Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

Psalms‬ ‭118‬:‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.

This week we are meditating on the Fruit of the Spirit. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are nine observable attributes that reflect the character of God. Found in the Bible (Galatians 5:22-23), they act as the visible evidence of a person’s spiritual growth and connection to Christ. These traits — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control — grow naturally as a unified whole in a believer’s life. 

Today we will focus on Joy. If I meditate on today’s verse throughout my day, it always brings me joy. I have to be intentional with cultivating joy. One way I can do this is by starting my day with five gratitudes. This is the best medicine for my soul as we read in Proverbs 17:22 NIV — A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

I encourage you to worship, This Is The Day by Cityalight. Some of the lyrics sing, “Whether the sun will shine, whether the skies will rain, I know that You are good and this is the day You made.” Can you intentionally list five gratitudes? Some examples include, watering my flowers, preparing dinner, reading a book, talking with a neighbor, or listening to a new worship song. When you look for the details, you will find joy. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the little details in my day that bring me joy. You are good. Help me to see You and shine Your joy throughout my day. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭37‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

This week we are meditating on the Fruit of the Spirit. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are nine observable attributes that reflect the character of God. Found in the Bible (Galatians 5:22-23), they act as the visible evidence of a person’s spiritual growth and connection to Christ. These traits — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control — grow naturally as a unified whole in a believer’s life. 

Today we are focusing on love. Our number one job as water walkers and disciples is to love. The above verse from Matthew is a command to not only love God and our neighbors but to also love ourselves. 

You should always remember to love yourself  just as God loves you. What greater way to understand the love of God than from John 3:16 NIV — For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

I encourage you to worship with God Is Love by Katy Nichole. Some of the lyrics sing, “Oh it’s faithful through my failures. This trusted love is with me till the end.” God will never give up on you so don’t give up on yourself. How will you show yourself and others God’s love as you walk on water?

If you don’t know the love of God for yourself, I encourage you to check out our Steps to Peace on waterwalkers29.com.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for always loving me no matter my failures. Help me to show myself and others that same unconditional love. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭32‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. 

For 2026 I am focusing on, Fruit of the Spirit. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are nine observable attributes that reflect the character of God. Found in the Bible (Galatians 5:22-23), they act as the visible evidence of a person’s spiritual growth and connection to Christ. These traits — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control — grow naturally as a unified whole in a believer’s life. 

Throughout the year, I am meditating on the nine characteristics at different times. Today we will focus on patience. I think it is important not only to have patience with things outside your control but also with yourself. Perhaps it’s trying to lose weight, or working on forgiveness, or finishing a goal. Generally meaningful things require patience and are not a quick process. Seeking God, knowing limitations, and allowing the process to run its course are key.

It is easy in our instant mentality to force the next step versus waiting patiently for the next step to happen in its own time. Today I challenge you to seek God with every step, every word, and every decision. Allow God to transform you from the instant mentality to thinking, speaking, and acting in God’s time. His ways are always pure and patient. When we’re sitting in a valley, we have God to patiently make the climb with us.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for being patient with me as I walk this life with You. I seek Your will for my life. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

This week we will be meditating on the Fruit of the Spirit. Take time today to meditate on this week’s scripture verses.

Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭32‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. 

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭37‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Psalms‬ ‭118‬:‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.

Proverbs 17:22 NIV — A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — For he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Matthew 6:33-34 NIV — But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Galatians‬ ‭5:22-23 NIV — But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭32‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

For 2026 I am focusing on, Fruit of the Spirit. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are nine observable attributes that reflect the character of God. Found in the Bible (Galatians 5:22-23), they act as the visible evidence of a person’s spiritual growth and connection to Christ. These traits — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control — grow naturally as a unified whole in a believer’s life. 

Today we will focus on kindness. There are so many different personality types and God loves all of them. A sandpaper person is someone who rubs you the wrong way. You can flip your mindset to see how they are polishing you to be better. Ask God to help manage your emotions, thoughts, and words so that He can polish you to show kindness.

Really listen to the words in the sound, Humble and Kind by Tim Mcgraw. 

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Today we celebrate our independence. On July 4, 1776 the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. The document written by Thomas Jefferson went through an editing process. There were 86 changes made to the original draft. We started celebrating this day annually after the first public reading where bells were rung and music was played.

We get to live out our edited lives, blessed that through God’s Grace we can keep writing our story. Visit our Steps to Peace to experience grace and freedom through Christ Jesus.

Also, thank you to our men and women who have served and continue to serve our country so that we can live in freedom.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the freedom You give us through Your grace. Thank You for our independence and for the men and women who serve to keep our freedom. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭73‬:‭26‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

We all have a purpose here on Earth. Over the years that purpose will change and evolve. As we navigate through life, we often learn to be dependent on God through our failures. Let’s face it, we’re human. The Psalmist tells us that even though our flesh and heart may fail, we can still be dependent on God. This is an eternal promise, no matter our shortcomings. Through it all, God is greater. Jon Gordon wrote, “your  trust is greater than your doubt. Your faith is greater than your fear and your purpose is greater than your challenges.”

On this Independence week, it is OK to be dependent on God. We were created to be in a relationship with Him. On this Fruit Friday, what purpose is God calling you toward today? We read in ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭11‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬ — Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.

You don’t have to watch this life go by. You can move forward in faith, knowing that God can conquer all fears, through His dependable strength. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for creating me to be in a relationship with You. Help me to keep You and my purpose in focus and not my failures and fears. I will choose to be victorious today with Your strength. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion