Who else finds themselves running on empty this morning? Who needs to refill and be renewed? Isaiah 40:31 is my life verse but sometimes I have to be reminded to turn to God instead of relying on my own strength. Praise God for Godwinks and reminders like this empty tank. Let’s Finish this Friday by refueling and refilling with Scripture and devotion. Then face the day with a full tank and shine for Him!
Today is the last day of the 2020-2021 school year in Georgetown County! Hallelujah and praise the Lord! We made it through the most difficult school year most of us have ever seen. Recently I have been enjoying delicious vegetables but those veggies were grown as a result of hard work and labor. Likewise, it was a hard year but hopefully we all learned and grew from it. One day we will enjoy the fruit of our labor. Today I am thankful for opportunities to grow, even when it’s hard. Take some time today to ponder ways God has helped you grow over the last year. Have you already begun to see the fruit of your labor or will it take more time? Today reflect on the blessings that come from hard work and thank God.
Julie and I talk each week about stepping out and walking on water. Take a moment and read all of the story of Jesus walking on water and pay special attention to verse 30.
https://www.bible.com/111/mat.14.22-33.niv
Yesterday when I was recalling the journey of our Water walkers blog I realized that I teeter back and forth from walking on water to doubting and sinking. I sometimes muster enough courage to step out of my boat when Jesus calls me to “come” but then I might lose focus, begin to rely on my own strength, and start to worry about my own abilities. What about you? Have you stepped out of your boat to walk on water and today find yourself doubting and sinking? On this water walking Wednesday I encourage you to do as Peter did and call out to your Savior, “Lord save me!” Allow Jesus to reach out his hand. Have faith that He will catch you and give yourself grace. Spend some time refocusing, pull up your bootstraps, and step out again. Our faith journey is all about ups and downs, learning and growing, and most importantly not giving up. Take some time to worship as you listen to this song, “The Goodness of God” and may God renew your water walking spirit!
I am sure you are wondering what kind of picture I am sharing today. I took this picture while going through a car wash. I have to say, it was a somewhat scary and unnerving experience. You may be familiar with this type of car wash where you drive your car in and put it in neutral, take your foot off the brake and let the system do it’s work. Your car is slowly pulled through as lights flash and soapy suds cover your car. Before you know it your car is back outside and sparkling clean. The unnerving part for me was releasing control of my car by taking my foot off the brake and allowing the track of the car wash to pull my car through. However, if I had continued to push the brake my car would have remained in the same place and filthy dirty. Yes, I experienced a few moments of uncertainty and anxiousness, but by my letting go of control the result was a clean car.
What about you? What area of your life is God nudging you to relinquish control? Has God asked you to take your foot off of the brake? This transformation tip Tuesday I encourage you to let go and allow God to guide you through the track of life. The result may be a clean, pure heart. As you examine your heart take a moment to read the message version of Psalm 51.
https://www.bible.com/97/psa.51.1-19.msg
Mindset Monday is an opportunity for you and I to begin our week with a bang. This picture of the clouds is both sunny and cloudy. At first glance I am unsure whether the next moments will bring more sun or a storm. Hebrews 11:1 is one of my favorite verses because it reminds me that we may not know what this week holds but we know the One who holds us. Verse 2 reminds us to look to the examples in faith modeled by our spiritual ancestors. Remember that what you and I do today is an example for those watching. We show what being a Christian is in the ways we exercise faith, the way we act/react to obstacles, and the way that we face our unknown future. How are you handling what you cannot see? Does your “act of faith” distinguish and set you “above the crowd”?
“The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.”
Hebrews 11:1-2 MSG
As you begin this week and face the unknown obstacles I encourage you to;
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2 NIV
How are you growing this Spiritual Sunday? Will you be going to a place of worship or watching a service online? Did you have some quiet devotion this morning to read the Bible and pray? Or will you have Bible study later today? Be sure to spend some intentional time today growing spiritually so that you produce a beautiful and intricate bloom for Christ!
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;” 2 Cor 4:7-8 NIV
I have fallen in love with Expresso. It is a coffee brewing method in which a small amount of nearly boiling water is forced under 9–10 bars of pressure (expressed) through finely-ground coffee beans. Just like the coffee being expressed, we too are hard pressed. The yummy aroma and flavor lingers as I taste each sip. The good news, God does not leave us in despair. His Grace abounds and his love lingers, even when we think our cup is empty.
Are you a coffee lover? Some of you may prefer tea or soda. Each one of them go through a process to taste good. We read in Psalms 34:8 NIV; “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” On this Finish Friday, let’s allow God to make something beautiful out of our hard pressed areas so that others will see Him through you and I in all His glory. Let’s be intentional by tasting and seeing the goodness only God can provide.
