I have good news for us all on this Finish Friday. We don’t have to rely on our own strength. We can look to the Lord and seek His strength. How do we seek His strength and face always? This means in the good, the bad, and the ugly too. Gratitude and praise as we reach up and look towards the heavens.

In this song, Gratitude by Brandon Lake he sings; “You’ve got a lion in those lungs, get up and praise the Lord”. When we feel like a lamb, remember that with God’s strength we are like roaring lions. He is our great shepherd leading us and never leaving us.

Whatever is ahead of us today, let’s whisper a breathe prayer and ask God to go before us. Ask Him to cover us in His grace and favor. Before we take the next breathe boldly say, “Get behind thee Satan”. As we inhale and exhale throughout our day, remember to sing His praises.

I am so thankful for those that have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. It is similar to the sacrificial love we experience with God and one of His greatest commandments; “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John‬ ‭15:12-13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I encourage us all to be intentional with the love we extend to others. Lets look for opportunities to share God’s love today. Please feel free to comment and share with us the Veterans in your life.

Yesterday I had to get through something that I had been anxious about. The weeks leading up I spent a lot of time in prayer. I also had a community of family and friends praying with me. When the moment finally arrived, I played some Christian songs to help my anxiousness. The song that spoke to me was “Prince of Peace” by Hillsong. Seven simple words were the calm in the storm I had built up in my mind; “And in your light I found rest”.

His word is truly the light that guides us. Even when life seems chaotic and uncertain; “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalms‬ ‭119:105‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When anxiousness steels our rest, we can take a walk with God; “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm‬ ‭23:1-4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

On this Water Walking Wednesday is there something you are anxious about? Friends, God is always walking with us. When he calls us out beyond our comfort zones. When He calls us to be brave in anxious circumstances. When we walk with God we allow Him to be the protector of our hearts and minds; “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians‬ ‭4:7‬NIV

I encourage us all to worship in song and may we all take a walk with the Prince of Peace today; Prince of Peace by Hillsong United

We have 53 days till the new year. Every year Deborah and I pick a word of the year. I have been practicing this since 2017. I usually select a mantra to continually reflect on throughout the year as well. Over the next couple months we will reflect on those words. It is so important to journal and write down key verses, blessings, disappointments, and especially your word of the year. Looking back and reflecting on previous years as I am making visions for the new year is one of my favorite things to do.

In 2017 my word was flexibility because I struggled with joy. If my to do list didn’t get done or if plans changed I would get so upset. I made a mantra that would help me remember to be flexible. It was to “Dance through life, seek joy in His presence”. The Scripture this came from was from Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

I chose to reflect on this in my Transformation Tips Tuesday devotion because I think Deborah and I can both say our words transform us. As we start to reflect and make visions, I encourage you to listen to this song; “Make Room” by Community Music In the lyrics they sing, “Make room for you to do whatever you want to do”. Will we choose to make room for God today and tomorrow as we surrender our plans over to God?

Do you see flowers or do you see weeds in this picture? Our Mindset, our perception, often determines what we think or believe. Jesus said If we can, everything is possible for those who believe.

On this Mindset Monday, look for the flowers instead of the weeds. Focus on what good things God has done. Believe that He can do it again and again.

Will you choose to believe? I pray we all have a good Monday Mindset today!

Look at this photo closely and notice the different kinds of birds. They are flying in from different places to gather in the same place. I can imagine the different sounds they are making and I am sure it is beautiful to hear. Thank you Ray White for capturing such a beautiful image for us!

Imagine the way God sees us on Sunday mornings as all different kinds of people gather in the same place or together online to worship Him. I can assure you that my tune does not belong in the choir. As we all make different sounds, God hears something beautiful when we sing for His glory.

I encourage us all to shout for joy this morning. Make His praise glorious as we sing for His glory! “Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious.” Psalm‬ ‭66:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus realized the need to pull away from the busy times of life and spend time alone with God in prayer. Jesus modeled for us the need for a time of solitude.

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As I look at this beautiful picture captured by Ray White, I wonder what brought this lone bird to perch here. Was he looking for a place to rest? Was he looking for food? Or was he just taking a look at the landscape around him?

On this Finish Friday I encourage you to examine your prayer life. Have you taken time lately to be alone with God? Do you set time aside daily to sit and talk with God? Are you intentional with your prayer time or do you squeeze it in as you rush through your day?

Take some time to listen to this song by Elevation Worship Talking To Jesus as you examine your prayer life.