glory and our good. He may just be telling you to turn north, wherever your north may be. Let’s pray through Proverbs 3:5-6. 

Dear God, I trust in You Lord with all my heart. Help me not to lean on my own understanding. Help me in all my ways to submit to Your plans. I ask that You make my paths straight. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Psalm 40:2 NIV – He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

It is so easy to get stuck in a routine that we can fall into a pit. My routine might look like this: have my morning devotion, eat breakfast, pack lunch, and go to work. I might use my lunch break to run errands or come home to clean. After work, I return home to go for a run, cook dinner, and maybe have a meeting at church or assist a family member. Finishing off the day with a cup of coffee while watching TV or reading before going to bed. It is the same process all over again tomorrow. Does this sound familiar? Before I know it, I find myself in the pit of routine. 

Thankfully, not only can God lift us from our pit of routine but He can also refresh us by putting a new song in our mouths. In Psalm 40:3 NIV: “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the lord and put their trust in him”. In Ray’s photo today you will notice an old, long dock with birds perched. Sometimes the road to our pit is longer and takes more time. I imagine those birds to be singing a beautiful song along the way. Just like those birds, God will allow His word,  people, places, and things for us to find a joyful song. Will you allow God to lift you out of your pit and put a new song in your mouth? 

Let’s pray: Dear God, Thank You for pulling me out of my pit. Thank You for the new song that only you can put in my mouth. I praise You for both the monotonous routines and the adventurous ones. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Psalm 77:19 NIV – Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.

Ever had a piece of clay, such as a mug, mean so much to you? When you see the mug’s image or words they are comforting or bring back a flood of memories. Often those memories, partnered with what is in that mug, like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, can bring us joy. One day I came across a mug with the Footprints In the Sand poem which derives from our key verse in Psalms. This poem had become words my Dad clung to during his battle with Pancreatic Cancer. These words still mean so much to me today.

God had led Moses, Aaron, and the Israelites to safety through the Red Sea. The sea then closed up before the Egyptians could reach them. Meanwhile, God’s footprints were not seen. Just like a clay pot can be molded and remolded, trials or grief strikes and I am like a piece of clay cracked with sorrow, watered with tears, and remolded with God’s grace. Each day we have the choice to step into the Potter’s hands and let Him continually mold us. We read in Isaiah 64:8 NIV: “Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand”.

During my See You Saturday video on May 13th, I talked about how we can grieve many different people, things, or situations. We may be grieving the loss of an animal, a broken marriage, the death of a loved one, canceled plans, a wayward child, or the guilt we often impose upon ourselves. Whatever grief you find yourself in today, intentionally start each day by stepping into the Potter’s hands. He is waiting to hold you in the palm of His hand. I encourage you to listen to the poem with the song: “Footprints In The Sand” by Edgel Groves.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for walking with me, even when I can’t see or feel You. Thank You for molding and making me through all of life’s joys and trials that have made me who I am today. Help me to step into Your hands as You continually mold me and carry me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Join me for See You Saturday as I share on gentleness, goodness, and joy.

1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬ ‭God’s Word — But you, man of God, must avoid these things. Pursue what God approves of: a godly life, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.

Psalm‬ ‭23‬:‭6‬ ‭Eastern Standard Version — Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Nehemiah‬ ‭8‬:‭10‬ ‭New International Version — Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
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Proverbs 4:23 NIV — Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Guard: Watch over in order to protect or control.

In reading today’s key verse and definition, is it easier to receive and give grace? Everything flows from the heart and this includes grace. One of my favorite songs is “You Say” by Lauren Daigle. She sings; “In you, I find my worth, in you, I find my identity.” Do You look to God for your worth and identity?

Take a moment to look at Ray’s photo of these yummy chocolate candies. It appears the M&M’s are flowing from the chocolate. When we find our worth and identity in Christ Jesus, His sweet grace flows from our hearts. How have you done with giving grace this past week? How have you done with receiving God’s grace? Maybe we need to ask God to open our hearts so that we can share His sweet spirit with others.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for watching over and protecting me. I ask that You guard my heart so that I can share Your sweet spirit with others. May I always remember to look to You for my worth and identity. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.