Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Rejoice always.

This week we are sharing short bible verses we can easily recall and develop a daily bible reading habit. Recently I had the joy of star gazing in my backyard. The sky was crystal clear and the stars twinkled brightly. I was overwhelmed as I sat back and enjoyed the quiet painted sky. That following Sunday we sang, “So Will I (100 Billion X)” by Hillsong Worship. The lyrics that got my attention, “every painted sky, a canvas of Your grace.” 

Are you intentional in listening and rejoicing with all five senses? This includes star-gazing with our vision, hearing the stillness of the quiet sky, and touching God through the raising of our arms in worship. We can be intentional with our smell by sitting at God’s feet with fragrant offerings, and experience the taste of God’s goodness through the breaking of bread and drinking from His cup. When worshiping with all five senses we can rejoice always, through everyday life. I encourage you to read Genesis 1:3-19 NIV and be reminded of the creation of light. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for making light that encourages me to rejoice always, through my days and nights. Thank You for the stars so that I can see and experience Your Glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

1 Corinthians 16:14 NIV — Do everything in love.

This week we are sharing short bible verses we can easily recall and develop a daily bible reading habit. Today I want to reflect with you on my word of the year for 2023: “Love.” My verse of the year came from 1 John 3:18-20 MSG titled: “When we practice real love.” In today’s key verse, we are instructed to do everything in love. As I look back over the years, have I done this? Everything is hard to measure so let’s look at what isn’t love.

Comparison can devalue our own self-love. Selfish ambition, being so focused on our wants and desires, sometimes results in losing sight of loving others. Being prideful, the antonym for humility, could result in missing out on forgiveness and grace. Gossip, which spreads like fire, distorts the truth and hurts feelings. As we continue to move farther away from Easter week, let’s pause and walk it out in our minds before we act. May we all be so full of God’s love that we overflow His love in all areas of our lives. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, as I continue through 2026 strong, help me to do everything in love. Help me to stay humble and give grace. I desire to walk it out and filter through Your word and truth. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭48‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — I am the bread of life.

This week we are sharing short bible verses we can easily recall and develop a daily bible reading habit. It is easy for us to remember that Jesus is the bread of life if we already have a Christian faith base. Take time to think about those who don’t know Jesus or don’t believe in Him. A simple loaf of bread viewed by the world represents the broken body of Christ for Christians. If they only knew that Jesus died for everyone and how wonderful it is to have a personal relationship with Christ Jesus. 

Now take time to evaluate what others see when they look at you. Do they see Christ Jesus through you? What bread are you eating from? Are you getting nourished by Jesus or by the manna in this worldly life? In ‭‭John‬, Jesus shows us how our ancestors ate from the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. I encourage you to read the full chapter in John 6:25-71 and have the confidence that all we need to recall is five simple words. We have one life here on earth to live, let’s not waste it on worldly manna. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for dying on the cross for my sins so that I can experience a personal relationship with You here on Earth and a life of eternity in Heaven. I desire to eat from the bread of life so that others see You through me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

@biblegatewayway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

1 John 4:19 NIV — We love because he first loved us.

This week we are sharing short bible verses we can easily recall and develop a daily bible reading habit. What is muscle memory? According to Merriam-Webster, muscle memory is the ability to repeat a specific muscular movement with improved efficiency and accuracy that is acquired through practice and repetition. Not only is this true for body movement but also driving, typing, and playing musical instruments. 

In today’s key verse, our love should come from the practice and repetition that we receive daily from God. Although we live in a fallen and sinful world with worldly influences, God’s love can conquer all. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 we read all that love is. Is your love patient and kind? Is your love self-seeking? Do you find yourself easily angered? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, help me with my muscle memory this week as I memorize Your word. Help me to love as You have loved. Help me to love from a place of truth, full of grace and hope. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

This week we will be sharing short bible verses we can easily recall and develop a daily bible reading habit. Take a moment today to worship with the following songs:

“So Will I (100 Billion X)” by Hillsong Worship

“Don’t Give Up On Me” by Brandon Lake.

“Jesus Cries” by Riley Clemmons.

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV — So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

This week I am sharing with you some of the spiritual disciplines that I practice. What is spiritual discipline? Simply put, spiritual disciplines are habits and practices that may be done individually or corporately that are intended to promote spiritual growth. In her book Relaxed, Megan Fate Marshman shares a quote from Dr. John Coe, “Spiritual disciplines don’t transform you. They open you to the God who can.” 

Yesterday I shared with you the spiritual discipline of prayer. Today, I want to elaborate and share with you the practice of praying before meals. 

Jesus set the example of prayer before meals in Matthew 14:19 NIV —  he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.

As a child, as we gathered at the table we would hold hands and my dad or mom would lead us in a prayer of thanksgiving. As we grew older, my brother and I would also share in the act of leading the prayer before meals. On our first date as young adults, my husband Clark prayed before our meal, which made me even more impressed with him. We also practiced prayer before meals with our children. 

On this Surrender Saturday I encourage you to surrender the moments before your meals to thank God for the blessing of your meal. If you are already in the habit of prayer before meals, I encourage you to be more mindful as you pray today. Don’t rush through, but truly thank God for the blessing of food.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV — Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

This week I am sharing with you some of the spiritual disciplines that I practice. What is spiritual discipline? Simply put, spiritual disciplines are habits and practices that may be done individually or corporately that are intended to promote spiritual growth. In her book Relaxed, Megan Fate Marshman shares a quote from Dr. John Coe, “Spiritual disciplines don’t transform you. They open you to the God who can.” 

Prayer is a spiritual discipline I practice daily. We often complicate prayer by thinking it must be elaborate or follow a certain format. Prayer is simply talking to God. As I shared earlier this week, I am in the habit of waking early and spending time reading scriptures and devotionals and spending time in prayer. As I pray and thank God for all the blessings in my life, I also write in my gratitude and prayer journal. On one side of the page I write five gratitudes and on the other side I list my prayers. As I go about my day I also practice the habit of “whisper” or “breath” prayers. These are prayers for help in a difficult moment, gratitude for a blessing, strength during a situation, etc. “Whisper” or “breath” prayers are a way to stay connected with God throughout the day and strengthen your spiritual life. 

How is prayer a part of your spiritual life? How has the habit of prayer helped you grow spiritually?

If you are new to the idea of prayer and do not know how to start, the Lord’s prayer is taught to us by Jesus in Matthew 6:5-14 and Luke 11:1-4.

Another simple guide for prayer is the “Five Finger Prayer”. Click here for more information about it.

Let’s pray. Dear God, may my prayer life continue to grow and strengthen as a fruit of Your presence in my life. Thank You for being so close that I can simply whisper Your name and know You hear my prayer. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion