Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Romans 12:1 NIV — Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 

This week we are exploring what the phrase “be salty” means for Christians. Today’s featured scripture reminds us that we are a living sacrifice for God. Think of food without salt versus food that has been salted. Food without salt is bland and dull. It will also spoil faster. Food that has been salted has a stronger, enhanced flavor and will last longer. Now think of yourself as a Christian with or without a close relationship with God. How does your life look different with Christ as your savior? What is different about you now that you walk closely with God? How do you ensure you stay close to God? How do you stay salty?

Let’s pray. Dear God, open my eyes, ears, mind and heart to receive Your message for me this week on being salty. May my thoughts be pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen,

@biblegateway @youversion

As part of the Sermon On the Mount in Matthew 5:13 Jesus said — You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Have you heard the phrase “be salty?” This week we are exploring what that phrase means for you and I as Christians. Several years ago I had the privilege to hear a keynote speech given by Dr. Manny Scott. He has a “Be Salty” morning routine. Set some time aside to listen to this video with his ideas on being salty.

Be Salty Morning Routine by Dr. Manny Scott

Let’s pray. Dear God, open my eyes, ears, mind and heart to receive Your message for me this week on being salty. May my thoughts be pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen,

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

As part of the Sermon On the Mount in Matthew 5:13 Jesus said — You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 

Romans 12:1 NIV — Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 

Ezekiel 43:23-24 NIV — When you have finished purifying it, you are to offer a young bull and a ram from the flock, both without defect. You are to offer them before the Lord, and the priests are to sprinkle salt on them and sacrifice them as a burnt offering to the Lord. 

Hebrews 10:24 NIV — And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

This week we are exploring what the phrase “be salty” means for Christians. Take some time to listen to Stay Salty by Be Blessed-Bless Others as we begin our week together.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

This week we are sharing on the topic of long obedience. As a Christian, this is walking with God daily, staying focused on the path God has for you. During Holy Communion at our church we speak the words, “Lord, free us for joyful obedience.” What is joyful obedience? In long obedience, it can be easy to lose hope or let Satan steal our joy. I feel it is freeing to put on the armor of God and then surrender to God.

For me, I must intentionally give Satan an Eviction notice so that I can go about my day with a joyful and obedient heart. I challenge you to put on the full armor of God, so that you can have a joyful and obedient heart.

Let’s pray for the full armor of God, ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

Josh‬ua ‭6:3-4‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets.

This week, we are sharing on the topic of long obedience. As a Christian, this is walking with God daily, staying focused on the path God has for you. Joshua is a perfect example, marching around Jericho for seven days. On this Fruit Friday let’s keep going. As Walt Disney said “We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” We may not always feel like God is near or that the path we are on has purpose. God will bless our obedience. In God’s perfect timing the walls will come down or he will open another door.

In this song; Do it Again by Elevation Worship some of the lyrics sing; “I’m still in your hands, this is my confidence. You’ve never failed me yet”. Will you stay the course of long obedience in the same direction? You are in God’s hands. Keep going! 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for guiding me even when I can’t see what is ahead. Help me to keep moving forward on the plan You have for me. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

1 Thessalonians 5:18 — give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

This week, we are sharing on the topic of long obedience. As a Christian, this is walking with God daily, staying focused on the path God has for you. Looking back four years to our son Trevor’s college orientation, one of the speakers encouraged the students to practice gratitude. As he embarked on his new journey, I thought this was great advice. They say it takes about 21 days to create a new habit if you make it a daily practice. In this verse from Thessalonians, giving thanks in all circumstances is like practicing gratitude.

In this song I’m So Blessed by Cain, the lyrics sing, “On my best day, I am a child of God. On my worst day, I am a child of God.” If you are struggling to find gratitude today, remember that you are a child of God. I encourage you to watch the video; it is a funny way to give thanks in all circumstances. 

One of my favorite ways to practice gratitude is to be outdoors and experience God’s beauty. I am especially thankful for another day to be a child of God. How will you practice gratitude today? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for so many ways to find gratitude. I am so blessed to be Your child. Open my heart and mind to see all the beauty in today. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion